• Table of contents
• 1.- Introduction
• 2.- The history of Nueva Andalucía
• 3.- Exploring Nueva Andalucía
• 4.- Sectors in which Nueva Andalucía is divided into
• 5.- Nueva Andalucía: the protagonist is golf
• 6.- Gastronomic treasures for all tastes in Nueva Andalucía
• 7.- Hotels in Nueva Andalucía
• 8.- Nueva Andalucía's natural jewel: Lago de las Tortugas (Turtle Lake).
• 9.- Leisure and sports for the whole family in Nueva Andalucía
• 10.- Hiking through Nueva Andalucía
• 11.- Colleges in Nueva Andalucía
• 12.- Situation of the real estate market in Nueva Andalucía

Nueva Andalucía is one of the five districts into which the city of Marbella is divided. It is bounded to the East and West by the rivers Guadaiza and Verde. To the South it borders Puerto Banús and to the North with the foothills of Sierra de Apretaderas.

This district is inhabited by just over 20,000 inhabitants who occupy an area characterized by extensive urbanizations where townhouses and villas and chalets are the norm. To the northwest of Nueva Andalucía is La Campana, a popular neighborhood of workers with a higher population density and where there are various services such as an outpatient clinic, supermarkets, pharmacies, all kinds of businesses, the Catholic church and the Mayor's Office.

Nueva Andalucía is the daughter of Puerto Banús. As a consequence of this luxury marina, its constructor, José Banús, built in the 60's of the 20th century a series of houses for the workers. In addition, next to the luxury marina he designed an Andalusian village with town hall and main square that eventually became the Andalucía Plaza Hotel (today Hard Rock Hotel Marbella) and a bullring (today Marbella Arena). To complement all these luxury services, Jose Banus founded in 1968 the current Real Club de Golf Las Brisas under the name of “Club de Golf Nueva Andalucia”. He would be its first President until 1981. For its design he chose the American Robert Trent Jones, already then considered one of the best golf course designers in the world.

Soon the housing was expanding and, in the shadow of the attraction of Puerto Banús, villas and chalets began to be built, followed by new services such as an international private school, Aloha College, considered one of the best in Spain, which came into operation in 1982. New golf courses were built, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf Club and Magna Marbella Golf.

Nowadays, Nueva Andalucía has established itself as a very interesting place to live, very close to Puerto Banús and the beaches of the Costa del Sol, where privacy and tranquility is guaranteed in its labyrinthine urbanizations and extensive areas of villas.

Nueva Andalucía encompasses and continues north of the famous Puerto Banús, extending to the AP-7 freeway, west to the Guadaiza River and east to Río Verde. Nueva Andalucía enjoys breathtaking views of the Mediterranean with an equally fantastic mountain backdrop and the La Concha mountain, the iconic symbol of Marbella. San Pedro de Alcántara borders Nueva Andalucía to the west. To the north, it borders the municipality of Benahavís and Istán. To the east is the beginning of the western district of Marbella. Finally, the south of Nueva Andalucía sits on the Mediterranean coast, with Puerto Banús being the southernmost point of the peninsula.

Being known by its name, El Valle del Golf, it can be assumed that some of the most notable golf courses of the Costa del Sol are located here: Aloha Golf Club, Los Naranjos Golf Club and the Real Club de Oro Las Brisas. The easiest way to reach Nueva Andalucía is to turn inland along the A-7 coastal road opposite Puerto Banús.

If you are traveling from abroad and coming from Malaga airport, it is a 45 minute drive on the toll highway AP-7 in the direction of Algeciras, which is 57.4 km away. If you are coming from Gibraltar Airport, it is an hour's drive on the AP-7 towards Malaga, which is 67.9 km away.

Nueva Andalucía is a landscape of contrasts. In the Valley it mixes in a harmonious way the wide villas with numerous urbanizations and residential zones of apartments. Golf courses characterize the physiognomy of this landscape in which two authentically local and historic areas stand out: the old agricultural colony of El Ángel and the workers' quarter of La Campana.

Golf Valley: a paradise of urbanizations:

The Golf Valley stretches between the Guadaiza and Verde rivers like a delicate carpet of villas, chalets and residential areas. It has numerous urbanizations such as Aloha, Los Naranjos, Dama de Noche, Los Belvederes, Altos del Rodeo, Atalaya de Río Verde, etc. In this maze of streets we find, scattered, restaurants, some stores and two shopping and dining areas to highlight: Centro Plaza, near Puerto Banus, and Avenida del Prado, one of the main arteries of Nueva Andalucia where we can find restaurants and various stores.

