The guide written by experts for those looking to buy prime property or invest in Marbella Golden Mile
Marbella Golden Mile, Marbella’s Crown Jewel
Marbella’s famous Golden Mile runs approximately 4.5km which joins Marbella’s western part of the town centre with Puerto Banus along the main coastal road. It covers both the beach and the mountainside of the route as far as the Nagueles Natural Park, at the foot of the Sierra Blanca.
Marbella’s Golden Mile is a destination in its own right; a luxurious 6.5 kilometre-long avenue lined with palm trees, luxurious resort hotels, elegant beaches, grand villas and mansions, royal palaces, parks, designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants, as well as exclusive beach clubs.
Marbella’s Golden Mile also finds itself close to the golf courses and private schools of Nueva Andalucía, and as such forms the most prestigious address to have in this part of Spain.
Alfonso von Hohenlohe acquired the Santa Margarita estate in the heart of what was to become the Marbella Club. Established in 1954, this famous five-star resort hotel became an icon for the glamorous years that were to follow, when the likes of Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr, Omar Shariff, Sean Connery and Liza Minelli became regular visitors. The Puente Romano Hotel opened its doors soon afterwards, and it was to become almost as renowned as the Marbella Club itself, yet before long wealthy visitors started building their own villas directly on the shore or in the hills immediately beyond.
With residents such as the Bismarcks, Rothschilds, Thurn und Taxis, Metternichs, Goldsmiths, de Mora y Aragóns and the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, the Golden Mile was soon established as one of the most prestigious addresses in Europe. This status was cemented when the late King Fahad of Saudi Arabia built a summer residence here that resembled Washington’s White House both in styling and scale. The area – first named ‘La Milla de Oro’ by Roy Boston, the German entertainer and developer of the award-winning Alhambra del Mar project – was well and truly on the map.
The Marbella mosque, known officially as the King Abdul Aziz Mosque and designed by Spanish architect Juan Mora Urbano, was commissioned by Prince Salman in honour of late King Fahd, a regular visitor to Marbella. It is located 4 km from the centre of Marbella, right on the Golden Mile, close by to the 20-hectare residence of the Saudi king.
The Marbella Golden Mile is, quite frankly, the best address in Marbella, and one of the finest on the Mediterranean shoreline, with especially the beachside area highly sought after by an international clientele that seeks out stunning beachfront villas, apartments and penthouses in areas such as Casablanca, Santa Petronila, Santa Margarita, Las Torres, Puente Romano, Los Verdiales and Oasis.
Marbella Golden Mile: Frequently asked questions
Dealing with buyers and sellers of property in Marbella Golden Mile for so many years has allowed our team to absorb a vast amount of information and knowledge about the Behanavis area. This is just a selection of the common questions we receive. Please if you have any questions or issues relating to the Marbella Golden Mile area or the Marbella Golden Mile property market, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to update this guide for future reference
Why is it called Marbella Golden Mile?
Originally the term was used to define the areas immediately bordering the N-340 road from Marbella to Puerto Banús, including the Saudi royal summer residence, the nearby mosque and the Don Pepe, Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotels. Over time, the term has come to include adjacent areas in the hills above Marbella, such as Rocio de Nagüeles, Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camojan, which now share the lustre of being within Marbella’s finest address.
What are the top urbanizations in Marbella Golden Mile?
The two which stand out above the rest are Sierra Blanca which is set back, perched above the main road which traverses the Golden Mile and the lesser-known but no less exclusive, Cascada de Camojan, as well as Santa Margarita and Las Torres, both beachside locations on either side of Marbella Club Hotel and within the heart of the Golden Mile. On the beachfront there are also other high-end alternatives, such as Puente Romano with apartments, penthouses and private villas, Santa Petronila, Alhambra del Mar, Las Cañas Beach,Casablanca, Marbellamar, Los Verdiales, Ancon Playa, Oasis Club, Oasis de Banus and Playa Esmeralda.
