What is Santa Clara?
Santa Clara is a peaceful residential area on Marbella's eastern coast, between Elviria and El Rosario. It takes its name from Santa Clara Golf, an 18-hole, par-71 course measuring 5,922 metres, designed by Enrique Canales Busquets and open since 2000. The course borders much of the neighbourhood and gives it a green, open feel, but Santa Clara itself is a residential area, not a golf resort.
The area is built up mainly with well-maintained townhouse complexes and apartments, with some villas, set along quiet, low-traffic streets. The English International College is a few minutes away, the Elviria commercial centre covers everyday shopping, and the beach is a short drive. Compared with neighbouring Elviria and Los Monteros, Santa Clara is noticeably calmer and more affordable, without losing the convenience of the eastern Marbella corridor.
Santa Clara in 2026
The new build here is Santa Clara Homes, four homes from about 1.25 million euros, on our Marbella new developments page, alongside ZEW from about 690,000 and Sira Homes from about 870,000 in Elviria below. On resale we do not have a home tagged to Santa Clara on the day of writing, so what is for sale on this side of Marbella is on our Marbella property page. The course, 18 holes, par 71, with a driving range and the Kayena restaurant, is in the championship you can book group in our golf courses guide, with Cabopino's cheaper 18 holes a few minutes east and Río Real to the west. The district's bigger story is the three five star hotels arriving at the town end and at Las Dunas, in our St. Regis Marbella post, our Four Seasons post and our Oakmond post, and the A-7 exit closures in Elviria and Las Chapas since 22 September 2026, in our post on the A-7 works, which affect the drive home from Santa Clara too. The neighbours have their own guides: Elviria below, El Rosario to the west, Las Chapas on the beach, Marbella Este for the whole district, and the town in our Marbella guide.
Where is Santa Clara?
Who lives in Santa Clara?
Families and retirees looking for a quieter, more affordable base than Elviria or Los Monteros. A mix of Spanish and international residents, many with school-age children at the nearby schools, drawn by the calm streets and the golf course on the doorstep.
What can you do in Santa Clara?
Eat & Drink
Sport & Fitness
Wellness
Kids & Family
Looking for a new build instead of resale? See new developments in Santa Clara →
Want to live on the course? See golf properties for sale →
New developments near Santa Clara

Dunique Marbella
Marbella Este

Soul Marbella Sunlife III
Marbella Este

Santa Clara Homes
Marbella

Villas Sirocco
Marbella Este
See all new developments in Marbella →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Clara a good area?
Yes, a well-maintained, quiet residential area with golf, schools and the beach all nearby, at more accessible prices than its neighbours.
What are property prices?
More accessible than neighbouring Elviria, spanning apartments and townhouses through to some villas. Pricing varies by development and position, so it's worth confirming against current stock.
Is it near the beach?
Around 5 minutes by car to the coast; some lower properties are within walking distance.
Is the golf course public?
Yes, Santa Clara Golf is an 18-hole, par-71 course that welcomes green-fee visitors and is popular with residents.
How far is Marbella centre?
Around 12 minutes by car.
Is there public transport?
Bus routes along the A-7 stop near the area, though a car is far more practical day to day.
Is it quiet?
Very quiet, even by East Marbella standards.
Are there shops?
Limited within Santa Clara itself; the Elviria commercial centre is the nearest hub.
What new build is there in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara Homes, four homes from about 1.25 million euros, on the golf. In Elviria directly below, ZEW starts at about 690,000 and Sira Homes at about 870,000. All three are in our stock at the time of writing.
Is Santa Clara Golf open to visitors?
Yes, it is a public course with online booking, 18 holes and par 71, with a driving range, pro shop and the Kayena restaurant. Our golf guide lists it with the championship courses you can book without a membership.
Do the A-7 exit closures affect Santa Clara?
Yes, for anyone who used the Elviria accesses. Since 22 September 2026 the exits at kilometres 190.7 and 191.15 towards Barcelona are closed, so traffic to and from Santa Clara uses the remaining junctions and the inner roads. Marbella town hall has asked for the accesses to be reopened.
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