Nueva Andalucía is the largest neighbourhood in Marbella, extending over several square kilometres. It has an official census population of about 15,000 but considerably more residents in the summer. It was created by Madrid developer Jose Banús Masdeu who came to Marbella in 1962 and acquired the land. Construction of Puerto Banús began in 1965, it was inaugurated in 1968, and the main infrastructure of Nueva Andalucía was installed shortly afterward. The area was developed rapidly until 1989 – and again in the 2000s.

The key attractions today are the large residential estate, reasonable access to the highway and Marbella and, for many, a short taxi ride home from the Puerto Banús nightlife. Being a large residential area it has plenty of small commercial centres and restaurants for those who don’t want to venture out on a rainy or sunny day. Others find it too large and soulless; visitors can become frustrated or lost in the maze of tree-lined residential avenues which are confusingly either code-numbered (e.g. Calle 19B) or named in the normal way. This is not to mention the overlay of “supermanzana” urban layouts. It is, however, reputed that some residents appreciate the anonymity of the place.

TWO UNNAMED AREAS

The Western section is built on a natural ridge of land with less expensive properties, including La Campana village and La Torre de Andalucía. Smaller villas and townhouses are built along the ridge and its western slopes, reaching down to the main coast road and the Guadaliza River plain.

The Eastern section includes sectors of larger villas and some areas of apartments in the lower lying land to the east of the natural ridge. The eastern section includes the “Golf Valley“, with the famous Las Brisas (1968), Los Naranjos (1977) and Aloha golf courses, and the latter’s “Aloha pueblo” village.

ONLY THREE ENTRANCES

The “main” entrance to Nueva Andalucía never had a monument or arch of any kind, perhaps because José Banús did not want to detract from his port. In the ’80s and ’90s it was marked by the curved row of shops overlooking the highway and Puerto Banús,highlighted by a Barclays Bank and a huge neon “Photo Quick” on the roof and La Tajona café. Today the bright lights of La Sala are the main landmark for entering Avenida Pilar Calvo. The 2020 Marbella Arena the repurposed bullring a venue for concerts and events not bullfights serves as a reference point. Centro Plaza shopping centre – a popular meeting point -comprises quality shops, restaurants, bars and offices, as well as a supermarket, gymnasium and small adjoining car park. The traditional Saturday morning market on entering Avenida Pilar Calvo further adds to traffic disruption.

The second entrance is from the coastal highway a block to the west of the Andalucía Plaza Hotel, along the residential Avenida de los Girasoles. At the top it leads into the more commercial Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, which leads down tothe La Campana shopping area. Alternatively, you can follow the ridge past the Andalucía Garden Club and Aldea Blanca urbanisations and up to the La Corniche and Magna Marbella before dropping down again to Los Naranjos and the “Golf Valley”.

The third entrance is opposite the eastern boulevard of Puerto Banús where the locally names ‘Russian statue’ is located. Inland from the coastal highway there is a commercial centre with the Overseas (Brithsh) food store and an entrance into the La Alzambra urbanisation.  Continuing on Camino del Angel, there is access on the right for Los Naranjos de Marbella and the old . Continue on Avenida Principe Salman into a woody area for Aloha School and Marbella Golf Centre (previous La Dama de Noche Golf). Continue up to Aloha Golf Club, along Calle la Cañada de Ganados past Aloha golf’s water feature. Turn left for Aloha Pueblo or continue back to Centro Plaza. Alternatively continue ondeep into the “Golf Valley” and Las Brisas and Los Naranjos golf courses.

Luckily there are also three other little known entrances in and out of Nueva Andalucía. From San Pedro there are two small crossings of the Rio Guadaliza into La Campana; there is a route from La Quinta Golf to the Los Naranjos golf roundabout; and on the eastern outskirts from Aloha School over the Rio Verde to the coastal highway’s west-bound carriageway.

