The new Golden Mile Area Guide

21st August 2025 · 14 min. read · by Manuel Dávila

If Marbella is known for its iconic Golden Mile, Estepona proudly boasts its own equivalent: the New Golden Mile. While the name pays homage to Marbella’s legendary coastal stretch, the New Golden Mile has its own distinct character and prestige.

This area represents the most refined and well-planned residential zone in Estepona, standing out for its sophisticated urban design, scenic surroundings, and exceptional quality of life. Much like its Marbella namesake, it offers an ideal blend of tranquillity, coastal beauty and easy access to a wide range of luxury services.

From exclusive beachfront developments to elegant hillside villas, the New Golden Mile has become a magnet for those seeking comfort, investment potential and a lifestyle rooted in elegance and leisure. It is a modern enclave where design, nature and wellbeing coexist in perfect harmony.

• Table of contents
• Where is the New Golden Mile?
• Why choose the New Golden Mile as a place to live or invest?
• What type of properties can I find in the New Golden Mile?
• Does the New Golden Mile have sea views?
• What is the environment and landscape like in the New Golden Mile?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in the New Golden Mile?
• What services and amenities are in the New Golden Mile?
• Best restaurants in the New Golden Mile
• What international schools are near the New Golden Mile?
• What else can I do in the New Golden Mile and its surroundings?
• Is the New Golden Mile safe to live in?
• Our top reason to choose the New Golden Mile:

The New Golden Mile extends across a refined triangular area, often referred to as the “Golden Triangle of Estepona.” Situated just east of Estepona town and directly after the prestigious residential enclave of Guadalmina (Marbella), it marks the transition into one of the most desirable stretches of coastline on the Costa del Sol.

Its privileged location encompasses both beachfront and inland residential zones. Along the coast, you’ll find well-established developments such as Hacienda del Sol, Cancelada and Costalita, each offering direct access to golden sands and the gentle rhythm of the Mediterranean. Further inland, the area unfolds into elegant residential communities like El Presidente, La Resina and the iconic Los Flamingos Golf Resort.

The upper point of this golden triangle is crowned by El Paraíso Golf Club and its surrounding estates, completing a perfectly balanced enclave that combines sea, nature and golf in a single lifestyle destination. The New Golden Mile enjoys seamless access to both Marbella and Estepona, offering residents the best of both worlds: privacy and calm, with proximity to vibrant urban life.

1. A privileged Mediterranean lifestyle: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the New Golden Mile invites you to live outdoors. From sun-drenched terraces to evening strolls by the sea, every day feels like a natural extension of the Mediterranean climate. Life here flows slowly and serenely, framed by golden light and warm breezes.
2. Proximity to iconic destinations: Perfectly situated between two of Spain’s most glamorous enclaves, Marbella and Sotogrande, the New Golden Mile offers effortless access to both. Whether you're seeking the elegance of Puerto Banús, the exclusive marinas of Sotogrande, or the cultural charm of cities like Málaga, Seville or Granada, this location places you at the heart of Andalusia’s finest.
3. Strong investment potential and consistent demand: Estepona’s eastern corridor is currently one of the most sought-after areas on the Costa del Sol. Properties here enjoy excellent liquidity, with high resale and rental demand across both short-term holiday lets and long-term leases. Its rising popularity makes it an attractive option for investors seeking profitability and asset growth.
4. Safety and serene luxury: The New Golden Mile is located within a peaceful and well-maintained municipality, offering residents an exceptional quality of life. Gated communities, manicured streets and a laid-back atmosphere define a new standard of discreet Mediterranean luxury.
5. A cosmopolitan yet authentic community: International residents from across Europe have chosen the New Golden Mile as their home, bringing a global touch to the area. At the same time, the region retains its Andalusian soul with whitewashed villages, friendly locals and a cultural heritage that adds warmth and depth to daily life.
6. A paradise for sports and active living: Whether you're passionate about golf, tennis, sailing, horse riding, hiking or fitness, the New Golden Mile offers it all. World-class golf resorts, equestrian centres, water sports clubs, and hiking trails along both the coastline and surrounding hills ensure an active and varied lifestyle.
7. A meeting point between sea and mountains: One of Estepona’s most valued features is its natural diversity. Here, you don’t have to choose between the beach and the countryside, both are at your doorstep. From coastal promenades to mountain vistas, this region offers a unique blend of maritime and rural beauty.
8. A rich culinary landscape: From Mediterranean bistros to international fine dining, the New Golden Mile boasts an impressive range of gastronomic experiences. Talented chefs and stylish venues cater to every palate, whether you prefer contemporary tasting menus or timeless Andalusian dishes.

