Marbella & the Costa del Sol has the best lifestyle in Europe

That is quite a big claim, but for the many who visit, own properties here and settle on the Costa del Sol that is precisely why they do so. This region does indeed rank among some of the very best lifestyle spots in the world, not just Europe. Why? We can sum it up in three words, sun, sea and culture. Add mountains, and we have it all.

The Costa del Sol has a beautiful setting between mountain ranges and the Mediterranean Sea. At the very south of Europe with a climate that is the sunniest in mainland Europe enjoying over 300 days of sun per year. A laidback, cosmopolitan lifestyle that is friendly, active and mostly spent outdoors.

The sports facilities, luxury services and beautiful properties play another role in making this such an appealing place. The Costa del Sol is only ever a short distance removed from spectacular open nature, and rich Andalusian culture adds further to its allure.

The Costa del Sol is very well connected to other parts of Europe via its international airport at Málaga, as well as the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and the Americas, making it a fantastic base to start a tour of Andalucía to visit Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. For many, the twin attractions of Tarifa a windsurfers paradise to the west and Sierra Nevada ski resort to the east simply adds to the year-round activities that one can practice year-round.

Finest locations in Costa del Sol

The region known as the Costa del Sol is split into three main parts: west, east and central. At the heart of it, is the five-star jewel in the crown, Marbella, with its luxurious marina at Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, its Golf Valley in Nueva Andalucía, and the country clubs of nearby Benahavís.

Marbella is home to many of the most beautiful resort hotels, golf courses, nightlife spots, exceptional dining venues, racquet clubs, spas and residential areas within the Costa del Sol, and is very much the brand ambassador for the entire region. Just west of Marbella, we have the white village of Benahavís that thrives thanks to its stunning green elevated landscape and views, as well as a gastronomic haven with many restaurants and tapas bars.  Benahavís is also home to the famous La Zagaleta Golf urbanisation, which is considered to be one of Europe’s premier addresses with mansions starting from 4m, including some of the most expensive houses in Europe around 32m Euros.

The western part begins in Estepona, a traditional Andalusian resort town full of charm and authenticity. It continues through the white village of Manilva, and the affordable seaside area of Sabanilla.

In this area, we find the superb residential golf resort at Finca Cortesin a five-star deluxe resort that ranks as one of the best in Spain. The resort town of Sotogrande, on the western extreme of the Costa del Sol, has all the luxury bearing of Marbella, and then some. It is an area rich in golf, polo, water sports and classic beach club traditions, and quite the place to be if you like peace, quiet and discretion.

The coastal resort towns further east tend to be larger, with Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Torremolinos having a more urban feel right by the sea. They are very popular with both Spanish families and tourists alike for their reasonable prices, great beaches and family-friendly resorts.

Mijas adds the authentic Andalusian charm of a white mountain village to this area. It is one of the most visited of the Spanish white villages with thousands coming to see the famous donkeys. Mijas has a vibrant ex-pat community who add to the local life and bring diversity to the area. Mijas has become one of the wealthiest town halls in Spain only now surpassed by Benahavis.

While the regional capital – Málaga – currently undergoing a renaissance is a beautiful historic city full of museums, classical buildings, shops, restaurants, tapas bars and imposing sights.

The Costa Del Sol has a uniquely attractive way of life that is the envy of people across Europe.