Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía or Benahavís: where to buy depending on how you will live
The three areas we are asked about most, compared on what actually changes: how much you walk, how much you drive, what the square metre costs and what winter is like.
Almost everyone arrives asking about the Golden Mile, because that is the name they have heard. Often it is not the area that suits them best. The more useful question is how many months a year you will be here, and whether you are willing to drive for everything.
The Golden Mile
The four kilometres between Marbella town and Puerto Banús. It is the only area where you can genuinely live on foot: out to dinner, to the beach, to the doctor.
- For: the location, which cannot be replicated. It lets easily. And it always sells, which matters more than it might seem.
- Against: the highest price per square metre on the coast, and for the same budget you get less space. Many older properties need renovation.
- Who for: those who come for a few weeks a year and want everything to be effortless, or who wish to let the property while they are away.
Nueva Andalucía
The golf valley, rising behind Puerto Banús. This is where year-round residents live.
- For: more square metres for the same budget, international schools nearby, well-stocked supermarkets and life through the winter. The only one of the three where a family can manage without a car each.
- Against: you cannot walk to the beach, and summer traffic towards Banús is noticeable.
- Who for: families and year-round residents. By some distance the one we recommend most to people genuinely relocating.
Benahavís
Inland and higher up: El Paraíso, El Madroñal, La Zagaleta.
- For: plots that simply do not exist on the coast, real privacy, views, and an August that is ten degrees more bearable. This is where the house you have in mind is to be found.
- Against: you drive for everything. Twenty to twenty-five minutes to the beach, and in January some communities are very quiet indeed.
- Who for: those seeking a large house and privacy who do not mind the car. Not the right choice if you are looking for atmosphere.
The test we apply
Before choosing an area, answer two questions:
- How many months a year will you be here? Under three, location wins. Over six, square metres and services win.
- Do you mind driving to go out for dinner? If the answer is yes, Benahavís will wear thin, however beautiful it is.
And the advice we always give: come in January, not only in August. The Costa del Sol in winter is a different place, and some areas empty out. It is better to know that before you buy than after.
Let us know how you intend to use the house and we will suggest where to look, even if it is not the area you first asked about.