Property for sale in La Zagaleta, Benahavís
La Zagaleta is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive residential estates. Set within 900 hectares of protected nature above Marbella, it combines extreme privacy, world-class security and expansive luxury villas — all within a gated, members-only environment.
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La Zagaleta area guide
About La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta is one of Europe’s most private residential estates — a vast, gated community in the hills of Benahavís where space, security and nature come first. It feels calm and protected, yet once you understand the access routes, it sits surprisingly close to the coast.
Unlike neighbourhoods built around a village centre or commercial hub, La Zagaleta is intentionally self-contained. Homes are spread across wooded valleys and ridgelines, so the overall atmosphere is discreet and low-density rather than resort-like or busy.
Micro-location plays an important role. Two villas can both be “La Zagaleta” yet experience very different daily rhythms depending on elevation, orientation and which gate they use. This nuance matters when choosing the right position within the estate.
Location & accessibility
La Zagaleta sits inland above San Pedro de Alcántara along the Ronda Road corridor. That inland position creates the greenery, views and sense of escape — while still keeping Marbella, Puerto Banús and the coastline within practical reach.
Typical drive times residents reference (traffic-dependent) include:
- San Pedro de Alcántara — around 10–15 minutes
- Puerto Banús — around 20 minutes
- Marbella centre — approximately 25 minutes
- Benahavís village — roughly 20 minutes
- Málaga Airport — typically 45–55 minutes
In practice, most owners think in terms of “daily direction” — whether they prioritise school runs and services toward San Pedro and Marbella, or quieter countryside routes inland.
Micro-location is critical within La Zagaleta. Homes with quicker access toward San Pedro tend to suit owners prioritising school runs and coastal services, while higher ridgelines and more secluded positions appeal to buyers seeking maximum privacy, elevation and uninterrupted countryside living.
Privacy, security & how the estate works
Security is a defining feature of La Zagaleta. Access is controlled at the estate gates, and the internal road network is private, eliminating through-traffic entirely. The result is a genuine sense of calm rather than simply gated branding.
Privacy is reinforced by scale. The estate spans approximately 900 hectares of protected land, and villas sit on generous plots with mature vegetation, meaning neighbours rarely feel close.
Compared with other gated communities, La Zagaleta is less about convenience and more about private countryside estate living — with the coast available when you choose, rather than built around you.
History & development
Modern La Zagaleta began in the early 1990s, when the former private hunting estate (historically known as La Baraka) was acquired and re-envisioned as a low-density, high-security residential community integrated into the natural landscape.
Development has been intentionally gradual and tightly controlled. This long build-out is one of the reasons the estate has retained its character and avoided the uniformity seen in some resort-style zones.
For buyers, the implication is straightforward: supply is naturally limited, and the estate’s long-term identity is actively protected.
A few practical estate details help explain its global reputation: La Zagaleta is known for private, members-only facilities (including golf and equestrian) and a strongly controlled, low-density development approach that keeps the setting discreet and consistently protected over time.
Environment & lifestyle
Life in La Zagaleta is closely connected to nature. The surrounding woodland and protected green zones create a peaceful setting where wildlife sightings and outdoor living are part of daily life.
Residents tend to enjoy a quiet, understated lifestyle focused on privacy, space and time at home — with coastal dining, shopping and social life accessed as and when desired.
Property types, architecture & plot sizes
Properties in La Zagaleta are almost exclusively villas, ranging from classic Mediterranean estates to large-scale contemporary homes designed around light, views and indoor-outdoor living.
Plot sizes typically begin around 3,000 m² and can exceed 10,000 m². This scale allows for meaningful privacy, guest accommodation and generous outdoor areas — a defining feature of the estate.
Turnkey modern villas command strong pricing. Older homes often present opportunity through renovation, improving efficiency and layout while retaining a prime underlying location.
Everyday conveniences
La Zagaleta is largely residential, so most daily shopping and services are accessed outside the estate.
For everyday convenience, La Heredia and the Monte Halcones commercial centre are just a few minutes away and provide cafés, casual dining, a supermarket, pharmacy and essential services. Meanwhile, San Pedro offers a wider choice of shops, professional services and direct access to the beach.
This separation between home and amenities is intentional — and part of what keeps the estate quiet and low-traffic.
Golf, equestrian & the outdoors
The estate includes two private golf courses and an equestrian centre reserved for residents and members. These facilities support a relaxed, member-led lifestyle rather than public footfall.
Walking, outdoor exercise and time at home form a large part of day-to-day life, with the surrounding landscape playing a central role.
Schools & family life
There are no international schools within La Zagaleta itself, but families commonly plan around established options within a manageable drive, depending on traffic and gate access.
School route planning is therefore an important part of choosing where to live within the estate.
Who La Zagaleta suits best
La Zagaleta suits buyers who prioritise privacy, security and space — and who want a true estate feel rather than a busy resort environment.
It works well as a full-time base or long-term second home for owners who value discretion and protected surroundings.
Looking for something specific? Share your budget range, must-have features and preferred micro-location via the enquiry form — and we can shortlist suitable on-market and discreet off-market options.
Property prices in La Zagaleta
Pricing in La Zagaleta sits at the very top end of the Benahavís market and varies sharply by micro-location, views, plot quality and modernity.
Rather than comparing it to standard golf communities, buyers tend to view La Zagaleta alongside other ultra-low-density, privacy-first estates.
Broad guidance buyers often use as a starting point is:
- Entry-level villas: approximately €4,000,000 – €6,000,000+
- Mid-range modern villas: approximately €8,000,000 – €15,000,000
- Top-tier estates: €20,000,000+
As a very broad benchmark, plots can trade from roughly €300–€500 per m² depending on position, views and buildability — with prime plots and exceptional viewpoints sitting above that range.
Investment appeal
La Zagaleta benefits from long-term scarcity, strict planning controls and sustained international demand. Well-positioned properties tend to hold value strongly, particularly those with prime views and modern specifications.
Related reading
- Buying property in La Zagaleta: what buyers should know
- La Zagaleta micro-location explained: gates, elevation & daily life
- La Zagaleta vs El Madroñal vs El Herrojo Alto
- La Zagaleta costs & memberships explained
- The Benahavís Equation: Scarcity, Style & Sustainable Value
- Why international buyers are choosing Benahavís
- Living in Benahavís: lifestyle, schools & practicalities
For practical guidance on daily life, schools, visas and buying property in Spain, explore our Resources & Buyer Guides.
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FAQs
- Is La Zagaleta a gated community?
Yes — it’s a fully gated private estate with controlled access and a strong security focus. - How close is La Zagaleta to Marbella and Puerto Banús?
Typically around 20–25 minutes to Marbella centre and roughly 20 minutes to Puerto Banús, traffic-dependent. - What types of properties are available?
Predominantly villas on large plots, ranging from classic Mediterranean estates to modern contemporary homes. - Is it suitable for families?
It can be, particularly for families prioritising privacy and security, with school planning factored into daily routes. - Is La Zagaleta a good investment area?
Generally yes, with long-term scarcity and global recognition supporting value — though micro-location remains critical.