Why we love Nueva Andalucía
If we’re being pedantic, you could say that Nueva Andalucía starts at the bullring, stretching include including lakes, countryside and plenty of golf courses, with a jaw-dropping backdrop of mountains and superb views across the coast, spanning as for a Morocco. Apart from its close proximity to Puerto Banús, its lovely ‘village’ feel has made it such a desirable residential area. The land was originally used for bull breeding and bull fighting before it was developed into residential suburbs by Jose Banus, the businessman responsible for creating the marina. As its name suggests it’s designed to emulate a traditional Andaluz village with a mixture of villas and apartments. It is extremely popular area, particularly attracting golfers and families due local amenities.
What’s it like?
Apart from the attractive residential buildings in luxury suburbs, if we tell you that Nueva Andalucia is often referred to as ‘Golf Valley’ it will give you an idea of just how desirable this corner of Marbella is to both Spanish and international golfers. Served by no less than five golf courses, it has the largest concentration in Europe. Of course, there is much more to the area than golf, there is a lovely pueblo, a lively restaurant scene, shops, schools and much more. It is also popular due to close proximity to the beach, shopping and nightlife in both Puerto Banus and central Marbella. The aforementioned bullring is also a hub for entertainment, hosting not only bullfights but also all types of concerts and events.
Attractions
Eating and drinking
The choice of places to eat, drink and generally have a good time in Nueva Andalucia and Puerto Banus seem endless. Step outside your front door and you’ll be amazed at the range of international restaurants, cafes and bars on offer in Nueva Andalucia. Restaurant and music venue, La Sala is the place for celebrity spotting and Guey just around the corner also attracts a lively well-heeled crowd. Head down towards the famous marina in ‘The Port’, as it is known locally, and you’ll be confronted with every type of cuisine from Italian to Indian. Further back towards El Corte Ingles Dani Garcia’s former restaurant La Moraga and worldwide chain Hard Rock Café, cheap and cheerful tapas bars and much more.
Nightlife
Apart from the restaurants and bars located on Nueva Andalucía’s main streets and around the pueblo, there are all of the bars and clubs in Puerto Banús, such as Pangea, Newscafe, Tibu and of course Aqwa Mist with a VIP room that attracts it’s all the visiting celebs. Marbella’s only casino is located in Nueva Andalucia at the H10 Plaza Hotel, amongst the 70 slot machines and card games, it also doubles up as a venue for exhibitions, events and meetings.
Shopping
There are plenty of opportunities to pick up local crafts, leather goods and bits and bobs from a number of local shops and supermarkets which are often open until late. On Saturday morning, there’s a farmers’ market offers a good selection of locally produced fruit, vegetables fresh meat and fish. You can also pick up herbs and spices, fresh bread and wine.
Shopping
The main shopping area is Centro Plaza (just above the bullring) where there’s a choice of eateries, hairdresser and beauty salon, gym and independent stores. It is also here that you’ll find the weekly market held every Saturday morning from around 10.00 to 15.00. It has everything from fresh vegetables to fur jackets. Of course, being so close to Puerto Banús, this is where most people head for some serious retail therapy, to snap up designer clothes and accessories at Armani, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Dior, Hermes, D&G, and luxury goods in the boutiques which often close to accommodate visiting celebs. El Corte Ingles is the only department store but it’s well-stocked with everything from electrical goods to sportswear. There’s also a good choice of high street brands including Zara and Massimo Dutti dotted around the various plazas, streets and shopping malls. Throughout August, you should visit Plaza Antonio Banderas (2 walk minutes from El Corte Ingles) to take a look at the annual craft fair and market for colourful Spanish and Moroccan items.
Sports and outdoor activities
If you like sports, you’ll love Nueva Andalucía. It’s a playground for those who like water sports, swimming, tennis, padel, golf – especially golf as there is such a high concentration of good courses – cycling, walking and even bowls, all year round. There are several gyms, with a wide range of classes including pole dancing and cheerleading.
Golf courses in Nueva Andalucía
- Aloha Golf Club-18-hole course in Nueva Andalucía
- La Dama de Noche-9-hole floodlit course for day or night play.
- Las Brisas Golf Club –18-hole course in Nueva Andalucía
- Los Arqueros –18-hole championship course in Nueva Andalucía
- Los Naranjos–An extremely popular 18-hole course in Nueva Andalucía
- Magna Marbella-9-hole course, clubhouse, café and golf school
- La Quinta-27-hole course, golf academy, restaurant and hotel
Beaches close to Nueva Andalucía
A stroll along the beach will reveal a superb choice of chiringitos and beach bars, with food and drink to suit every budget. As you would expect in Puerto Banús / Nueva Andalucía, this stretch of coast is also home to some of the most expensive beach clubs on the coast.
Beach clubs
- The Ocean Club: Popular amongst young international revellers who never seem to leave, splashing around in the large pool during the day and partying by night. There’s a comprehensive bar and menu packed with tasty light meals and in the summer you can enjoy fashion show and exhibitions by international artists.
- La Sala by the sea: Originally known as Buddha Beach, this lovely beach club is now part of the La Sala chain and like its namesake located by the bullring, it pulls in the celebrities. Thai style snacks are available and can be delivered direct to your sunbed.
- Plaza Beach: The load music, comfy chairs and good food attracts a young crowd.
- Astral Beach: It’s located at the western edge of Puerto Banús (near the Victory Statue and just a few minutes from the green Rhino), and one of the most laid back beach clubs around. Relax and chill out over a cold drink.
- Playa de Levente: Spanning the entire 1000 metres from the marina, this is main beach which is extremely popular with families due to the shallow water and flat sand. It can be extremely busy in the summer, so get there early and stake your place.
- Mistral Beach: Although 20 minutes’ walk from the port, next to the Guadalpin Banus Hotel, this beach is technically still in Puerto. It has a lively atmosphere and is particularly popular for water sports.
Facts & Figures
Here’s some useful information about Nueva Andalucía to give you an idea of whether this is the best place for you to live or invest in.
Schools
As you would expect from a popular family location, children in Nueva Andalucía are well catered for with schools offering English, American and Spanish teaching syllabi. There are a number of international schools, likethe Aloha College, Laude San Pedro International College, Mayfair International Academy, Swan International and the English International College.
Transport links
Nueva Andalucía can be accessed via two major roads; the N340 coast road spanning the entire coastline and the motorway, (AP-7) toll road. Getting about is extremely easy, as there is a regular inexpensive bus service run by Portillo-Avanza connecting all of the towns on the Costa del Sol and beyond.
Airports:
- 60 minutes from Málaga airport
- 60 minutes from Gibraltar airport
- 2.5 hours from Malaga to Madrid on the AVE fast train
