The area known as Marbella East comprises the stretch between Rio Real in the west and Cabopino in the east, some 12km away from the Marbella town centre. This part of Greater Marbella enjoys lovely sandy beaches, probably the best along the Marbella coastline, combined with pine tree and cork oak woods which, in some places such as the port and marina of Cabopino, come right down to the very sand dunes. The natural woods by the Cabopino dunes have been classified as protected areas due to their high value to the flora of the region.
This is a section of the coast where development has been very controlled to ensure low density residential areas and very few high rise buildings, interspersed with many natural green zones and golf courses. Some really beautiful residential complexes can be found here, both on the beach and mountain sides of the dual carriageway, offering mainly villas and luxury apartments such as in Rio Real, Los Monteros, El Rosario, Elviria and Las Chapas. The mountainside properties enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding mountain range and countryside, and the beachside properties spectacular views of the long sandy beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. No matter where you are in this part of Marbella, you have easy access to one of the many commercial centres providing supermarkets, all types of shops, banks, bars and restaurants, not forgetting the great beach “chiringuitos” where, even in winter, you can sit out and enjoy a typical Spanish meal with the gentle warmth of the sun at your back and the smell of the sea all around….. heaven…..
As this is also known as the Costa del Golf, it should be no surprise to hear that this part of Marbella has 7 fabulous golf courses to offer, four of which are 18 hole courses (Rio Real, Santa Clara, Santa Maria, and Cabopino) and the remaining three offering 9 hole games (Greenlife Golf, Marbella Golf and Artola Golf).
Although it may seem incredible, Marbella East is not particularly well known for (except amongst locals), but is actually great for, “FISHING”!! You will see many people in the early hours of the morning standing along the shoreline with their fishing rods stuck into the sand and cast out only some 10 metres or so. It´s an easy sell, too, if you catch too many for your own consumption, as you can sell off the surplus to one of the many beach “chiringuitos” on the way home!!
Additional leisure facilities are, of course, available at a short distance away in Marbella, and include all those you would expect of a large town.
Marbella East is host to some very famous 5-star hotels: the Hotel Don Carlos with its very popular “Nikki Beach Club”, the Hotel Los Monteros also with its own beach club “La Cabane” and the magnificent Hotel Vincci Estrella del Mar (Hotel Vincci Star of the Sea) are the most famous ones.
Considered by some as the “best kept secret on the Costa del Sol”, the Cabopino marina has changed relatively little over the years thanks to the zoning and building controls in the area, which have allowed only low rise apartments and villas to be built, whilst maintaining an attractive architectural style throughout. With a lovely soft sandy beach, pretty marina, and great restaurants, this little jewel seems to have something extra special: it manages to envelope you with its relaxed atmosphere the minute you pass through the arches into the harbour area.
And as if that were not enough to make the place completely charming and full of character, an old fortified watchtower called The Thieves’ Tower (Torre Ladrones) occupies a place of honour near the sand dunes and from where you can see, on a clear day, the whole coastline from Marbella to Gibraltar, and further out to the North African coast.
Whether you go to Cabopino on holiday, or you have found your perfect home there, or indeed you are just driving past and decide to call in to spend the day on the beach or for a bite of lunch, you will surely not be disappointed. Not surprising that many visitors and residents call it the “Little Gem” on the Costa del Sol.
Mary Dunne Partner & Private Office Advisor
Mary Dunne is an experienced Real Estate Broker in Marbella with over two decades of expertise in the luxury property sector. She offers profound insights into Marbella’s luxury market, backed by her extensive experience with property transactions’ financial and legal facets. Her deep market knowledge positions her as a trusted expert, providing tailored experiences for high-end clients and showcasing Marbella’s lifestyle.
Marbella East is an area up to ten-minutes’ drive from Marbella centre famed for its beautiful beaches, coves and sand dunes—as well as its luxury properties that range from villas to newly-built town houses and apartments.
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