AdministrationJuly 17, 2025
🏡 El Herrojo, La Zagaleta, and El Madroñal are three of Benahavís’ most prestigious gated communities—but each offers a distinct flavor of luxury living. Here’s how they compare:
🏞️ Location & Setting
| Community | Elevation & Views | Proximity to Coast |
|---|---|---|
| La Zagaleta | 900 ha forested estate, panoramic sea & mountain views | ~15 min to Marbella |
| El Madroñal | 223 ha hillside plots, Mediterranean & Gibraltar views | ~10 min to San Pedro |
| El Herrojo | Elevated plots with Mediterranean views, near golf courses | ~10 min to Puerto Banús |
🛡️ Privacy & Security
- La Zagaleta: Ultra-exclusive with 24/7 guarded gates, private roads, and fewer than 250 properties.
- El Madroñal: Six gated phases, some with 24/7 guards, others with CCTV and patrols.
- El Herrojo: Secure gated community, slightly more accessible than the other two.
🏌️ Amenities & Lifestyle
| Feature | La Zagaleta | El Madroñal | El Herrojo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Courses | 2 private courses | Nearby public courses | Adjacent to La Quinta |
| Equestrian Facilities | Yes | No | No |
| Clubhouse & Dining | Fine dining, lounges, concierge | Basic clubhouse & pool | Nearby La Quinta amenities |
💶 Property & Price Range
- La Zagaleta: Villas from €5M to €30M+, plots up to 10,000 m².
- El Madroñal: Villas from €2M to €10M+, plots from 2,600 m².
- El Herrojo: Villas from €2.5M to €14M, often contemporary in style.
🧭 Character & Vibe
- La Zagaleta: Discreet, ultra-luxury, tailored for high-net-worth individuals.
- El Madroñal: Rustic elegance meets privacy; ideal for nature lovers and creatives.
- El Herrojo: Sleek, modern, and close to golf and nightlife—great for active lifestyles.
If you’re drawn to absolute privacy and prestige, La Zagaleta is unmatched. For charming seclusion with character, El Madroñal shines. And if you want modern luxury with convenience, El Herrojo hits the sweet spot.Would you like help narrowing down based on your lifestyle or budget? We can even help you explore current listings in each area.
While exploring these prestigious gated communities, it’s worth noting how much the wider Costa del Sol plays into their appeal. Marbella, with its history as a jet-set destination, adds a cosmopolitan flair to the lifestyle — you can even dive deeper into its background on Marbella. For golf enthusiasts, the proximity to some of Spain’s finest courses is a real attraction, and the region’s reputation is highlighted in the article on Golf in Spain. And of course, for those captivated by the unique mix of Mediterranean climate and luxury living, learning more about the Costa del Sol itself provides excellent context for why places like La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, and El Herrojo Alto are so sought-after.
