Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía or Benahavís: where to buy depending on how you will live
The three areas we get 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 what suits them. The useful question is not which is best, but 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, and they are not making any more of it. It rents itself. And it always sells, which matters more than it sounds.
- Against: the highest price per square metre on the coast, and for that money you get less house. A lot of older properties needing renovation.
- Who for: people who come for a few weeks a year and want zero friction, or who want to rent it out when they are away.
Nueva Andalucía
The golf valley, up behind Puerto Banús. This is where the people who actually live here live.
- For: more square metres for the same money, international schools nearby, real supermarkets and a winter life. The only one of the three where a family works 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 August that is ten degrees more bearable. This is where the house you picture actually is.
- Against: you drive for everything. Twenty to twenty-five minutes to the beach, and in January some communities are very quiet indeed.
- Who for: people after a large house and privacy who do not mind the car. A poor idea if you came looking for atmosphere.
The test that works for us
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 you down 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. Better to know that before you buy than after.
Tell us how you plan to use the house and we will tell you where to look. Even if it is not the area you asked about.