Golden Mile | Marbella
Marbella’s Golden Mile is a symbol ofluxury, exclusivity, and a sophisticated lifestyle on the Costa del Sol. This iconic 4.5-kilometer stretch connects the heart of Marbella with the prestigious Puerto Banús, running along the Mediterranean coastline with breathtaking landscapes and an unparalleled selection of high-end services.
Since its beginnings in the 1950s, when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe founded the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, the Golden Mile has been a meeting point for international elites. It is home to stunning villas, luxury residential developments, five-star hotels, and world-class restaurants. Here, tranquility and privacy blend seamlessly with privileged access to some of the best beach clubs, designer boutiques, and exclusive spas.
Beyond its residential appeal, the area boasts a vibrant social and gastronomic scene, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, stylish bars, and a lively nightlife. Its wide, palm-lined avenues and lush tropical gardens invite residents and visitors alike to explore on foot or by bike, enjoying the mild Mediterranean climate year-round.
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What to Expect
Exclusivity, fine dining, and glamour.
Lifestyle
The Golden Mile offers direct access to beaches, international cuisine, five-star hotels, and a vibrant nightlife, all just minutes from Marbella’s city center.
What Not to Expect
Don't expect a rural setting. Life here revolves around entertainment and immediate access to world-class amenities.
The Market
Exclusive and in high demand. Properties on the Golden Mile include luxurious villas, high-end apartments, and beachfront residences. Prices reflect its prestige, with constant appreciation due to its prime location and international demand.
You’ll Fall in Love With
The iconic seaside promenade, world-class dining at Puente Romano, and the historic charm of Marbella Club. The perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and immediate beach access makes this an unparalleled destination.
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Location
Boundaries & Accessibility
The Golden Mile stretches approximately 4.5 kilometers from Marbella’s city center to Puerto Banús, with easy access via the A-7 and AP-7 highways.
Just 37 minutes from Málaga Airport, its prime location offers both exclusivity and excellent connectivity.
First Impressions
The Golden Mile is defined by its scenic seaside promenade, where the tranquility of the beach blends with the energy of beach clubs, restaurants, and luxury hotels. This unique combination creates a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere that attracts both visitors and residents alike.
Here, you'll find some of Europe’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, including the Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Beach Resort, as well as high-end properties that reflect the area’s exclusivity.
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Lifestyle
Living on the Golden Mile means enjoying a peaceful and exclusive setting while staying close to the city's vibrant energy and entertainment whenever you desire. In summer, the area transforms into a lively destination, attracting more visitors, leading to limited parking availability, but creating an unmatched atmosphere that embodies the essence of a Costa del Sol vacation.
The Golden Mile is directly connected to the seaside promenade, allowing for a pleasant walk or bike ride from Marbella’s city center to Puerto Banús, all while enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean. The area also offers immediate access to essential services, from pharmacies to supermarkets, along with an exceptional selection of luxury hotels and renowned restaurants.
In recent years, the Golden Mile has established itself as a high-end culinary destination, with an increasing number of prestigious restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments.
Hotels
A landmark of luxury in Marbella, the Marbella Club Hotel deserves special recognition. Founded in the 1950s by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, this hotel quickly became a preferred destination for royalty and international celebrities, setting the standard for exclusivity and elegance that still defines the Golden Mile today.
Another unmissable destination is the Puente Romano Beach Resort, an iconic venue that has hosted international padel tournaments, offers a world-class gastronomic experience, and provides all the comforts of a five-star resort. One of its highlights is Nobu Marbella, part of the renowned global chain of Japanese fusion restaurants, which attracts diners from around the world in search of a unique culinary experience.
Culture
Beyond luxury and exclusivity, the Golden Mile holds a rich cultural heritage. One of its key historical sites is the Villa Romana de Río Verde, an archaeological site dating back to the 1st century AD, where visitors can admire remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics. This site offers a glimpse into the region's Roman past, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Another cultural gem is the Ralli Museum Marbella, home to a remarkable collection of contemporary art, with a special focus on Latin American and European artists. Nestled in a peaceful setting, this museum provides a unique perspective on modern art in the Costa del Sol.
Adding an artistic touch to the Golden Mile’s urban landscape is the Medusa sculpture, a distinctive landmark that has become a reference point for art lovers and passersby alike.
