Natalie To know where rich people live in Marbella is to know about Spain’s high-flying social circles. Sitting on the Costa del Sol, Marbella is to Spain what Monaco is to Europe. From gated communities to golf courses, luxurious villas, and prestigious international schools like Aloha College, homes here, match glamour and stylish lifestyles.
While the rest of Spain’s Costa del Sol is known for affordable property prices, Marbella operates with five-star hotels and massive mansions for sale. With stunning views and private pools, living in Marbella means easy lifestyles. But as always, specific neighbourhoods stand out. Let’s find out where they are.
Where Do Rich People Live in Marbella?
1: Puerto Banús for Expensive Homes
Puerto Banús luxury marina boasts of stunning yachts and vibrant nightlife scenes. Developed in the 1970s, celebrities, socialites, and affluent visitors are common. Walking around, extravagant yachts owned by billionaires and high-profile individuals stand out, and designer boutiques and luxury brand shops on Calle Ribera complete the scene. With numerous gourmet restaurants and beach clubs offering exquisite cuisine and glamorous dining experiences, Puerto Banús is where celebrities and decadent parties are.
The roots of the Nueva Andalucia region began 55 years ago, thanks to the dream of property developer José Banús. These days, the area hosts 5 million visitors every year, portraying the wealth and fame that stands on every corner. Naturally, given the vibes, marina-front apartments easily fetch six figures and are Spain’s most luxurious waterfront properties.
2: Golden Mile Mediterranean Style
Stretching from Puerto Banus to Marbella city, lush houses on the Golden Mile fetch six figures and more. This location, known worldwide as home to the wealthiest people in Spain, boasts a wide range of neighbourhoods within the mile stretch, and five-star plus resorts attract international attention.
Places like Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Hotel offer everything for lavish lifestyles including expansive gardens, exclusive villas for private rent, beautiful views, and massive swimming pools. The Marbella Club Hotel was the first sign of luxury in the area, and various neighbourhoods have risen to fame since then.
Those on the western side are close to Puerto Banas and several luxury apartment complexes sit in Rio Verde. At the east end, the famous Puente Romano Hotel has tropical gardens to look over. If you are in the market for quality property, most of the Golden Mile will satisfy you, and the elevated land status means most homes offer breathtaking views.
3: Sierra Blanca for Stunning Sea views
Sitting inland and to the north of the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca is a gated community with many high-end properties. Often called Marbella’s version of Beverly Hills; the homes for sale still retain traditional Andalusia style and privacy. Covering 25 hectares, roughly 300 private villas have extensive, landscaped gardens. Every house also has stunning mountain and sea views.
Families love Sierra Blanca because the exclusive, gated status means their kids are free to roam in the nearby nature places. Sierra Blanca is also home to the famous Swans International School. To truly understand the status, real estate property here is famous. For example, Villa Ricotta earned fame for the 40 million euros price tag. Being just a 15-minute drive from Marbella city centre, the magnificent villas of Sierra Blanca are highly treasured.
4: La Zagaleta Exclusive Community
La Zagaletas is often considered part of Sierra Blanca, yet is separate. Divided into areas from A to J, sector H provides panoramic sea views as the highest point, and many homes feature contemporary styles. Should you want to arrive by air, two golf resorts and a private helicopter landing pad are available. Sitting in Benahavís, the houses with beautiful gardens come at a high cost.
But bear in mind, as well as being an exclusive area of Spain, La Zagaleta counts itself as one of Europe’s prime locations for luxury. Residents of leafy avenues are a short drive from sandy beaches, art galleries, upscale restaurants, and the Mediterranean coastline. Initially built in 1991 as a private hunting estate, the luxury properties highlight relaxed lifestyles.
5: Las Lomas de Marbella Club
Sitting opposite the Puente Romano Resort Hotel, this estate of the Golden Mile deserves fame. Originally springing into life during the 1970s, just as Marbella gained an exclusive reputation, three arched entrances lead to 100 plots. As a favourite destination of the Saudi royal family, Mediterranean lifestyles take on another level in this prestigious location.
