Why we love Elviria
Situated just a few kilometres east of Marbella’s town centre, Elviria is often credited as having some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol…and the best beach clubs, such as Nikki Beach. It is also a popular destination for those looking to relocate permanently or would like to buy a Spanish holiday home. The coveted Costa del Sol lifestyle can be realised in and around Elviria, with its pretty avenues of luxury villas and upmarket developments of attractive apartments.
What’s it like?
Located a short drive from Calahonda to the west and 15 minutes from Marbella town centre to the east, the area has a relaxed cosmopolitan feel, mainly due to the high number of expats. It is essentially a purpose built residential urbanisation which also incorporates swathes of countryside and golf courses. It is also peaceful and safe, making it a magnet for families with children of all ages. And although there is no ‘town centre’ as such, there are plenty of restaurants shops, bars and charming beachside ‘chiringuitos’. What really sets this area apart is the high proportion of quality property and wonderful flat sandy beaches. Like most of the urbanisations on the Costa del Sol, Elviria is divided by the coast road into beachside and mountainside, however, you are never very far from some of the finest beaches on the coast. It also has a certain amount of cache as the location of the world renowned Nikki Beach and the 5-star Don Carlos Hotel. It’s also very handy for Malaga airport.
Attractions
Eating and drinking
Although Elviria covers a relatively small area, it manages to pack in an incredible selection of restaurants, bars and beach clubs. You could dine out at a different type of restaurant every day, including traditional Spanish menus, Chinese, Indian, Italian and British. Foodies will be impressed by the first class quality; especially the Michelin starred El Lago Restaurant.
Nightlife
During Marbella’s summer season, it is Nikki Beach that attracts the celebrities and international jet set. In fact it is the club’s famous annual ‘White Party’ held in May that signals the start of the summer. Then in October, the ‘Red Party’ marks the end of the season. If rubbing shoulders with the great and good is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of more low key venues frequented by Elviria’s international population.
Shopping
If you’re looking for department stores, fashion chains and huge supermarket you won’t find them in Elviria. Instead you will find a small selection of shops, a commercial centre, supermarkets, restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. Markets are held daily throughout the province of Malaga, Elviria’s market day is Friday. If you want to indulge in some real retail therapy you can hop in the car and within a matter of minutes you will reach La Cañada, an enormous shopping mall offering all the famous Spanish and many international brands such as Marks and Spencer, McDonalds and Habitat, under one roof.
Sports and outdoor activities
There are two excellent golf courses in Elviria; the 9-hole Greenlife and the 18-hole Santa Maria Golf courses. Clay court tennis is also an option at the Don Carlos Tennis Club or the Hofsaess Tennis Academy. Children can also have a kick about on the municipal eleven-a-side football pitch at Las Chapas or fly about on a zip wire at the newly opened Aventura Amazonia. Nature lovers can take advantage of the wonderful hiking trails in the mountains above Elviria, where you’ll come across rivers, oak and cork forests. Similar to the rest of the Costa del Sol, there is also the option of pony trekking, cycling and water sports.
Golf courses in Elviria
- Santa Maria Golf – 18-holes, Mediterranean views from each hole, online pro shop & country club
- Greenlife Golf – 9-holes, golf academy, clubhouse, driving range, coaching programmes
Beaches
Elviria is often said to have the best beaches in the municipality of Marbella, boasting pebble-free flat sand which gently slopes into the bright blue Mediterranean. Beaches along this section of the Costa del Sol are extremely well equipped with showers, public toilets, sunbeds and sunshades. You also have a choice of some rather good chiringuitos where you can enjoy a cold drink and tuck into some very tasty Spanish cooking; barbeques with fresh sardines, freshly baked paella, seafood and salads. As the sun goes down you will often see fishermen casting their lines and soaking up the sounds of the sea.
Facts & Figures
Marbella is extremely well equipped when it comes to education for both Spanish children and expats. Parents have a good choice of Spanish public and state schools, church and international schools. There is also a Montessori school located in the nearby town of San Pedro de Alcantara. In the relatively small urbanisation of Elviria, there are two private Spanish schools, two international schools – including the German Hoffman School – and one public college.
Schools
Although there are only 2 schools in Casares; offering kindergarten and primary level education in Spanish. There is a wide selection of state and private schools within a reasonable distance from the village, in the neighbouring towns of Sotogrande and Estepona.
Collegio Alemen Jauan Hoffman
Deutsche Schule in der Provinz Málaga Apartado de Correos,318 29600 Marbella
Colegio Alemen Jauan Hoffman
English International College
Urb. Ricmar,Crtr. de Cádiz – Málaga Km. 189,5(A7), 29604 Marbella
English International College
Platero College
C/ Joaquín Rodrigo S/N.
Urb. Elviria. 29604 MARBELLA
Tel: 951 27 05 27 – 951 27 05 28 – 671 56 52 54 / 95
Platero college
Montessori Marbella
Casa del Abuelo, Urb. Valle del Sol,
San Pedro Alcantara 29670 Marbella,
Montessori Marbella
The Aloha College
Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 – Marbella Tel: 952 814 133
The Aloha College
Marbella Design Academy
Camino Hoyanca, Monda, Marbella,
Marbella Design Academy
Transport links
Malaga International airport is within easy reach just 45 km or 30 minutes from Elviria. You can quite easily catch a direct coach from Marbella bus station to Malaga airport with roughly the same travel time but a fraction of the cost of a taxi. In fact Marbella is connected to all towns on the Costa del Sol and beyond by regular local bus and coach services. The nearest train station is located in Fuengirola, there has been talk of extending the rail network further east for many years, but the project is yet to get underway. The toll road and coast road provide the option of either quick or scenic routes along the length and breadth of the Costa del Sol, continuing into the neighbouring Costa de la Luz to the frontier with Gibraltar.
