Named after the river which forms the border between the regions of Marbella and Estepona, Guadalmina is well known for its beautiful beaches and great golf courses.

It is located right next to the lovely towns of San Pedro and Cancelada, both of which have great shops and services. A little further in either direction will take you to Marbella and Estepona, so there’s a lot to offer very close by.

Guadalmina is split into two distinct zones by the coastal highway, Guadalmina Alta and Guadalmina Baja. Guadalmina Alta sits on a mountainside towards the north, with Guadalmina Baja the area closest to the sea.

Guadalmina Alta includes a shopping centre which features a large supermarket, banks, shops, restaurants and cafes, which is very convenient for residents and holidaymakers alike. This is also where you access the two golf courses – Real Club de Golf Guadalmina and Atalaya Golf and Country Club.

Guadalmina Beach features a stunning 1,500 metre long stretch of beach and some interesting historical sites too. These include the ruins of a 4th century Christian church, a 3rd century Roman bath house and a watch tower.

This area is real estate heaven, with large luxury villas in quiet palm tree lined streets and idyllic residential zones. There are also a number of excellent developments of apartments and townhouses, with lush gardens, pools and ample facilities, which are perfect for a lock-up and leave property, or if you don’t need too much space. Many properties in Guadalmina overlook the golf courses which thread their way through the area, providing beautiful views, and a lovely setting.

The main course, Real Guadalmina Golf Club has two 18-hole courses. The South course is the second oldest in the Costa del Sol and runs right down to the sea. It also boasts a pitch & putt course and a driving range. Atalaya Golf & Country Club is also very close by, with its old and new courses. As if that wasn’t enough, you’re just a few minutes’ drive away from Nueva Andalucia’s golf valley, so golfers really are spoilt for choice.

Guadalmina Baja is home to the primary school of the bilingual private school San Jose, which has its secondary school located in nearby Estepona. There are more private, international schools in nearby Nueva Andalucia and Marbella, and there are lots of facilities for kids in the surrounding areas, making Guadalmina popular with families.

Not to be missed: Guadalmina Sur golf course, one of the oldest on the Costa del Sol. 

Fun Fact: Guadalmina was developed in the 1980s, but has been beguiling visitors since long before. In 1933 Basque businessman Norberto Goizueta surveyed the lush level coastline of Guadalmina from his yacht and started his plan to develop the area and Guadalmina Sur golf course was completed in 1959.

Steve Wiley

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