Golf, Green Spaces and Relaxed Living on the New Golden Mile
El Paraíso is a well-established residential area located on the New Golden Mile, between Marbella and Estepona. Built around the renowned El Paraíso Golf Club, the area is known for its spacious homes, mature greenery, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a quieter alternative to some of the Costa del Sol’s busier coastal destinations.
Stretching from the coastline towards the foothills, El Paraíso combines golf-front properties, family villas, and gated communities within a setting defined by open space and natural surroundings. Despite its relaxed character, residents enjoy convenient access to beaches, international schools, restaurants, and everyday amenities, all within a short drive.
In this guide, we explore what makes El Paraíso a popular place to live, from its location and property market to lifestyle, amenities, and the practical aspects of living in this established part of the Costa del Sol.
What is El Paraíso?
El Paraíso is an established residential community spanning both the municipalities of Estepona and Benahavís on the New Golden Mile. At its centre lies El Paraíso Golf Club, one of the Costa del Sol’s best-known golf courses, which has shaped the area’s character since the early 1970s.
Unlike many newer developments, El Paraíso has grown gradually over time, creating a mature neighbourhood with tree-lined streets, generous plots, and a relaxed residential atmosphere. The area offers a varied mix of villas, townhouses, apartments, and golf-front homes, appealing to families, retirees, and international buyers looking for space and privacy.
Set between the Mediterranean coastline and the foothills of Sierra Bermeja, El Paraíso enjoys a green setting while remaining within easy reach of beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and everyday amenities. Its combination of established surroundings
Where is El Paraíso located?
El Paraíso is located on the New Golden Mile, between Marbella and Estepona, spanning parts of both the municipalities of Estepona and Benahavís. Positioned just inland from the Mediterranean coastline, the area enjoys a convenient location with easy access to golf courses, beaches, shopping, and everyday amenities.
The neighbourhood is well connected by the A-7 coastal road and the AP-7 toll motorway, making it easy to travel along the Costa del Sol. Whether commuting locally or heading to nearby airports, El Paraíso offers a balance of peaceful residential living and excellent accessibility.
Approximate distances from El Paraíso:
- Marbella Centre – 18 km
- Puerto Banús – 11 km
- San Pedro Alcántara – 6 km
- Estepona Centre – 19 km
- Ronda – 55 km
- Málaga Airport – 65 km
- Gibraltar Airport – 63 km
Is El Paraíso a Safe Place to Live?
El Paraíso is widely regarded as one of the New Golden Mile’s safest and most established residential areas. The neighbourhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere, low-density development, and well-maintained streets, making it popular with families, retirees, and international residents.
Many properties are located within gated communities or on private plots, offering an added sense of privacy and security. Combined with its quiet residential character and convenient access to Marbella, Estepona, and everyday amenities, El Paraíso provides a comfortable and secure environment for both permanent living and holiday homes.
What Types of Properties Are Available in El Paraíso?
El Paraíso offers a diverse selection of homes, making it one of the New Golden Mile’s most versatile residential areas. Properties range from spacious detached villas on generous plots to modern apartments, penthouses, and townhouses within gated communities featuring landscaped gardens, swimming pools, and shared amenities.
Architecture varies throughout the area, with traditional Andalusian homes sitting alongside contemporary developments. Many properties in the upper parts of El Paraíso enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean, golf course, and Sierra Bermeja, while homes closer to the coast provide easy access to the beach and coastal lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent family home, a holiday property, or an investment opportunity, El Paraíso offers options to suit a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.
Browse our properties in El Paraíso.
How Much Does Property Cost in El Paraíso?
Property prices in El Paraíso vary considerably depending on location, property type, plot size, and views. The area is generally divided into three sections: El Paraíso Alto, El Paraíso Medio, and El Paraíso Barronal near the coast.
In El Paraíso Alto, villas typically range from around €900,000 to €9 million, with larger homes occupying generous plots and often enjoying sea, mountain, or golf views. Apartments generally range from approximately €395,000 to €695,000, while townhouses can cost between €320,000 and €900,000.
In El Paraíso Medio, villas are commonly priced between €2 million and €3.5 million. Apartments may start from around €220,000, while townhouses usually range from approximately €300,000 to €850,000.
Closer to the coast, El Paraíso Barronal includes some of the area’s most exclusive homes. Villas can range from around €3.2 million to more than €10 million, particularly for beachfront properties. Apartments generally start below €200,000 and may reach approximately €680,000.
A limited number of building plots are also available, typically measuring between 2,000 and 3,000 square metres. Prices should be treated as indicative, as availability and market conditions can change.
Things to Do in El Paraíso
El Paraíso offers a relaxed lifestyle centred around golf, outdoor activities, wellness, and easy access to the coast. While the neighbourhood itself is primarily residential, residents are just minutes from some of the New Golden Mile’s best sports facilities, beaches, restaurants, and family attractions.
Golf
Golf is at the heart of El Paraíso’s identity. El Paraíso Golf Club is one of the Costa del Sol’s most established courses, offering 18 holes surrounded by mature trees, lakes, and views towards La Concha and the Mediterranean. Designed by Gary Player and opened in 1973, it remains a favourite among both residents and visiting golfers.
Nearby courses such as Atalaya Golf & Country Club and Flamingos Golf provide even more options within a short drive.
Tennis & Padel
Several sports clubs are located close to El Paraíso, including Bel Air Tennis Club, RozaRossa Tennis Club, and Racquet Club Villa Padierna, offering tennis and padel courts for players of all levels.
Wellness & Spa
The New Golden Mile is home to several renowned wellness destinations. Nearby spas include METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella Estepona, Exe Estepona Thalasso & Spa, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort, and Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, offering everything from thalassotherapy and thermal circuits to luxury spa treatments.