The New Golden Mile offers a refined collection of high-end properties, designed for those who value quality, privacy and a privileged setting. From contemporary beachfront apartments to hillside villas with panoramic views, the area presents a diverse and exclusive residential offering.

Among the most sought-after communities are El Paraíso, Atalaya Golf, Cancelada, La Resina, Torre Bermeja, Costalita, Alcazaba Beach and selected parts of Selwo. These neighbourhoods are known for their carefully planned layouts, mature gardens and a high standard of construction.

Modern villas stand out for their generous spaces, landscaped plots, heated pools and luxury extras such as home cinemas, private gyms or wellness areas. Stylish apartments and duplexes offer open-plan interiors, premium finishes and large terraces, many with sea views or private gardens. Penthouses provide an elevated living experience, with wide outdoor spaces ideal for enjoying sunsets over the Mediterranean.

Architecturally, the New Golden Mile blends contemporary lines with subtle Mediterranean touches. New developments and recently built homes ensure quality materials, smart technology and elegant design, making this area one of the most attractive residential zones on the Costa del Sol.

Yes, many of the properties on the New Golden Mile enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Whether located along the beachfront or set on elevated ground further inland, a large number of homes offer open sea vistas, with the silhouette of the African coastline visible on clear days.

Some residences also benefit from views of prestigious golf courses or the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja mountains, adding visual depth to the landscape. Others, nestled in lush tropical gardens, offer a different kind of charm, surrounded by greenery and designed for maximum privacy and tranquillity.

The eastern stretch of Estepona is distinctly residential, with a calm atmosphere and more green spaces than many neighbouring areas. As part of the municipality often referred to as “the garden of the Costa del Sol,” the New Golden Mile reflects Estepona’s love for nature and floral design, with landscaped promenades, leafy streets and colourful gardens throughout.

The area is divided by clear natural and geographical lines. To the east, the Guadalmina River marks the border with Marbella, while to the west, the Arroyo de la Cala separates it from Estepona’s main town centre. The A-7 coastal road provides another key division: below it lies the beachfront section of the New Golden Mile; above it, the rolling hills host golf resorts and elevated residential zones.

Both sides offer a peaceful and well-maintained setting, with high-quality developments surrounded by greenery. To the north, the mountains of Benahavís and Sierra Bermeja frame the landscape, providing access to scenic countryside trails, panoramic viewpoints and a quieter inland lifestyle that perfectly complements the coastal charm.

The New Golden Mile enjoys an excellent geographic position, with direct access to the A-7 coastal road—offering seamless connections to Marbella, Estepona and the wider Costa del Sol—as well as to the Campo de Gibraltar. Just north, the AP-7 motorway provides a faster alternative for longer distances, ensuring efficient travel across Andalusia.

Both Malaga International Airport and Gibraltar International Airport are less than an hour away by car, making the area particularly convenient for international residents and frequent travellers. In addition, Estepona has its own marina, while Malaga city offers high-speed rail connections (AVE) to Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and other major destinations.

This combination of road, air, rail and nautical links makes the New Golden Mile one of the most accessible residential enclaves on the Costa del Sol—perfectly connected yet maintaining its sense of tranquillity.

Life on the New Golden Mile is enriched by a wide variety of services and amenities designed to meet the needs of both residents and visitors. Its strategic location between Marbella and Estepona ensures easy access to everything from gourmet shopping to premium healthcare.

Supermarkets and gourmet food shops:

The area is served by well-known supermarket chains as well as delicatessen stores offering both local and international products. Organic markets and specialist shops complete the picture for those who value quality and variety in their everyday life.

Fashion and interior design:

Just minutes away, Puerto Banús offers one of Europe’s most exclusive shopping experiences, with international luxury brands, designer boutiques and interior design showrooms. Closer to home, the New Golden Mile also features stylish shops and local designers that add authenticity and charm.

Healthcare and wellness:

The area is well connected to prestigious private hospitals and clinics such as Hospitén, Xanit and the Hospital de Alta Resolución. In addition, there is a wide network of dental practices, aesthetic clinics and veterinary centres. Wellness is also a key focus, with yoga studios, fitness specialists and holistic retreats nearby.