On the other side of the CN-340 road, there is a group of very special urbanisations such as: La Carolina, El Vicario and Las Lomas de Marbella Club and apartment complexes or townhouses such as Altos de Puente Romano, Señorío de Marbella, Lomas del Rey, Mirador del Príncipe, Monte Paraíso, La Trinidad and the charming La Virginia situated between the CN-340 and the AP-7. Above the Ap-7 are Rocío de Nagüeles, La Quinta de Sierra Blanca, La Capellanía and Marbella Hill Club and interesting residential complexes such as Mansión Club, Imara, Meisho Hills, Le Blanc, Condado de Sierra Blanca, Imara, Lagos de Sierra Blanca and Jardines Colgantes, to name a few.
What is there to visit in Marbella Golden Mile?
The Ralli Museum, next to Coral Beach Hotel, is a ten exhibition room museum that specialises in Latin American art, with a permanent collection of European artists such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, Francis Bacon, Man Ray and Marc Chagall. -the museum is free of charge.
The ruins of a Roman villa are located at km.176 of the N-340 road, in Río Verde Playa urbanisation near the river. It would belong to a wealthy family and is characteristic of the fish salting industry in the area. All that is left of the villa are its floors and some walls and the beautifully preserved hand-inland mosaic tiles, dedicated to the culinary theme. The mosaics that can be seen today are dated to the end of the 2nd century AD and the beginning of the 3rd century AD.
A Roman vestige of great importance is the Roman Bridge around which the Puente Romano Resort Hotel was built.
How far are amenities from Marbella Golden Mile?
A ten-minute radius includes all the services and amenities you could wish for, including dining, shopping, international schools, supermarkets, racquet clubs and several world-class golf courses.
Is Marbella Golden Mile suitable for families?
The majority of the neighbourhoods of Marbella’s Golden Mile are known for being safe and secure, and very popular with families.
Are there good private schools in Marbella Golden Mile?
Next to Sierra Blanca is Swans Secondary School, while the Swans Primary School is located in El Capricho urbanisation. The British International School of Marbella is also nearby, in Nagueles. Also just a short drive to Nueva Andalucia is Aloha College International School, one of Spain’s leading English-speaking private schools. There are other worthwhile school options on both sides of the Golden Mile.
There is also Les Roches, a prestigious international hotel and tourism management school and Marbella International University Centre, a private university that provides higher education for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels with degrees in business, international relations, marketing and advertising and psychology.
For the youngest members of the family, Patatina Banus Baby School is a bilingual nursery school on a 2000 sqm. of garden with qualified staff, where children play freely and exercise their motor skills.
Are there good hotels in Marbella Golden Mile?
There are three well-known hotels in this area. The already mentioned Marbella Club Hotel – a favourite destination that offers elegance, service and refinement- , the Puente Romano Hotel– adjacent to the Marbella Club and is its sister hotel- includes a magnificent beachside club and restaurants, as well as a renowned tennis club, owner’s VIP membership club facilities and the Six Senses Spa and Nobu Hotel – inaugurated by Robert De Niro – set within the Puente Romano resort, is a study in sleek modern design, décor and privacy in a luxurious environment.
In addition to these three renowned hotels there is also the Gran Meliá Hotel Don Pepe, Hotel Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach, Alanda Hotel Marbella – opposite Puente Romano-, Senator Marbella Spa and NH Marbella.
Best places to wine & dine in Marbella Golden Mile?
In the Puente Romano hotel you will find many of the finest restaurants in Marbella, from the famous Nobu Restaurant to the Michelin-star Dani García restaurants: the steakhouse Leña, Aleli, Kemuri and Babette, as well as the Italian speciality of Serafina, the Monkey Club and, a little further down near the beach, the famous Sea Grill. A special mention to La Plaza, a most frequented restaurant at the heart of Puente Romano.
There is a nice group of top quality restaurants clustered around Carolina Park such as Villa Tiberio, restaurant set in 6,000 sqm. of formal Italian gardens which specialises in Italian and international food; Cabaña Nagueles, an Argentinian restaurant, with an open grill; Cibo, authentic Italian food at sensible prices, Da Bruno a Casa, a long established Italian restaurant and Lobito de Mar run also by Michelin-starred Dani García.
Sukhothai, New Tai Pan and Thai Gallery are excellent Asian restaurants conveniently located in the Golden Mile.
