Nueva Andalucia

Turn inland off the coastal A-7 road, where it passes the entrance to the Golden Mile and Marbella town, and just opposite the famous marina of Puerto Banús, and you enter one of the largest residential zones in greater Marbella. Nueva Andalucía, as this area is known, was named after one of the large farming estates that extended between the fishing village of Marbella and the little agricultural community of San Pedro Alcántara, which was founded by an aristocrat from Castile in the 19^th century.

In essence, Nueva Andalucía occupies a large valley that connects the two towns, both of which fall under the Marbella municipality. The valley, surrounded by mountain ridges and sea views, is so large that it is also home to what has become known as ‘The Golf Valley’, which with its three leading championship courses is not only the heart of the game on the Costa del Sol but one of the most important concentrations of golf in Europe. The three renowned clubs that form the Golf Valley are Aloha Golf Club, Los Naranjos Golf and the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas.

It is around their beautifully maintained fairways and bordering greenery that the leafy residential streets radiate to produce a highly desirable suburb made up of luxurious apartment and luxury townhouse complexes, and above all private villas. Not surprisingly, frontline golf villas in Nueva Andalucía are highly desired, as in addition to fantastic views and a beautiful setting they offer stylish family life in a location close to schools, shops, supermarkets, clinics, restaurants and cafés – and that’s just in Nueva Andalucía itself.

Puerto Banús, Marbella town and San Pedro Alcántara are within an easy five to ten-minute radius, while the nine-hole Magna Marbella Golf, the night-play Dama de Noche Golf and the La Quinta Golf & Country Club bring another three courses to the periphery of the Golf Valley. Close to Las Brisas, just a little further north, where the valley rises into the gentle foot slopes of the mighty coastal sierras, there’s a peaceful residential area that is even more secluded, private and exclusive than the rest of Nueva Andalucía – with some of the best views to boot.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Where is Nueva Andalucía, and what is it like?

Nueva Andalucía is one of the newer and most popular residential areas in Marbella. It smartly combines traditional Andalusian style with modern-world amenities. Nueva Andalucía is situated just inland of Puerto Banús, and is nestled into the foothills of La Concha Mountain. Residents have spectacular views of both the landmark La Concha peak and the vibrant Mediterranean Sea. Technically, Nueva Andalucía is not a ‘town’. However, it has all the amenities of one. In minutes, you can leave your tranquil, secure home for the glittering marina of Puerto Banús. If you want to revel in the hub of the Costa del Sol’s celebrated nightlife, beaches, and sports, it’s just a short drive to Marbella or San Pedro  Alcántara.

Nueva Andalucía extends over several square kilometres, making it the largest neighbourhood in Marbella. About 18,000 people live there, but considerably more flock there during summer. It is blessed with convenience: Small commercial centres and restaurants are nearby for those who prefer to stay close to home. For those who are willing to drive  beyond the neighbourhood, beaches, sport, shopping, and nightlife are just minutes away.

What is the history of Nueva Andalucía?

The neighbourhood is the brainchild of Madrid developer Jose Banús Masdeu. He first visited Marbella in 1962 and acquired land there. He completed Puerto Banús in 1968. Soon after, he turned his attention to Nueva Andalucía. The area developed rapidly through the 1980s, and there was further growth in the 2000s. Nueva Andalucía remains a mecca for golfers, with  three world-class, championship courses to choose from: El Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, founded in 1968 and designed by famed course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. He also  designed the neighbouring Los Naranjos Golf Club, just to the north, inaugurated in 1977. Just a few minutes’ away is the Aloha Golf Club. Here, Javier Arana designed a course with a full 18-hole and 9-hole, and par 3 rounds.

Is Nueva Andalucía a good place to buy property?

