MARBELLA WEST GUIDE

San Pedro Alcántara, Guadalmina, Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, are included under the term “Marbella West” and despite the fact that life in these areas runs in synergy and in constant fluidity, it is important to recognize that each area within this region has its own distinctive characteristics. All these areas are prized for their exclusive lifestyle, with a blend of tranquility and access to high-end services, and each one brings something unique to the fabric of Marbella, from local charm to luxury and exclusivity, creating a mosaic of living options, relax and experiences.

San Pedro Alcántara is a charming village located about 10.9 kilometers west of Marbella, on the coast of the province of Malaga, Spain. Despite being part of the municipality of Marbella, San Pedro Alcántara has its own identity and a sense of independent community that distinguishes it. Maintaining an Andalusian authenticity, its old town has a charming main square, a historic church and cobbled streets full of history and character. The village stands out for its proximity to the beach, and has all the amenities and services expected of a complete community. It has schools, a police station, medical and sports facilities, making it an ideal place for both residents and visitors. The heart of the activity in San Pedro Alcántara is located in the pedestrian street Marqués del Duero, affectionately known as the “Calle del medio”. Here, you can find numerous cafes and traditional tapas bars where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the local cuisine and socialize. San Pedro Alcántara plays an important role as a service hub in the west of Marbella and is a point of reference for the surrounding residential areas. Over the years, San Pedro Alcántara has experienced significant growth and has become a thriving city with a diverse population and an international atmosphere.

Guadalmina, famous for its first class golf courses and luxury properties, is a well-known area that is divided into two districts: Guadalmina Baja and Guadalmina Alta. Guadalmina Baja is located south of the highway and descends to the coast, while Guadalmina Alta lies north of the highway and extends towards the mountain foothills. This coastal community is a jewel that houses historic sites, such as the Castillo de El Castillejo, which has a history dating back to the 10th century and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, being a must for history enthusiasts. The Guadalmina Golf Club is the main attraction around which this area develops, offering two 18-hole golf courses and embellished and surrounded by the lush landscape of the region. In Guadalmina Baja, the course extends to the coast, making it one of the few golf courses “Links” on the Costa del Sol. Although golf is the predominant sports activity in Guadalmina, those who do not practice it can enjoy tennis and paddle tennis facilities or relax in the Guadalmina Shopping Center, which offers an excellent variety of shops, a large supermarket, quality restaurants and private clinics. For the most part, Guadalmina is a high-end residential area, with large tree-lined boulevards flanked by luxurious villas, properties of exceptional quality and many of them with privileged locations, either facing the golf courses of the Costa del Sol or even on the beachfront in the lower part of the area.

Nueva Andalucía, also known as the “Golf Valley” for its prestigious golf courses, is a luxurious residential area located west of Marbella and north of Puerto Banus, often offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Designed and built by José Banús, in the late 1960s, Nueva Andalucía is characterized by wide boulevards and a quiet atmosphere, offering a more peaceful alternative to life on the Costa del Sol. The construction density is low, which gives a sense of space and spaciousness everywhere. Nueva Andalucía has a wide range of amenities for its residents. Golf lovers have at their disposal at least 5 excellent golf courses, in addition, there are sports clubs dedicated to tennis and paddle tennis. With a wide variety of shops, 2 large shopping centers, boutiques, beauty salons, post office, medical centers, banks, colleges and universities, this neighborhood offers all the necessary services for daily life without needing to get far from the area. Being true to the Costa del Sol style, here you will also find a lot of bars and restaurants a wide range of gastronomic and culinary variety. Nueva Andalucía is also home to the La Campana Industrial Estate, an industrial and commercial area that hosts a variety of businesses, including workshops, warehouses, furniture stores, construction supply stores and automotive services, which contributes significantly to the local economy and provides convenience for both residents and businesses in the area.

