El Madroñal

Part of Benahavís’ municipal area and sheltered by the Serranía de Ronda, El Madroñal was originally owned and developed by the Parladé family, part of Marbella royalty, and later sold on to Thierry Roussel, who married an Onassis, making it a natural extension of Puerto Banús in the hills.

El Madroñal is less than 10 minutes by car up the picturesque road to Ronda, from either the N-340/A7 coastal road or AP7 toll highway. Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport is just over half an hour’s drive away, while Gibraltar and its airport are about an hour distant.

For those looking for all the benefits of proximity to the beaches and services of Marbella and Puerto Banús, while wanting the peace and privacy, as well as those stunning views, offered by the countryside, El Madroñal boasts 24-hour security, a vast choice of sporting facilities close by, and some fantastic properties and plots to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Madroñal is located inland on the A-397 road leading from the coast to the historic town of Ronda. Set in the municipality of Benahavis, approximately halfway between Malaga and Gibraltar, in the verdant foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. While it is beyond the bounds of Marbella’s municipal area, El Madroñal, along with other residential country clubs, such as La Quinta, La Reserva de Alcuzcuz and La Zagaleta, are intrinsic to the Marbella property market.

What is El Madroñal?

El Madroñal is one of the most elite gated developments on the coast, an ultra-exclusive community spanning over 600 acres and 400 metres above sea level. El Madroñal is set atop ridges of pine, olive and cork trees, and its hillside plots boast commanding views of the Mediterranean coastline and across to Gibraltar, the North African coast and Rif Mountains. The urbanisation is home to abundant wildlife, including boars, mountain goats, deer and Iberian eagles. A quiet and idyllic rural retreat worlds away from the hustle and bustle of urban living yet minutes by car from all the necessaries for easy everyday living.

When was El Madroñal created?

El Madroñal was first established by the Parladé family in the early 1960s and was a hunting estate frequented by Spanish royals and heads of state. The land was later sold to the Roussel family owners of a pharmaceutical company. In the ’80s, the Saudi multi-millionaire Adnan Kashoggi fell in love with the area and purchased the estate, which was subsequently divided and led to the creation of the developments known as Alcuzcuz, El Madroñal and La Baraka or La Zagaleta. It is now one of the most upscale developments in the area, with a wide choice of luxury villas.

Where is El Madroñal?

Adjacent to La Zagaleta, El Madroñal is a secure country estate nestled within a pristine pine and cork forest. The community is 5 km from the quaint seaside village of San Pedro de Alcantara, which lies between Marbella and Estepona. Puerto Banus is 10 minutes away, Marbella is a little over 15 minutes by car, 45 minutes to the beautiful town of Ronda, and 40 minutes to the exclusive Sotogrande marina and polo.

How do you get to El Madroñal?

El Madroñal can be accessed via 6 entrances dotted along the Ronda Road; each is gated and staffed by security guards 24/7 and with surveillance cameras. Arriving by plane at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the drive takes about 45 minutes along the AP-7 toll road, which has an exit at the bottom of the Ronda Road. Gibraltar International Airport is 68km away, and the journey typically takes just over an hour. The A-7 coast road can be accessed coming down through the back of San Pedro Alcantara and leads to Marbella to the west and Estepona to the west.

Who lives in El Madroñal?

Due to its exclusivity and absolute privacy away from the long lenses of the paparazzi, El Madroñal attracts the international jet-set, high-profile politicians, executives and A-list celebrities. The development was home to El Cortijo recording studio, where artists such as the Icelandic star Bjork composed her iconic track ‘So Broken’ in 1997. Mariah Carey, Cher, Roxette and The Cardigans also stayed here while they worked on albums. El Madroñal was also a retreat for the actors of the classic film Casablanca and several other Hollywood royalty, including the quintessential ‘Hitchcock blonde’ Madeleine Carroll.

What kind of properties can you buy in El Madroñal?

El Madroñal has a minimum plot size of 2,600 m², which guarantees each homeowner privacy and space and avoids being overlooked by neighbouring villas. Spread out over a vast expanse, the architectural style of properties varies significantly from traditional Andalusian style mansions with courtyards to contemporary state-of-the-art villas that are currently in trend. In addition, many homes boast their own spa, gym, home cinema, games room and tennis courts. Every residence is quality built, sure to please discerning buyers in pursuit of luxury living in the Costa del Sol’s most prestigious residential pocket.

Where can you eat and shop close to El Madroñal?

El Madroñal is just 3 minutes from La Heredia, where you will find a delicious deli serving snacks and lunches, an excellent Dutch butcher and restaurants. A couple more minutes down the road towards San Pedro is Monte Halcones which offers a Supercor open 365 days a year, an organic supermarket, a pharmacy, a bank and several restaurants, including the All in 1 Café. A new exclusive restaurant is due to open in 2022 close to entrance 3 on the Ronda Road. Services in this area are set to expand with plans for a boutique hotel and additional restaurants and bars.

What is there to do near El Madroñal?

The development is a short driving distance to San Pedro, Marbella and the lively nightlife of Puerto Banús, which offers a range of cafes from casual spots to upscale eateries, bars, clubs and an English cinema. Close to a myriad of golf courses, including Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta Golf, Villa Padierna Golf Club, and Atalaya Golf. Not far from the golf courses in the Golf Valley, such as the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Los Naranjos Golf Club, and Aloha Golf Club. Tennis, padel and watersports lovers are also catered for with several options nearby. Due to its location in the foothills of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, El Madroñal is ideal for nature lovers and walkers as there are ample hiking trails in the vicinity.

What is there to do around El Madroñal?

Continuing north up the A-397 for 45 minutes is the mountaintop town of Ronda set dramatically above a deep gorge. Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, is just over an hour away to the east and Tarifa, the kite and windsurfing capital of Europe, is an hour’s drive to the west. Venture a little further afield and discover Andalucia’s Golden Triangle by visiting Cordoba, Granada and Seville.

Buying and selling property in El Madroñal

If you are looking for a quiet Costa del Sol country retreat yet only 10 minutes drive from the coast, El Madroñal is the answer. Terra Meridiana currently has more than 14 properties for sale in El Madroñal, ranging from plots to luxury villas. We make buying and selling property easy. Our friendly staff with expert local knowledge in the real estate sector is available to help address each and every question, whatever your realty goals.