Hiking & Nature
Nature lovers will find several scenic hiking trails just a short drive from El Paraíso, with routes suitable for both leisurely walks and longer hikes. One of the most popular is Acequia del Guadalmina Trail, a family-friendly riverside walk following a historic irrigation channel through the Guadalmina Valley. The trail features suspension bridges, shaded woodland, and views over the Guadalmina River, making it a favourite for both walking and light hiking.
For those looking for more challenging routes, the nearby hills of Benahavís offer a variety of mountain trails with panoramic views across the Mediterranean coastline and surrounding natural landscapes.
Equestrian Activities
Horse riding enthusiasts will find excellent facilities nearby. Marbella Club Equestrian Centre offers riding lessons, dressage, show jumping, and scenic trails, while Marbella Horses provides professional training and equestrian experiences for riders of all abilities.
Family Activities
Families living in El Paraíso have easy access to beaches, sports facilities, indoor play centres, and seasonal water parks. The surrounding area also offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities throughout the year.
Restaurants in El Paraíso
El Paraíso offers a relaxed selection of restaurants, while the surrounding areas of Benahavís, the New Golden Mile, and Estepona provide even more choice. From casual cafés to fine dining, excellent dining experiences are never far away.
The restaurant at El Paraíso Golf Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the fairways, making it a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxed meal after a round of golf.
Nearby, Grill Argentino Tehuelche brings together Argentine grilling traditions with European culinary influences, serving premium meats in a warm and welcoming setting. For beachfront dining, Salduna Beach offers Mediterranean cuisine with international influences, accompanied by sea views and a relaxed atmosphere. The Garden by La Rosa is another local favourite, specialising in Argentine cuisine served in a charming garden setting.
For brunch or a relaxed lunch, Gastro House Julia remains a popular neighbourhood café serving homemade breakfasts, brunch, and traditional Sunday roasts.
Just a few minutes away, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort offers several dining experiences, including 99 Sushi Bar Marbella and a selection of Mediterranean and international restaurants.
Dining options extend beyond El Paraíso to the nearby village of Benahavís, often referred to as the gastronomic heart of the Costa del Sol. For a beachfront setting, KAI Beach at Laguna combines Japanese-Mediterranean fusion with sea views, making it one of the New Golden Mile’s most stylish dining destinations.
Beach Clubs Near El Paraíso
El Paraíso is within easy reach of several of the New Golden Mile’s most exclusive beach clubs, offering everything from relaxed seaside dining to poolside experiences and private cabanas.
Azure Beach Marbella at METT Hotel combines an infinity pool, private cabanas, panoramic Mediterranean views, and Pan-Asian cuisine.
Located at Laguna, Sublim Beach offers beachfront dining, poolside sunbeds, and a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by palms and uninterrupted sea views.
Barbillón Marbella in Guadalmina Baja spans more than 4,000 square metres and features beachfront sunbeds, a private pool, and Mediterranean dining.
Further west, Nido Estepona combines Mediterranean cuisine, a swimming pool, and a peaceful beachfront setting surrounded by nature.
Healthcare in El Paraíso
Residents of El Paraíso have access to a wide range of public and private healthcare services within a short drive. From local health centres to internationally recognised private hospitals, the area is well served for both everyday medical care and specialist treatment.
For public healthcare, San Pedro Alcántara Health Centre, Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona, and Hospital Costa del Sol provide primary care, specialist services, and 24-hour emergency treatment.
Private healthcare options include HC Marbella International Hospital, Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella, Hospiten Estepona, Hospital Ochoa, Clínica Premium Marbella, Vithas Xanit Estepona, and RS Clinic Marbella, offering a broad range of medical specialties and multilingual healthcare professionals.
For private emergency home visits, Helicópteros Sanitarios provides 24-hour medical assistance throughout the Costa del Sol.
Schools in And Around El Paraíso
Families living in El Paraíso have access to a strong selection of public, bilingual, and international schools across the New Golden Mile, Estepona, San Pedro Alcántara, and Marbella.
Nearby options include International School Estepona, Mayfair International Academy, Atlas American School of Málaga, Colegio San José, and the Swedish International School. Towards San Pedro and Marbella, families can also consider Laude San Pedro International College, Aloha College, Swans International School, The British International School of Marbella, Calpe School, Saint George’s School, Casa del Mar Montessori, and EFIM.
Public schools in the surrounding area include Colegio Público Cancelada and CEIP Isdabe del Mar. This wide range of curricula and age groups makes El Paraíso a practical choice for international families.
10 Reasons to Live in El Paraíso
- Peaceful residential setting – A calm and well-established neighbourhood on the New Golden Mile.
- Excellent location – Conveniently positioned between Marbella, San Pedro, and Estepona.
- Golf at your doorstep – Home to El Paraíso Golf Club, with several other courses nearby.
- Wide choice of properties – From apartments and townhouses to spacious villas and beachfront homes.
- Sea, golf, and mountain views – Many properties enjoy open views across the surrounding landscape.
- Outdoor lifestyle – Beaches, hiking trails, tennis, padel, and equestrian facilities are all within easy reach.
- Strong dining and beach club scene – Residents have access to restaurants and beach clubs across the New Golden Mile.
- Family-friendly environment – A safe residential area with a broad selection of international and bilingual schools nearby.
- Everyday convenience – Shops, healthcare, services, and transport links are all close at hand.
- Long-term appeal – Its established character, location, and varied property market continue to attract international buyers.
Looking to Buy in El Paraíso?
El Paraíso offers a strong combination of peaceful surroundings, golfside living, and easy access to the coast. With a wide choice of apartments, townhouses, and villas, the area suits both permanent residents and those looking for a second home on the New Golden Mile.
Explore available properties in El Paraíso or contact our team for personalised guidance.