Puerto Banús is located south of Nueva Andalucia, east of San Pedro de Alcantara and west of the Golden Mile of Marbella. No need for big presentations, it is a world renowned marina known for its luxury and prestige on the Mediterranean coast. With its more than 900 moorings, and with the capacity to accommodate super-yachts up to 50 meters long, it is a top competitor to destinations such as Saint Tropez and Monaco, and is considered by many the best in southern Europe.Maritime opulence is reflected on land, in high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and beach clubs, which attract celebrities and high-level people from all over the world all year round, creating a vibrant and exclusive atmosphere in Puerto Banus. Exploring the “promenade” of Puerto Banus is a must on any itinerary through Marbella, but the surroundings of the port also abound with shops, restaurants and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

What does Marbella West offer?

The west area of Marbella offers a diversity of attractions and services that make it stand out within the Costa del Sol being chosen by both residents and for vacationers or tourists. We will use it together from a more detailed perspective to discover its wide variety of exclusive and luxurious options.

Beaches

Guadalmina offers 1500m of beach that extends from the Guadalmina River to Urb. Linda Vista. A grey sand beach that is considered one of the quietest in the area, even during the high season.

In San Pedro Alcántara we have 3 beaches. The beach Linda Vista, adjacent to the beach of Guadalmina, wide but short, only 650m, and where the chiringuito “Macaao Beach Club” is located, and which overlooks the seafood restaurant “El Ancla”. The central beach of San Pedro is 1.5km long, wide enough and with a nice promenade. The beach of Cortijo Blanco, 600m of gravel beach that gives name to the urbanization in its first line where we can also find the canine beach “Ventura del Mar”.

The beach area of Nueva Andalucía is observed as a quartet of bays that identify with the names of Playa el Rodeito or Playa del Duque.

The beaches of Marbella West are usually quiet throughout the year and have public showers and toilets (although open only in summer), there are several kiosks of sweets, ice cream and some playgrounds arranged on the banks, as well as outdoor gyms along the promenade. The beaches are public and have parking areas and beach bars offering sun loungers.

Restaurants

San Pedro has an exceptional gastronomic variety with a traditional and modern offer. Do not miss the authentic flavors offered by locals such as:

For beach bars or restaurants you can choose among:

In the center of San Pedro, most of the offer of cafes, gourmet restaurants, bars, shops and services is concentrated, offering visitors and residents a wide range of options to enjoy and meet their needs.

Despite its small size, Guadalmina also has a good variety of restaurants and bars, many of them concentrated in the

Guadalmina Shopping Center, with local delicatessen and organic restaurants, cafes, bakery, gourmet shops, the Asador Guadalmina, Soho Market Marbella or d’Alicia Café being only some of them.

Or, if you prefer a chiringuito you can savour the cuisine of the Hotel Guadalmina located on the seafront or also on the beach of Guadalmina you can visit:

In Nueva Andalucia stand out bars and restaurants such as:

Countless premises all at the highest level of quality and service.

Also noteworthy is the gastronomic offer of the Casino Marbella under the direction of chef Agustín Román, allowing visitors to enjoy exquisite Mediterranean dishes and a first-class culinary experience.

While Puerto Banus is home to:

Similarly, hotels in the area also offer gourmet experiences or entertainment and spa services, among them highlighting:

Golf and Sports

For golf lovers, Marbella West has an incredible offer of prestigious courses and clubs that offer its visitors and members an exceptional golf experience to the highest standards.

The Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, inaugurated in 1959, today welcomes more than 2,000 members of 17 nationalities, and houses two 18-hole golf courses and a 9 hole par 3 course, complemented with a practice area for 40 players, and a covered platform and chipping areas, bunker, and putting green. In addition to a wide range of golf-oriented activities, the club offers additional services such as tennis, paddle tennis, cafeteria, and swimming pool, creating a unique and varied social living environment. Over the years this golf club has hosted renowned events such as the Spanish Championship in 1965, the qualifiers for the European Tour School in the 90s, and the Spanish Professional Championship in 1998. In 2008, it received the title of REAL CLUB DE GOLF GUADALMINA by S.M. El Rey, marking its legacy after half a century on the Costa del Sol and consolidating as a club with a rich history.

Nueva Andalucía, also called the Golf Valley, has several golf courses with excellent facilities, with a full range of additional services such as rental or sale of equipment, academies and as sophisticated clubhouses with all the amenities to socialize, of the largest and best known being:

Meanwhile, among the smaller ones we find

And not only golf.

