El Madroñal

Since the 1950s, when the first millionaires built their exclusive retreats here, this natural paradise has been earmarked by the rich and famous as a place to escape prying eyes and the cameras. La Zagaleta, one of the wealthiest postcodes in Spain, is located just across the road, and is a neighbourhood of this natural paradise.

El Madroñal is a prestigious residential urbanization situated in the municipality of Benahavís, and can be described as a huge gated country estate in the foothills of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, which forms part of the greater Marbella area along the scenic Costa del Sol. Often referred to as El Madroñal de Marbella, is associated with the esteemed Marbella lifestyle. At the same time, it is located on a mountainside covered in pine, cork oak, and fragrant shrubs, above the Guadaiza River valley and is home to a wide variety of fauna, including wild boars, deer, and mountain goats, as well as numerous species of birds. In the spring, it is carpeted with wild flowers, and in the fall, it is a riot of colour.

Recognised for its exclusivity, privacy, and natural beauty, El Madroñal grants residents magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, majestic mountains, and verdant valleys. The community is renowned for its collection of spacious, upscale villas, set on expansive plots of land, thereby providing residents with a luxurious and secluded living environment.

El Madroñal finds its place within the municipality of Benahavís, which belongs to the province of Málaga. Benahavís is renowned for its idyllic scenery, characterised by picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain, all while being conveniently close to the coastal towns of Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara. Nestled among the hills of Benahavís, El Madroñal treats its residents to awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the captivating natural beauty that graces the entire surrounding area.

El Madroñal is a prestigious residential area that was founded in the early 1970s, taking advantage of the Costa del Sol’s burgeoning popularity as a tourist destination. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, the development offered awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside, attracting affluent buyers and investors from Spain and beyond.

Over the years, El Madroñal has grown into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy and famous, with luxurious villas and estates designed to harmonise with the natural landscape. Its appeal lies in the perfect balance of privacy, modern amenities, and proximity to the region’s vibrant attractions. The area’s allure has endured, and it remains a sought-after destination for those seeking an elegant and tranquil lifestyle amidst the splendour of the Costa del Sol.

Today, El Madroñal continues to exude a timeless charm, exemplifying Marbella’s status as a premier luxury destination. Its legacy as a vision for upscale living in a breathtaking setting lives on, attracting discerning individuals who yearn for a sophisticated and picturesque escape along Spain’s enchanting southern coast.

The neighbourhood encompasses a significant land area, offering abundant space for its exclusive residences and flourishing green landscapes. While precise measurements may vary, El Madroñal is estimated to span approximately 700,000 to 800,000 square metres (70 to 80 hectares or 173 to 198 acres). This substantial expanse provides residents with ample room for expansive gardens, private pools, and impressive panoramic views.

El Madroñal is characterised by its limited number of houses, which contributes to the exclusive and intimate ambiance of the neighbourhood. While exact figures may vary, El Madroñal is home to approximately 150 to 200 houses. This relatively small quantity of residences fosters a tight-knit community and ensures that residents can relish in a sense of privacy and tranquillity.

El Madroñal presents an enchanting assortment of luxurious houses that encompass a delightful fusion of architectural styles, ranging from traditional Andalusian villas to Mediterranean mansions, contemporary designs, and Spanish Revival homes. Within the neighbourhood, residents can explore a diverse range of properties, each thoughtfully crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Whether one is captivated by the timeless allure of whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs, the grace and elegance of Mediterranean-inspired facades, the sleek and modern lines of contemporary architecture, or the regal and distinguished features of Spanish Revival detailing, El Madroñal offers an exceptional selection of houses. This ensures that residents can discover a home that harmonises perfectly with their individual tastes and preferences.

Luxury properties for sale in El Madroñal

The cost of purchasing a house in El Madroñal can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as property size, location, amenities, architectural design, and overall quality. Being an exclusive residential area renowned for its luxurious properties, the prices in El Madroñal typically reflect the high-end nature of the neighbourhood.

In general, house prices in El Madroñal span a broad range, starting from around €1.5 million and extending to several million euros. It is not uncommon to encounter properties with price tags exceeding €5 million, particularly for larger estates boasting extensive grounds, panoramic views, and premium features.

El Madroñal grants its residents awe-inspiring sea views that unveil the mesmerising beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Positioned atop the hills of Benahavís, the properties within El Madroñal offer panoramic vistas that encompass the glistening azure waters and the captivating coastal panorama. Residents are treated to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, witnessing sailboats and yachts gracefully gliding through the water, while immersing themselves in the tranquillity and natural splendour that the sea views bestow.

El Madroñal serves as a tranquil residential retreat while also being strategically positioned to offer easy access to a multitude of attractions and activities in the surrounding regions:

Residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in outdoor pursuits like hiking – the hike to the Holy Chestnut tree of Istán is the most popular one – and golfing – The nearest golf course is the one located on La Zagaleta. Also, Los Arqueros Golf Club, La Quinta Golf Club and in Nueva Andalucía, 20 minutes drive approximately, the main golf courses of Las Brisas, Aloha Golf Club and Los Naranjos -. Unwind on the beautiful nearby beaches – Guadalmina, San Pedro, and Puerto Banús beach -, savour the diverse culinary offerings – in the centre of Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía or Marbella’s Golden Mile with the greatest restaurants within a 15 to 20 minute drive- . embark on cultural excursions to nearby towns, and even venture on day trips to popular destinations along the renowned Costa del Sol.

El Madroñal, while not hosting schools within its immediate vicinity, provides families residing in the area with a diverse selection of educational options available in nearby towns. These options encompass international schools that offer internationally recognised curricula, bilingual and multilingual schools with a strong focus on language acquisition, as well as Spanish national schools that adhere to the Spanish curriculum – Laude San Pedro International College is the closest one, located on San Pedro de Alcántara, and approximately 15 – 20 minutes drive, you can find Colegio Atalaya, The American School of Marbella, and Aloha College.

El Madroñal enjoys a convenient location in close proximity to the vibrant city of Marbella, providing residents with easy access to its amenities and attractions. The distance between El Madroñal and Marbella can vary depending on the specific location within El Madroñal and the destination within Marbella Town. As a general guideline, Puerto Banús is approximately 10kms away and just 11 minutes’ drive and Marbella Town is 20km and ranges to 20 minutes’ drive taking into account traffic conditions and the chosen route.

Within 2.4 kilometers of El Madroñal entrance 1, in Monte Halcones, by the Ronda road, there is a small shopping center with a few cafes, bars, a supermarket, and a few stores. Also, San Pedro de Alcántara, which is 6.5 kilometres away, provides a wide range of services and conveniences, including eating establishments, stores, supermarkets, and places to shop.

El Madroñal places a strong emphasis on safety and security, ensuring residents enjoy a secure living environment. The neighbourhood features a gated community with controlled access points, surveillance systems, and 24-hour security personnel, which contribute to a heightened sense of safety. The community’s close-knit nature and the vigilance of its residents further enhance security measures. While it’s important to note that no location can guarantee absolute safety, El Madroñal’s commitment to safety measures provides residents with peace of mind. It is always recommended to practice common-sense safety precautions.