Marbella's manifold Attractions

For those looking to purchase a holiday home or a permanent residence for their retirement at the Costa del Sol, Marbella is still a preferred destination for a house-hunt. Marbella's location in a part of Europe that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine is one reason why so many house buyers decide to settle here, but the manifold attractions surrounding Marbella are another. It's a fantastic place to live, where every urbanisation seems to boast its own particular charm and points of interest.

Beachside Community Guadalmina

Divided by the A7 coastal route, Guadalmina's urbanisation comprises of Guadalmina Alta and Guadalmina Baja. In the west this urbanisation touches on the Guadalmina River, sharing a boundary with Marbella and Estepona. The first houses and apartments built here were constructed in the 1980s.

Located just a ten minute drive from Marbella's famous Puerto Banus development and marina and a mere 15 minute drive from Estepona, Guadalmina is a popular choice for homebuyers, especially as it is also in close proximity of the affluent San Pedro de Alcántara community, where villas and townhouses can cost several million.

Famous for its own splendid 18-hole golf course and the golf courses of Atalaya Gold, El Paraiso and Monte Mayor on its doorstep, Guadalmina boasts many attractions, including the luxurious Hotel Atalaya and several health clubs, spas and the fantastic shopping and dining at El Paraiso. Guadalmina has it's own commercial centre with banks, independent shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.

Among the highlights of the urbanisation are Playa Guadalmina and Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort as well as the historic site of the 3rd century AD Roman Baths, locally signposted as Las Bóvedas.

A 6-bed luxurious villa or townhouse here can cost easily EUR 9 million, but more modest second-hand apartments with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms can often be found for ca. EUR 380,000 or less. Older 2-bed apartments usually enter the market at an asking price of around EUR 200,000. Playa Guadalmina, a Blue Flag beach since 1992, is shared equally by the towns of Estepona and San Pedro Alcántara (Marbella).

Guadalmina's surroundings include interesting sites like the reservoir of La Concepción, which is located in the protected Sierra de las Nieves Natural Reserve. Although man-made, the reservoir has since become an important habitat for flora and fauna, including rare otters, rainbow trout, catfish, tree frogs and marbled newts. It's a great place to go fishing or to spend a day on the reservoir exploring the area with a canoe. The reservoir is located just 20 minutes from the coast, an 11 km journey.

The basin at the diversion dam of the Marbella Green River stretches for 49 square kilometres and the dam that goes with it is a truly spectacular sight.

Historic Ronda

Spending a day away from the coast to explore Spain's turbulent medieval past is easily done, for the ancient hillside town of Ronda, one of the most beautiful in Spain, is just a 12 km drive away. Situated high up in the Malaga Mountains and flanked by three nature parks, Ronda is one of the country's oldest cities and displays a wealth of historic buildings that includes spectacular examples of Roman and Moorish architecture.

Family Adventure

Multi-adventure Park Coriolis is located in the town of Coin, a 24 km drive from Guadalmina but well worth undertaking for a family fun day out. Here one can let off steam with paint-balling, hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves or climbing, abseiling or horseback riding in the nature parks of Alcornales, El Chorro or Grazalema. The adventure park also offers activities like canyoning, archery, zip-lining, canoeing, camping and special activities designed for children.

Nightlife

Although Guadalmina has its own restaurants, bars and cafes, the short distance to Estepona and Marbella's Puerto Banus Marina development typically lures residents to try out different amenities once in a while. With Marbella's nightclubs, beach clubs and entertainments so close by, there is never a dull day for those with a holiday home or permanent residence at the Costa del Sol!