El Angel, the centenary colony that has come to less

Colonia El Angel has its origins in the first civilian blast furnaces in Spain, from 1830 to 1862. It is located about 11 kilometers west of Marbella and 67 kilometers southwest of Malaga city. The decline of the iron and steel industry in Marbella was mainly due to the difficulties in the supply of coal, which caused a final increase in the price of the iron ingot, which could not compete with that produced in Asturias and the Basque Country.

After the failure of the blast furnaces, the El Ángel colony, located between the rivers Verde and Guadaiza, became an agricultural colony in the second half of the 19th century, taking advantage of the infrastructure of the blast furnaces, owned by Juan Giró, which had occupied the area until 1862. In 1874, after the purchase of El Ángel by the then largest capitalist of Marbella, Tomás Domínguez Artola, a flour and cane sugar factory was installed. Three years later it passed into the hands of José Martínez y Martínez de Pinillos, and in 1880 it was recognized as an “agricultural colony”.

In 1995, all the old buildings of El Ángel were demolished by the then mayor of the city, Jesús Gil, thus eliminating any possibility of rehabilitating the old colony and in its place they built the controversial social housing. It is an isolated and secluded area away from the mainstream that characterizes Nueva Andalucía.

La Campana, a traditional neighborhood with all the amenities

La Campana is the popular heart of Nueva Andalucía. A purely Spanish neighborhood with blocks of buildings mixed with townhouses and detached houses.

La Campana has all the typical services of any neighborhood: stores, supermarkets, a church, an ambulatory (currently under expansion), pharmacies, an industrial park, etc.

Some of the restaurants located in La Campana deserve special mention:

El Bigote

El Bigote is a unique restaurant with an excellent quality seafood product that has been serving locals and foreign visitors since 83. It is a place with a pleasant atmosphere, always hospitable, run by José Manuel Villena, a real character of Nueva Andalucía, who surprises with a 3.2 kilos spider crab from Marbella that arrives from the fishing port of Marbella as well as with the always demanded white prawns and langoustines. And the same prepares a pil pil of fresh white prawns that they take it out of the hands that leaves room in the suggestions for the oxtail that they stew with success.

There is the option of ordering arroz caldoso with carabineros or simply let yourself be guided by José Manuel who explains like no one else what has come to the kitchen directly from the sea. The menu is limited and exclusive: it offers such a fresh and high quality product that, when it runs out, the restaurant closes.

Asturian restaurant Sidrería Manolo

Generous portions at reasonable prices. A quality-price relation that is worth the trouble and a hospitable and close treatment with the client. Sidrería Manolo is an Asturian corner in Marbella where you feel like coming back. Its cachopo, a type of breaded steak of remarkable size stuffed with cheese and other products, is famous and has even been presented to the national championship. There are even gastronomic days focused on this recipe: “Fillet of beef (or fish), stuffed with ham (or cecina), cheese and variants such as peppers or mushrooms. All breaded in egg, flour and special breadcrumbs and fried, delicious! Quite laborious but worth it”, explains Manolo himself. In addition to this, Asturian fabada, pinto beans, suckling lamb... and well, Asturian cider, which is never lacking.

It is therefore a restaurant with strong, traditional, Asturian-style dishes that attracts an international clientele.

Los Farolillos

This restaurant is a perfect choice for the wide variety of dishes to choose from, it is a restaurant specializing in grilled food, you can not leave without trying their steak.

Reservations are recommended as it is usually attended by many people attracted by the quality of their food and the more than reasonable price. It is a restaurant that is usually filled with families for its cozy atmosphere, it is normal that you want to repeat after finishing.

If something stands out in the landscape of Nueva Andalucía are its golf courses, some of which are world-renowned.

Aloha Golf Club

Aloha Golf Club, located in the heart of Nueva Andalucía, is an 18-hole golf course that has captivated golf enthusiasts for many years. This course offers a balance of challenge and fun.

The design of Aloha Golf Club is not simply a collection of fairways and greens. This golf course takes a meticulous approach to ensure that each hole tests your skills. The course design incorporates strategic bunkers, undulating fairways and well-placed obstacles that require strategic thinking. As golfers walk this picturesque course, they enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Once their round is over, Aloha Golf Club offers a cozy retreat for dining. The club is home to a charming restaurant where golfers can relax and enjoy a diverse dining experience. The menu offers a wide variety of locally inspired dishes and international flavors. The restaurant provides a tranquil setting where golfers can savor their meals, reflect on their round and share stories with other players.

