Where to Buy on the Costa del Sol in 2025 - Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona & More Explained
By George Nayda
15 July 2025
8 min read
WHERE TO BUY & LIVE
Where to Buy on the Costa del Sol in 2025 - Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona & More Explained
Not sure whether to start your property search in Marbella, Benahavís, or Estepona? You’re not alone. With over 20 micro-areas across the Costa del Sol, each with different vibes, views, and value points, most international buyers end up more confused after doing their “research.” This guide will give you clarity without the sales pitch.
Feeling Lost Between the Areas? You’re Not Alone.
When most international buyers start looking, they don’t realise how many zones make up “Marbella.”
Or that “Benahavís” is more about hilltop villas than a town.
Or that Estepona now has more new builds than Puerto Banús does.
You see properties pop up in Nueva Andalucía, Los Flamingos, La Cala de Mijas, and you might wonder:
“Are these 15 minutes apart or completely different lifestyles?”
You’re not the only one asking.
That’s why I built this breakdown to help you match your vision to the zone that actually fits.
Not based on hype.
Not based on what agents want to sell you.
But based on what over 1,500 real buyers like you chose and why.
First, Let’s Zoom Out - The 5 Vibes of Costa del Sol Buyers
Before comparing areas, we need a map of motivations.
Most international buyers I work with fall into one (or more) of these groups:
Vibe What You Want Best Fit Zones
Lifestyle & Relaxation. Sea views, space, Elviria, La Heredia,
restaurants, security La Cala de Mijas,
Los Flamingos
ROI + Prestige Capital appreciation, Zagaleta, Sierra Blanca,
luxury name Nueva Andalucía, Los
Flamingos
Family Living Safe, walkable, San Pedro, El Rosario
school-friendly Cancelada, El Paraíso
Golf Lovers Frontline golf, peace, Atalaya, Estepona Golf
convenience Calanova Golf, La Cala
Golf
Panoramic Views Panoramic views, quiet. La Mairena, El Rosario
(upper), Altos los
Monteros, La Quinta,
Zagaleta, Monte Mayor
Most zones have overlaps, but knowing what's most important to you helps you ignore 80% of noise and focus on the 20% that fits.
Marbella Breakdown -Prestige, Pines & Pulse
Marbella isn’t one place. It’s a collection of micro-neighbourhoods with very different energies. Let’s break it down:
Sierra Blanca - Ultra-secure, luxury villas in gated hillside communities. Quiet, prestige-heavy, €2M+
Nueva Andalucía - The "Golf Valley." Villas and apartments near Banús, great views, popular with expats
Puerto Banús - Nightlife, shopping, marina vibes. Property prices are high but space is limited
San Pedro - Family-friendly, flat, walkable, lots of newer projects on the west side
Marbella East - Quieter pine-lined zones like Elviria, Las Chapas, El Rosario. Great for beach and space
Los Monteros (Altos & Bajo) - Under-the-radar elegance. Sea-view villas and beachfront apartments
La Mairena (just above Elviria) - Peaceful, elevated, surrounded by nature.
Buyer Tip:
If you want Marbella status but more villa for your money, explore Marbella East.
If you’re focused on rental returns or expat communities, Nueva Andalucía is still a powerhouse.
Benahavís & Estepona - More Space, More Views, Less Hype
Benahavís is a mountain municipality with some of the coast’s most exclusive zones. It’s not just one village.
Zagaleta - One of Europe’s most exclusive gated villa estates. Buyers usually €4M+
La Quinta - Modern apartments and luxury villas with golf & mountain views
Los Almendros & Monte Mayor - Elevated, scenic, and private. Great for nature lovers
La Heredia - Quaint charm with Andalusian architecture and views. Popular with Northern Europeans
Estepona has exploded in popularity, especially along the New Golden Mile.
Here’s how areas compare:
El Paraíso / Atalaya / Bel Air - Golf-focused, residential, with access to amenities and beach
Selwo / Guadalmansa - New builds, sea views, gated apartments. Quiet and secure
Cancelada / Costalita - Walkable, mid-density zones. Often overlooked by Marbella-centric buyers
Valle Romano / Estepona Golf - Great for golf and entry-level villas or townhouses with views
Buyer Tip:
If you want value + views and don’t need to walk to town, Benahavís often offers 20–30% more villa for your money.
Estepona is ideal for modern apartments, investment new builds, or family setups near schools.
Mijas Costa & Sotogrande - The Surprise Zones
Mijas Costa covers a wide, family-oriented stretch of coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella.
La Cala de Mijas - The new darling. Walkable, beachy, with restaurants and life
Calanova Golf - Great views, modern apartments, golf lovers' pick
Riviera del Sol / Miraflores / Calahonda - Slightly older areas but value-friendly with strong rental potential
El Chaparral - Peaceful, villa zone with pine trees and golf
Sotogrande & San Roque (far west) attract a different buyer:
Large estates, polo fields, high-end marinas
Preferred by Northern Europeans or families seeking ultra-peaceful luxury
Long-term investment plays quieter than Marbella, but is built for legacy living
Buyer Tip:
La Cala is often underestimated by Marbella-focused buyers but has massive walkability appeal.
Sotogrande is a 5 - 10 year bet. Great if you plan to spend long periods in Spain or raise a family here.
How to Actually Choose Without Regret
Q: Can I use a local developer’s land and still build my own design?
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