Located to the north of Marbella reaching up to 300m above sea level, Sierra Blanca is a hillside paradise which hosts some of Marbella’s oldest established luxury villas tucked away down leafy lanes.
The multi-million euro villas and mansions hidden in this scenic hillside location make it a sought-after spot for those looking for a luxury holiday villa with the highest specification, excellent services, and complete privacy.
This community was firmly established in the early to mid-1990s, and has around 300 villas in traditional Andalusian style, as an increasing number of new, contemporary architectural designs including some of the most expensive mansions in Spain.
Where is Sierra Blanca in Marbella?
The area of Sierra Blanca offers some of the most highly sought-after and prestigious gated communities on the Costa de Sol – it feels a million miles from the bustling centre of Marbella, but in reality it’s just minutes away. The area merges with smaller gated urbanisations including Marbella Hill Club, Cortijo de Nagueles, and Cascada de Camojan, home to some of Spain’s most valuable, security-gated homes.
Anyone staying or living here can enjoy stunning natural surroundings from the elevated properties, with panoramic views towards the Mediterranean and Africa.
Marbella and Puerto Banus are a 10-minute drive away straight along the A7 to the south, and the neighbouring Golden Mile with its superb restaurants and beaches is also on your doorstep. Also nearby are several internationally-renowned golf courses.
What is Marbella’s Sierra Blanca known for?
All the luxurious villas in Sierra Blanca, affectionately known as the Beverly Hills of Marbella, are spacious and well-appointed, most with large, mature gardens and private swimming pools. Recently also, several luxury apartment developments have popped up, all taking advantage of the gorgeous views.
This peaceful, secure community enjoys a beautiful natural environment, and properties have breath-taking views of both sea and mountains, while also being close to Marbella. As the community is high above sea level, the air quality is excellent, while the subtropical microclimate means that temperatures are always mild – never too hot or too cold.
Medical tourism is a popular draw, with the renowned Buchinger Clinic located on the street of the same name, surrounded by spas and villas in which to relax and recuperated following any medical treatments.
In summer, the area plays host to VIPs and A-list celebs, who flock to see their favourite acts during the high-summer shows presented by the Starlite festival. Big-name acts include Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli, Sheryl Crow and Take That.
(c) Starlite Festival Marbella
Lovers of the outdoors and nature will be delighted to explore the array of walking trails and other activities in picturesque surroundings close to Sierra Blanca, for example hiking up to La Concha’s 1,215m peak.
Why is it called Sierra Blanca?
Sierra Blanca (White Mountain Range) is the southernmost of the Andalucia mountains, and this community is named after the range.
Getting around from Sierra blanca
From Sierra Blanca, you can drive down to the picturesque, flower-filled old centre of Marbella just 5km away. Park in the main underground car park under the Parque de la Alameda, then cross the main road and take any of the cobbled streets into the Casco Historico – The Old Town – with its narrow streets, pretty boutiques, galleries and bars.
The beach clubs and high-end restaurants of the Golden Mile are also a very easy drive from Sierra Blanca.
As well as Marbella, the glamorous port of Puerto Banus is close by – just 14km (about 15-20 minutes), when you fancy a stroll along the promenade to soak up the rarified atmosphere of upscale stores, super-luxe yachts and high-performance sports cars. The marina is lined with gourmet restaurants and chic terraces designed to catch the buzz of this jet-set resort.
Is Sierra Blanca on the Golden Mile?
The hillside community of Sierra Blanca is located just above the famous Golden Mile of Marbella, and can be considered an extension of the same. This prestigious stretch of coastline is lined with the most upscale hotels, refined restaurants, and chic beach clubs, as well as first-class sports facilities.
Our favourite restaurants near Sierra Blanca, Marbella
For dining close to Sierra Blanca – whether formal or casual – you’re spoiled for choice. In Marbella Old Town, Skina (two Michelin stars) has just four tables; its signature style is unusual flavour combinations, such as tuna tartar with pistachio and caviar.
In the Puente Romano on the Golden Mile, one of the Costa del Sol’s most celebrated beach resorts, BiBo by local star chef Dani García offers world tastes (think oxtail brioche). Messina, another Michelin-starred restaurant, offers two tasting menus with Lebanese and South American influences (melon with chilli broth). Beachfront options include MC Beach, the informal “chiringuito” at Marbella Club, another Golden Mile icon, where barbequed sardines are a must.
Must-visit nights out close to Sierra Blanca
Nightlife is one of Marbella’s biggest attractions. Ocean Club is a lively, stylish beach bar with a huge saltwater swimming pool, live music and entertainment. Belvue Rooftop Bar in Amarè Marbella Beach Hotel has a sophisticated feel, contemporary décor, and, of course, spectacular sea views. The cocktail menu is designed by world-famous mixologist Diego Cabrera. For a more clubby, yet upscale vibe, with legendary theme nights, Olivia Valere is not to be missed, or head to Puerto Banus and TIBU’s rooftop terrace and club. Most bars are seasonal, opening from April to October; reservations advised for all.
best golf courses in marbella
You will find more than 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol, with many world-class ones within easy reach of Sierra Blanca, in and around Marbella’s “Golf Valley”. Here is our pick.
The closest course to Sierra Blanca (3.5km) , Monte Paraíso is a nine-hole course with manicured fairways and wide greens: the third, fourth and fifth holes are the trickiest.
Los Naranjos (4km) is a challenging, internationally-renowned18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. The first half has wide, rolling fairways dotted with trees and water obstacles, while the second half is located next to an orange grove, hence the name.
In Marbella’s Golf Valley, La Quinta (12km) has three nine-hole courses designed by Manuel Piñero, which challenge players with their water hazards, large sand traps and deep bunkers. San Pedro has wide fairways, while Ronda’s are narrower, and Guadaiza is very technical, for advanced players only.
Marbella Club Golf Resort in Benahavis (22km) has two courses set in one of the coast’s most extensive green areas. The main course, designed by Dave Jones, has contoured fairways among pine and cork-oak trees; elevated tees offer views of the Mediterranean. El Higueral is the nine-hole course.
© Las Brisas Golf Club, Marbella
Where to stay in Sierra Blanca, Marbella
Whether you’re looking for a villa to share with friends or family, or for a special event or celebration, we have a carefully-curated selection of luxurious, high-spec properties in Sierra Blanca to choose from.
In our premium Platinum Collection, you can find outstanding properties such as Villa Talaia (sleeps 16, indoor and outdoor pools , Pedro Peña-designed interior), Villa Zensei (sleeps 16, spa, bespoke works of art), Villa Zenith (sleeps 12, rooftop pool, home cinema, fully-equipped gym) and Villa Paraiso de Camojan (sleeps 10, four swimming pools, waterfall, spa, cocktail bar, and cinema room).
Villa Talaia, Cascada de Camojan, Marbella
For families, Villa Marilu (sleeps 8, designed for inter-generational holidays, enclosed front lawn) and Villa Solise (also sleeps 8, eco-villa, softwater pool, 15 minutes’ walk from the beach) are ideal
Sierra Blanca is a superb destination for your Marbella holiday – a beautiful, scenic gated community close to the lively scene of the Costa de Sol’s jewel with its bars, restaurants and beaches, or just to enjoy the quiet surroundings and fabulous views. We have the perfect stylish and luxurious Sierra Blanca villa to suit your needs.
Lindsay Gregory
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