Shopping

To talk about shopping, it’s necessary to start with Puerto Banús, which stands out as one of the main luxury shopping destinations in southern Spain, ranking third in the country after Madrid and Barcelona. This marina is a haven where the most prestigious international brands have boutiques, including iconic French and Italian designers like Chanel, Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Versace, and Gucci; American brands like Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, Michael Kors; exclusive footwear brands like Jimmy Choo and Tod’s, and renowned names in accessories and jewelry such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Bulgari. On this Puerto Banús link https://puerto-banus.com/shopping/ you can see all the brands that have precence in this exclusive spot. In addition to the port area, El Corte Inglés offers a wide range of luxury products, from fashion to furniture and technology.

The La Campana Industrial Park in Nueva Andalucía is a vibrant area that encompasses a wide range of businesses, from car dealerships and workshops to furniture stores and construction supplies. On the other hand, Centro Plaza, located near the bullring, offers a unique shopping experience with boutiques and beauty salons. Near the Bullring of Nueva Andalucía, a charming outdoor market is held every Saturday.

In San Pedro, La Colonia is a shopping center that features various shops, a pharmacy, and a post office. Additionally, the urban center of San Pedro is packed with local shops offering a variety of products and services. Av. Virgen del Rocío, 29670, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga

The Guadalmina Shopping Center, primarily focused on gastronomy, also offers several options for small shops and offices for daily needs: banks, furniture and decoration studios, hairdressers, beauticians, pharmacy, supermarket, medical services, real estate agents, builders, technical suppliers, architects, insurance brokers, software companies, marketing agencies, as well as accountants and lawyers. N-340, Salida 170, 29670 Marbella, Málaga

Entertainment

The urban center of San Pedro is a true gem, with its charming central square, beautiful church, majestic town hall, and other buildings of great architectural beauty that are attractions in themselves. In addition, the Bulevar de San Pedro de Alcántara Park, opened in 2014, offers a modern and spacious recreation area of ​​11,000 square meters. This park features five children’s play areas, green spaces, fountains, bike lanes, a skating rink, an amphitheater with seating for 500 people, and three restaurants. The impressive boardwalk known as Mar de Sensaciones, which runs along the park over Avenida Marqués del Duero, also stands out, offering spectacular views of the city center and the sea.

On the other hand, the peri-urban park Los Tres Jardines, inaugurated in 2012, is a green space of ​​95,200 square meters located north of San Pedro Alcántara. This park is divided into three thematic sections: the Arab garden, the Mediterranean garden, and the subtropical garden. In addition to its lush gardens, it has two children’s play areas, large lawn areas, picnic areas with barbecues, and services.

On Thursdays, locals and visitors can enjoy the lively Mercadillo, also known as El Barato for its affordable prices and wide range of fresh products. This weekly market, located near the local sports pavilion, opens its doors at 8:00 in the morning and remains active until 3:00 in the afternoon. It offers a wide variety of products, from fruits and vegetables to fashion items, with a large number of stalls that make the visit a unique experience.

The Plaza Antonio Banderas, located in the heart of Puerto Banús, is not only known as the main square of the area but also for hosting art and craft markets throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and acquire unique pieces. During the Christmas season, this square comes alive with an ice rink, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere.

In addition to its daytime charm, Puerto Banús is famous for its vibrant nightlife, considered the best on the Costa del Sol. With several nightclubs and renowned beach clubs that transform into lively nightclubs during the summer, this destination attracts a diverse crowd in search of fun and entertainment. It is not uncommon to find celebrities enjoying the nightlife in Puerto Banús during the months of July and August, as evidenced by the numerous photos that appear in gossip magazines.

Nueva Andalucía, on the other hand, is home to the exclusive Casino Marbella, one of the two casinos on the Costa del Sol. In addition to gambling, the casino offers a wide range of live shows, organizes gastronomic events, workshops, exhibitions, themed parties, and much more, making it an important entertainment venue in the region. Address: Carretera Nacional 340, K174, 29660 Marbella, Málaga

Famous nightclubs in Nueva Andalucia are:

Health Centers

San Pedro Alcántara has a public health center located on Calle Príncipe de Asturias, while the Costa del Sol General Hospital is a 10-minute drive away.

