FR
ES
East of Marbella town, the coast takes on a gentler character. Wide sandy beaches, pine-covered hills and low-rise residential estates replace the bustle of Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile. At the centre of this stretch lies Elviria, Marbella, one of the most established residential areas on the eastern side of the municipality and a long-standing favourite with families and buyers seeking a quieter way of life by the sea.
If you are considering property for sale in Elviria or elsewhere in Marbella East, this guide explains what defines the area, how its neighbourhoods differ, from Los Monteros to Cabopino and the Artola dunes, what types of home you can expect to find and how the buying process works in Andalusia.
The short answer for most buyers is that Marbella East offers space, nature and beach life, while remaining part of Marbella and within reach of both the town centre and Málaga.
What is Marbella East?
Marbella East is the name commonly given to the part of the municipality that extends east of Marbella town towards the boundary with Mijas. It includes several distinct residential areas, among them Los Monteros, Elviria, Cabopino and the Artola dunes. The landscape is greener and more open than in central Marbella, with pine woods on the hills, a long line of beaches and a coastline that feels residential rather than urban.
The area has been popular with international residents for decades, and many families live here all year round. It has its own restaurants, beach clubs, shops and services, and several British and international schools are found across the wider Marbella area. For many buyers, this combination of an established community, natural surroundings and a calmer pace is exactly what they are looking for.
Elviria: the heart of Marbella East
Elviria stretches from the beach up into the hills, and its character changes accordingly. Close to the sea, you will find frontline and beachside developments, low-rise apartment complexes and villas a short walk from the sand. Further inland, the Elviria hills are known for detached villas on generous plots, many surrounded by mature pines and with open views over the Mediterranean.
The beaches here are among the most appreciated in Marbella: long, sandy and generally less crowded than those closer to the centre. The beachfront is lined with chiringuitos and beach clubs, and the area has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the year. Our guide to the best beaches in Marbella and the most exclusive areas to live by the sea places Elviria in the context of the whole coastline.
Daily life is well served. Elviria has its own commercial centre with shops, supermarkets, restaurants and services, so residents need not travel into town for everyday needs. Golf courses are found nearby, which adds to the appeal for buyers who want a round of golf and a swim in the sea on the same day.
Los Monteros, Cabopino and the Artola dunes
Los Monteros
Closest to Marbella town, Los Monteros is one of the most exclusive residential areas on the eastern side. It is known for large beachside villas, mature gardens and a sense of privacy, with some of the most sought-after frontline homes in Marbella East. Its proximity to the town centre makes it a natural choice for buyers who want the tranquillity of the east without being far from the restaurants and shops of central Marbella.
Cabopino and the Artola dunes
At the eastern end of the municipality, Cabopino is built around the Puerto de Cabopino, a small, picturesque marina with restaurants, moorings and a village feel. Next to it, the Artola dunes form one of the few remaining natural dune landscapes on the Costa del Sol, a protected area of sand, pines and boardwalks that runs down to the beach. For owners who enjoy walking, nature and the sea, few settings on the coast compare.
Homes around Cabopino include apartments and townhouses near the port and villas set among the pines. For boat owners, having a marina on the doorstep is a real advantage, and the other marinas of the western Costa del Sol, from Puerto Deportivo de Marbella and Puerto de La Bajadilla to Puerto Banús, are all within the same stretch of coast.
What kind of property can you buy in Elviria?
The market in Elviria and Marbella East is varied, which is one of its strengths. The main types of home are:
- Frontline and beachside villas, particularly in Los Monteros and along the Elviria coast.
- Hillside villas in the Elviria hills, often on large plots with pools, gardens and sea views.
- Apartments and penthouses in low-rise complexes with communal gardens and pools, many close to the beach.
- Townhouses in residential communities, popular with families and as lock-up-and-leave second homes.
- Renovation opportunities: some of the area's older villas offer excellent plots and positions, with scope to modernise.
Outdoor living is central to life here, and most buyers look for a private or communal pool. Our selection of properties with a swimming pool is a good place to start. Buyers who value security will also find several gated and controlled-access communities in the area; our article on the most exclusive gated communities in Marbella gives a wider overview.
Who buys in Marbella East?
Elviria and its neighbours attract a broad international clientele. Families are drawn by the beaches, the space and the proximity of schools. Buyers relocating to Spain for the long term appreciate the year-round community and the practical infrastructure. Second-home owners like the relaxed setting and the ease of reaching Málaga-Costa del Sol airport, which lies on the same side of Marbella. And buyers who know the coast well often choose Marbella East precisely because it offers a different, calmer side of Marbella.
Compared with the Golden Mile or Puerto Banús, the atmosphere is less about being seen and more about living well: long lunches by the beach, walks in the dunes, mornings on the golf course. That is not to say the area lacks sophistication, only that it wears it lightly.
Buying property in Elviria: process and costs
The buying process is the same as anywhere in Spain. You will need an NIE and a Spanish bank account; the purchase is signed before a notary and registered at the Land Registry. Due diligence should cover the land registry extract (nota simple), the cadastral records, the first-occupation licence or proof of habitability, the legality of any extensions, debts to the community of owners, IBI receipts and the urban planning status of the property.
This last point matters in Marbella East, where many villas were built or extended over several decades. Checking that pools, terraces, annexes and extensions are properly licensed protects both your investment and a future sale. Our guide to the process of purchasing real estate in Spain sets out each step.
As for taxes, resale homes in Andalusia pay transfer tax (ITP) at a general rate of 7%, with reduced rates for certain main residences, while new builds pay 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty (AJD). If you buy from a non-resident seller, you must withhold 3% of the price and pay it to the tax authority on form 211. Always take individual tax and legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Elviria in Marbella?
Elviria is in Marbella East, the part of the municipality east of Marbella town, between Los Monteros and Cabopino.
Is Elviria a good place to live?
For buyers who value beaches, nature and a calmer pace, very much so. It has an established international community, its own shops and restaurants, and remains lively all year.
What types of property are for sale in Elviria?
Frontline and hillside villas, apartments and penthouses in low-rise complexes, townhouses and villas with renovation potential.
Is Elviria good for families?
Yes. The beaches, the space and the residential atmosphere appeal to families, and several British and international schools are located across the Marbella area.
What is the difference between Elviria and Los Monteros?
Both are in Marbella East. Los Monteros is closer to Marbella town and known for large beachside villas; Elviria is larger and more varied, running from the beach up into pine-covered hills.
Find your home in Elviria with BARNES
BARNES Marbella knows Marbella East street by street, including homes that are offered discreetly and never publicly advertised. Explore our properties in Marbella and the Costa del Sol or our full collection of luxury real estate for sale, and contact our Marbella office to talk about your search for property for sale in Elviria, Marbella. If you already own a home in the area, our team can also provide a confidential valuation.