Aloha Golf Club also features a well-equipped pro store. This store offers a wide selection of golf equipment, including clubs, balls and accessories. The knowledgeable staff is always available to provide advice and assistance. Whether you're looking for the latest technological innovations or stylish apparel, Aloha Golf Club's pro store caters to the needs of golf enthusiasts.

For those looking to elevate their golf experience and join the Aloha Golf Club community, membership opportunities are available. Membership not only grants exclusive privileges, but also guarantees regular access to golf. Some benefits may include preferred schedules, access to special events and use of club facilities. Becoming a member is a testament to your commitment to the sport and opens the door to a more enriched lifestyle.

Los Naranjos Golf

Los Naranjos Golf is a golf club in Nueva Andalucía. It offers golfers an 18-hole course that blends perfectly into the natural surroundings of the region. This course is a testament to the synergy between human design and the beauty of nature. It offers an exciting golf experience that engages players on several levels.

The design of Los Naranjos Golf has been carefully crafted to offer a balance between challenge and pleasure. Strategically placed bunkers and attractive water hazards add complexity to the game, requiring golfers to use strategic thinking and precision in their shots. Each hole presents a new set of challenges and opportunities, making every round at Los Naranjos a fresh and exciting adventure. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner honing your skills, this course offers something for everyone.

After a round of golf, the Los Naranjos Golf clubhouse invites players to relax and satisfy their palates in its charming restaurant. Here, golfers can enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights that cater to diverse preferences. From traditional Spanish dishes that celebrate local flavors to international cuisine that offers a taste of world cuisine. The restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views make it the ideal place to relax, recharge and relive the highlights of your round with other golfers.

Las Brisas Golf Club

Las Brisas Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Spain. It was founded by the creator of Nueva Andalucía himself, José Banús, in 1968. It has an 18-hole course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. This course is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings.

The course design challenges golfers to use precision and their best skills. With strategically placed hazards and undulating fairways, each hole presents a new puzzle to be solved. It is a course that requires concentration but also rewards creativity. Whether an experienced golfer looking to test their skills or a beginner eager to improve their game, Las Brisas Golf Club offers an unforgettable golf experience for all.

After the round, golfers can retire to the club's restaurant. The restaurant at Las Brisas Golf Club is a culinary haven where players can enjoy a variety of dishes. The menu offers a mix of local Spanish flavors and international cuisine. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a post-game dining experience.

Magna Marbella Golf

Magna Marbella Golf is a 9-hole golf course that promises an exceptional golfing experience. Despite its smaller size compared to other courses, Magna Marbella Golf offers golfers a pleasant and unique round with panoramic sea views in the background.

The layout of Magna Marbella Golf's course has been carefully designed to maximize the challenges and rewards of each hole. It's a course that may be shorter in length but is by no means short on excitement or enjoyment. Golfers of all skill levels can relish the opportunity to test their abilities and improve their game.

Although Magna Marbella Golf features an on-site restaurant, the Magna Café offers an elaborate menu and sophisticated hospitality. It's a place where golfers can take a break, have lunch with friends, or enjoy a romantic dinner while soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

In addition to the restaurant, Magna Marbella Golf boasts a well-equipped pro shop, catering to the needs of golf enthusiasts. The pro shop offers a wide range of golfing equipment, including clubs, balls, clothing, and accessories. Knowledgeable staff are available to assist golfers in finding the right equipment or rental options to enhance their performance on the course.

One of the hallmarks of Nueva Andalucía are its restaurants. There are specialized in different culinary styles but all of them are characterized by giving the client a complete experience beyond the merely gastronomic.

Moss Fun Kitchen

Much more than a culinary experience. This restaurant that follows the 'restaurant-show' concept has celebrated its eighth anniversary. With a formula based on the combination of fusion gastronomy with show and live performance, this establishment is one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol.

It is managed by the Mosh Group, which has other restaurants and nightclubs in Marbella.

And what does Mosh Fun Kitchen offer? The place offers the possibility of enjoying live shows such as cabarets and dining at the same time, a concept that in recent years has become very fashionable. It has a wide gastronomic proposal in which you can taste from uramakis at 20 euros, grilled sea bass at 35 or Agnus beef at 38. Desserts do not go below 12 and there are options such as coulant or yuzu and lime cheesecake. On the cocktail menu there are mojitos, margaritas, daiquiris....

The design of the establishment follows the latest trends of the most avant-garde establishments in big cities such as New York, Moscow and London. The Marbella studio Archidom Studio was in charge of mixing the industrial style with vegetation and a decoration warm enough to create an atmosphere of comfort, harmony and fun that make it a point of reference in Marbella.

