Is El Madroñal gated and secure?

Yes — it’s a private gated estate with controlled access and 24/7 security, designed for privacy and low through-traffic.

How long does it take to reach Puerto Banús and Marbella?

Typically around 15–20 minutes to Puerto Banús and roughly 25–30 minutes to Marbella centre, depending on traffic and which entrance you use.

Are there shops and restaurants nearby?

Yes — Monte Halcones and La Heredia are often used for everyday essentials (supermarket, pharmacy, cafés) and you’ll also have quick access to San Pedro and Benahavís village.

What types of properties are most common?

Predominantly villas on larger plots, ranging from traditional Andalusian styles to contemporary builds with strong indoor-outdoor design and view-focused layouts.

Is El Madroñal suitable for families?

It can be an excellent fit for families who want space and privacy while still being within reach of international schools and activities on the coast.

Is El Madroñal a good investment area?

Generally, yes. Limited supply, large plots and consistent international demand make it one of the most stable luxury markets in Benahavís.

Property for sale in El Madroñal, Benahavís

El Madroñal is an exclusive gated community in the hills of Benahavís along the Ronda Road (A-397). Surrounded by pine forest and cork oaks, it’s loved for privacy, tranquillity and that “country estate” feel — while still being within straightforward reach of San Pedro, Puerto Banús and Marbella.

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El Madroñal area guide

About El Madroñal

Perched above Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara, El Madroñal enjoys sweeping panoramic views across the Mediterranean — often stretching to Gibraltar and the African coastline on clear days. Its low-density layout, protected natural surroundings and 24/7 gated security combine to create one of the most private and tranquil residential environments on the Costa del Sol.

Set within pine forest and cork oak woodland, the atmosphere here feels noticeably different from the coastal zones: quieter, greener and more spacious, yet without sacrificing accessibility.

Location & accessibility

El Madroñal sits at approximately 400 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda. This elevation brings cooler summer breezes, dramatic scenery and a strong sense of separation from coastal congestion — while remaining exceptionally well connected.

Typical drive times used by residents include:

San Pedro de Alcántara — around 11 minutes (6.5 km)
Puerto Banús — around 16 minutes (9.2 km)
Marbella centre — around 28 minutes (22 km)
Estepona — around 25 minutes (24 km)
Málaga Airport — around 47 minutes (69 km)
Gibraltar Airport — around 58 minutes (66 km)

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.

Privacy, security and entrances

El Madroñal is a gated estate with multiple access points from the Ronda Road, which helps keep the community low-traffic and private. The community is widely regarded as one of the most secure residential areas in Spain. Security features include:

Six gated entrances with 24/7 security
Camera-controlled access throughout the estate
Armed guards (using the same provider as La Zagaleta)
Rapid response protocols coordinated with local police and emergency services

History & character

El Madroñal was originally part of a vast private hunting estate owned by the Parladé family — long associated with Marbella’s early development. The land later passed through the hands of the Roussel family and Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, before being divided into what are now La Zagaleta, El Madroñal and La Reserva de Alcuzcuz.

Over the years, the area has attracted creative figures, musicians and high-profile international residents. The former El Cortijo recording studio, once located here, hosted artists such as Björk, Cher, Sade, Roxette and The Cardigans — adding to the area’s quietly storied reputation.

Environment & lifestyle

Surrounded by protected green zones, El Madroñal offers a lifestyle closely connected to nature. Wildlife is part of daily life here, with deer, mountain goats, wild boar and Iberian eagles frequently spotted.

Residents tend to enjoy a “quiet luxury” lifestyle: understated, private and elegant rather than showy. Outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, yoga and nature walks are particularly popular, while the coast, golf courses and dining scene remain easily accessible when desired.

Property types, architecture and plot sizes

The neighbourhood is overwhelmingly villa-led: generous plots, mature landscaping, and architecture that ranges from classic Andalusian to contemporary statement homes. Many properties are designed to maximise indoor-outdoor living — terraces, shaded dining areas, pool zones and view-facing lounges are a big part of day-to-day enjoyment.