Last but not least, ERRE & Urrechu in Hotel Meliá don Pepe, is an excellent option as a grill-wine restaurant, with three grills using different woods. There are vegan options.
Are there beach restaurants in Marbella Golden Mile?
Very popular and one of the oldest in this area, Victor’s Beach is a cosy beach club and restaurant situated on Ancón Playa. It is a joyous spot, especially during the summer months, when the beaches and waves offer a scene of summer fun as you tuck into delicious seafood, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Trocadero Playa,MC Beach, Beach Club de Marbella Club, Chiringuito at Puente Romano and Besaya Beach are among the most exclusive beach club venues in the region.
What sporting activities are there in Marbella Golden Mile?
The racquet club that forms part of the Puente Romano resort is an attraction in its own right. First opened in 1979 and managed by none other than Bjorn Borg, this is a suitably stylish tennis club that also features ample facilities for paddle tennis, a locally popular sport.
What outdoor activities are there in Marbella Golden Mile?
The promenade that connects the coastline of Marbella and Puerto Banús is ideal for jogging, walking and cycling.
Are there any hiking routes near Marbella Golden Mile?
There are several routes leading to the top of La Concha Mountain which overlooks Marbella, being the most popular one, Refugio de Juanar to La Concha mountain. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with simply breathtaking views of Marbella, the shoreline of the Costa del Sol, the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and North Africa.
How far are healthcare facilities from Marbella Golden Mile?
All the modern healthcare facilities of Marbella are very close to Marbella Golden Mile. The public hospital Costa del Sol hospital is located 10-15 minutes away by car depending on where you are and the time of day. The Ochoa Clinic and Quiron Hospital in Marbella centre are nearer still, within a few minutes drive.
How far is Marbella City Centre from Marbella Golden Mile?
Marbella Golden Mile borders the eastern part of the city centre, from the western edge of the Golden Mile it’s only a 10-minute drive to the centre.
How long does it take to get from Marbella Golden Mile to the airport?
It’s a 35-45 minute drive from the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport to Marbella Golden Mile. Gibraltar Airport is just over an hour’s drive from Marbella Golden Mile. In both cases, it depends on whether you take the faster toll roads or the public highways, and the time of the day.
Which are the best nightclubs in Marbella Golden Mile?
Nightlife in the area is focused on venues such as La Suite at the Puente Romano, a lounge and a night club that is open all year round and Olivia Valere, on the Istan road, which opened in 1997, and built with a vast dance floor, several bars and an a generous outdoor terrace.
Alternatively Bless, located in Marbellamar with a spectacular terrace, is a place where everyone can enjoy house music played by the resident and guest DJs or Momento Marbella, easily recognised by passers-by and clients alike for its modern and impressive façade, which is located next to the Oasis business centre and opposite the Oasis urbanisation.
What is the postal code in Marbella Golden Mile?
The zip code or código postal for Marbella Golden Mile is 29602.
Properties for sale in Marbella Golden Mile
Golden Mile offers a wide variety of property types and prices. From stunning beachfront properties in prime areas such as Las Torres, Santa Margarita, or Puente Romano, elegant villas in tranquil Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camojan boasting stunning coastal views, to apartments and townhouses in both beach and mountain side locations.
Villas in Marbella Golden Mile:
The Golden Mile offers villas in a wide range of settings, from established residential areas such as Nagüeles and La Carolina to some of Marbella’s most exclusive addresses, including Cascada de Camoján and Sierra Blanca. These homes vary in plot size, build size and style, from classic family villas to large contemporary estates with extensive grounds and panoramic views.
In beachside locations within the Golden Mile, such as Casablanca or Río Verde Playa, villas are usually set on more compact plots of around 500 m² to 800 m². More prime areas such as Santa Margarita and Las Torres, close to the Marbella Club and Puente Romano hotels, are among the most sought-after addresses in Marbella. Frontline beach villas between Casablanca and Puente Romano rarely come to market. El Ancón, a group of ten villas, five on the frontline beach and five on the second line, is also rarely available.
Apartments in Marbella Golden Mile:
Marbella’s Golden Mile offers a large number of residential complexes in different settings, from beachfront communities to larger residential developments on the mountainside.