In the private sector, La Clínica del Río is a private clinic located in the center of San Pedro and works with most insurance companies.

There are also many private clinics covering all medical and healthcare specialties such as dental clinics, dermatological and cosmetic treatment clinics, pain clinics, podiatry, physiotherapy, or psychological and speech therapy consultations. Some names that may be useful to you are:

In Nueva Andalucía, in the La Campana area, you will find the public Health Center. Additionally, among a multitude of private clinics:

For the little ones

Schools

In San Pedro, we find:

In Linda Vista, San Pedro, you’ll find Calpe School, which follows the British National Curriculum and is designed for boys and girls aged 2 to 11, as well as Casa del Mar Montessori International School.

For public secondary education, I.E.S. Salduba Secondary School and I.E.S. Guadaiza offer a comprehensive educational curriculum including secondary education, baccalaureate, and vocational training. Also, within the realm of public education, there are nursery centers like CEIP San Pedro de Alcántara, Colegio Público Al Andalus, C.E.I.P. Mª Teresa León, CEIP Miguel Hernández, and Colegio Infantil Bilingüe Linda Vista.

In Nueva Alcántara, you’ll find Laude San Pedro International College, a mixed British school catering to students from 2 years old to 18 years old, following the British National Curriculum.

In Guadalmina, on the other hand, there’s the renowned Colegio San José, a bilingual Spanish teaching center for children up to 11 years old. It offers a bus service from Elviria to Sotogrande and is included in the list of the top 50 schools in Spain.

In Nueva Andalucía, there are also several educational options available, both private and public. Among the private ones, there are

Los Arcos Kindergarten

The private international school Aloha Centre

  • Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella
  • Tel: (+34) 95 281 4133 Fax: (+34) 95 281 8523
  • www.aloha-college.com/

On the other hand, in the public domain, there are two higher education centers: IES Nueva Andalucía and the José Banús Public School. In addition, there is the “Francisco Echamendi” Diocesan School, which offers an educational alternative with a diocesan focus in the area.

Svenska Skolan Marbella is another private educational institution located in the La Alzambra urbanization, offering a Swedish curriculum for preschool children aged 3 to 5.

Lastly, The American College of Marbella is the largest institution for secondary and higher education based on the United States educational system in Andalusia.

Children’s Entertainment

In Marbella West , there are over 20 outdoor playgrounds located in various areas, providing plenty of entertainment options for children. Additionally, there are two indoor facilities specialized in fun for the little ones.

One of them is Divine Park a soft play park designed for children aged 1 to 12 years old. Here, kids can safely enjoy various play areas, as well as celebrate birthdays in a unique and fun way. It also features a bar service for dinners and snacks, and a TV area with wifi for adults. (Pl. de la Iglesia, 4, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga; tel: 695 45 52 28).

On the other hand, there’s Costa Jump hich offers a wide range of activities such as jumping areas, beam battles, trampoline basketball, foam pit, Dodgeball court, CardioWall, and an Olympic trampoline. This place is also ideal for celebrations and offers additional services for adults to relax while children burn off energy. (C. Ucrania, Nave 28 (Poligono, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga)

The San Pedro Boulevard has three well-equipped children’s parks with everything from padded hills, swings, and wooden horses to zip lines, while its 3 km track is ideal for skating or biking.

You’ll always find Happy Days Costa here, with a year-round open ice skating rink, a 9-hole mini-golf course, and it offers American-style dinners and large-screen TVs for live sports broadcasts.

