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El Madroñal GATED HILLSIDE LUXURY MINUTES FROM PUERTO BANUS

What is El Madroñal?

El Madroñal is a prestigious gated community set on the southern hillsides of Benahavís, offering large villa plots with commanding views over the coast, Puerto Banús and the Mediterranean. Its defining advantage is proximity: despite feeling entirely secluded among pine forests and landscaped gardens, Puerto Banús is barely 10 minutes downhill and the beach is even closer.

The community is structured around a private road network with 24-hour security at the entrance gate. Villas sit on generous plots of 2,000 to 5,000 m², with architecture ranging from classic Andalusian estates built in the early 2000s to striking contemporary homes completed in recent years. Mature subtropical gardens, infinity pools and south-facing terraces are standard.

Prices in El Madroñal range from approximately €1.5M for an older villa requiring updates to €10M+ for a modern trophy home with panoramic sea views. The community has established itself as a quieter, more residential alternative to La Zagaleta for buyers who still want gated security and prestigious surroundings.

Where is El Madroñal?

Airport Málaga (AGP) 65 km / 55 min via AP-7
Beach Playa de San Pedro 8 min by car. Puerto Banús beach 10 min
Supermarket Mercadona San Pedro 8 min. El Corte Inglés Puerto Banús 12 min
Schools Aloha College (IB) 10 min. International School of Benahavís 8 min. Swans School 12 min
Golf La Quinta Golf 5 min, Los Arqueros 8 min, Atalaya Golf 10 min
Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella 15 min. Hospital Costa del Sol 20 min
Getting Around Yes. The gated hillside setting makes a car essential, though distances to coast amenities are short
Property Types Detached villas on large plots, contemporary estates, traditional Andalusian homes

Who lives in El Madroñal?

El Madroñal attracts affluent international families who want gated privacy without the ultra-exclusivity (and price tag) of La Zagaleta. The community includes British, Scandinavian, Dutch and Spanish residents, many living year-round. A growing number of tech and finance professionals from Northern Europe have settled here for remote working, drawn by fast fibre connections, space and proximity to international schools.

What can you do in El Madroñal?

Eat & Drink

La Plaza Benahavís Central village restaurant with a broad Mediterranean menu and terrace seating
Restaurante El Molino Classic Benahavís village dining beside the old mill
Puerto Banús restaurants Full range of waterfront dining 10 min downhill, from tapas to sushi
Dani García Bibo Michelin-starred chef's casual Mediterranean concept in Puerto Banús
Nobu Marbella Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the Puente Romano, 15 min

Sport & Fitness

La Quinta Golf & Country Club 27-hole course 5 min away, open to visitors
Los Arqueros Golf Severiano Ballesteros-designed 18 holes in the next valley, 8 min
David Lloyd Marbella Full gym, pool, racquet courts in Puerto Banús, 12 min
Benahavís mountain trails Hiking directly from the estate into the surrounding pine forests
Centro Hípico Benahavís Horse riding and lessons in the Benahavís countryside

Wellness

Puente Romano Spa Luxury spa at the five-star Puente Romano resort, 15 min
Villa Padierna Thermas Roman-style thermal spa at Villa Padierna Palace, 10 min
Private yoga and Pilates Several practitioners offer in-home sessions for El Madroñal residents

Kids & Family

Funny Beach Marbella Go-karts, trampolines and water activities near Puerto Banús, 12 min
Guadalmina river pools Natural swimming and rock pools in the canyon below Benahavís village
Puerto Banús marina walk Boat-spotting, ice cream and family strolls along the harbour
Aventura Amazonia Treetop adventure park in Elviria, 25 min
El Madroñal

We currently have 1 properties for sale in El Madroñal. Browse listings →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Madroñal gated?

Yes. The community has a manned security gate at the entrance with 24-hour access control. All visitors are logged.

What are property prices?

Older villas requiring renovation from around €1.5M. Modern villas from €3M to €10M+ for panoramic sea-view estates.

How close is Puerto Banús?

About 10 minutes by car downhill. This proximity to nightlife, shopping and dining is one of El Madroñal's key advantages.

Can I walk to any amenities?

Not practically. The hillside setting and gated access mean a car is needed for all errands, though drives to the coast are very short.

How does El Madroñal compare to La Zagaleta?

El Madroñal offers gated security and large plots at lower price points than La Zagaleta. It lacks private golf courses and helipad facilities but is closer to the coast.

Are there community fees?

Yes. Community fees cover 24-hour security, road maintenance, lighting and garden upkeep. Typical fees range from €300 to €600 per month.

Is there fibre internet?

Most properties have fibre optic connections, an important factor for the growing number of remote workers in the community.

What are the views like?

South-facing properties enjoy panoramic views over Puerto Banús, the coastline and the Mediterranean. Higher plots also see Gibraltar and Africa on clear days.

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