The sea, a great climate, nature, fine dining, sport, golf and a wide range of leisure activities. The Costa del Sol brings together many of the factors that are leading more and more people to consider buying a property in Málaga, whether as a main residence, a second home or a place to enjoy long stays. But one question inevitably arises: which area is best to live in on the Costa del Sol?
Because not all locations on the Costa del Sol offer the same things. Some people prefer to be close to the city centre and be able to walk to the beach. Others are looking for peace and quiet, nature and golf. For some, sea views are a must; others prioritise having amenities, restaurants and shops nearby. Choosing where to buy a property on the Costa del Sol therefore starts with something very simple: defining the lifestyle you want to lead.
In this guide, we take a look at some of the most attractive areas along the Malaga coastline and the different living experiences you can find there.
Casares: nature, golf and mediterranean lifestyle
At the western end of the Costa del Sol, Casares combines a stunning natural setting with proximity to the Mediterranean and a wide range of golf courses. It is a particularly attractive location for those seeking a home in a peaceful setting, with open spaces and good connections to other parts of the coast.
Casares Costa also allows you to enjoy one of the great advantages of this area: being close to the sea without having to sacrifice the sense of space and tranquillity typical of a residential setting.
Alura Living Casares Costa: experience the Mediterranean from the comfort of your own home
Located in the Doña Julia area is Alura Living Casares Costa, a development comprising 99 two- and three-bedroom homes.
One of its key features is the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The homes feature spacious terraces, and the ground-floor units have private gardens with the option to add built-in mini-pools, whilst the south, south-east and south-west orientations maximise natural light and offer unobstructed sea views. The residential complex also includes swimming pools for adults and children, a gym, a calisthenics circuit, a golf simulator, a chill-out area with a barbecue, a lounge area, a sauna and a hammam.
Furthermore, Alura Living is situated around five minutes from the beaches of Casares and close to some of the area’s leading golf courses. It is, therefore, a particularly attractive option for those seeking the sea, nature, wellbeing and an outdoor lifestyle.
Amaranta Living Casares Golf: for those who want to be right next to the golf course
Also in Casares, but with an even closer link to the world of golf, is Amaranta Living Casares Golf. The development is situated right on the edge of Casares Costa Golf and comprises 2- and 3-bedroom homes, with views of both the golf course and the sea. Its communal facilities include swimming pools, a gym, a gourmet lounge, a barbecue area and a golf simulator.
The appeal here lies precisely in this combination of golf, nature and the Mediterranean, allowing residents to enjoy a peaceful setting without being far from the Costa del Sol’s main attractions.
Finca Cortesín (Casares): a residential experience centred around golf
For some people, golf is not simply a leisure activity, but an important part of their lifestyle. For them, living in a setting such as Finca Cortesín can make all the difference.
Las Terrazas de Cortesín Bon Air: scenery, privacy and golf
Within Finca Cortesín lies Las Terrazas de Cortesín Bon Air, a residential development comprising 51 two- and three-bedroom flats and penthouses. The properties feature large terraces and private gardens and enjoy views of the sea and the mountains.
The development includes a swimming pool, spa, gym and co-working space, and is just a few minutes’ drive from the beaches of Casares and well connected to other destinations on the Costa del Sol. It is designed for those who particularly value the scenery, privacy, golf and an exclusive residential setting.
La Cala de Mijas: a balance between the beach, golf and Mediterranean living
.If you’re looking for an area on the Costa del Sol that combines nature, the beach, sport and a wide range of leisure activities all within easy reach, La Cala de Mijas is another location well worth considering.
Its location allows you to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere than that of the major tourist centres, without sacrificing the proximity to Marbella, Fuengirola or Málaga.
Soleia Living El Chaparral: living between the golf course and the sea
Soleia Living El Chaparral, a development comprising 69 semi-detached 3- and 4-bedroom villas, is situated near the El Chaparral golf course.
