La Zagaleta is a private residential and golf estate in the municipality of Benahavís, approximately 12 km northwest of Marbella, in the hills of the Serranía de Ronda. It is considered one of the most exclusive gated communities in Europe and the most expensive property in Spain. In some 900 hectares of untouched nature, there are luxury villas on large plots, two private golf courses, a helipad, an equestrian centre and clubhouses, all for the exclusive use of residents and guests. For those looking to buy a villa in La Zagaleta, this is absolute privacy, security and space in the ultra-prime range.
Where is La Zagaleta and how to get there
La Zagaleta is situated in the hills of Benahavís, approximately 12 km northwest of Marbella, close to the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, San Pedro and the Golf Valley of Nueva Andalucía. Málaga airport is about 50 minutes (approximately 70 km) along the AP-7. Despite its seclusion in the mountains, the farm is conveniently close to the urban infrastructure of the coast.
What is La Zagaleta: the most exclusive estate in Europe
La Zagaleta is not just an address, but a closed estate-club, conceived according to the model of the best country clubs in California under the motto "Only the best is good enough." The low construction density and a limited number of homes on a huge territory provide a rare mix of space, nature and privacy. Many villas command panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the mountains, Gibraltar and the African coast.
History: from hunting preserve to luxury sanctuary
The estate was originally called Al Baraka and belonged to Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, who used it as a hunting reserve. Later, the land was transferred and sold to an international consortium that transformed it into a prestigious development (inaugurated in the early 90s). Today, in 2026, the estate is undergoing an architectural renovation: the last free plots are extremely rare and the first generation villas are rebuilt as contemporary masterpieces.
Privacy and security
Safety is the defining feature of La Zagaleta. Access is controlled at the doors (only two entrances), the internal roads are private and there is no through traffic. Privacy is reinforced by scale: some 900 hectares of protected nature, with villas on large plots and mature vegetation, so that the neighbors are barely noticeable. The farm is largely off the maps and protected from outside eyes.
The club facilities
Residents and their guests access a full range of private services:
- Two private 18-hole golf courses and a driving range.
- Two clubhouses with restaurants, swimming pool and lounge areas.
- A helipad.
- An equestrian centre with horses.
- Sports facilities and a luxury supermarket.
All of this is for the exclusive use of residents, members and their guests.
Golf and sport
The two private 18-hole courses are the sporting heart of La Zagaleta, for the exclusive use of residents and members, guaranteeing a private game. Beyond golf, there is horse riding, tennis and other activities on the estate. Around, in the "Golden Triangle", there are dozens of public courses in Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís.
Views and natural environment
The estate extends across some 900 hectares of intact forests and valleys in the hills of the Serranía de Ronda. The elevated position gives a deep sense of seclusion and panoramic views of the coast, the mountains and, on clear days, Gibraltar and North Africa. It is a rare combination of natural sanctuary and ultra-prime housing.
Architecture and types of villa
The architecture ranges from classic Andalusian and Mediterranean estates to contemporary designer villas. In 2026 there is an "architectural renaissance": early residences are rebuilt as state-of-the-art modern houses. A typical property is a large villa on a large plot (often 8,000–11,000 m² or more) with an infinity pool, spa and panoramic terraces.
Lifestyle and environment
Living in La Zagaleta is a sanctuary: tranquility, nature, security and absolute privacy for an international elite that values seclusion. The low density and huge territory create a world of its own, while the glamor and services of Marbella are just minutes away. It is the choice of those who value privacy over visibility.
Gastronomy: the town of Benahavís
The gastronomic heart of the area remains the town of Benahavís, known for its concentration of restaurants – from refined Mediterranean cuisine to traditional Andalusian steakhouses (e.g. La Escalera de Balthazar, Rufino, Amigos and others). All the haute cuisine of Marbella and Puerto Banús is just a few minutes away.
Nearby schools and healthcare
Despite its seclusion, La Zagaleta relies on the infrastructure of Marbella: the international schools of Nueva Andalucía and Marbella (Aloha College and others) and international healthcare (Quirónsalud Marbella, HC Marbella, Hospital Costa del Sol) just a few minutes away. That makes the farm suitable for families, not just for seasonal use.
Environment: Marbella, Puerto Banús, San Pedro
La Zagaleta is well located with respect to the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, San Pedro and the golf valley of Nueva Andalucía. The proximity to the urban infrastructure while maintaining the total privacy of the property is one of its great advantages. The neighboring gated estate is El Madroñal (also in Benahavís).
An outdoor life that can be enjoyed all year round
Thanks to its elevated position in the mountains, La Zagaleta has a cool yet mild coastal microclimate—mild winters, summers relieved by the altitude and abundant sunshine. The natural environment reinforces the feeling of calm and tranquility.
The real estate market in La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta is the summit of Spain's ultra-prime market. The prices of the villas range approximately from €4M to €40M, with an average property estimated at around €12.4M. The highest listings reach €30M and more. The scarcity of land and the strictly limited number of homes support exceptional value and liquidity in the high range.
What type of property you will find
- Villas and mansions: indicatively from approximately €4 M to €40 M.
- Plots: very rare; The last free plots are especially valuable.
- Projects and renovation: early villas that are rebuilt as contemporary "turnkey" residences.
Maintenance costs
The ultra-prime format entails corresponding maintenance costs: estate community fees (security, roads, infrastructure), club membership and the maintenance of a large house and plot. The specific figures depend on the property and partner status. Inmolux Group helps estimate the total cost of ownership in advance.
Buy in Spain with a well-structured operation
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. In the ultra-prime range, checks on the condition of the property, club membership and maintenance conditions are especially important. Inmolux Group accompanies the operation with total confidentiality.
Investment and why to buy
La Zagaleta is understood above all as a decision focused on capital preservation: security, privacy, internal services and a strict limit of housing in one of the rarest residential addresses in Europe. Villas and plots should be valued by position, topography, views, construction quality and upgrade potential. It is a purchase for those looking for a private sanctuary, not simply a large-format home.
Tell us how you want to live La Zagaleta. 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, about 12 km northwest of Marbella, in the Serranía de Ronda.
Approximately from 4 to 40 M€; The average property is around €12.4M.
Because of the absolute privacy, 24-hour security, the approximately 900 hectares of private nature and the closed club format.
Two private 18-hole golf courses, two clubhouses, helipad, equestrian centre and restaurants.
It was originally the hunting ground of Adnan Khashoggi (Al Baraka); Later the land was bought by an international consortium.
La Zagaleta is a more remote mountain estate with its own golf course; Sierra Blanca is closer to the centre and the beaches.
About 50 minutes by car (approximately 70 km) along the AP-7.
No: access is only for residents, members and guests, through two guarded doors.
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