East of the centre of Marbella lies a stretch of coast that is winning over more and more buyers: Marbella East. Wide sandy beaches, golf courses, leafy villa neighbourhoods and a more relaxed pace than on the Golden Mile, while the centre is ten minutes away and Málaga airport is even closer. In this guide you will discover which areas you need to know, what you pay there and who Marbella East is ideal for.
Where is Marbella East?
Marbella East runs from the eastern edge of the centre to Cabopino, on the border with Mijas. The area includes Río Real, Los Monteros, Bahía de Marbella, Las Chapas, El Rosario, Elviria and Cabopino, among others. Málaga airport is 30 to 40 minutes away, quicker than from the Golden Mile or Puerto Banús.
The main areas
Los Monteros
The most exclusive part of Marbella East, with villas right down to the beach, the five-star Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort and one of the finest wide beaches in town. With an average asking price of almost €8,700 per m², Los Monteros is one of the most expensive places in Marbella. In 2026 a villa of more than 1,000 m² was offered here for €10.7 million.
Río Real
Set around Río Real Golf, one of the oldest courses in Marbella. A varied mix of apartments, penthouses, townhouses and villas, just a few minutes from the centre. The average asking price was around €4,780 per m² in August 2026.
Bahía de Marbella and Las Chapas
Leafy villa neighbourhoods close to the sea, with large plots and a residential feel. Popular with families.
Elviria
A lively area with a beach, shops, restaurants and schools, including the Deutsche Schule. Villas, apartments and new developments. The average asking price in Elviria and Cabopino was around €4,620 per m².
Cabopino
With a charming little marina and a protected dune area with an unspoilt beach. Peaceful and exceptionally beautiful.
Why choose Marbella East?
- Beaches: wide sandy beaches that are less crowded than on the Golden Mile.
- Closer to the airport: ideal if you fly back and forth often.
- Peace and space: leafy neighbourhoods with large plots.
- Golf: Río Real, Los Monteros, Santa Clara, Marbella Golf Country Club and, a little further on, Santa María and Cabopino.
- Schools: The English International College and the Deutsche Schule are nearby. See our overview of international schools.
- More for your money: outside Los Monteros, prices are lower than in western Marbella.
How much does a property in Marbella East cost?
- Sea-view apartment in Elviria or Río Real: often between €400,000 and €900,000.
- Villa in Bahía de Marbella, Las Chapas or Elviria: usually from €1.5 million.
- Beachfront villa in Los Monteros: from around €5 million to over €15 million.
More up-to-date figures in our article on the Marbella property market.
Pros and cons
Pros: beautiful beaches, tranquillity, golf, closer to the airport and a wide choice in every price range.
Cons: less lively than Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile. If you want to go out every evening, you will drive ten to twenty minutes. By the sea it can be a little windier than beneath La Concha.
Who is Marbella East ideal for?
- Anyone looking for a beachside villa or apartment in a peaceful setting.
- Families, thanks to the schools and the leafy neighbourhoods.
- Frequent flyers who want to live close to Málaga.
- Anyone who wants more space for their money, with a Marbella address.
Your home in Marbella East
From a sea-view apartment in Elviria to a beachfront villa in Los Monteros: we would love to show you what is possible. Explore our Prestige collection, our resale properties or get in touch with us. See also Where do the wealthy live in Marbella?
A day in Marbella East
What is life like here? Many of our clients in Marbella East start the day with a walk or a bike ride along the wooden boardwalk beside the dunes. It runs for kilometres along the coast and is one of the most beautiful walking routes on the Costa del Sol. Then a coffee in Elviria, a round of golf at Río Real or Santa Clara, and a long lunch at one of the beach restaurants with your feet in the sand. If you fancy a bit more buzz, Marbella Old Town is ten minutes' drive away and Puerto Banús twenty.
Why buyers often overlook Marbella East
Many foreign buyers mainly know the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús, and only discover Marbella East during a viewing trip. That is a shame, because here you often get more space, bigger gardens and direct access to the sea for a budget that would buy you a smaller home in the west of Marbella. The airport is also closer, which is a big advantage if you fly back and forth often. Our tip: set aside at least half a day in Marbella East during your visit. Compare the same wish list in both parts of town and you will see the difference straight away.
New developments in Marbella East
Although Marbella has little building land available, new villas and small-scale developments occasionally appear in Marbella East, often on redeveloped plots in Bahía de Marbella, Las Chapas or Elviria. They combine modern architecture with a location close to the sea. Read more in our article on buying a new build in Marbella.
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Monteros a good area?
Yes, Los Monteros is one of the most exclusive areas of Marbella, with seafront villas, a five-star resort and a wide sandy beach.
How far is Elviria from Marbella town centre?
About ten kilometres, or around ten to fifteen minutes' drive.
Is Marbella East cheaper than the west?
On average, yes, with the exception of Los Monteros, which is one of the most expensive areas of Marbella.
Which are the most beautiful beaches in Marbella East?
Los Monteros beach and the Cabopino dunes are among the most beautiful in Marbella.
How far is Marbella East from Málaga airport?
About 30 to 40 minutes' drive, depending on the area and the traffic.
