One of Europe’s Most Exclusive Gated Communities
La Zagaleta represents the highest level of residential living on the Costa del Sol. Set within the rolling hills of Benahavís, this renowned gated community is defined by expansive estates, world-class amenities, and a rare sense of privacy that few locations in Europe can match.
Surrounded by countryside and open views towards the Mediterranean, La Zagaleta feels quietly removed, yet remains only a short drive from Marbella, Puerto Banús, and the coastline. Life here is defined by space, discretion, and a strong connection to nature, within an environment that is carefully managed and exceptionally well maintained.
In this guide, we explore what makes La Zagaleta one of Europe’s most prestigious residential addresses — from its location and lifestyle to property types, services, and the qualities that continue to attract buyers seeking privacy, space, and uncompromising quality.
What is La Zagaleta?
La Zagaleta is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most exclusive gated residential communities, located in the hills of Benahavís, just minutes from Marbella, Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcántara, and the Golf Valley of Nueva Andalucía. Created on a former private hunting estate in the early 1990s, the community spans approximately 900 hectares of protected woodland, valleys, and open countryside.
Today, La Zagaleta is home to a limited collection of luxury villas and estates, each set on generous plots and carefully positioned to maximise privacy, space, and views. The setting feels quietly grand rather than showy. Homes blend into the landscape, surrounded by nature, with open outlooks towards the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and the surrounding mountains.
Beyond the architecture, La Zagaleta is defined by its lifestyle. Residents enjoy access to two private golf courses, two clubhouses, an equestrian centre, tennis and racquet facilities, concierge services, and internal road networks stretching across the estate. Security and discretion are fundamental, creating an environment where privacy, comfort, and peace of mind come first.
Rather than feeling like a traditional urbanisation, La Zagaleta feels like its own private world, combining space, privacy, and a wide range of high-quality amenities in one carefully designed setting. It is this balance between natural surroundings and refined living that continues to make La Zagaleta one of the most sought-after addresses on the Costa del Sol.
Where is La Zagaleta Located?
La Zagaleta is located in the hills of Benahavís, positioned between the mountains and the Mediterranean coastline. The setting feels peaceful and private, yet key areas such as Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcántara, and Marbella town centre are all within an easy drive.
Surrounded by protected countryside and elevated above the coast, La Zagaleta enjoys open views across Andalusian mountains, green valleys, and, in many areas, towards the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar. Access is straightforward via the A-397 road towards Ronda, with quick connections to both the A-7 coastal road and the AP-7 toll motorway. The community also has a private heliport for residents.
Approximate distances from La Zagaleta:
- San Pedro de Alcántara – 10 km
- Puerto Banús – 13 km
- Benahavís Village – 12 km
- Marbella Centre – 20 km
- Estepona – 28 km
- Málaga Airport – 70 km
- Gibraltar Airport – 70 km
What is the History of La Zagaleta?
The land that today forms La Zagaleta has a long and interesting past. Before becoming one of Europe’s most prestigious residential communities, the area was part of a large private estate in the hills of Benahavís, originally owned by French businessman Thierry Roussel. His family holdings included what are now known as El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, and La Reserva de Alcuzcuz.
During the 1980s, a significant portion of this land was acquired by Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, who used the estate, then known as La Baraka, as a private hunting ground and rural retreat. At the time, the property reflected the discreet, high-profile lifestyle that characterised Marbella during that era.
In 1990, the estate was purchased by a group of investors led by Enrique Pérez Flores, who envisioned transforming the land into a low-density, private residential community set within nature. La Zagaleta was officially established shortly after, with a focus on large plots, strong security, and minimal environmental impact.
Development began in the early 1990s with the creation of internal roads, the first villas, and the original golf course. The Old Clubhouse opened in 1994, marking an important milestone in shaping the community as it is known today.
Over the decades, La Zagaleta has evolved carefully and consistently, maintaining its original philosophy: preserving the natural landscape while offering a highly private, refined residential environment. This long-term vision is a key reason why La Zagaleta remains one of the most respected addresses on the Costa del Sol.
What Types of Properties Are Available in La Zagaleta?
La Zagaleta is defined almost entirely by luxury villas and custom-built estates, each set on generous plots and designed to offer space, privacy, and strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Homes here are never mass-produced. Every property has its own architectural identity, shaped by leading international architects and built to strict design and environmental guidelines.
The property offering ranges from elegant Mediterranean and Andalusian-style villas to contemporary and ultra-modern residences. Interiors are typically spacious and light-filled, with open-plan living areas, generous terraces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Many homes enjoy panoramic views over the mountains, golf courses, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Alongside completed villas, buyers will also find plots for custom-built homes and a small selection of off-plan projects. Plot sizes generally start around 3,000 m² and extend well beyond, allowing for substantial residences with landscaped gardens, private pools, and extensive outdoor spaces.
