El Paraíso

El Paraíso—spanning the gentle slopes of Benahavis and Estepona on the Costa del Sol—is synonymous with elegant living, golf-side tranquility, and panoramic views. Established in the early 1970s around the iconic El Paraíso Golf Club, the area has evolved into a prestigious address, celebrated for lush greenery, mature landscaping, and its attractive blend of villas, townhouses, and apartments.

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Location and Layout
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Perfectly positioned halfway between Marbella and Estepona, El Paraíso is just 12 minutes west of Marbella’s Golden Mile, seven minutes from San Pedro de Alcántara, and eight minutes east of Estepona town. The area is close to the Mediterranean coast, making both beach clubs and mountain trails easily accessible. The N-340 coastal highway splits the area into three sub-zones:

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• El Paraíso Barronal sits closest to the sea, offering beachfront villas, luxury townhouses, and flats in a privileged coastal setting.

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• El Paraíso Medio is more central, featuring classic villas, modern apartments, and panoramic golf or sea views.

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• El Paraíso Alto rises on the northern slopes, where some of southern Spain’s most spectacular mansions boast commanding views across the Mediterranean and Sierra Bermeja mountains.
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History and Development
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El Paraíso’s story began with the construction of the renowned El Paraíso Golf Club in 1973, designed by Gary Player. The area’s master planning, strict building regulations, and focus on green spaces have preserved its sophisticated charm and appeal to foreign buyers and Spanish families alike across generations.
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Architectural Styles and Property Types
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Residents enjoy a mix of Mediterranean and contemporary designs:

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• Classic Andalusian villas with tiled roofs, shaded patios, expansive gardens, and private pools.
• Stylish townhouses and penthouses in gated communities with landscaped gardens, pools, and security.
• Modern apartments and new-builds bringing open-plan layouts, smart home tech, and glass-walled living rooms.
• Beachfront homes in Barronal, some with direct sea access and exclusive amenities.
Many homes benefit from large plots, mature gardens, and spectacular golf, sea, or mountain vistas.
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Property Market and Pricing
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El Paraíso remains highly sought-after thanks to its value, lifestyle, and market fundamentals. As of 2025:

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• Average villa price: €1.2M to €3.5M, with new builds or luxury mansions exceeding €4M.
• Apartments/townhouses: €325,000 to €700,000 depending on community, size, and views.
• Beachfront listings: €3M+, especially for larger plots or contemporary renovations.
• Price per m²: Averaged €4,113 in March 2025, up 15% from the previous year (strong demand from international buyers).
• Rental rates: €17.30/m² per month, with consistent occupancy for both long-term lets and holiday rentals.
Resale homes, renovated properties, and new residential projects all attract buyers looking for enduring growth and quality of life.
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Golf and Leisure Amenities
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El Paraíso Golf Club anchors the community’s lifestyle, offering 18 scenic holes, practice areas, a clubhouse with restaurants, and social events. The area hosts celebrity Pro-Am tournaments and is surrounded by additional top golf courses—Atalaya, Los Flamingos, and Marbella Club. Tennis lovers benefit from five hard courts and a lawn bowls club, while parks and green spaces create opportunities for walking, cycling, and dog-friendly outings.
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Beaches and Outdoor Activities
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El Paraíso’s proximity to the coast means beautiful sandy beaches, chic beach clubs, and lively chiringuitos are just minutes away. Residents can stroll the promenade, enjoy paddle surfing, or relax at exclusive venues such as Salduna Beach and El Velerín. Inland, the Sierra Bermeja provides mountain hikes and panoramic viewpoints.

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Everyday Convenience: Shopping, Dining, and Services

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Residents have everything they need:

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• Commercial centre: Banks, supermarkets, travel agency, car hire, and professional services.
• Restaurants: From fine dining to relaxed tapas bars, El Paraíso offers a huge variety—popular venues include El Paraiso Grill, La Sala, and Marbella Club.
• Health and wellness: Four-star hotels with on-site health clinics, gyms, spas, and yoga studios support an active lifestyle.
• Transport: Fast road links to Marbella, Estepona, Málaga and Gibraltar airports (approx. 1 hour for both).
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Education and Family Life
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Families in El Paraíso benefit from proximity to top international schools—Mayfair Academy, Atalaya International School, and San José School—all within easy reach. The area’s tranquility, safety, and green spaces provide a welcoming environment for children, while recreation and after-school clubs enrich family life.
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Community, Security, and Cosmopolitan Appeal
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El Paraíso maintains a cosmopolitan ambience, known for welcoming residents from across Europe and the world. Its well-kept streets, gated communities, and privacy-focused planning encourage friendship and relaxation while ensuring safety and peace for long-term living.
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Investment Appeal and Market Outlook
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Property in El Paraíso combines lasting value, stable growth, and lifestyle appeal. Demand from international buyers is strong, supported by remote working trends and Spain’s digital nomad visas. Resale homes continue to attract developers interested in refurbishment, and new-build projects bring modern amenities and sustainability credentials. Price appreciation outpaces much of the region, with no signs of a speculative bubble on the horizon for 2025.
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Why Buy in El Paraíso
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El Paraíso is the ideal choice for:

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• Golf-loving buyers seeking resort-side living
• Families desiring peace, safety, and top schools
• Retirees and second-home buyers prioritizing tranquility and convenience
• Investors wanting strong rental yields and capital appreciation
Its unique blend of panoramic views, mature landscaping, community facilities, beach proximity, and golf-side prestige place El Paraíso among the Costa del Sol’s finest addresses.
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Conclusion
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El Paraíso in Benahavis and Estepona is more than an elegant address—it’s a destination for those who cherish lifestyle, security, and investment value, set within the rolling greens and sparkling coastline of southern Spain. Whether for full-time living, holidays, or high-value investment, El Paraíso offers the tranquility, amenities, and enduring charm that make Costa del Sol living truly exceptional.

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