In our "Spotlight on ..." series we taken an in-depth look at some of the most popular areas of the Costa del Sol. This time we focus on East Marbella.
East Marbella is lively all year round, as opposed to some of the more seasonal areas of the Costa del Sol, and the local population is a mixture of Spanish, British, Scandinavian, Dutch and German residents.
Properties in East Marbella are known to be spacious and to have a more open and uninterrupted view than some of the more built up areas of the coast.
Elviria is one of the most popular destinations in East Marbella. Located around 15 minutes from Marbella centre, it offers, high quality properties, a great selection of places to eat and drink including Michelin Star restaurants, and award-winning beaches.
Elviria hills (La Mairena and El Soto de Marbella) offer views towards the Sierra Nevada, the Mediterranean Sea, the Rock of Gibraltar and the African coast. The village is surrounded by a UNESCO biosphere reserve called La Sierra de las Nieves.
Look no further than Elviria if you enjoy fine dining. Restaurant El Lago is a Michelin star restaurant situated at the luxurious Greenlife Golf clubhouse. On the beach, you’ll find more top ranked restaurants such as The Beach House, plus more casual and elegant beach bars.
Elviria is also home to the renowned Nikki Beach Club where you can enjoy a taste of the high life with their famous White opening parties and Red closing parties.
Cabopino is a popular marina situated between Elviria and Mijas Costa. It is a much smaller port than Benalmadena or Puerto Banus with169 moorings and its own laid-back style and is home to some very good restaurants and bars as well as a fabulous beach and golf course.
Albert's on the Port is the best known restaurant, especially for its steaks, along with Da Brunos and our personal favourite, the newly opened Dös which has one of the best atmospheres you will find.
Just inland Cabopino Golf Course is very scenic with views to the mountains and the sea.
The beach in Cabopino is one of the best on the Costa del Sol with exceptionally clean water and plenty of amenities to keep the whole family entertained. To the west of Cabopino is Artola which is the only section of beach in Marbella that is backed by extensive natural dunes and the only section of coast that is not urbanised.
The area of Los Monteros is a beachside and mountainside neighbourhood located around 12 minutes from the centre of Marbella. The area is home to Malaga born actor Antonio Banderas who owns a property right on the beach.
One of the most prestigious hotels on the coast - Los Monteros Marbella Hotel and Spa, is located near the urbanization entrance and within is the renowned Los Flamingos restaurant. The hotel also runs the ‘La Cabane' beach club a short walk (or golf buggy ride) down through the leafy urbanizacion at the sea front.
The Hospital Costa del Sol is also located at Los Monteros as are the two luxury golf courses - Santa Clara and Marbella Golf and Country Club.
El Rosario is a small, residential urbanisation with a mix of luxury villa and apartments, most of which are within walking distance of the beach. It's a great location for couples and families looking for somewhere quiet yet still close to all the amenities of Marbella.
El Rosario isn’t a town, but there are bars, restaurants and a supermarket in the local vicinity. For more amenities, the larger resort of Elviria is just five minutes in the car, and Marbella around 10 minutes drive.
El Rosario is home to two particularly lovely beach chiringuito’s (restaurants). Hippo’s is ideal for families with children, with a more laid-back menu, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, etc. Los Canos, however, is at the other end of the scale, an upmarket beach restaurant, serving delicious fresh seafood dishes, paella and roasted meats.