Sports facilities:

The New Golden Mile is a haven for sports enthusiasts. Several renowned golf courses are located within minutes, alongside tennis and paddle clubs, state-of-the-art gyms and personal training centres. Water sports are equally popular, with facilities for diving, paddle surfing, sailing and motor boating, offering year-round opportunities to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.

In the beach area, highlights include Tikitano by Besaya, with its colonial style and incredible seaside setting; Anantara by the Sea Beach Club, which is an extension of the famous Hotel Villa Padierna in Benahavís and is the most exclusive in the area; and, a little further west, there is a branch of the famous Trocadero franchise, which never disappoints.

Further inland, but still on the New Golden Mile, is The Garden by La Rosa with delicious Argentinean-style cuts of meat; the restaurants at the golf clubs in the area are also an option.

A smart choice, in terms of gastronomic luxury, is to choose one of the restaurants in the high-end hotels in the area or nearby. For example, the Baltazar Bar & Grill at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Bahía would be a good bet. The Italian and Japanese restaurants at the Anantara Villa Padierna Hotel are another must. In the town centre of Estepona, the seafood restaurant La Escollera stands out.

For a quality education in New Golden Mile, you can choose from prestigious international and national schools.

If you want to follow a British curriculum, the most highly rated options start with The International School of Estepona, which offers summer classes and numerous extracurricular activities. Emeral Sixth Form, with a very family-friendly atmosphere. Atlas American School of Málaga, with excellent facilities. Myfair International Academy, with schooling from three to eighteen years old. And, a little further away but still within reasonable distance, there is Queens British Grammar School, in the direction of Casares.

Spanish schools with English bilingualism include Colegio Atalaya, with a good bus service and extensive sports facilities, and Colegio San José, which is considered one of the best in Spain. In this area, but bordering neighbouring towns, there are also options such as Calpe School and Laude San Pedro International College.

This residential area is a prime destination for leisure. It offers a perfect mix of maritime, nature and social activities, all of which are highly entertaining.

To begin with, the eastern part of Estepona has some excellent beaches. In this specific area, you will find Playa del Saladillo and Playa del Padrón. Playa del Cristo is very famous in the municipality and is well worth a visit. The town has a very bright promenade. It is also part of the beautiful Senda Litoral project, which covers a large part of the Costa del Sol coastline. Both paths can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

The golf courses included in this wonderful urban triangle are: El Paraíso Golf Club, Atalaya Golf & Country Club and La Resina Golf & Country Club. The prestigious Valle Romano Golf Club is located in the municipality of Estepona, as well as two other adjacent courses: Azata Golf and Estepona Golf. Half an hour's drive to the west is La Duquesa Golf course. And half an hour or so further on are the golf courses of Marbella. A short drive to the north are the golf courses in the town of Benahavís.

If you're looking for greenery but not golf, Estepona offers idyllic getaways to Sierra Bermeja. Hiking and mountain biking are possible here. There are also numerous parks to enjoy with children.

Estepona also has a lot to offer culturally. Many of the activities are local traditions, such as the Feria or the Christmas Parade, but there are also concerts, markets and art exhibitions, among other entertainment. We mustn't forget to mention its wonderful cuisine, especially in the beach bars or in its picturesque historic centre.

Yes, the New Golden Mile is a very safe area within Estepona. The town has low crime rates, reinforced by a network of surveillance cameras and efficient local policing.

Most residential complexes are gated, with private security and advanced monitoring systems, ensuring peace of mind for residents. Combined with Estepona’s welcoming atmosphere, this makes the New Golden Mile an ideal choice for families, retirees and international investors alike.

• A privileged Mediterranean lifestyle: With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the New Golden Mile is ideal for enjoying the outdoors, whether on golden beaches, golf courses, or seafront promenades.
• Exceptional views: Many properties boast panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean, the Sierra Bermeja mountains, or lush private gardens, adding unique value to each home.
• Modern and diverse properties: The area offers a wide selection of newly built or recently renovated residences, from contemporary villas to beachfront apartments, designed for comfort, elegance and style.
• Strategic location: Perfectly situated between Marbella and Estepona, with quick access to Puerto Banús, Sotogrande and Malaga International Airport, the New Golden Mile combines convenience with tranquillity.
• Safety and stability: With gated communities, private security and Estepona’s welcoming atmosphere, the area provides peace of mind and long-term confidence for families, retirees and international investors alike.