Low building density is central to La Zagaleta’s character, preserving privacy, views, and the natural environment. Whether purchasing a finished villa or creating a bespoke home, La Zagaleta offers some of the most exclusive residential options on the Costa del Sol.
Browse our properties in La Zagaleta.
How Much Do Properties Cost in La Zagaleta?
Property prices in La Zagaleta reflect its position as one of Europe’s most exclusive residential communities. Homes here sit at the very top end of the Costa del Sol market, driven by limited supply, large plot sizes, high construction standards, and the level of privacy the estate offers.
As a general guideline, villas in La Zagaleta typically start from around €2 million, with many properties positioned between €5 million and €15 million. At the upper end of the market, exceptional estates can reach €25 million and above, particularly those with prime views, larger plots, or bespoke architectural design.
Prices vary depending on factors such as location within the estate, plot size, views, architectural style, and the quality of finishes. In addition to completed villas, prime plots and off-plan projects are also available, with values reflecting their size and development potential.
Ownership in La Zagaleta also comes with ongoing running costs. Maintaining a property is estimated at around €70,000 per year, with community fees in the region of €5,000 annually. Over time, land values within the estate have shown strong performance, with recent data indicating that plot prices have appreciated by up to 300% in certain areas.
La Zagaleta has consistently demonstrated long-term value, making it attractive not only as a lifestyle purchase, but also as a strategic real estate investment on the Costa del Sol.
Is La Zagaleta a Safe Place to Live?
Safety, privacy, and discretion are at the very core of life in La Zagaleta. The estate is widely regarded as one of the most secure residential communities in Southern Europe, designed from the ground up to offer residents complete peace of mind.
Access to La Zagaleta is tightly controlled through gated entrances, with professional armed security staff on duty 24/7. All visitors must be authorised in advance and present identification upon arrival. Inside the estate, mobile patrols monitor the internal road network, while advanced surveillance systems and a high-tech perimeter fence provide an additional layer of protection.
Beyond security infrastructure, privacy is built into the layout of the community itself. Homes are set on large plots and separated by protected green zones where no construction is permitted. This creates natural buffers between properties and preserves both tranquillity and discretion.
For residents, this translates into a lifestyle where privacy feels effortless and safety is simply part of everyday life. It is one of the key reasons La Zagaleta continues to attract buyers who value calm, security, and a truly private living environment.
What Activities Are Available for Residents in La Zagaleta?
Life in La Zagaleta is designed around privacy, space, and access to a wide range of on-site leisure facilities. Residents enjoy a lifestyle where sport, nature, and relaxed social experiences sit naturally alongside one another, all within the security of the estate. Throughout the year, the community also comes together around carefully curated social events, from informal gatherings and charity initiatives to sporting occasions and private celebrations, adding a subtle sense of connection without ever compromising privacy.
From championship golf and tennis to horse riding, hiking, and cycling, La Zagaleta offers a broad selection of activities exclusively for residents and their guests.
Golf in La Zagaleta
La Zagaleta features two private 18-hole parkland golf courses, carefully integrated into the natural landscape.
The Old Course, originally designed by Brad Benz and later updated by Marc Westenborg, is a championship par-72 layout known for its classic design and scenic setting. The New Course, designed by Gaunt & Marnoch, is a par-70 course that weaves through valleys and wooded areas, offering a slightly shorter but highly technical round.
Both courses are available to members and their guests. Golf club membership is separate from property ownership, with an initial registration fee and annual membership cost.
Tennis and Padel
The La Zagaleta Tennis Club offers both clay and hard tennis courts, along with dedicated padel facilities. Professional coaching is available for adults and children, and use of the club is reserved for residents, their families, and invited guests.
Equestrian Centre
The La Zagaleta Equestrian Centre provides stables, paddocks, and training areas for dressage and show jumping. Lessons are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Residents can also enjoy horseback riding along dedicated trails that pass through forests and open countryside.
Walking, Hiking, and Cycling
With approximately 900 hectares of protected natural land, La Zagaleta offers extensive internal trails for walking, hiking, and cycling. These routes allow residents to explore the estate’s valleys, wooded areas, and viewpoints while staying entirely within the gated community.
Clubhouses, Dining, and Social Spaces
La Zagaleta is home to two clubhouses. The main clubhouse serves as a social hub, featuring a restaurant, bars, lounges, a panoramic terrace, and a pro shop. A second, more intimate clubhouse is located in the northern part of the estate.
Residents can also enjoy casual dining options and snack bars, making everyday life within the community both convenient and relaxed.
