It is an area encompassing three exceptional cities – Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís – forming the most exclusive region in Spain. It is the quintessence of Mediterranean luxury, offering an unparalleled combination of Andalusian cultural heritage, rich infrastructure and spectacular landscapes – stretching between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the blue Mediterranean Sea.
The emergence of the „Golden Triangle” – today a symbol of prestige and luxury – dates back to the 1960s, when visionaries such as Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg began to transform small fishing villages into international resorts. The story of this transformation is a fascinating tale of how vision combined with an ideal geographical location can create one of the world’s most attractive destinations.
Marbella: the true pearl of the Costa del Sol
Today it is the heart of the 'Golden Triangle’, but after the Second World War it was a fishing settlement covered with jasmine trees, with only 900 inhabitants. Today, the town has almost 170,000 inhabitants, making it the leading municipality in the province of Málaga. Not included in this statistic, however, are the residents who come here frequently but not permanently, treating this unique place as their second home. It is estimated that there may be around 100,000 of them, thus doubling the town’s population in high season. Development was sparked by the establishment of the Marbella Club Hotel in the 1950s, which quickly became a meeting place for the international aristocracy.
Marbella, known as the pearl of the Costa del Sol, enchants with luxury, elegance and unrivalled charm. Running along the city, the coastline is lined with beautiful beaches and the skyline is saturated with lush vegetation. Luxury yachts are moored in the marinas, and prestigious beach clubs and exclusive boutiques stand out, attracting fun and sun lovers as well as celebrities from all over the world.
See also:
Marbella the pearl of the luxury real estate market in Spain
Marbella and Costa del Sol: synonyms of luxury [Interview]
A number of luxury villas, flats and estates in the hills and along the coast guarantee not only beautiful views of the Mediterranean, but also an excellent capital investment. Dynamic infrastructural development and continuous investment – including in the tourism sector – make property in Marbella highly desirable to buyers.
Puerto Banús, a marina officially opened in 1970, is an icon of luxury on the Costa del Sol. The port is considered the most exclusive in all of Spain, being also the most expensive Spanish marina. It accommodates around 915 yachts, with vessels of the Saudi royal family also moored here.
From Puerto Banús to Marbella stretches the Golden Mile. It is a world-renowned location, offering exceptional real estate at dizzying prices – in the range of several to tens of millions of euros. However, an investment in such a location not only retains value, it simply creates it.
The area around Marbella is known for its superbly prepared and maintained golf courses. They were designed by top architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and Severiano Ballesteros. Here, the golf season lasts all year round and the mild climate, excellent infrastructure and delicious restaurants attract lovers of the sport from all over the world.
Estepona: Andalusian charm combined with luxury
This delightful city combines traditional Andalusian charm with the modern charm of a seaside resort. A series of picturesque streets, white buildings and blooming flowers create an image of the real Spain, attracting tourists from all over the world. Culture and art lovers cannot miss the three famous routes: murals(Ruta de los Murales Artísticos), poetry(Ruta de Poesia) and sculptures(Ruta de Esculturas).
Estepona also boasts beautiful beaches, although here the sand is darker. They stretch for more than 20 kilometres, combined with a lively harbour creating the perfect conditions for sun and sea adventurers.
However, Estepona is not only a holiday destination, but also an investment destination. The coastline between this city and Marbella is a key area for property buyers on the Costa del Sol. The dynamic development of the infrastructure – while maintaining the authentic charm of the city – mean that the value of property in Estepona is increasing, attracting investors.
Benahavís: an oasis of luxury and taste
Lying in the heart of the „Golden Triangle”, this picturesque village captivates with its Andalusian authenticity and unique charm. It is a place where the white houses blend harmoniously with the green of the mountains and the blue sky, creating an image of true Spain. Benahavís is not only famous for its charm, but also for the best restaurants in Andalusia. After a day on the golf course, it’s worth checking out one of them – Los Abanicos, Bodegon Gallery, Rufino or Amanhavis. They all serve Mediterranean and European cuisine, including vegetarian dishes.
It is in this area that one of Spain’s most exclusive estates, La Zagaleta, is located. It is an area, decades ago, owned by Adnan Khashoggi, who in the 1970s and 1980s owned a mansion here covering more than 900 hectares. After it was put up for sale, the story of one of the most luxurious estates in the world began. La Zagaleta is surrounded by lush vegetation, natural waterfalls, meandering streams and rolling hills that create a spectacular landscape.
Benahavis is impossible not to like – it’s a great place to relax, meet friends at restaurants and cafes or on the golf course. It is also a great base for hiking, cycling or swimming. Art lovers will also find something for themselves here: in the David Marschall gallery, you can buy beautiful sculptures – inspired by nature, combined with lathe chips or… railway sleepers. The artist creates abstract sculptures and figures combining ceramics, glass, metal or wood.
