El Madroñal is a prestigious gated community in the hills of Benahavís, along the Ronda road (A-397), approximately 400 m above sea level. Located in front of La Zagaleta and next to La Heredia, it occupies about 223 hectares of pine forest and cork oak forest and brings together around 150 luxury villas on large plots. It is a quiet and green enclave with 24-hour security, a few minutes from San Pedro, Puerto Banús and Marbella. For those looking to buy a villa in El Madroñal, the attraction is privacy, nature and panoramic views with a more affordable entry point than neighboring La Zagaleta.
Where is El Madroñal and how to get there
El Madroñal is located in the hills of Benahavís, along the picturesque Ronda road (A-397), just in front of La Zagaleta and next to the La Heredia urbanisation. The centre of Marbella is about 15 minutes away, Puerto Banús about 10 minutes away and San Pedro de Alcántara a few minutes away. Málaga airport is about 35 minutes (around 60 km) via the A-7/AP-7, and Gibraltar is about an hour away. Despite its seclusion in the mountains, the farm is comfortably connected to the coast.
What is El Madroñal: country estate feel
El Madroñal is an established gated community with a marked "country estate" character. Here the architecture is secondary to the landscape: the houses are partly hidden within large plots, the access roads are lined with pine and cork oaks, and what remains most is the silence. Although Marbella is a short drive away, the change in sensations is immediate. It fits with those who value discretion and nature over proximity to the sea.
History: from the Parladé family to a refuge for the elite
The estate originally belonged to the Parladé family, prominent in the history of Marbella, and was later sold to Thierry Roussel (related to the Onassis family), which turned it into a sort of extension of Puerto Banús in the mountains. El Madroñal has been a discreet refuge for the international elite since the mid-20th century.
Privacy and security
Access to El Madroñal is controlled through six independent guarded entrances (Entrance 1–6) with 24-hour security. The low construction density and large plots provide privacy "by default": neighbors are barely noticeable and the internal environment remains quiet and strictly residential.
Natural environment: 223 hectares of forest
The farm extends over some 223 hectares of pine forest, cork oak forest and olive grove, as well as strawberry trees, from which the area takes its name. This nature reserve creates the feeling of living inside the forest while maintaining all the comfort. Many villas integrate naturally into the landscape.
Views and altitude
At approximately 400 m above sea level, the villas of El Madroñal command panoramic views of the coast, the mountains and, on clear days, Gibraltar and the coast of Morocco. The elevated position brings cooler air, gentle summer breezes and a strong sense of separation from the coastal bustle.
Lifestyle and environment
El Madroñal offers a unique "country" lifestyle with the security of a gated community, 10–15 minutes from the coast. It is the choice of those who value privacy, large plots and panoramic views over beachfront living. The day-to-day infrastructure is within reach.
Property Types
The offer allows you to prioritize what really matters: independence and plot, ease of maintenance, views, proximity to the sea or community services. Rather than setting a generic range, it is advisable to compare the total cost, the condition of the property and the quality of the micro-location.
Plots: a rare opportunity
A key distinction of El Madroñal is that, unlike La Zagaleta and most areas of Marbella, building plots are still for sale here. The average price is, as a guide, around €210/m²; the smallest plots from around 2,750 m² (from €460,000), the largest up to 15,000 m² (around €3 M). This allows a custom villa to be built.
Architecture
The architecture ranges from timeless classic estates to contemporary signature villas. With plots available and renovations permitted, the area offers ready-made homes, turnkey projects and custom builds within strict planning regulations.
An outdoor life that can be enjoyed all year round
The 400 m altitude gives El Madroñal a cooler microclimate than the coast: milder in summer thanks to the mountain breezes, maintaining the mild winters of the Costa del Sol. The wooded environment reinforces the feeling of calm and clean air.
Golf and sports nearby
A few minutes away are the golf courses of Marbella west and Benahavís: La Quinta, Marbella Club Golf Resort, Los Arqueros and others. Beyond golf, there are hiking and cycling routes in the area's own wooded environment, with water sports on the coast.
Gastronomy: the town of Benahavís
The gastronomic heart of the area is the town of Benahavís, known for its concentration of restaurants, from Mediterranean cuisine to traditional Andalusian steakhouses. All the haute cuisine of Marbella and Puerto Banús is just a few minutes away. More detail in the guides of La Zagaleta and Marbella.
Nearby schools and healthcare
El Madroñal relies on the infrastructure of Marbella and San Pedro: international schools (Aloha College, International School of Estepona and others) and international healthcare (Quirónsalud Marbella, HC Marbella, Hospital Costa del Sol) just a few minutes away. That makes the farm also suitable for families.
Surroundings: Marbella, Puerto Banús and La Zagaleta
El Madroñal is well located with respect to San Pedro, Puerto Banús and Marbella, with La Zagaleta just opposite. Compared to it, El Madroñal is the more affordable "brother": the same private and secure mountain lifestyle, but with a lower entry point and available pitches. More details in the La Zagaleta guide.
The real estate market in El Madroñal
El Madroñal is a stable high-end segment. Prices remain indicatively around €6,000–7,000/m²; The large plots, the mature landscape and the marked seclusion support the resilience of the prices. The villas range approximately from approximately €2 M to €10 M and more in large estates in prime positions.
What type of property you will find
- Villas: indicatively from approximately €2M to €10M and more.
- Plots: from approximately €460,000 (about 2,750 m²) to approximately €3 M (about 15,000 m²); average ~210 €/m².
- Townhouses and apartments: present, which expands the range of buyers.
- Projects and renovation: common within strict construction regulations.
The purchasing process and maintenance costs
Foreigners can buy property in Spain with complete freedom. Steps: NIE, bank account, due diligence, deposit contract and deed before a notary. In addition to the price, expect around 10–13% in taxes, notary, registration and lawyer. The farm format entails community fees (security, roads, infrastructure) and the maintenance of a large house and plot. Inmolux Group accompanies the operation from start to finish.
Why buy in El Madroñal
El Madroñal combines large plots, low density and nature with the security of a gated community, about 15 minutes from the coast and with an entry point generally lower than that of La Zagaleta. Its value depends strongly on the orientation, views, access, slope and condition of the villa. For the wealth buyer, the opportunity is to distinguish assets with lasting privacy and quality from those whose appeal rests only on the surface or a pending renovation.
Tell us how you want to live El Madroñal. Inmolux Group will select the properties that truly fit your priorities and will accompany you, with discretion, from the first visit to the signing.
Frequently asked questions
In the hills of Benahavís, along the Ronda road (A-397), opposite La Zagaleta, about 15 minutes from Marbella.
Approximately ~6,000–7,000 €/m²; villas from ~2 to 10 M€ and plots of average ~210 €/m².
Yes: unlike La Zagaleta, plots are still sold here, from approximately €460,000 to approximately €3M.
It is the more affordable "brother", with the same mountain and private lifestyle, but with a lower entrance fee and available plots.
It is a gated community with six guarded entrances and 24-hour security.
About 223 hectares of pine forest, cork oak forest and olive grove with strawberry trees, which give the area its name.
About 35 minutes by car (approximately 60 km) along the AP-7/A-7.
Yes: security, nature and the infrastructure of Marbella and San Pedro just a few minutes away.
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