Few beachfront apartment complexes have been built. They include Alhambra del Mar, just off the Golden Mile, Marina Mariola, Las Cañas, Puente Romano, Port Oasis, Playa Esmeralda and Oasis de Banús. Apartments in Alhambra del Mar, a complex built in the mid-80s with lush gardens, water lilies and waterfalls, are very sought after thanks to their proximity to Marbella centre, the beach and the promenade, although some are in need of renovation.
In Las Cañas Beach, built in 2003 with a communal pool, apartments offer generous built areas and terraces close to the beach. Properties for sale in Marina Mariola are also difficult to find.
Puente Romano deserves a chapter of its own. It is one of Marbella’s landmarks and is home to Nobu Hotel, Puente Romano Beach Resort and its tennis club. Within and around the resort there are privately owned apartments in some of the most sought-after complexes on the Golden Mile. Jardín Japonés, Jardín Andaluz, Jardín Persa and Las Terrazas de Puente Romano tend to sell quickly and are in high demand. Villas at Puente Romano are limited and rarely come to market.
Bordering Puente Romano to the west, in the area known as El Ancón Playa, UNO Beach Residences occupies one of the last remaining beachfront positions on Marbella’s Golden Mile. The project was designed with apartments, a limited number of villas, a beach club and leisure facilities for residents.
Rarely do you find apartments for sale in Port Oasis, Playa Esmeralda or Oasis de Banús, these last two close to Puerto Banús. When homes in these complexes come to market, they tend to attract strong interest, especially larger apartments and penthouses.
Across the road, there is a long and varied list of complexes. Jardines del Príncipe stands out, just a few metres from the Palacio de Congresos and the beach, with spacious apartments in a central location. Heading towards Puerto Banús are Infantado, Costa Nagüeles I, II and III, Hacienda Nagüeles I and II, La Reserva de los Granados, Marbella Real and La Carolina Park, one of the oldest complexes in this area, with smaller apartments and terraces. About a kilometre above La Carolina Park is Los Pinos de Nagüeles, a complex with an outdoor swimming pool and paddle tennis court.
Close to the Mezquita, there are complexes such as La Solana, Las Mariposas and Señorio de Marbella; the latter with five swimming pools, two tennis courts and two paddle courts.
Further up are El Mirador del Príncipe, Lomas del Rey, Monte Paraíso and Quinta del Virrey. Towards the Sierra Blanca mountain range are the very popular Coto Real, Coto Real II, Ancón Sierra and Ancón Sierra IV, Jardines de las Lomas de Marbella Club, King Hills and La Cascada. Close to the Istán road is Las Terrazas de las Lomas, built in 1987, with large apartments, generous terraces and views.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Puente Romano Hotel, across the road, are Balcones de Puente Romano and Señorio de Vasari, where properties for sale are scarce and demand is strong.
On the side of the road to Istán is La Trinidad, a highly sought-after complex with very large communal gardens, 24-hour security and indoor and outdoor pools. Further up, Lomas de Sierra Blanca, a 47-unit development built in 2004, offers spacious apartments in a quiet residential setting. Nearby, newly built luxury apartments such as those found in Epic by Fendi offer large interior spaces, generous terraces and high-end services.
Beyond the A-7 road there are also complexes with a variety of styles and qualities. Starting in the area known as Arroyo de las Piedras, near the tunnel to Puerto Banús, there are a number of complexes, most of them built between the 1990s and early 2000s, starting with Marberia, followed by Cortijo de Nagüeles, Pueblo Bermejo, Jardines de Sierra Blanca and Cumbres de Marbella.
Monte Paraíso Country Club, on the road to the prestigious Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camoján areas, offers three-bedroom apartments in a private residential setting.
In Sierra Blanca only two complexes have been built: Lagos de Sierra Blanca and El Alfar. As in other sought-after complexes and areas, it is almost impossible to find a property for sale. Duplex penthouses are among the most desirable property types here.
Neighbouring the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic are Mansion Club, Retiro de Nagüeles and Virrey de Nagüeles, with apartments and duplex penthouses in secure residential settings.
One of the most long-standing complexes in the area is Jardines Colgantes, where almost all units have great sea views and some have private plunge pools.