Additional Facilities
- Private and communal swimming pools
- Fishing lakes within the estate
- Private heliport for resident arrivals and emergency services
La Zagaleta’s facilities are carefully curated to support an active yet unhurried lifestyle. Everything is designed to feel discreet, well-managed, and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding nature, reinforcing the sense of living within a private, self-contained residential environment.
Schools Near La Zagaleta
While there are no schools located within La Zagaleta itself, residents benefit from easy access to a wide selection of highly regarded international and bilingual schools across Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, and Estepona. This makes the area a practical choice for families seeking privacy at home without compromising on educational options.
Some of the closest and most recognised schools include:
- Laude San Pedro International School – Offers the British National Curriculum alongside Spanish studies, from early years through to sixth form.
- Atalaya Colegio Internacional – Bilingual English-Spanish education, including International Baccalaureate and Spanish Bachillerato programmes.
- Aloha College – British-style education for ages 3–18, with a strong academic and extracurricular focus.
- Swans International School – Long-established international school offering British curriculum and IB pathways.
- Sotogrande International School – One of Andalucía’s leading boarding schools, offering the International Baccalaureate.
In nearby Nueva Andalucía, families also find additional private and state schools, including bilingual centres, international language schools, and The American College in Spain. Together, these options ensure that families living in La Zagaleta have access to some of the Costa del Sol’s strongest educational institutions within a comfortable driving distance.
What Services Are Available for Residents in La Zagaleta?
Life in La Zagaleta is designed to feel effortless. Within the estate, residents have access to a wide range of tailored services that support everyday living, home care, and personal lifestyle needs, all delivered with discretion and attention to detail.
A dedicated concierge team is available to assist with everything from private transfers by car, yacht, helicopter, or private jet, to restaurant bookings, event organisation, personal shopping, and bespoke travel planning. Whether arranging a small gathering at home or a large-scale celebration, residents can rely on experienced professionals to handle every detail.
La Zagaleta also offers comprehensive Home Services, ensuring properties are looked after even when owners are away. This includes garden and landscaping maintenance, pool and jacuzzi care, housekeeping and laundry, regular home inspections, deliveries, and shopping assistance. For those who value smart living, personalised home automation systems can be coordinated to control lighting, climate, security, and ambience remotely.
Administrative support is another key pillar of life in La Zagaleta. Residents can access accounting services, legal advice, bill payments, and mail forwarding, helping simplify day-to-day matters.
Healthcare coordination is also available, with links to leading providers such as Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella and Helicópteros Sanitarios. Medical appointments, home nursing services, and emergency transfers via the estate’s helipad can be arranged when needed. Within the community, residents will also find essential services such as banking and insurance.
Together, these services create an environment where daily life runs smoothly in the background, allowing residents to focus on enjoying the privacy, comfort, and quality of life that define La Zagaleta.
Healthcare Near La Zagaleta
Residents of La Zagaleta benefit from excellent access to both public and private healthcare across Marbella and Estepona. A strong network of hospitals, clinics, and specialist centres nearby ensures high-quality medical care is always within easy reach.
Hospiten Estepona – Around 20 minutes away, this international hospital offers emergency services, intensive care, and a wide range of medical specialities.
Hospital Cenyt Estepona – Approximately 25 minutes from La Zagaleta, providing more than 40 medical specialities with a large team of specialists.
Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona – About 30 minutes away, this public hospital offers 24/7 emergency services and comprehensive general care.
Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella) – The main public hospital in the area, located roughly 30 minutes away via the A-7, offering a full range of hospital services and emergency care.
In addition, several respected private medical centres are located within Marbella, including HC Marbella International Hospital, RS64 Clinic, Clínica Premium, Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella, and Hospital Ochoa.
For added peace of mind, Helicópteros Sanitarios provides a 24-hour private home medical service across the Costa del Sol, offering rapid assistance when needed.
10 Reasons to Live in La Zagaleta
- Exceptional privacy – A low-density, gated estate where space, nature, and discretion define everyday living.
- Prestigious hillside setting – Set in the hills of Benahavís, with open views across mountains, valleys, and the Mediterranean.
- Iconic residential address – Consistently regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive communities.
- Remarkable villas and estates – Individually designed homes on large plots, blending architecture, comfort, and landscape.
- World-class on-site amenities – Two private golf courses, clubhouses, equestrian centre, tennis and padel courts, and heliport.
- High-level security – Controlled access, 24-hour surveillance, and a strong focus on privacy and safety.
- Peaceful yet connected – A calm natural environment within easy reach of Puerto Banús, San Pedro, and Marbella.
- Nature-led lifestyle – Internal walking and cycling routes, lakes, forests, and open green spaces throughout the estate.
- Strong long-term value – Limited supply, international demand, and consistent appeal support long-term investment potential.
- Refined everyday living – A place where luxury feels considered and understated, shaped around space, calm, and quality of life.