Homes typically feature:

Panoramic sea and mountain views
Private pools and mature gardens
Spas, gyms and home cinemas
Guest houses or staff accommodation
In some cases, private tennis courts

One of El Madroñal’s defining characteristics is land size:

Typical plots: 3,000–5,000 m²
Minimum plots: from around 2,600 m² (smaller in Entrance 1)
Largest plots: up to approximately 15,000 m²

This scale is increasingly rare on the Costa del Sol and underpins the area’s long-term appeal.

Everyday conveniences

While El Madroñal itself is residential, daily essentials are close by. Monte Halcones and La Heredia are commonly cited as convenient nearby hubs for supermarkets, cafés, pharmacy and casual dining — useful for day-to-day life without needing to head all the way to the coast.

For dining and daily services, residents commonly use:

Monte Halcones — supermarket, pharmacy, cafés and restaurants
La Heredia — bakery, bistro, butcher and cafés
San Pedro de Alcántara — full range of shops and services
Puerto Banús & Marbella — high-end dining, shopping and beach clubs

The popular Coto Restaurante is opposite Gate 3 of El Madroñal.

Golf, wellness and the outdoors

Golf access is one of the area’s big draws. Los Arqueros and La Quinta are frequently referenced as nearby options, with additional variety across the wider Marbella “golf valley” within an easy drive. If you’re outdoors-led, the wooded setting and nearby trail network make El Madroñal popular for walking and nature time.

Schools and family life

There are no schools inside El Madroñal itself, but families often choose the area for space and quiet alongside practical school runs. Guides commonly reference options such as Atalaya International College, Laude San Pedro International College, Aloha College and Swans International School within roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

This balance of privacy and school access is one reason families choose the area.

Who El Madroñal suits best

El Madroñal is ideal if you want privacy, greenery and views — but still want to reach international schools, golf, dining and the coast without hassle.

The community works well as a full-time base, a secure second home, or a long-term hold in one of Benahavís’ most established hillside communities.

For all, the appeal is simple: privacy, views, space and a sense of calm that’s becoming increasingly hard to find elsewhere on the coast.

Property prices in El Madroñal

Prices vary based on views, plot size, privacy and architectural quality, but broad guidance is:

Entry-level villas: from just under €2,000,000
Mid-range modern villas: approximately €3,500,000 – €6,000,000
Top-tier estates: €7,000,000 – €12,000,000+

Plots typically trade at an average of around €210 per m², with smaller plots from roughly €460,000 and the largest plots reaching close to €3,000,000.

Investment appeal

El Madroñal offers strong long-term fundamentals: limited supply, large plots, high privacy and sustained demand from international buyers. Renovation projects often perform particularly well, and well-priced modern villas tend to sell quickly. For buyers focused on capital preservation as well as lifestyle, it remains one of the most resilient luxury micro-markets in Benahavís.

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FAQs

Is El Madroñal gated and secure?
Yes — it’s a private gated estate with controlled access and 24/7 security, designed for privacy and low through-traffic.
How long does it take to reach Puerto Banús and Marbella?
Typically around 15–20 minutes to Puerto Banús and roughly 25–30 minutes to Marbella centre, depending on traffic and which entrance you use.
Are there shops and restaurants nearby?
Yes — Monte Halcones and La Heredia are often used for everyday essentials (supermarket, pharmacy, cafés) and you’ll also have quick access to San Pedro and Benahavís village.
What types of properties are most common?
Predominantly villas on larger plots, ranging from traditional Andalusian styles to contemporary builds with strong indoor-outdoor design and view-focused layouts.
Is El Madroñal suitable for families?
It can be an excellent fit for families who want space and privacy while still being within reach of international schools and activities on the coast.
Is El Madroñal a good investment area?
Generally, yes. Limited supply, large plots and consistent international demand make it one of the most stable luxury markets in Benahavís.