El Paraíso Area Guide
El Paraíso is one of the Costa del Sol’s most established and sought-after residential communities. Perfectly positioned between Marbella and Estepona, this tranquil yet well-connected area is renowned for its spacious villas, lush golf course setting, and relaxed family-friendly vibe. With a wide range of property options and excellent amenities, El Paraíso is ideal for both full-time residents and second-home buyers seeking peace without isolation.
At a Glance
- Vibe: Quiet, green, and upscale — perfect for families and golf lovers.
- Highlights: Championship golf course, generous villas, sea and mountain views, and close proximity to Marbella and Estepona.
- Who loves it: Families, retirees, golf enthusiasts, and buyers looking for large homes at better value than central Marbella.
Location & Connections
- Where: Midway between Marbella and Estepona, close to Benahavís and the New Golden Mile.
- Marbella Town: ~15 minutes by car.
- Puerto Banús: ~10 minutes.
- Estepona Town: ~12–15 minutes.
- Málaga Airport: ~45–50 minutes via A-7/AP-7.
- Access: Quiet residential streets connected to the coastal highway and Benahavís road, with excellent links to nearby towns.
Lifestyle & Amenities
El Paraíso is a peaceful, residential neighbourhood with everything you need close at hand — golf, shops, restaurants, and beaches — while remaining just a short drive from Marbella’s glamorous lifestyle.
- Dining: Popular restaurants like Ramos, Asador Guadalmina, and beach clubs along the New Golden Mile.
- Wellness: Yoga studios, gyms, and spa facilities in nearby hotels and resorts.
- Shopping: Local supermarkets, boutique stores, and easy access to Puerto Banús luxury shopping or La Cañada Mall.
- Healthcare: Modern clinics and private hospitals within 10–15 minutes.
Beaches & Promenade
El Paraíso is just minutes from the beaches of the New Golden Mile, with a relaxed coastal promenade perfect for walking and cycling. Beach clubs and family-friendly chiringuitos make the area ideal for long summer days by the sea.
Golf & Leisure
- Golf: Anchored by the renowned El Paraíso Golf Club, designed by Gary Player — one of the Costa del Sol’s most loved courses. Close to Atalaya, Los Flamingos, and Guadalmina Golf.
- Leisure: Tennis and paddle clubs, yacht charters from Puerto Banús, and cultural events in nearby Estepona and Marbella.
- Outdoor living: Ideal for hiking and cycling with mountain trails and coastal paths nearby.
Schools
El Paraíso is popular with families thanks to its peaceful setting and proximity to excellent international schools.
- Nearby options: Atalaya International School (within 5 minutes), Laude San Pedro International College, Mayfair Academy, and Calpe School.
Property Styles
El Paraíso offers a wide mix of property types — from traditional Andalusian villas to modern new builds and low-rise apartment communities. Large plots and privacy are a key feature of many homes here.
- Classic Andalusian Villas: Spacious homes with mature gardens and private pools.
- Modern New Builds: Contemporary architecture with open layouts, large windows, and luxury finishes.
- Townhouses: Ideal for families or second-home buyers wanting low maintenance and shared amenities.
- Apartments & Penthouses: Stylish residences in boutique complexes, some with sea views and resort-style facilities.
Market Snapshot
El Paraíso offers excellent value compared to Marbella’s Golden Mile while maintaining high demand among international buyers. Modernised villas and well-located apartments command premium pricing, while older homes provide attractive renovation opportunities.
- Value drivers: Plot size, proximity to golf and beaches, sea views, and modern finishes.
- Investment appeal: Strong rental demand for golf and family holidays, plus long-term value growth as the New Golden Mile continues to develop.
Who It Suits
- Families: Quiet streets, big homes, and excellent international schools nearby.
- Golfers: A true golfer’s paradise with El Paraíso Golf on your doorstep and multiple courses minutes away.
- Second-home owners: Relaxed coastal living with easy access to Marbella and Puerto Banús.
- Investors & renovators: Strong potential to upgrade older villas and achieve significant value appreciation.
Buyer Tips
- Golf-front homes: Villas directly on the course offer premium appeal and strong resale value.
- Renovation opportunities: Many classic homes on large plots can be modernised — check building regulations for extensions and upgrades.
- Beach proximity: Homes closer to the New Golden Mile coastline or within a short walk/bike ride to the beach are highly desirable.
- Rental potential: High for modern villas and apartments due to golf tourism and family demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paraíso a gated community?
No — El Paraíso is an open residential area, but most homes are gated and the neighbourhood is safe and well-maintained.
How far is El Paraíso from Marbella and Puerto Banús?
About 15 minutes to Marbella centre and 10 minutes to Puerto Banús by car.
Are there new-build homes in El Paraíso?
Yes — several new contemporary villas and boutique apartment complexes are available, though large plots are increasingly rare.
Is El Paraíso good for full-time living?
Absolutely — it’s peaceful, well-connected, and close to schools, healthcare, golf, and shopping.
Start Your El Paraíso Property Search
From elegant golf-front villas to modern apartments and family-friendly townhouses, El Paraíso offers peaceful luxury living with easy access to Marbella and Estepona. Contact us for expert guidance and access to the best homes in this highly desirable area.