Why is everyone heading to Marbella? It is a question we hear almost daily as estate agents. Famous faces from Belgium, the Netherlands and far beyond, international stars, entrepreneurs, retirees and young families: they all find their way to this town on the Costa del Sol. In this article we set out the ten main reasons, and explain what this means if you want to live or invest here yourself.
1. A climate you can enjoy all year round
With around 300 sunny days a year, mild winters of 16 to 18 °C and summers that the sea breeze keeps from ever becoming unbearable, Marbella has one of the best climates in Europe. The Sierra Blanca shields the town from cold northerly winds. You can read more in our articles on the weather in Marbella and the microclimate.
2. Easy to reach: two to three hours' flight from home
Málaga Airport is around 45 minutes' drive away and has direct flights all year round from Brussels, Charleroi, Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam, among many others. So popping over for a long weekend is easy. You will find everything about the airports in our guide Airports near Marbella.
3. A lifestyle you will find nowhere else
Marbella combines the best of two worlds: the charm of an Andalusian town with whitewashed streets and orange trees in the old town, and the glamour of Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile. You have breakfast on the Plaza de los Naranjos, lunch at a beach club and dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Or you opt for a quiet life in the hills of Benahavís.
4. Golf, padel and outdoor living
The Costa del Sol is not called the Costa del Golf for nothing: in and around Marbella there are dozens of golf courses, including famous names such as Valderrama, Los Naranjos, Las Brisas and Real Club de Golf Guadalmina. Marbella is also one of Europe's padel capitals, and you can hike in the mountains, sail, cycle and play sport all year round.
5. Top-class international schools
For families, this is often the deciding factor. Marbella has a large number of international schools offering British, International Baccalaureate (IB), Swedish, German or French education. Think of Aloha College, Swans International School, The English International College and Laude San Pedro. Read more in our overview of international schools in Marbella.
6. A safe and international community
People of more than a hundred nationalities live in Marbella. You will hear English, Dutch, French, German, Swedish and Russian all mixed together. As a result, newcomers quickly feel at home. There are clubs and associations for many nationalities, as well as doctors, lawyers and estate agents who speak your language.
7. Excellent healthcare
Marbella has the public Hospital Costa del Sol and several private hospitals and clinics with international doctors. For anyone living here permanently or for much of the year, that is a great reassurance.
8. Gastronomy and culture
From tapas bars in the old town to refined Michelin-starred restaurants: Marbella has become a culinary destination. There are also art galleries, festivals, summer concerts and traditional Spanish fiestas such as the Feria in June.
9. Property as a safe investment
Marbella is one of the most stable property markets in Spain. Asking prices rose by around 4 per cent in the year to August 2026 to an average of almost €6,000 per m², and in the most expensive areas they exceed €8,000. More than 60 per cent of buyers come from abroad. Because of the limited supply of building land between the sea and the mountains, demand continues to outstrip supply. In our article on the Marbella property market you will find all the figures.
10. The prestige of a strong brand
Marbella is a household name worldwide. Ever since Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe opened the Marbella Club in the 1950s, the town has been synonymous with luxury and the art of living well. That image attracts new buyers every year, which supports property values and makes letting attractive.
Is Marbella only for the jet set?
No. Marbella has a large number of exclusive areas, but also ordinary residential neighbourhoods with apartments for every budget. And in the neighbouring towns of Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola and Benalmádena you will find even more choice. If you want to know where the real prime locations are, read our article Where do the wealthy live in Marbella?
What this means if you want to buy
Marbella's popularity has two sides. On the one hand, supply in the best areas is scarce and the finest homes sell quickly. On the other, that is precisely why property in Marbella holds its value. So it pays to be well prepared: know what you are looking for, get proper legal advice and work with an agent who has access to the properties that are not online.
Ready to discover Marbella?
We are Geert and Martine, Belgian estate agents with an office in Marbella. We help you find the area that suits you, plan your viewings and guide you all the way to the notary. Take a look at our Prestige collection, our new developments and resale properties, or tell us what you are looking for.
What do our clients say?
When we ask our clients why they chose Marbella, we keep hearing the same answers: the light, the outdoor life, the short flight home and the feeling that you can truly enjoy life here. Many first came on holiday and found themselves coming back again and again.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Marbella so popular with international buyers?
Because of the sunny climate, the short flight from most European cities, the large international community and the wide choice of homes, golf courses and international schools.
Is it expensive to live in Marbella?
Living in the prime locations is expensive, but day-to-day costs such as food, eating out and energy are often lower than in much of northern Europe. Read more in our article Is Marbella expensive?
Is Marbella safe?
Marbella is a safe place to live, especially in the gated residential communities with security. As in any tourist town, it is wise to watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.
When is Marbella at its busiest?
In July and August and around Easter. The rest of the year it is pleasantly quiet, while most restaurants and amenities stay open as usual.
