Los Flamingos Area Guide

28th May 2025 · 12 min. read · by Manuel Dávila

Cradled between rolling green hills and the shimmering Mediterranean, Los Flamingos is one of the most exclusive residential enclaves on the Costa del Sol. Here, life moves to a serene rhythm, blending world-class golf with panoramic views, timeless design and a sense of calm sophistication.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a solid investment or a year-round residence surrounded by nature and beauty, Los Flamingos is a destination that gracefully balances privacy with proximity to the region’s finest attractions.

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

Los Flamingos is part of the municipality of Benahavís, often referred to as the jewel of the Costa del Sol. Positioned between Estepona, San Pedro de Alcántara and Marbella, the area enjoys a privileged elevated setting that offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Despite its tranquility, it is exceptionally well connected, just 10 minutes from Puerto Banús and Marbella, and only 45 minutes from Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport.

1. A prestigious residential enclave: Los Flamingos is one of the most exclusive gated communities on the Costa del Sol, offering a refined and private living environment favoured by international homeowners, celebrities and business leaders.
2. World-class villas and architecture: The area is home to some of the most striking villas in southern Spain, with contemporary designs, high-end materials, panoramic windows, and exceptional interior finishes, many featuring home cinemas, wellness spaces, and smart technology.
3. Exceptional golf lifestyle: Home to the renowned Flamingos Golf Club and the five-star Anantara Villa Padierna resort, the area offers immediate access to championship-level golf and elegant club facilities, attracting players from all over the world.
4. Complete privacy and 24/7 security: The community features controlled access and round-the-clock surveillance, ensuring peace of mind for full-time residents and seasonal visitors alike.
5. Strategic location: Los Flamingos is ideally positioned between Marbella and Estepona, just 10 minutes from Puerto Banús and under 45 minutes from Málaga International Airport, allowing for easy travel year-round.
6. Growing international demand: With a rising number of foreign residents and second-home buyers, Los Flamingos enjoys strong long-term capital appreciation and a healthy rental market, both holiday and long-term.
7. Close to elite amenities: Within a short drive you’ll find fine dining restaurants, international schools, luxury boutiques, top medical centres, and some of the most iconic beach clubs on the Costa del Sol.
8. Tranquil yet connected: The area offers a rare combination, calm, low-density living in a green setting, while remaining close to dynamic coastal hubs with shopping, leisure and nightlife options.
9. Natural surroundings and outdoor lifestyle: Rolling hills, landscaped fairways and Mediterranean flora define the landscape. Residents enjoy hiking trails, cycling routes, and proximity to some of the finest beaches in the region.
10. Strong community appeal: With a well-established, high-income residential base and increasing global interest, Los Flamingos continues to attract families, retirees and professionals looking for quality of life and long-term value.

The residential development of Los Flamingos has been carefully planned to integrate with its elevated natural surroundings, offering homes that maximise views, light and privacy. The entire area maintains a low-density layout, with wide avenues, landscaped green areas and a sense of harmony between architecture and environment.

In terms of style, Los Flamingos offers a refined balance between tradition and innovation. Many villas are inspired by Andalusian aesthetics, featuring white façades, terracotta roofs and internal courtyards, but with a modern interpretation that includes expansive glass panels, open-plan layouts and luxury finishes of the highest standard.

Alongside these, more contemporary properties are also available, showcasing minimalist architecture, clean lines and state-of-the-art smart home systems. Apartments and penthouses in the area are equally elegant, with spacious terraces, sea or golf views, and access to premium communal facilities such as pools, spas and private gyms.

While Los Flamingos is a unique development in itself, it belongs to the same tier of prestigious residential areas as La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, El Herrojo and La Quinta. It appeals to those seeking design excellence, a strong connection to nature and a lifestyle defined by comfort, privacy and sophistication.

Yes, almost every property in Los Flamingos enjoys privileged views. Thanks to its elevated position, many homes offer uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea, the golf course and the surrounding mountains. Sunsets in this area are truly spectacular, creating an atmosphere of serenity and unmatched exclusivity.

Los Flamingos offers a carefully curated balance between natural beauty and refined landscaping. On one hand, the area is surrounded by gentle hills, lakes and lush greenery, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of the coast. Pine trees, olive groves and holm oaks line the slopes, while subtropical plants like palm trees, bougainvillaea, lavender and jasmine fill the air with colour and fragrance.

On the other hand, its landscape has been enhanced by world-class golf design and manicured gardens that elevate the experience of living here. The prestigious Los Flamingos Golf Course integrates seamlessly into the environment, with wide fairways, artificial lakes and expansive greens that contrast elegantly with the surrounding vegetation. Wildlife such as herons, eagles and even young deer are often spotted, highlighting the area’s strong connection with nature and its tranquil, exclusive character.

Los Flamingos enjoys excellent connectivity while maintaining a peaceful, private atmosphere. Strategically located between Marbella and Estepona, it is just a 10-minute drive from Puerto Banús and only 15 minutes from both town centres, offering quick access to the coast’s top dining, shopping and leisure destinations.

The AP-7 motorway runs nearby, providing fast and direct routes to Málaga International Airport in approximately 45 minutes and to Gibraltar Airport in just under an hour. For residents who travel frequently, the high-speed AVE rail service from Málaga connects the Costa del Sol with major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Córdoba and Barcelona

Supermarkets and gourmet shopping:

While Los Flamingos itself is a residential enclave, it is conveniently located within a short drive of premium shopping options. Nearby, you’ll find supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl and Carrefour, as well as gourmet stores and delicatessen shops in Puerto Banús and San Pedro. For high-end selections, the Gourmet Experience at El Corte Inglés in Marbella and Club del Gourmet in Puerto Banús offer fine wines and international delicacies.