The homes are designed to enhance the connection between indoors and outdoors, with spacious terraces, large windows and a south-facing orientation. They also boast views of the sea and the golf course. The communal facilities include two swimming pools, a fitness area, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a barbecue area and a co-working space.
The location also offers easy access to the beach and convenient travel to Fuengirola, Marbella or Málaga. As such, Soleia is particularly well-suited to those seeking a home that combines space, outdoor living, golf and proximity to the Mediterranean.
Estepona: living by the sea without giving up city life
Whilst Casares and La Cala de Mijas offer a lifestyle more closely linked to the countryside, golf and tranquillity, Estepona provides another very appealing combination: the sea, amenities and city life.
The town has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops, sports facilities, schools, services and places to enjoy everyday life.
Furthermore, its historic centre, the seafront promenade and its beaches allow you to incorporate the Mediterranean into your daily routine.
Isidora Living Las Mesas: everything nearby
In the Las Mesas area, you’ll find Isidora Living Las Mesas, a development comprising 43 two- and three-bedroom flats and penthouses.
One of its main attractions is its location: the centre of Estepona is less than a 15-minute walk away, whilst La Rada Beach and the marina are just a few minutes’ walk away.
The properties feature private terraces and gardens, whilst the communal areas include a swimming pool, gym, spa, sauna and a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and barbecue area.
It is a particularly attractive option for those who want to live close to the sea and all the amenities needed for daily life, without compromising on the comforts of a new-build development.
So, which part of the Costa del Sol is the best place to live?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
If the sea, the views and being close to nature are your priority, Casares Costa could be a very attractive option.
If you want golf to be part of your daily life, Casares, Finca Cortesín and La Cala de Mijas all offer a range of residential options.
If you’d prefer to have the beach, restaurants, amenities and the town centre within easy reach, Estepona might be a better fit.
And if you’re looking for a combination of several of these elements, the Costa del Sol offers precisely that: the chance to choose not just a home, but a setting that suits your lifestyle.
A simple way to start making up your mind
Before buying a property on the Costa del Sol, it may help to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to live near the beach, or do I prefer a quieter setting?
- How important are sea views to me?
- Do I want a golf course nearby?
- Do I need schools, shops and amenities within easy reach?
- Do I prefer to be able to walk to the town centre?
- Am I looking for a main residence or a holiday home?
- How important is a terrace or garden to me?
- How much time do I want to spend travelling around the Costa del Sol?
- Which communal areas would I actually use?
Because choosing where to live is, in reality, choosing how you want to live.
And that is probably the best place to start when looking for a home that suits you.
Frequently asked questions about where to live on the Costa del Sol
What is one of the best areas to live in on the Costa del Sol?
There isn’t just one area that suits everyone. Casares, Estepona and La Cala de Mijas each have their own distinct characteristics and may appeal more or less depending on whether you prioritise the beach, golf, nature, amenities, peace and quiet or transport links.
Where can you buy a property near the sea on the Costa del Sol?
Estepona, Casares Costa and La Cala de Mijas are some of the areas where you can find new-build developments close to the Mediterranean. Your choice will depend on how close to the beach you want to be and the type of residential area you prefer.
Where should I live on the Costa del Sol if I enjoy golf?
Casares, Finca Cortesín and El Chaparral are just some of the locations that offer a particularly close connection to golf. In these areas, you’ll find developments such as Amaranta Living Casares Golf, Las Terrazas de Cortesín Bon Air and Soleia Living El Chaparral.
Is Estepona a good place to live all year round?
Estepona combines beaches, amenities, shops, restaurants, sports facilities and road links to other parts of the Costa del Sol. As such, it can appeal both to those looking for a permanent home and to those seeking a second home.
What should I bear in mind when choosing where to buy a property in Málaga?
As well as the price of the property, it is worth considering the location, transport links, nearby amenities, proximity to the beach, aspect, outdoor spaces, communal areas and how you intend to use the property.