Destination guide
Marbella and the Costa del Sol
17 places across 10 categories of our rankings. Nearest airport: Málaga Airport, about 45 minutes by car.
Luxury hotels
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Marbella · Málaga No. 6 of 10
Marbella Club Hotel
A classic of Marbella's Golden Mile: two Michelin Keys and an understated elegance.
Michelin: 2 Keys
Golf
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Sotogrande · Cádiz No. 1 of 10
Real Club Valderrama
Host of the 1997 Ryder Cup and a benchmark of Spanish golf: narrow fairways between cork oaks and demanding greens.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · 18 holes · Par 71
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Sotogrande · Cádiz No. 2 of 10
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s first design in Europe, a few minutes from Valderrama: a classic that still sits at the top.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · 18 holes · Par 72
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Casares · Málaga No. 4 of 10
Finca Cortesín
Host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, with views of the mountains and the sea and five-star service.
Designed by Cabell B. Robinson · 18 holes · Par 72
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Marbella · Málaga No. 5 of 10
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Another Robert Trent Jones Sr. course, in the Nueva Andalucía valley, opened in 1968 and renovated by Kyle Phillips.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. · 18 holes · Par 72
Restaurants
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Marbella · Málaga No. 10 of 10
Skina
Two stars in Marbella's old town, with Mario Cachinero reinterpreting Andalusian recipes.
Cuisine by Mario Cachinero · Michelin: 2 stars
Luxury homes
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Benahavís · Málaga No. 3 of 10
La Zagaleta
A private development in the mountains of Benahavís, "considered one of the most exclusive in Europe" according to Hiscox. Coto Zagaleta is the third address in the idealista 2026 ranking.
Private development · idealista 2026: No. 3
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Marbella · Málaga No. 5 of 10
Marbella
Two addresses in the idealista 2026 top 10: calle Osa Menor (No. 7) and Cascada de Camoján (No. 10). Los Monteros is the most expensive area in the province, according to Hiscox.
Coastal city · idealista 2026: Nos. 7 and 10
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San Roque · Cádiz No. 8 of 10
Sotogrande
The largest private residential development in Andalusia, founded in 1964, with five golf courses (Valderrama among them) and a marina.
Private development · Founded in 1964
Luxury shopping
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Marbella · Málaga No. 4 of 10
Puerto Banús
Around a hundred shops on the marina's main streets, with major international fashion and accessories brands.
Shopping district · Around a hundred shops
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Málaga No. 6 of 10
Calle Marqués de Larios
Spain's fifth most expensive shopping street according to Cushman & Wakefield 2025, in central Málaga.
Shopping street · Cushman & Wakefield 2025: No. 5 in Spain
Spas
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Marbella · Málaga No. 6 of 10
Six Senses Spa · Puente Romano
Nominated in 2026 for Spain's Best Resort Spa. It won that category in 2023.
World Spa Awards: Nominee 2026 · Resort spa
Yachts and coves
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Marbella · Málaga No. 2 of 10
Puerto Banús
Second in the Velvua 2026 ranking. According to the marina itself, it has more than 900 berths and takes superyachts of up to 180 m.
Velvua 2026: No. 2 · Costa del Sol
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San Roque · Cádiz No. 5 of 10
Puerto Sotogrande
Fifth in Velvua 2026. The Sotogrande marina opened in 1988, next to the development and its golf courses.
Velvua 2026: No. 5 · Costa de la Luz
Motor
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Ronda · Málaga No. 2 of 10
Ascari Race Resort
A private motor club with 26 corners inspired by circuits around the world, opened in 2003 in the Ronda mountains. The most exclusive in Spain.
5.425 km · Since 2003
Historic stays
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Marbella · Málaga No. 5 of 9
La Fonda Heritage Hotel
A hotel in 16th-century buildings in Marbella's old town, with Andalusian character and a rooftop bar.
Historic house · 16th-century buildings
Helicopters
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Málaga · Marbella No. 2 of 3
World Aviation
Flies on the Costa del Sol with Bell 429, Bell 505 and EC130 helicopters; according to the company, it operates from Málaga airport and Marbella heliport.
Málaga and Marbella · AOC ES.AOC.163
Complete itineraries
Directories