MORE COMPLEXES

Other urbanisations include Albatross Hill, Vista Real, Señoria de Gonzaga, Lago de los Tortugas, Alimar de Marbella, Sierra Park Club, Los Arrayanes, Aloha Golf Apartments, Aloha Hill Club and Peña Blanca

As well as the larger neighbourhoods in Marbella, Nueva Andalucía is also a highly sought-after place to live in this part of the Costa del Sol. The extensive residential area offers a haven of peace and quiet, all within just a short drive of Marbella and Puerto Banús. Nueva Andalucía is also renowned for the quality of property available – mansion-type villas line many of the leafy boulevards – and for providing all the amenities you need.

Where is Nueva Andalucía?

This high-end neighbourhood lies to the west of Marbella and north of Puerto Banús. It stretches as far north as the AP-7 toll highway, west to the Guadaiza River and east to Rio Verde.

What’s Nueva Andalucía like?

Created and built by José Banús, the architect of Puerto Banús, in the late 1960s, Nueva Andalucía is all about peaceful residential living. Designed with wide boulevards, the neighbourhood offers a quieter side to life on the Costa del Sol.

When you explore the neighbourhood, it feels as life has slowed right down despite being within walking distance of the glitz and glamour in Puerto Banús. Families and retirees find their haven there as do famous faces looking for anonymity.

You don’t need to travel for amenities since Nueva Andalucía offers all you need. Golfers are particularly spoilt with no less than five excellent courses on their doorstep, and there are several sports clubs. Shops and restaurants are also onsite as well as services such as medical centres, banks and businesses. Schools include state educational centres, the private international school Aloha Centre plus two higher education establishments, Marbella University and the renowned Les Roches hotel school.

How diverse is it?

Nueva Andalucía is large and almost ranks as a small town in its own right. However, the neighbourhood has a very low construction density, and there’s a feeling of open space everywhere you go. It sits in the lower foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and this incline affords stunning Mediterranean views with an equally stunning mountain backdrop.

Mediterranean style

The architecture is mostly Andalusian – Mediterranean-style villas and apartment complexes are the most common with white façades. Typical features include patios, balconies, fountains and wrought-iron details.  The landscaping is tasteful – most boulevards are tree-lined with species native to the Mediterranean and/or palm trees.

Nature on your doorstep

This part of Marbella also has a strong nature component. The Lago de las Tortugas (Turtle Lake) to the north is a large reservoir, surrounded by woodland. A haven for wildlife, mostly birds as well as turtles, the lake offers freshwater swimming in the summer and family walks all year round. The views of the lake with the trees and mountains reflected in the water are often likened to the Alps.

What’s the population of Nueva Andalucía?

Around 17,700 people live in Nueva Andalucía, although the population is considerably higher during the summer months.

How many foreigners live in Nueva Andalucía?

This area of Marbella has a large resident population of expats, and the neighbourhood is particularly popular with the British. The international ambience is reflected in the restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. You’ll find that English is widely spoken.

What’s the weather like in Nueva Andalucía?

Like the rest of the Costa del Sol, Nueva Andalucía enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. Expect around 320 days of sunshine a year with warm daytime temperatures even in winter. The Sierra Blanca mountains protect the area from cold winds in the winter and hot breezes in the summer.

How do I get to Nueva Andalucía?

Getting to this part of Marbella is easy. From Malaga Airport, you simply follow the A-7 or AP-7 (toll) highway west and exit north after Marbella. From the west, you take the A-7 or AP-7 (toll) highway and leave just after San Pedro de Alcántara.

How far is it to Malaga Airport from Nueva Andalucía?

Malaga Airport is around 56km to the east. It takes approximately 35 minutes to drive there, slightly longer in the summer when traffic is busier.

How far is it to Gibraltar Airport from Nueva Andalucía?

Gibraltar Airport – a good alternative for flights between the Costa del Sol and the UK – is around 65km away. The car journey is just under an hour, but allow extra time for border controls.

How far is it to Marbella from Nueva Andalucía?

