A Guide of Golden Mile

The Marbella Golden Mile is one of the most prosperous and prestigious areas throughout the entire Costa del Sol. It offers world-class amenities, exceptional restaurants and bars, access to premier golf courses, and a lifestyle of relaxation, outdoor activities, and vibrant socialising.

The experts at Bromley Estates Marbella have worked in the area for many years, and they understand everything that Marbella’s iconic Golden Mile has to offer. Let’s explore what makes this area so desirable.

What’s the History of the Golden Mile in the Costa del Sol?

The Marbella Golden Mile was established in 1954 when Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe began construction of the Marbella Club Hotel.

When it opened in 1976, it quickly became a go-to destination for royalty and celebrities. As the area’s popularity grew, property development surged. Now, more than 60 years later, the Golden Mile remains a magnet for the rich and famous seeking luxurious properties for relaxation and leisure.

What is the Marbella Golden Mile?

Despite its name, the Golden Mile is actually a 5 km stretch of coastline on Spain’s southern coast, connecting Marbella centre to Puerto Banus. It is renowned for its ultra-luxurious properties, five-star resorts, upscale dining, nearby golf courses, and premium lifestyle.

The Marbella Golden Mile has been a hub for Spain’s elite for decades and continues to grow in both popularity and prestige.

Anyone looking for a high-end lifestyle on the Costa del Sol can find it on the Marbella Golden Mile.

How is the Golden Mile Divided?

The Golden Mile is typically divided into three areas: Area A, Area B, and Area C.

Area A

Located along the beachfront, Area A boasts prime real estate with direct access to golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea. This flat, densely populated zone is home to landmarks like the Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Resort, and features many exclusive restaurants and entertainment venues.

Area B

Stretching inland, Area B includes communities such as Monte Paraíso and Las Lomas de Marbella Club. Homes here are often larger and set within urbanisations, offering a balance between privacy and accessibility. Many of these properties benefit from both sea and mountain views.

Area C

Further inland and beyond the AP-7 highway, Area C covers parts of the Sierra Blanca mountain range and Nagüeles. This area is more residential and secluded, with larger villas, spacious plots, and increased privacy and security—perfect for those seeking tranquillity and panoramic views.

What can you do in the Golden Mile?

Whether you’re looking to relax, dine in style, enjoy the nightlife, or immerse yourself in culture, the Golden Mile has it all.

Hotels and Resorts

The Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano Beach Resort are iconic luxury destinations. Guests enjoy Michelin-starred dining, spa treatments, exclusive beach clubs, and world-class tennis facilities.

Dining and Nightlife

Food lovers will find paradise here. The Golden Mile offers Michelin-starred restaurants, beachside tapas spots, and gourmet international cuisine.

For nightlife, hotspots like La Suite at Puente Romano and Olivia Valère attract celebrities and socialites alike.

Culture and Art

Explore the Ralli Museum for Latin American art, including works by Salvador Dalí. You’ll also find archaeological sites such as the Roman Villa of Río Verde and the Roman bridge at Puente Romano.

Beaches

Top beaches along the Golden Mile include:

• Nagüeles Beach
• Playa El Ancon
• La Cabane Beach Club
• Ocean Club
• Paseo Marítimo

Shopping

With a clientele that includes celebrities and luxury-seekers, the Golden Mile boasts high-end boutiques and designer labels. Nearby El Corte Inglés in Puerto Banús is a top choice for luxury shopping.

Golf

The Marbella Club Golf Resort offers an exclusive 18-hole experience with views of the sea, Gibraltar, and even the African coast. El Higueral Golf Club, a 9-hole course in nearby Benahavís, is also popular among locals and guests.

What Types of Properties are Available?

The Golden Mile offers a diverse selection of luxury real estate, with each area catering to different preferences.

Area A

This beachfront zone features luxury villas with direct access to the promenade, as well as luxury apartment complexes. In recent years, modern architectural styles have been introduced through both new builds and renovations of older homes.

Area B

Here, you’ll find urbanisations with Mediterranean-style apartments and townhouses, alongside villas with generous gardens and sea or mountain views.

Area C

Known for its secluded ambience, Area C features expansive villas, large plots, and private pools, ideal for those who value privacy and prestige in gated communities.

What to expect from the property buying process in the Marbella Golden Mile

Buying properties in Spain is slightly different to other European countries, as the process requires a notary, and a lawyer is highly recommended. When the seller accepts your offer, you secure it with a reservation contract before completing all the legal paperwork and signing the property deed in front of a notary.

Here is a full overview of the Spanish property buying process:

Open a bank account

To purchase a property on the Marbella Golden Mile, you must first open a Spanish bank account. This is where you’ll pay all your bills and fees from.

Finding a property

Time to find your dream home in the Marbella Golden Mile! Will you opt for a beachfront property or a modern villa with a private pool?

Choosing a lawyer

Once you’ve found the perfect property and you’re ready to move forward with an offer, you should hire a solicitor to oversee proceedings. The lawyer will make enquiries on your behalf, from the Land Registry to the Town Hall.

Negotiating the purchase

Your agent (us!) will help negotiate a price that suits you for the property you’re keen on buying. They’ll liaise with the seller on your behalf.

Property reservation

Once a price is agreed with the seller, you must reserve the property to take it off the market while your lawyer completes the necessary due diligence. This involves signing a reservation document and making a deposit to prove your intent to buy, which is usually around €6,000, depending on the price of the property; more expensive properties could require a higher reservation fee.

Signing the contract and property deeds

When your lawyer is satisfied with the legal conditions of the property, a private purchase contract can be drawn up between you and the seller. Once both parties have signed the contract, you’ll usually have to pay 10-30% of the property price within 30-60 days. You must then sign the Purchase Title Deed before a Spanish notary, which is passed to the tax office and the Land Registry. You’ll get a Copia Simple (copy of the document) on the day and receive the official document within 6-8 weeks.

Completion

The sale is complete once your ownership has been registered and the purchase price has been paid in full. For new-build properties, a payment plan is agreed over the period of construction up to completion. Your lawyer can help with changing the names on utility contracts and setting up bills, as well as arranging tax payments and residence permits. They can also assist you with registering your property if you intend to rent it out according to Andalusian law.