Shops, fashion, and home décor:

Just 10–15 minutes away, Marbella and Puerto Banús offer some of the best shopping on the Costa del Sol. Designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Jimmy Choo line the marina and high streets. Interior design and home décor lovers will also find exclusive showrooms and design studios throughout the Golden Mile and in La Cañada shopping centre.

Healthcare and pharmacies:

Los Flamingos benefits from close proximity to leading private healthcare facilities. HC Marbella International Hospital and Hospiten Estepona are both under 20 minutes away and offer multilingual service and advanced medical care. Numerous clinics and pharmacies in nearby San Pedro and Marbella ensure that residents have access to top-quality healthcare with ease.

Sports and wellness centres:

The area is synonymous with outdoor living and wellness. Flamingos Golf Club offers an elite experience for golfers, while the nearby Anantara Villa Padierna Palace features spa, paddle courts and a fully equipped fitness centre. Residents also have access to a wide range of yoga studios, private training services, and beachside fitness clubs along the Marbella coastline, all supporting a healthy, balanced lifestyle throughout the year.

The municipality of Benahavís is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, earning it the well-deserved nickname “The dining room of Andalucía.”

A stroll through its picturesque streets reveals an impressive variety of bars and restaurants, many of which are true hidden gems.

Among the wide gastronomic offering, some standout options include Amanhavís Restaurant, known for its seasonal cuisine and locally sourced produce, Bodegón Gallery Restaurante, which serves Mediterranean dishes and also features an exclusive wine shop, El Lago, a Michelin-starred restaurant with views over the golf course, La Veranda, offering a fine dining experience in an elegant setting, and SeaGrill, located at the iconic Puente Romano resort, specialising in seafood and gourmet grilled dishes just metres from the sea.

Although there are no schools within Los Flamingos itself, the nearby areas of Estepona, San Pedro de Alcántara and Marbella offer a wide range of prestigious private international schools, all within a 10 to 25-minute drive.

In Estepona, families can consider The International School Estepona, which follows the British curriculum and focuses on early years and primary education in a personalised, nature-based setting.

San Pedro de Alcántara is home to Laude San Pedro International College, a well-established private school offering a bilingual curriculum and modern facilities tailored to international families.

Marbella, just a short drive away, offers the most extensive choice, including Aloha College Marbella, which follows the British system and the IB Diploma, Swans International School, known for its academic excellence and multilingual environment, and The British International School of Marbella, which provides a rigorous British education in a purpose-built campus.

These schools are known for their high standards, international outlook and strong community ties, making Los Flamingos an ideal location for families seeking quality private education on the Costa del Sol.

Los Flamingos not only offers world-class golf and a privileged natural setting, but also close proximity to some of the best experiences the Costa del Sol has to offer.

A must-do for anyone in the area is to explore the historic and Andalusian charm of Benahavís. Perched in the hills and full of the magic of traditional whitewashed villages, Benahavís also boasts the 10th-century Montemayor Castle and a fascinating fortified complex.

Golf, the signature sport of the Costa del Sol, is another highlight. The standout course in the area is Flamingos Golf Club, where a stream flows through the fairways into a scenic reservoir. The lush, landscaped course features cypress trees, orange and loquat trees, jacarandas, pines, olive trees, chestnuts and pomegranates, a true delight for even the most demanding golfers.

For those looking to enjoy the dolce vita, Marbella’s beach clubs are just a short drive away. Venues like Ocean Club, Nikki Beach and La Sala by the Sea offer gourmet dining, laid-back daytime vibes and themed parties throughout the season.

Hiking is also a must in this area, which is surrounded by lush nature. Popular routes include trails to Montemayor Castle, the Angosturas Gorge, and paths along the Guadalmina River, perfect for reconnecting with the outdoors.

Another major advantage of living in Los Flamingos is its proximity to the coast. In just 15 minutes by car, you can reach the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoy a range of beachside plans, from water sports to beach bars and chiringuitos with a local flavour.

Security is one of Los Flamingos' greatest strengths. The area is private and gated, with 24/7 surveillance and controlled access. This ensures peace of mind for residents, who can enjoy their homes in complete privacy. In addition, the neighbourhood has a very low crime rate and a high-calibre community environment.

• An exclusive enclave with a refined identity: Los Flamingos combines privacy, elegance and natural beauty in a secure residential setting designed for those who appreciate tranquillity, space and scenic surroundings.
• A privileged location on the Costa del Sol: Perfectly positioned between Marbella and Estepona, and just 45 minutes from Málaga Airport, Los Flamingos offers easy access to key destinations while remaining secluded and serene.
• A seamless blend of golf, nature, and sea views: Set among rolling hills, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a championship golf course at its heart, the area offers a lifestyle rooted in calm and connection to the landscape.
• A high-value property market: With contemporary villas, stylish apartments and increasing international demand, Los Flamingos is a prime location for long-term investment and high-end living.
• A lifestyle of wellbeing and leisure: Residents enjoy access to world-class golf, luxury spas, hiking trails, beach clubs and fine dining, all in a mild, sunny climate that invites outdoor living year-round.
• A safe and prestigious environment: With gated communities, 24/7 security and a low population density, Los Flamingos ensures peace of mind and a discreet, high-calibre residential atmosphere.