Nueva Andalucía is anchored by the trio of world class golf courses in the area. It is around their beautifully maintained fairways and bordering greenery that the leafy residential streets radiate. The result is a highly desirable suburb made up of luxurious apartments and luxury townhouse complexes, and above all private villas. But the variety of sizes and  stylings means there’s something for most budgets. Not surprisingly, frontline golf villas in Nueva Andalucía are highly desired. In addition to fantastic views and a beautiful  setting they offer stylish family life in a location close to schools, shops, supermarkets, clinics, restaurants and cafés. Nueva Andalucia’s architectural history is undergoing a  profound change. Once dominated by a modernist taste for pure white walls, clean lines and angles, and glittering glass and chrome, the area is experiencing a revival of traditional Andalusian style.

Or rather, a blending of Andalusian sensibility with modern form and function that truly lives up to the name “Nueva Andalucía.” This allows for state-of-the-art infrastructure  that places comfort and security on par with elegance. At the top end of the property spectrum is La Cerquilla home to some of the most stunning properties in the region and due to its elevation, home here often have excellent views to the sea.

In terms of investment Nueva Andalucia has proven to be a very good investment for developers and owners alike and property prices per m2 are now on a par with locations such as La Zagaleta and Sierra Blanca.

What is there to see and do in Nueva Andalucía?

Golfing in Nueva Andalucía

There is a reason that this area is known as Golf Valley; it is paradise for avid golfers. Wake up every morning and choose between four of the best courses in southern Spain: Las Brisas, Las Naranjos, Aloha Golf, and La Dama de Noche. Each of the clubs offers challenging courses in spectacular scenery. Fine clubhouse amenities greatly enhance the area’s  social life. You can read more about golfing and find contact info in our Marbella Golf Course Guide.

Casinos in Nueva Andalucía

If you fancy a different kind of sport, the ever-popular Casino Marbella hosts poker tournaments. Or play the slots, blackjack, or roulette. Or just enjoy a great night out. Drop in for a drink and see what a Mediterranean casino has to offer. Just be sure to bring your ID, and dress appropriately as the casino allows no swimwear, flip flops, or tank tops.

Shopping and salons in Nueva Andalucía

Nueva Andalucía is home to several supermarkets, as well as an organic market and a luxury delicatessen or two. Meet all the core needs of daily living at Centro Plaza. The  shopping, entertainment, and business complex offers everything you need. There’s a grocery store, hair and beauty salons, three floors of shops, thirteen bars and restaurants,  and a gym and dance studio. On Saturdays, go to the area around the bullring and Centro Plaza. There, you will find a very popular street market that sells antiques, arts and crafts,  local produce, and leather goods. Just across the N-340 lies the department store El Corte Inglés and the boutiques of Marina Banús.

Eating out in Nueva Andalucía

Nueva Andalucía is rightly famed for its fantastic selection of high-quality restaurants and bars. La Sala attracts a celebrity crowd. Steak lovers are well catered for at the likes of  Vovem whilst there are many excellent Japanese, Thai and Indian restaurants in Nueva Andalucía too. Once you’re feeling hungry, or simply needing a refreshment, the area has  an extensive menu of places to eat and drink, as well as see and be seen. In addition to La Sala and the golf-course clubhouses, other social hubs with fine dining include Nueva  Campana or El Banco.

Resorts in Nueva Andalucía

Those planning their next holiday or a visit from afar will spoilt for choice of accommodation. Choose, for example, between the five-star La Quinta and the four-star H10  Andalucía Plaza. Or try the intimate surroundings of Vasari Vacation Resort or Sisu Boutique Hotel.

Outdoor activities in Nueva Andalucía

While Nueva Andalucía is primarily residential, it does include natural features such as Turtle Lake (Lago de las Tortugas). This is a small but attractive home to many breeds of water birds. It makes an ideal picnic or dog walking spot. Don’t forget, a host of outstanding natural scenery awaits exploration inland. The historic town of Ronda, the heart-stopping catwalks along the Caminito del Rey, or the pueblos of Ojén and Monda are a short drive away.

What are the schools like in Nueva Andalucía?

To be sure, Nueva Andalucía’s location as a part of Marbella puts you close to every major school in the region. To go more in depth on the educational opportunities, read our  Schools in Marbella Guide. Nueva Andalucía also has Aloha College, a highly respected international school catering for children from nursery to university entrance. It’s within a  short driving distance of other international and Spanish schools in both Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara.