Benahavis Area Guide - Verdin Property SL

LA ZAGALETA

La Zagaleta is known as being one of the best, most prestigious gated communities in Spain, if not in the whole of Europe. The ideology of this stunning location with views to the Mediterranean and Africa from its various different ‘sectors’ was Enrique Pérez Flores, today honorary president. His plan was to build 3,000 houses but he finally raised only 420 to guarantee the survival of the natural environment

Adnan Khashoggi was the original owner of the estate and named the land Al Baraka. He built a mansion on one of the hills that was seized from him after his prosecution in the US and which today houses the Club House. The properties went up for auction and were awarded to a group of Spanish, Swiss, German and North American investors.

The homes in La Zagaleta are strategically located so that each owner can feel that they crown the coast The prices oscillate between three and 35 million euros depending on their location within the community and their views, with plots ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 m² and are inhabited mainly by senior managers of multinationals who want a retired life.

La Zagaleta has the obligation to never talk about the owners, although many famous businessmen and politicians such as Hugh Grant, Rod Stewart and Lord Stanley Fink are widely rumoured to have properties in Zagaleta.

EL MADROÑAL

Adjacent to La Zagaleta lies El Madroñal, an estate comprising 6 separate gated entrances and covering an area of some 600 acres, perched atop olive, cork, and pine-covered ridges. Home to approximately 150 private villas, many of them on large plots, the El Madroñal estate was originally owned and developed by the Parladé family, part of Marbella royalty, and later sold on to Thierry Roussel.

During the 1980s, the Saudi multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi fell in love with the area and purchased the estate, which was subsequently divided and led to the creation of the developments known as Reserva de Alcuzcuz, El Madroñal and La Baraka, later known as La Zagaleta.

Due to its exclusive, private location, El Madroñal continually attracts the international jet-set, high-profile politicians and businessmen, plus the usual plethora of A-list celebrities

The community was home to the El Cortijo recording studio, memorable as where artists such as the Icelandic star Bjork composed her iconic track ‘So Broken’ in 1997 Mariah Carey and Cher also stayed here during their album creation El Madroñal was also a retreat for several members of Hollywood royalty, including the quintessential ‘Hitchcock blonde’ Madeleine Carroll

BENAHAVIS PUEBLO

The municipality of Benahavis is situated at the western end of the Costa del Sol, slightly inland and between Estepona and Marbella.

Benahavis Pueblo, a mountain village 7km from the coast, is situated between Marbella, Estepona and Ronda. Renowned for its restaurants – they call it the dining room of the Costa del Sol – it is above all a picturesque place, where one can find incredible mountainand sea-views

Boasting 12 of the Costa del Sol’s 70 golf courses, and that will go up to 15 in the next couple of years, it is also the hotspot for golf lovers On top of that, Benahavis has plenty of unspoilt nature where you can walk or ride a bike exploring the fauna and flora and enjoy the fantastic views.

It can only be reached by one road, which is the reason it is such a secure and safe place. Only 40 years ago, it consisted of around 30 houses, but since then has seen a growth where there are around 2 000 inhabitants

The village is well known on the Coast for its gastronomy and in summer we advise you to book a table as the village is packed in July and August with tourists coming up from the coast

MORE BENAHAVIS COMMUNITIES

Benahavis itself is home to a plethora of luxurious communities, from the ultra exclusive La Zagaleta to the picturesque and brightly coloured community of La Heredia.

Adjacent to La Heredia we find Reserva del Alcuzcuz, a gated development of villas and apartments set among natural green surroundings.

Nearby is Los Arqueros, a popular area of predominantly apartments with some villas dotted around. Los Arqueros is widely regarded as being home to one of the finest golf courses, designed by the late Seve Ballesteros.

Further west we find Marbella Club Golf Resort and Monte Mayor, two gated communities similar in stature to La Zagaleta and El Madroñal and home to a growing collection of outstanding luxury homes

Puerto del Almendro and Puerto del Capitan lie further south. These communities are where you can currently find properties on the cheaper side, although their growing popularity means prices are only going up.

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MORE BENAHAVIS COMMUNITIES

At the southern tip of Benahavis we find the community of Los Flamingos. Home to several different developments of apartments and penthouses, plus many high end luxury villas, Los Flamingos is a superb golf resort with 3 courses and is home to the Villa Padierna 5 star hotel.

To the east of Los Flamingos is Paraiso Alto, right on the border of Benahavis and Estepona. Predominantly a villa development, the area is increasing in popularity and boasts an excellent tennis club

Further towards Marbella we find La Quinta and Real de La Quinta, home to villas, apartments and townhouses. You will also find La Quinta Golf and Spa Resort and La Quinta Golf and Country Club.

Adjacent to La Quinta is El Herrojo, well located close to several golf courses and a short drive from Puerto Banús. El Herrojo benefits from 24 hour security.

The community of Vega del Colorado is the subject of much debate as to whether it falls under Marbella or Benahavis, but here you will find outstanding luxury homes with prices starting from approximately 3 million euros.