El Madronal, Benahavis.
Situated approximately 400 meters above the Mediterranean, the gated community of El Madronal is nestled on ridges adorned with olive, cork, and pine trees, overlooking deep valleys. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline extending to Gibraltar and Morocco. El Madroñal comprises around 150 exclusive villas, designed in a classic style, with many occupying substantial plots of land.
Luxury villa in el Madronal.
Situated within the municipal boundaries of Benahavís and nestled against the backdrop of the Serranía de Ronda, El Madroñal was initially developed and owned by the Parladé family, who were prominent figures in Marbella’s elite society. It was subsequently acquired by Thierry Roussel, who was married to Christina Onassis, thereby establishing it as a natural extension of Puerto Banús in the surrounding hills.
El Madroñal is conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive along the scenic route to Ronda, accessible from both the N-340/A7 coastal road and the AP7 toll highway. Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away, while Gibraltar airport is situated about an hour’s journey from the area.
For individuals seeking the advantages of being near the beaches and amenities of Marbella and Puerto Banús, yet desiring tranquility, privacy, and breathtaking countryside views, El Madroñal offers 24-hour security, a wide range of nearby sports facilities, and an impressive selection of properties and land options.
FAQs
El Madroñal is situated inland along the A-397 route that connects the coast to the historic town of Ronda. It lies within the municipality of Benahavis, roughly equidistant from Malaga and Gibraltar, nestled in the lush foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Although it falls outside the jurisdiction of Marbella, El Madroñal, together with other residential country clubs like La Quinta, La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, and La Zagaleta, plays a vital role in the Marbella real estate market.
What is El Madroñal like?
El Madroñal stands as one of the most prestigious gated communities along the coast, encompassing an exclusive area of over 600 acres and situated 400 meters above sea level. This development is perched on ridges adorned with pine, olive, and cork trees, offering hillside plots that provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline, as well as vistas extending to Gibraltar, the North African coast, and the Rif Mountains. The urbanization is rich in wildlife, featuring species such as boars, mountain goats, deer, and Iberian eagles. It serves as a serene and picturesque rural sanctuary, far removed from the noise of urban life, yet conveniently located just minutes by car from essential amenities for everyday living.
El Madroñal History
El Madroñal was originally founded by the Parladé family in the early 1960s as a hunting estate that attracted Spanish royalty and prominent political figures. Subsequently, the property was acquired by the Roussel family, who were involved in the pharmaceutical industry. In the 1980s, the estate caught the attention of Saudi billionaire Adnan Kashoggi, who purchased it. This acquisition led to the division of the estate and the establishment of the residential developments known as Alcuzcuz, El Madroñal, and La Baraka or La Zagaleta. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious developments in the region, offering a diverse selection of luxury villas.
Location.
El Madroñal, located next to La Zagaleta, is a secure rural estate set within an unspoiled forest of pine and cork trees. This community is situated 5 kilometers from the charming coastal village of San Pedro de Alcantara, positioned between Marbella and Estepona. Puerto Banus is just a 10-minute drive away, while Marbella can be reached in slightly over 15 minutes by car. The picturesque town of Ronda is 45 minutes away, and the prestigious Sotogrande marina and polo grounds are accessible within 40 minutes.
How do you access to El Madroñal?
El Madroñal is accessible through six entrances located along the Ronda Road, each of which is secured with gates and monitored by security personnel around the clock, complemented by surveillance cameras. For those arriving by air at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the drive to El Madroñal takes approximately 45 minutes via the AP-7 toll road, which features an exit at the base of the Ronda Road. Gibraltar International Airport is situated 68 kilometers away, with a typical travel time of just over one hour. Additionally, the A-7 coastal road can be accessed by traveling through the rear of San Pedro Alcantara, providing routes to both Marbella to the west and Estepona to the west.
El Madroñal Residents
El Madroñal, known for its exclusivity and complete seclusion from the prying eyes of the paparazzi, draws the attention of the international elite, including prominent politicians, top executives, and A-list celebrities. This development once housed the El Cortijo recording studio, where renowned artists like Icelandic singer Bjork created her famous song ‘So Broken’ in 1997. Other notable musicians, such as Mariah Carey, Cher, Roxette, and The Cardigans, also resided here while producing their albums. Additionally, El Madroñal served as a sanctuary for the cast of the classic film Casablanca and various other Hollywood luminaries, including the iconic ‘Hitchcock blonde,’ Madeleine Carroll.
El Madroñal Properties.
El Madroñal features a minimum plot size of 2,600 m², ensuring that each homeowner enjoys both privacy and ample space, while also preventing any overlooking from neighboring villas. The properties are spread across a vast area, showcasing a diverse range of architectural styles, from traditional Andalusian mansions with courtyards to modern, cutting-edge villas that reflect current trends. Furthermore, numerous homes are equipped with their own spa, gym, home cinema, games room, and tennis courts. Each residence is constructed to high standards, appealing to discerning buyers seeking a luxurious lifestyle in the most esteemed residential area of the Costa del Sol.
El Madroñal nearby restaurants and shops.
El Madroñal is located merely three minutes from La Heredia, where visitors can enjoy a delightful deli offering snacks and lunches, a top-notch Dutch butcher, and various dining establishments. A few minutes further along the road towards San Pedro lies Monte Halcones, which features a Supercor that operates year-round, an organic supermarket, a pharmacy, a bank, and several restaurants, including the All in 1 Café. Additionally, a new exclusive restaurant is scheduled to open in 2022 near entrance 3 on the Ronda Road. The range of services in this area is expected to grow, with plans for a boutique hotel and more restaurants and bars.
Things to do near El Madroñal
The development is conveniently located just a short drive from San Pedro, Marbella, and the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Banús, which features a variety of cafes ranging from casual to high-end dining, as well as bars, clubs, and an English cinema. It is in close proximity to numerous golf courses, including Los Arqueros Golf, La Quinta Golf, Villa Padierna Golf Club, and Atalaya Golf. Additionally, it is not far from the esteemed golf courses in the Golf Valley, such as the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Los Naranjos Golf Club, and Aloha Golf Club. For enthusiasts of tennis, padel, and water sports, there are several options available nearby. Nestled in the foothills of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, El Madroñal is particularly suited for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a wealth of hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Traveling north along the A-397 for 45 minutes leads to the picturesque town of Ronda, perched high above a steep gorge. To the east, Malaga, the city where Picasso was born, is located just over an hour’s drive away, while to the west, Tarifa, renowned as the kite and windsurfing capital of Europe, is also an hour’s journey. For those willing to explore a bit more, the enchanting cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Seville form the renowned Golden Triangle of Andalucia.
Are you looking for properties in El Madroñal
If you seek a serene countryside escape on the Costa del Sol, yet desire proximity to the coast—just a 10-minute drive—El Madroñal is the ideal choice. LuxuryForSale.Properties currently offers an exceptional selection of properties for sale in El Madroñal, including both plots and opulent villas. We simplify the process of buying and selling real estate. Our approachable team, equipped with extensive local expertise in the real estate market, is ready to assist you with any inquiries, regardless of your property objectives.