Area Guides
Eight distinct communities, each with its own character. Discover which part of Costa del Sol is right for you.
Marbella
Marbella remains the undisputed jewel of the Costa del Sol. The Golden Mile stretches between the town centre and Puerto Banús, lined with luxury developments and five-star hotels. Property here attracts international buyers from across Europe and increasingly from North America. With prices averaging €5,258 per square metre (more than double the national average), Marbella sits firmly in the premium segment, yet still offers better value than comparable locations in the south of France.
- Golden Mile luxury strip
- Puerto Banús marina
- World-class golf courses
- Michelin-starred dining
Estepona
Estepona has transformed itself from a quiet fishing village into one of the fastest-growing property markets on the coast. The town invested heavily in its old town, creating a charming pedestrianised centre with flower-lined streets. The New Golden Mile stretching towards Marbella hosts some of the most exciting new developments on the coast. With prices growing 15-17% annually, Estepona offers the rare combination of current value and strong appreciation potential.
- 15-17% annual price growth
- Orchid House botanical garden
- Renovated old town
- New Golden Mile developments
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is the practical choice for families and those seeking a genuine community feel. The 7-kilometre beach promenade is one of the best on the coast, and the town boasts excellent amenities including international schools, a large hospital, and direct train connections to Málaga. A significant British and Scandinavian expat community means you will find familiar shops and services alongside authentic Spanish life.
- 7km beach promenade
- International schools
- Year-round expat community
- Excellent transport links
Benalmádena
Benalmádena offers three distinct zones: the beach, the village, and Arroyo de la Miel. The award-winning Puerto Marina is a stunning development of Moorish-inspired apartments around a yacht harbour. The hilltop pueblo offers whitewashed streets and panoramic views, while Arroyo de la Miel provides a modern commercial centre. This diversity means Benalmádena caters to a wide range of buyers and budgets.
- Puerto Marina award-winning marina
- Tivoli World theme park
- Cable car to mountain top
- Diverse property types
Mijas
Mijas has emerged as a powerhouse in the Costa del Sol property market thanks to new development launches and available buildable land compared with more saturated markets. The municipality spans from the whitewashed hilltop village of Mijas Pueblo down to the coastal strip of La Cala de Mijas. This range means excellent entry prices alongside luxury offerings, making Mijas the area to watch for both lifestyle buyers and investors.
- Best value on the coast
- New development launches
- White village charm
- Growing international interest
Nerja
Nerja sits at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, further from the tourist hubs but rich in authentic Andalusian character. The famous Balcón de Europa offers breathtaking views over rocky coves and the Mediterranean. The town is smaller and quieter than its western neighbours, appealing to buyers who want genuine Spanish living rather than an expat bubble. Property prices are among the most accessible on the coast.
- Balcón de Europa viewpoint
- Caves of Nerja
- Quieter alternative
- Authentic Spanish character
Torremolinos
Torremolinos pioneered Costa del Sol tourism in the 1960s and has reinvented itself as an affordable coastal option with excellent connectivity. Just minutes from Málaga airport and connected by commuter rail, it offers the most convenient access of any resort town. The La Carihuela district is famed for its beachfront fish restaurants. Property here offers the lowest entry point on the western Costa del Sol.
- Closest beach resort to Málaga
- La Carihuela seafood district
- Affordable entry point
- Direct airport access
Málaga
Málaga city is the cultural and commercial capital of the Costa del Sol. The historic centre has undergone a remarkable transformation with the Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, and a thriving restaurant scene. The city is increasingly attracting remote workers and tech companies, driving both rental and purchase demand. Urban buyers looking for city life with beach access will find Málaga offers the best of both worlds.
- Picasso Museum and cultural scene
- International airport hub
- Tech hub attracting remote workers
- Vibrant urban lifestyle
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