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One of the area's most striking architectural and cultural landmarks is the King Abdul Aziz Mosque, built in 1981 with funding from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. This mosque is a remarkable example of Andalusian Islamic architecture, featuring a pristine white façade, intricate horseshoe arches, and an elegant minaret. Surrounded by lush gardens, it blends harmoniously into the Golden Mile’s landscape, offering a sense of serenity and spirituality.
The combination of history, art, and culture makes the Golden Mile not only a luxury destination but also a place of cultural richness, offering unique experiences for both residents and visitors.
Families
The Golden Mile is an ideal location for families looking to combine exclusivity with high-quality leisure and education options for their children.
For outdoor activities, the seaside promenade is perfect for children to ride bikes, rollerblade, or simply play in the fresh air. The area's beaches also offer a variety of family-friendly water activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat excursions.
While there are no schools within the Golden Mile, its surroundings are home to some of the best international schools on the Costa del Sol, ensuring families have access to top-tier education:
Aloha College Marbella – Located in Nueva Andalucía, this school follows the British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18, with a diverse international community.
Laude San Pedro International College – Based in San Pedro de Alcántara, it combines the British and Spanish education systems, with a strong focus on bilingual learning.
Swans International School – Founded in 1971 in Marbella, this institution follows the British curriculum and is known for its academic excellence.
The British International School of Marbella – A private school offering a personalized British education.
Colegio Atalaya – Located in Estepona, this bilingual school blends the Spanish and British education systems.
With these outstanding educational options, families living on the Golden Mile can provide their children with a high-quality education while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle, seamlessly blending exclusivity, comfort, and academic excellence.
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The Real Estate Market
The real estate market on Marbella’s Golden Mile has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. As of December 2024, the average property price in this exclusive area reached €6,505/m², reflecting a 15.79% increase compared to January 2024, when the average price was €5,618/m².
The Golden Mile attracts a diverse international clientele, including:
- Permanent residents: Families who value proximity to renowned international schools and a secure environment.
- Investors: Buyers seeking high-demand properties for vacation rentals or long-term leases, taking advantage of Marbella’s growing popularity as a luxury destination.
- Second-home buyers: Those looking for a property to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and the exclusive lifestyle the area offers.
The real estate offerings range from high-end apartments to luxury villas. In prime locations such as Puente Romano, prices can exceed €30,000/m², reflecting the area's prestige and strong demand.
The luxury property market on the Costa del Sol continues to rise, with a 20% growth in 2024 and over €3.2 billion in investments across Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís.
To explore our selection of properties on Marbella’s Golden Mile, click here.
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Golden Mile, Marbella – The Origins
The prestige and exclusivity of Marbella’s Golden Mile stem from a carefully planned development that began in the mid-20th century. Its history is closely tied to the arrival of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, who in 1954 purchased an estate in Marbella and transformed it into the Marbella Club Hotel. This iconic establishment quickly became a gathering place for European aristocracy and celebrities, solidifying Marbella’s status as a luxury destination.
In the following decades, the area's growing popularity attracted investors and architects, who began developing elegant residential communities and exclusive villas, many inspired by the Mediterranean style and surrounded by lush gardens. During the 1970s and 1980s, the arrival of the Saudi royal family and other influential figures further boosted the construction of high-end properties, including luxurious mansions and five-star resorts like Puente Romano Beach Resort.
The term "Golden Mile" was later adopted to describe this privileged stretch connecting Marbella with Puerto Banús, known for its idyllic surroundings, proximity to the sea, and exclusive services. Today, the Golden Mile continues to evolve, maintaining its position as one of the most sought-after real estate destinations in Europe and a benchmark for luxury living on the Costa del Sol.
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Fun Facts
A Royal Destination
The Saudi royal family has owned several residences on the Golden Mile, including a palace with gardens inspired by the Alhambra in Granada.
The Hotel That Changed Everything
Founded in 1954, the Marbella Club Hotel attracted icons like Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and King Fahd, cementing Marbella’s reputation as a luxury destination.
A Walk Between Two Worlds
The seaside promenade connecting Marbella and Puerto Banús is one of Europe’s most exclusive, offering breathtaking views of both the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountains.
The Most Expensive Villa
Some properties on the Golden Mile have sold for up to €30 million, making it one of Spain’s most expensive areas.
Archaeological Heritage
The Roman Villa of Río Verde preserves 1st-century AD mosaics, a rare glimpse into Marbella’s Roman past, right in the heart of this luxury district.
The Padel Epicenter
The Puente Romano Beach Resort has hosted international padel tournaments and continues to attract the world’s top players.
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