Situated in the hills of Benahavís, La Zagaleta is one of Europe’s most exclusive residential communities, renowned for its privacy, security, and privileged natural surroundings. Just minutes from Marbella, this luxury enclave offers an unparalleled blend of tranquility and sophistication, making it the ideal destination for those seeking quality of life and exclusivity.

La Zagaleta boasts stunning high-end villas, many featuring avant-garde architecture and top-quality materials. Among its main attractions are two prestigious 18-hole golf courses, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Additionally, the estate includes a world-class equestrian center for horse riding enthusiasts, as well as sports facilities, a private clubhouse, and exclusive services for residents.

Security is a top priority in La Zagaleta, with restricted access and 24-hour surveillance, ensuring absolute peace of mind for its homeowners. Its prime location allows easy access to Puerto Banús, Marbella, and the finest beaches of the Costa del Sol.

 

 

 

 

 

What to Expect

Privacy, security, exclusivity, and nature.

Lifestyle

Live in complete tranquility, surrounded by nature, with access to world-class exclusive services, including two private golf courses, an equestrian center, and top-tier security, all just 10 minutes from Marbella.

What Not to Expect

Do not expect busy streets, shops around the corner or the convenience of walking everywhere; in La Zagaleta, life is centered around privacy and absolute tranquility.

The Market

Exclusive and highly sought after. The prices of villas in La Zagaleta reflect its privileged status, with constant appreciation in value.

You Will Fall in Love With…

You will fall in love with hiking through the mountains, spotting deer in their natural habitat, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, making every sunset unforgettable.

 

Location

Boundaries & Accessibility

La Zagaleta is part of Benahavís, located 12 kilometers northwest of Marbella. There are two main entrances: North Entrance and South Entrance. Only residents can access the South Entrance.

By Car:

Option 1:

Take the A-7 highway towards San Pedro de Alcántara.

Exit at 172 (Benahavís exit).

Follow the signs for La Zagaleta.

Option 2:

From San Pedro de Alcántara, take the A-397 road towards Ronda.

After approximately 8 km, follow the signs for La Zagaleta North Entrance.

La Zagaleta has a private helipad inside the estate, mainly used by property owners requiring private transport to Málaga Airport or other international destinations.

First Impressions

Surrounded by 900+ hectares of Mediterranean forests, you will enjoy clear, open views of the sea, Gibraltar, and the African coastline. La Zagaleta is synonymous with tranquility, privacy, and top-tier security. There is no noise, no traffic—just an exclusive environment with stunning villas, private golf courses, and a world-class equestrian center.

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La Zagaleta Lifestyle

Although La Zagaleta is a private estate, it offers everything you need to enjoy sports and nature without leaving home. The two private golf courses, Old Course and New Course are impeccably designed, each has its own clubhouse, perfect for relaxing after a round, grabbing a drink, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

If you love equestrian sports, La Zagaleta features a world-class equestrian center with 20 stables and dedicated areas for training and show jumping. It is also a perfect place for children to learn horseback riding in a safe environment with professional instructors.

But La Zagaleta is not just about golf and equestrian sports. There are hiking trails that run through forests, streams, and waterfalls, offering the perfect way to unwind and enjoy nature. It’s common to spot deer crossing your path or watch eagles soaring over the mountains—wildlife is an integral part of the landscape.

And despite the peace and privacy, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, and Puerto Banús are just a short drive away. When you're ready for a change of scenery, you have easy access to top restaurants, boutiques, and all essential services.

Living in La Zagaleta means enjoying an exclusive environment without compromising on high-quality education. There are several top-tier international schools nearby that offer bilingual programs and high academic standards.

Aloha College (Marbella) – Located in Nueva Andalucía, following the British curriculum, accepting students aged 3 to 18 from over 50 nationalities.

Laude San Pedro International College (San Pedro de Alcántara) – Offers education from preschool to high school, combining the British curriculum with the Spanish system. Approximately 65% of classes are taught in English.

Colegio Atalaya (Estepona) – A bilingual school combining the best of the Spanish and British education systems.

Swans International School (Marbella) – Established in 1971, it offers a British curriculum integrated with the Spanish curriculum.

The British International School of Marbella – A great option for those seeking a British education from the early years, with a personalized approach.

All these schools are within a reasonable driving distance from La Zagaleta, making it easy to combine an exclusive lifestyle with access to world-class education.

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Buying a property in La Zagaleta means entering one of the most exclusive markets in Europe. With an average price of €7,667,310, villas in this estate are designed for those seeking privacy, luxury, and a prime location.

Recently, a record-breaking plot sale of €18 million confirmed the value of land in the area, where prices can reach up to €1,285 per square meter.

The real estate offering is diverse, with designer villas boasting sea and mountain views, as well as large plots for those looking to build a fully customized property. One example is Villa Serena, a luxury home currently available with breathtaking views and high-end finishes.

The luxury real estate market on the Costa del Sol continues to grow, with a 20% increase in 2024 and €3.2 billion in investments in Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís. La Zagaleta remains at the forefront as one of the most sought-after locations.

Do you want to see our list of properties in La Zagaleta? Click here.

 

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La Zagaleta - The Origins

Originally, this vast estate of approximately 900 hectares was known as La Baraka and belonged to Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi in the 1980s. Khashoggi used the property as a private hunting reserve and built a luxurious residence, which today serves as the Clubhouse of one of the Golf Courses.

In 1990, a group of investors led by Spanish businessman Enrique Pérez Flores acquired the estate with the vision of creating an exclusive residential community that coexisted harmoniously with nature. They decided to limit development to 420 luxury villas, preserving large areas of Mediterranean forests while ensuring privacy and exclusivity for its residents.

The construction of the first golf course began in 1992, and by 1994, the La Zagaleta Country Club was inaugurated, marking the beginning of what is now one of the most prestigious residential communities in Europe.

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Fun Facts

Exclusivity in Numbers

Although the estate spans over 900 hectares, only around 250 mansions have been built. The original plan included 3,000 homes, but developers prioritized exclusivity and nature preservation.

Elite Services

Beyond two private golf courses and a world-class equestrian center, La Zagaleta has its helipad, allowing residents to skip traffic and arrive home in style.

Discreet Neighbors

La Zagaleta is known for its strict privacy policies. While many celebrities and business magnates are rumored to own homes here, the identities of residents remain confidential.

A Unique Community

Instead of the usual pets, it’s common to see deer strolling through gardens. Wildlife coexists with daily life, offering scenes straight out of a nature documentary.