La Zagaleta – the most exclusive place in Europe? Villas, security and privacy

Written by Lucyna Gacek on 22.08.2025 - 6m reading

Written by Lucyna Gacek on 01.08.2025 - 6m reading

Written by Lucyna Gacek on 22.08.2025 - 6m reading

La Zagaleta is the capital of luxury. It is here, in the hills of the municipality of Benahavis, that Europe's most exclusive private residential complex is located. Discover what everyday life is like in this Spanish oasis of security and prestige.

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When searching for property in Spain, pay special attention to La Zagaleta. Marbella is already considered synonymous with Mediterranean luxury, but the community living on its hills is unrivalled in terms of prestige. It is here that wealthy investors seek security, peace and modern properties with numerous amenities. La Zagaleta is also home to many celebrities. While strolling through the private residential area, you may bump into Hugh Grant or Rod Stewart. What is worth knowing about the community on the Costa del Sol?

La Zagaleta is a residential community and private estate, considered the most prestigious enclave in Europe. It is located on the hills of the Costa del Sol, near Marbella and at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains. Despite its picturesque surroundings, La Zagaleta is only a 15-minute drive from the centre of a popular resort. Puerto Banús, a luxury marina, can be reached in 20 minutes.

With its extensive grounds, privacy, natural surroundings and low-rise buildings dominated by villas, La Zagaleta covers approximately 900 hectares and is home to around 250 houses. Interestingly, when Enrique Pérez Flores created the gated community in the 1990s, the La Zagaleta Group initially marked out 400 plots. Peace and quiet, a private golf course and even a Michelin-starred restaurant in the vicinity are just a few of the many reasons why the community attracts the world's elite and those who value privacy.

La Zagaleta is not only an exclusive address, but also a lifestyle available to a select few wealthy individuals, combining luxury, security and proximity to the best attractions in the region.

See also: Costa Blanca. What is life like on the Spanish coast?

It is not without reason that the global elite choose this private residential area, which boasts some of the most exclusive villas around. La Zagaleta offers not only high-standard properties, but also stunning unique designs that make them look like architectural works of art. Each one has a well-known name in the industry behind it. Add to this large, spacious plots and exceptional views of the sea, mountains and nature reserve.

Each villa in La Zagaleta in Spain is an individual design, equipped with a variety of amenities. These include swimming pools in the garden, private spas, cinema rooms, bowling alleys, gyms and large garages for car collections. The development in this prestigious location consists exclusively of villas – you will not find any terraced houses or apartment complexes here. A luxury property in La Zagaleta will set you back at least several million euros.

In the case of La Zagaleta near Marbella, luxury goes hand in hand with the highest level of security and privacy. Both these factors, as well as anonymity, are crucial for residents, who include some of the wealthiest businesspeople, famous personalities and representatives of the international elite.

Above all, the location of La Zagaleta plays a huge role here – the estate is surrounded by forests and hills, creating an ideal environment for residents. In addition, the limited number of villas further enhances the sense of privacy and tranquillity sought by residents.

The whole is complemented by a variety of security solutions:

• a closed, fenced area with guarded gates,
• 24-hour security,
• a comprehensive monitoring system and motion sensors,
• private roads (approximately 50 km).

What awaits you in La Zagaleta, Spain? A unique lifestyle is an understatement, as residents of this private community have access to every amenity and service imaginable. These include two private golf courses – the Old Golf Course and the New Golf Course – which are exclusively for residents and their guests. They also have access to concierge services and property care while they are away.

In addition, La Zagaleta also has an equestrian centre with 23 stables, tennis and paddle tennis courts, as well as elegant clubs. One of them is the Member's Clubhouse, located in a hunting lodge. Residents can also enjoy numerous walking trails within the estate, which are also suitable for mountain biking.

Despite the numerous attractions and amenities available in La Zagaleta, residents enjoy visiting nearby towns to take advantage of the region's rich cultural, gastronomic and recreational offerings. These include Marbella and Puerto Banús, where they can shop in luxury boutiques and enjoy themselves both on land and at sea. In addition, Ronda is about 40 minutes from La Zagaleta. Malaga can be reached in 45 minutes.

Buying a villa in La Zagaleta near Marbella in Spain is more than just prestige. It is also an investment in security, comfort and a unique lifestyle, waiting behind closely guarded gates. The community is also characterised by privacy, making it ideal for wealthy investors who value peace and discretion.

La Zagaleta also offers:

• growing demand – interest in properties at this address is not waning, and the limited number of villas available only increases the value of the investment,
• luxurious amenities – from private golf courses and tennis courts, through a heliport, to extensive conference facilities for businesspeople,
• professional services – residents can count on professional assistance in garden maintenance and finding a private chef, yacht or helicopter transport, and even accounting and tax advisory services.

There is no more exclusive address in Europe than La Zagaleta. Spain is a paradise for wealthy investors who care not only about prestige that meets the highest standards, but also about absolute privacy, security and peace. If you want to live in a luxurious neighbourhood, be sure to check out the properties for sale available from Elite World Estates!

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Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.