Think of spectacular views, private gardens, modern villas and penthouses, easy access to beautiful beaches, and private schools. Rather than looking at the estate, specific developments exist within it, some of which are allocated to townhouses, some to apartments, and others to detached houses. This popular location with luxurious homes is well-befitting for Marbella’s luxury tag.
6: Cascada De Camojan
Another area that highlights the epitome of luxury living is Cascada De Camojan, bordered by Sierra Blanca. It keeps its reputation because of the few plots and houses available. Consisting of just eight streets, the first houses are 60 years old, yet new modern properties for sale are still paving the way for luxury real estate at its finest.
Sitting at the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, this is one of the best private estates. The minimum price of properties reflects the exclusive club lifestyle. Privacy and peace are on every corner, and with Malaga airport just 30 30-minute drive away, owning a holiday home here is all about luxury and convenience.
Although there are comfortable apartments for sale, most are houses with lots that have oodles of space. With 24 security and manned vehicle patrols, any wealthy person looking to escape from reality will feel right at home.
7: La Cerquilla for Golf Courses
La Cerquilla is a residential development of primarily contemporary villas in the Nueva Andalucía neighbourhood, an area known as Golf Valley. Made up exclusively of villas boasting incredible views, it is one of Marbella’s finest gated communities.
Properties are hard to come by here simply because they are bought for the total asking price as soon as they enter the market. Within a short drive of Puerto Banas and Marbella, architectural styles range from traditional Spanish homes to modern, trending architecture. All homes have one thing in common, though: fantastic golf course views.
8: Nagueles
Meanwhile, Nagüeles is a leafy upmarket district of Marbella, located in the foothills and home to a beautiful park. Rising gently above the Golden Mile and sitting close to town, the area has a quintessential rural feel, making it even more unique. As one of Marbella’s older luxury areas, some homes need renovation, even with their hefty price tags, but the surrounding tropical gardens are incentive enough.
Who are the famous people who live in Marbella?
Some of the wealthiest people and superstar celebs from different countries come here to invest in property, visit and buy a second holiday home. We don’t like name-dropping, but think of Rod Stewart, Vladimir Putin, Ava Gardner, Hugh Grant, and the singer Prince to understand this niche of Spanish society. Antonio Banderas is another name, and back in the day, Audrey Hepburn was a famous visitor. The renowned Spanish chef Dani Garcia owns the Lena restaurant that, in 2021, won the award for the most beautiful restaurant in the world.
Calle Mozart – The Most Expensive Street in Spain
Calle Mozart highlights luxurious homes in the gated suburb of Sierra Blanca, Spain’s most expensive place to buy property. With average selling prices of 9 million euros, only a small population can afford upscale homes on this street. This location even beats Madrid and Barcelona, which are well known for their expensive properties for sale. Another expensive street, Osa Menor Street, also earns fame for upscale properties and modern villas.
More About The Costa Del Sol
Guide to the Costa Del Sol: Alongside knowing where rich people live in Marbella, it is worth knowing about the larger region to which Marbella belongs. The Costa Del Sol area of Spain, neatly covering the southern coast for 100 kilometres, is one of Spain’s top destinations for house hunters and holidaymakers. The name “Costa del Sol” means the sun’s coast, perfectly portraying the weather and climate, yet the area offers much more.
Best Spanish Costas: With most of Spain surrounded by sea and including a few odd islands, the Costas, which means coastline, are abundant. Most people head to mainland Spain’s eastern and south Costas for tourism and expat destinations, which are the best. Indeed, annually, they host millions of foreigners worldwide who want to soak up everything Spanish.
Buy Property in Marbella: We are Spot Blue International, and we’ve helped many people become proud Marbella homeowners. See our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale here. Each listing contains everything you need to know, including the price and which Marbella neighbourhood the home sits in. Then contact us if you want to arrange viewings or know more about that home in Marbella.
