FAQs
Questions and answers about lifestyle and community
What are the advantages of living in Marbella?
Marbella offers a unique lifestyle that combines an exceptional climate, beaches, natural beauty, fine dining, safety and a wide range of leisure activities all year round. Furthermore, it boasts excellent international connections, first-class services and some of the most exclusive residential developments in Europe, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for both living and investing.
What is the quality of life like on the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is renowned for its excellent quality of life. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, a mild climate, comprehensive healthcare provision, international schools, sports facilities and a wide variety of outdoor activities, it offers the perfect balance between wellbeing, high standards of service, work, leisure and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
What international services and schools are there in the area?
Marbella offers a wide range of high-quality services, including private hospitals, specialist clinics, shopping centres, marinas, golf courses and internationally renowned restaurants.
As for education, the area is home to prestigious international schools that follow the British, American, Swedish, German and French educational systems, making Marbella an excellent choice for international families.
What cultural and sporting activities are there to enjoy in Marbella?
Marbella offers a year-round programme of cultural and sporting events. You can enjoy:
- Over 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol.
- Water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving.
- Hiking in the Sierra Blanca and other natural areas.
- Top-class tennis and padel clubs.
- Music festivals, exhibitions and cultural events.
- World-class cuisine with award-winning restaurants.
The city perfectly combines an active lifestyle with a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.
What are the safest and most exclusive areas in and around Marbella?
Marbella is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious residential developments, many of which have 24-hour private security.
Among the most exclusive areas are:
- Marbella centre.
- The Golden Mile.
- Sierra Blanca.
- Cascada de Camoján.
- La Zagaleta.
- Los Monteros.
- Guadalmina Baja.
- Nueva Andalucía.
Each one offers different styles of housing and surroundings, ranging from beachfront villas to properties surrounded by nature and golf courses, or gated communities with the highest security standards.
What are the fixed costs associated with a luxury property in Marbella?
Running costs depend on the type of property, but usually include:
- Property Tax (IBI).
- Service charges.
- Municipal waste collection charge.
- Utilities (water, electricity, internet, etc.).
- Home insurance.
- Garden and swimming pool maintenance, where applicable.
In detached houses, it is also common to hire gardening, domestic, technical maintenance or private security services.
Does Marbella have a good public transport system, or do you need your own car?
Marbella has a good network of local and intercity buses connecting the town with other towns on the Costa del Sol. Ideal for those who don’t want to drive.
However, to enjoy greater convenience and easy access to housing estates, golf courses, restaurants, beach clubs and residential areas, having your own car is usually the best option.
What makes Marbella different from other coastal areas in Spain?
Marbella combines a stunning natural setting with a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a range of amenities that is hard to match.
Its excellent climate, the quality of its residential developments, its safety, its culinary scene, its golf courses, its international schools, the Puerto Banús marina and a strong international community make Marbella one of Europe’s most exclusive residential destinations.
Furthermore, the property market there continues to enjoy strong domestic and international demand, which helps to preserve the value of properties in the long term.