Costa del Sol · Málaga

Living in Marbella

Living in Marbella means a mild climate, a walkable old town and 27 km of coast divided into 24 beaches, with Málaga airport about 40 minutes away. It is a large, international town of roughly 160,000 residents, with golf, marinas and British-curriculum schools close by. Quieter residential areas sit behind the busier seafront.

Marbella, Costa del Sol

New developments

New developments in Marbella

Who buys in Marbella?

Marbella draws buyers from many countries who want a year-round base or a second home with services close by. Golfers look at Nueva Andalucía, known as the Golf Valley. Families start from the international schools, then choose an area around them. Those who want a more local feel often look at San Pedro de Alcántara or the old town.

Which areas make up Marbella?

Marbella is a municipality of distinct places. The Casco Antiguo, the old town, keeps almost its 16th-century layout around Plaza de los Naranjos. Puerto Banús is the main marina. Nueva Andalucía is the Golf Valley, Elviria, Las Chapas and Cabopino lie east of the centre, and San Pedro de Alcántara sits to the west.

How do you get to Marbella?

The nearest main airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), about 60 km away and roughly 40 minutes by car.

Which beaches, golf courses and schools are near Marbella?

  • Beaches include Playa de Artola, Playa Venus, Playa de La Fontanilla, Playa de Puerto Banús, and Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara.
  • Golf courses nearby include Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Los Naranjos Golf Club, Aloha Golf Club, Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, and Río Real Golf.
  • International schools within reach include Swans International School, Aloha College Marbella, British International School of Marbella, and The English International College.

Last reviewed October 2026

Good to know

Is Marbella good for families?
Marbella has several international schools, including Swans International School, Aloha College and the British International School of Marbella. Beaches, parks and golf-side areas such as Nueva Andalucía are close. Which area suits you depends on the school you choose, so it helps to start from the school's location.
Where are the beaches in Marbella?
Marbella has 27 km of coastline divided into 24 beaches. Playa de Artola at Cabopino sits beside the Dunas de Artola, a designated Natural Monument. Puerto Banús has a Blue Flag beach, and Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara lies at the western end.
What is the old town of Marbella like?
The Casco Antiguo keeps nearly its 16th-century layout, centred on Plaza de los Naranjos and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. It is compact and walkable, a different feel from the marinas and golf valleys elsewhere in the municipality.
How far is Marbella from the airport?
The nearest main airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), about 60 km away and roughly 40 minutes by car.
Are there international schools near Marbella?
Yes. Schools within reach of Marbella include Swans International School, Aloha College Marbella, British International School of Marbella, and The English International College.
How do I see homes in Marbella?
Marbella is on our home coast, so we can show you homes here directly. Browse the live selection on this page, or tell us your brief once and we will do the looking for you.
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