The most sought-after and renowned complexes in this sector are undoubtedly Reserva de Sierra Blanca and Imara, both known for spacious apartments, well-kept communal gardens, 24-hour security and indoor and outdoor pools.
New high-end resorts and residential projects have also been delivered or are under development around the Coral Beach and Puente Romano areas.
Townhouses or semi detached homes in Marbella Golden Mile:
There are several communities of townhouses or semi-detached houses within the Golden Mile, though not as many as apartment developments. They include Las Lomas de Marbella, Oasis de Nagüeles and Coto Real, as well as Club Sierra, Altos de Puente Romano, Jardines de Doña María, El Capricho, La Virginia, Las Lomas Pueblo, Arco Iris, La Joya, Marbelah Pueblo, Ancón Sierra, La Meridiana, Montepiedra, El Tomillar de Nagüeles, Corona de Nagüeles, Single Homes Nagüeles and Marbellamar, on the beachside of the Golden Mile.
Larger townhouses can be found in Monte Marbella Club, Marbella Senses, Meisho Hills and Sierra Blanca del Mar, a gated and secure complex of 15 properties.
Some of the most exclusive townhouses and semi-detached homes are found in Oasis Club, Coral Beach and new luxury projects such as Le Blanc.
There are still complexes where it is almost impossible to find a property for sale, such as Marbella Hill Village, Las Vistas Marinas, Hill Club Sierra Blanca and Jardines de las Lomas.
Plots in Marbella Golden Mile:
Buildable land has always been very sought after in the Golden Mile, especially in certain areas and particularly on the beachside, where available land is extremely scarce.
In recent years, buyer interest has been particularly focused on the upper part of the Golden Mile, close to La Concha mountain, where there are still plots in Sierra Blanca of approximately 2,000 m², as well as plots in Cascada de Camoján with larger land sizes. In the lower part of the Golden Mile, or close to the beach, there are very few plots available. Buyers often look for older properties that can be refurbished or demolished to build a new home.
Price ranges in Marbella Golden Mile by property type
| Property type | Number of properties | Average price | Average price per m2 | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments | 42 | €3,318,667 | €13,871 | €595,000 | €15,600,000 |
| Ground Floor Apartments | 17 | €2,795,824 | €17,258 | €1,090,000 | €6,995,000 |
| Houses | 12 | €3,072,917 | €14,313 | €1,250,000 | €5,995,000 |
| Penthouses | 12 | €5,155,833 | €14,078 | €2,250,000 | €15,600,000 |
| Plots and land | 3 | €3,066,667 | €1,893 | €2,800,000 | €3,500,000 |
| Villas | 45 | €7,228,078 | €10,128 | €1,998,500 | €20,000,000 |
Areas with the most properties for sale in Marbella Golden Mile
| Ref. | Built | Plot | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Price per m2 | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM4836-159 | 1,300 | 2,335 | 7 | 9 | €1,499 | €3,500,000 |
| DMCO3250-02 | 0 | 1,850 | - | - | €1,568 | €2,900,000 |
| DMCO3250-01 | 0 | 1,975 | - | - | €1,418 | €2,800,000 |
Latest properties sold in Marbella Golden Mile
| Ref. | Built | Plot | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Price per m2 | Selling price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM5389 | 538 | 1,500 | 5 | 5 | €8,736 | €4,700,000 |
| DM4038 | 2,227 | 9,623 | 7 | 8 | €7,589 | €16,900,000 |
| DM4872-66 | 144 | 0 | 3 | 2 | €19,097 | €2,750,000 |
| DM4872-66 | 144 | 0 | 3 | 2 | €19,097 | €2,750,000 |
| DM5152 | 715 | 2,470 | 5 | 5 | €6,007 | €4,295,000 |
Property experts in Marbella Golden Mile
Established in Marbella in 1989, DM Properties - Knight Frank are your local experts for buying and selling property in Marbella Golden Mile. If you want to learn more on any subject related to the area and surrounding locations, as well as the real estate market in Marbella Golden Mile, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our Marbella Golden Mile property experts will do their best to answer any questions you may have.
Properties in Marbella Golden Mile
Areas in Marbella Golden Mile
Mariano Beristain Managing Partner
