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Costa del Sol

La Zagaleta

Europe's most private address

The place

La Zagaleta sits on a former hunting estate above Benahavís, acquired in 1991 and capped, against all commercial logic, at 420 plots across 900 hectares. That single decision, extreme low density, is why the address still means what it means. Roughly 230 homes are built today, separated by mature cork-oak forest, two private golf courses, a riding club, a racquet club and a helipad, with red deer and wild boar moving freely between them. It is also among the most secure addresses in Europe, with 24/7 armed guards and controlled access at every entry point.

01

A market of its own

The estate runs on its own micro-cycle. Entry-level renovation projects start around €5,7M for older Andalusian villas, the contemporary core sits at €10,18M, and trophy properties on the southern ridges of sector H cross €40M. Annual maintenance for a Zagaleta home is roughly €70,000, with community fees on top. Many of the best transactions are never advertised.

02

A new chapter

In 2024 the estate was acquired by Abu Dhabi,based Modon Holding, opening a quieter renaissance of the original masterplan. The remaining virgin plots are nearly gone, and the market has shifted toward demolition-and-rebuild of early-generation villas, with motorised glass walls, indoor lap pools and 500 m² subterranean wellness floors now setting the standard.

03

Security without compromise

La Zagaleta operates one of the most private security set-ups in Europe. The estate is protected around the clock by armed guards at multiple control points, with vehicle screening, perimeter monitoring and a dedicated on-site security team. Access is strictly limited to residents, their guests and pre-cleared contractors. Discretion is absolute.

04

Schools, healthcare and golf

The estate keeps its own two private golf courses, but residents also play at Marbella Club Golf Resort, Los Arqueros and La Quinta, all within fifteen minutes of the gate. Schools cluster down on the coast: Atalaya Colegio, Aloha College, Swans and the British International School of Marbella are all reachable in twenty minutes. For medical care, Quirónsalud Marbella and HC Marbella International Hospital are the most common choices, with the Helimedical service on call for the estate itself.

La Zagaleta golf course at sunset with mountain views
Aerial view of La Zagaleta estate with mountains

At a glance

45 min

To Málaga airport

15 min

To Puerto Banús

2

GOLF COURSES INSIDE ZAGALETA

Yes

ONE OF THE MOST SECURE COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE

Getting around

45 min

Málaga Airport (AGP)

45 min

Gibraltar Airport (GIB)

15 min

Puerto Banús

20 min

Marbella centre

10 min

San Pedro de Alcántara

10 min

Benahavís village

FAQ

Living in La Zagaleta

How private and secure is La Zagaleta?

Extremely. La Zagaleta operates one of the most private security set-ups in Europe, with 24/7 armed guards, controlled access at every entry point, vehicle screening and perimeter monitoring. Access is strictly limited to residents, their guests and pre-cleared contractors.

How much does property cost in La Zagaleta?

Entry-level renovation projects start around €5.7M for older Andalusian villas, the contemporary core sits between €10M and €18M, and trophy properties on the southern ridges of sector H cross €40M. Annual maintenance is roughly €70,000, with community fees on top.

What facilities are inside the estate?

Residents have access to two private golf courses, an equestrian centre, a racquet club, a clubhouse and a helipad, all set within 900 hectares of protected cork-oak forest with red deer and wild boar roaming freely.

How far is La Zagaleta from Marbella and the airport?

Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile are around 15 minutes by car, Marbella centre roughly 20 minutes, and Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) about 45 minutes via the AP-7.

Are there schools and healthcare nearby?

Yes. Atalaya Colegio, Aloha College, Swans International and the British International School of Marbella are all reachable in around twenty minutes. For healthcare, Quirónsalud Marbella and HC Marbella International Hospital are the most common choices, with a Helimedical service on call for the estate.

For sale here

A taste of La Zagaleta

A spread of homes currently on the market in La Zagaleta, across price points.

View all in La Zagaleta