Marbella is practically on the doorstep – the 7km drive to the resort’s centre takes just over 10 minutes and is via the attractive Golden Mile. Link to Golden Mile Area Guide

What are the main attractions in Nueva Andalucía?

The main appeal of living in this part of the Costa del Sol lies in its tranquillity. In Nueva Andalucía, you can enjoy the peace and quiet and everything you need onsite. Even in the height of summer, the neighbourhood seems as laid back as ever despite the crowds in the nearby Puerto Banús and Marbella.

Sports for all

Sporting facilities are excellent – Golf Valley includes five golf courses in and near Nueva Andalucía. They include some of the most veteran golf courses on the Costa del Sol as well as La Quinta, which ranks among the best in southern Spain. For racquet sports fans, the renowned Manolo Santana Tennis Academy is located there too.

Good choice of education

Families are drawn to the high quality of education, also onsite. Aloha College, one of the most established international schools on the Costa del Sol, has its large campus in Nueva Andalucía. Older students can choose from Marbella University and Les Roches Marbella.

Weekend market

The Saturday morning market is one of the largest and most popular on the Costa del Sol. Centered around the bullring (now an events venue) at the south end, the market includes arts and crafts, antiques and paintings as well as general stalls.

What are the beaches like near Nueva Andalucía?

The nearest beaches to Nueva Andalucía are those in Puerto Banús. Within walking distance of the south side of the neighbourhood, they consist of small sandy coves with family-friendly bathing. You’ll also find some of the most famous beach clubs in Marbella on this stretch of the coast such as La Sala by the Sea and Ocean Club. Largest beaches are also nearby in Marbella to the east and San Pedro to the west.

What is there to do in Nueva Andalucía?

The quiet atmosphere in this part of Marbella lends itself well to sporting and outdoor activities. As we’ve said, golf reigns supreme here, and you’ll find some of the best golf courses in Marbella. Tennis and paddle tennis fans are also spoilt for choice while nature lovers have a range of mountain hikes on the doorstep.

At night, Casino Marbella, one of the two casinos on the Costa del Sol, is located in Nueva Andalucía and offers live entertainment as well as games of chance. You’ll also find live music at some of the bars throughout the neighbourhood. And if you’re looking for the famous Marbella nightlife, Puerto Banús is minutes away.

What about eating out in Nueva Andalucía?

Restaurants in Nueva Andalucía reflect the cosmopolitan lifestyle on the Costa del Sol. The eateries offer a range of different cuisines from an all English breakfast to Argentinian steaks and Italian pizzas. You’ll also find fine French dining, sushi and other Asian fares as well as traditional Spanish bars serving tapas and regional food. Many of the restaurants offer relaxing outdoor dining with Mediterranean views.

How about shopping in Nueva Andalucía?

The neighbourhood has a good range of shops, including supermarkets for everyday items. Centro Plaza shopping centre near the bullring also has boutiques and beauty salons. La Colonia in the west also has shops and a post office.

Luxury shopping is available just down the road at Puerto Banús where you’ll find high-end boutiques and the large El Corte Inglés department store. Nearby Marbella offers excellent shopping too with La Cañada shopping mall to the north and more traditional shops in the centre.

And what about property in Nueva Andalucía?

Most Nueva Andalucía property comes in a Mediterranean style and offers spacious living. Apartments tend to be in gated complexes with communal pool and tropical gardens and are mostly low-rise. Townhouse developments are also available, usually in purpose-built complexes.

The most common type of property in Nueva Andalucía is, however, villas, often on large plots. The world is your oyster for this type of property, although most are mansion-style with at least four bedrooms and all offer commanding views.

Many villas in Nueva Andalucía have frontline golf positions, and you can choose from a range of styles such as traditional Andalusian or modern architecture. Price tags start at a minimum of one million euros, and the most expensive are on a par with those in other luxury areas of Marbella such as Nagueles and the Golden Mile.