El Parque de los Tres Jardines (The Three Gardens Park) is an impressive space covering an area of 95,200 square meters of lush greenery. It is divided into three distinct sections representing Mediterranean, Arab, and subtropical gardens, adorned with children’s play areas, kiosks, fountains, and a serene lake inhabited by fish, turtles, ducks, and geese. Additionally, it has a special area designated as a dog park, where pets can roam freely. Visitors will also find outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, and scenic trails that invite walking, jogging, and socializing with others. This park is an ideal place to enjoy a Spanish-style stroll and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. (Conjunto San Pedro del Mar, 6, 29670 Marbella, Málaga)

Real Estate Market

Guadalmina stands out as a luxury community that offers its residents the opportunity to enjoy the attractions of Marbella and Puerto Banús while living in a peaceful and discreet environment. Property buyers in this area are often high-net-worth individuals seeking the quality of life that Marbella offers but in a serene atmosphere. Most residences in Guadalmina are luxury villas, especially in the lower part, where the average price of a property exceeds 2 million euros. On the other hand, in Guadalmina Alta, prices are more accessible, with houses ranging around one million euros.

In San Pedro, the revitalization of Cortijo Blanco has been driven by high demand from investors, which has raised prices to levels comparable to those of Guadalmina Alta and Baja. In areas like Linda Vista Baja and Alta Vista, as well as near the San Pedro boulevard and the beach, contemporary villas are priced between 1,800,000€ and 2,500,000€, depending on the size of the plot.

The availability of beachfront apartments in the western part of Marbella West is limited. In Guadalmina Baja, there are options such as Playa de Guadalmina and Parque del Sol, Las Adelfas, or Bahía Alcántara, but they are not exactly on the beachfront. The most affordable apartments are in the city center, but they generally lack parking or communal facilities, having an old urban style, with prices around 200,000 euros for a 3-bedroom apartment. The area between the San Pedro boulevard and the beach has seen significant development, with apartment developments ranging from Andalusian styles to modern ones. Prices start from 465,000 euros for 3 bedrooms. In Cortijo Blanco, as well as in Castiglione, attractive options can be found for around 600,000€.

Nueva Alcántara is the newest part of the San Pedro town, with many townhouses and low-rise apartments, most in gated complexes with communal gardens and pools.

The limited extent of Puerto Banús makes property options predominantly apartments. Those on the frontline are usually of original Andalusian style, with balconies offering views of the boats. However, in recent years, more modern developments have emerged offering larger spaces, especially in penthouses. Additionally, there are high-level complexes that offer some of the best communal facilities in Marbella and the advantage of being on the beachfront. As expected, properties in Puerto Banús are among the most expensive in Marbella. Apartments can easily exceed 1,000,000 euros and go up to 5,000,000€ for those in prime locations. Holiday rentals in Puerto Banús are very popular, and there is also potential for property purchases for rental purposes.

Nueva Andalucía, on the other hand, has a vast real estate offering with many gated communities and a wide range of properties from apartments, townhouses to villas, in an extensive price range.

For villas, prices start from 600,000€ and go up to over 10,000,000€. Areas like La Campana, Altos del Rodeo, Los Naranjos Hill Club, and Aloha offer a variety of options for different budgets.

In areas like Parcelas del Golf, Bellevue, Marbella Country Club, Vasari Los Olivos, and Vega del Colorado, there are properties in urbanizations with prices ranging from 1,600,000€ to over 7,000,000€.

There is also a wide selection of apartments ranging from 190,000€ to over 2,000,000€, depending on location and amenities. Places like La Campana, Lorcrimar, La Maestranza, and Albatross Hill Les Belvederes and Los Granados del Golf are optimal and highly sought after for their quality and added services such as 24-hour security, pools, and gyms.

In urbanizations like El Naranjal, La Colina, Peñablanca, or Brisas del Sur, you can find townhouses from almost 300,000€ to close to 2,000,000€, again depending on location and property size.

Connections

Within a ten-minute radius, you’ll have access to all the services and amenities you could desire, from a varied offering of restaurants and shops to schools, supermarkets, sports clubs, and several world-renowned golf courses. The proximity between San Pedro Alcántara and the center of Marbella is approximately 10 km, while Puerto Banús, in the eastern part of Marbella West, is just 5 km from the city center.

For those needing access to transportation services, the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and the RENFE high-speed train station are located 61 km away, and can be reached using the AP-7 toll highway or the free coastal road A-7. Heading west, Gibraltar Airport is about 66 km away, offering a convenient alternative for those traveling in that direction.