Breathe

Breathe offers more than just good food because it is an elegant, fashionable restaurant with an efficient, friendly service and an innovative and versatile vision of what is gastronomy.

The restaurant offers great food in a wonderful atmosphere, which are two of the most important ingredients to create such a special dining experience.The restaurant is divided into different spaces that reflect the mood and preferences of the guests. These include, among others, a beautiful entrance with an area to sit quietly and enjoy a drink and a snack.

Today, Breathe is one of the trendiest places to go if you want to socialize and enjoy quality, freshly prepared drinks and food. The main dining room is the most formal part of the restaurant. It is an elegant area with a modern urban feel that communicates with its own panoramic terrace, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of Marbella, Puerto Banús and the La Concha mountain.

Vovem Grill

If you are carnivorous this is your restaurant. Meats are the protagonists of this spectacular steakhouse in Nueva Andalucía. Vovem has a maturation chamber where the customer can choose between 12-24 breeds of beef and beef of different origins, age and maturation times. A must that is synonymous of quality and good work. On the menu you will also find hamburgers, lamb chops, poussin or Iberian prey, which are also prepared on the grills with holm oak, olive and vine shoot embers.

Paisana Restaurant

Paisana is a Cookhouse & Coffee that manages a concept of gastronomy in which the product is the key, a proposal that wants to 'feed' on a daily basis a selection of varied dishes in which quality prevails and with a marked vocation towards sustainability. The Argentinian chef Florencia Borsani signs its elaborations and it is she who makes the next visit to this restaurant especially tempting. Although we cannot forget the culinary spirit of the prestigious chef Simón Padilla that impregnates the complete gastronomic menu of this restaurant located in the Centro Plaza shopping center.

What can be found in Paisana Marbella? From the restaurant they point out that here the customer will find “a cuisine without additives, fried or refined sugars”, a space in which all the preparations are made in the house with organic flour and seasonal products.

Both Florencia and Antonio Padilla, the entrepreneur who has developed this project, emphasize that each and every one of the raw materials and products that are handled in Paisana have a story behind “and all of them form Paisana”.

The establishment has three different areas, kitchen, dining room and terrace, all of which are open. The menu varies daily, week after week, maintaining the dates so that the clarity of the proposal with which they arrive is evident.

Paisana has developed a sustainable line with vegan, daily free or gluten-free alternatives. This does not mean in any case that the strength given by the embers to a third certified quality eco, free-range chicken or seasonal vegetables is renounced.

Among some of the suggestions of the menu, to highlight the eco beef with josper, carrot hummus, broccoli and sourdough bread or delicious pancakes made with oatmeal and coconut flour.

Nomad

Since opening its doors in March 2023, Nomad Marbella has established itself as one of the most popular restaurants in the area, offering customers unique fusion cuisine, exceptional service and a relaxing atmosphere.

At Nomad Marbella, you can enjoy a culinary journey that combines traditional Spanish flavors with modern international dishes. The menu includes unique and exciting options, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with elegance and style. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, Nomad Marbella's elegant and cozy atmosphere, with an outdoor terrace and private parking, is the perfect setting for any occasion. Don't miss this must-visit gastronomic destination in Nueva Andalucía.

In the district of Nueva Andalucía has an exceptional hotel on the site of the former Andalucía Plaza Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, open since 2022, right in front of Puerto Banús, amazes with its seventies style, its live music and its sublime cocktails and food.

The Hard Rock Hotel Marbella underwent a comprehensive refurbishment by its new owners, investment funds Bain Capital and Stoneweg, masterfully reinventing the establishment under the Hard Rock brand. The renovation, which was completed in 2022, included a modernization of the facilities, aimed at attracting a customer profile that seeks luxury experiences and entertainment.

Currently known as Lago de las Tortugas (formerly known as Embalse Nuevo de El Ángel), it was built in 1890 and, together with the Embalse Viejo (twin reservoir), it was used to irrigate the sugar cane and cereal crops of the former agricultural colony of El Ángel.

Located in Nueva Andalucía, this wetland was and still is a place of relaxation for the residents of Marbella. The lake is located between forest and Mediterranean scrub. Under normal rainfall conditions, when the level of water in the reservoir is constant, it can preserve on its shores marsh vegetation such as tamarisk and bulrush. The reservoir is home to the autochthonous aquatic turtle, which is responsible for its current name.

Regarding birds, local ornithologist Antonio Figueredo explains that mallards (ducks), and coots can be seen. “The Lake has enormous potential, capable of attracting, if it were to regenerate, dozens of different types of birds that migrate between North Africa and Europe.

The turtle lake is, therefore, a spectacular natural space, perfect for family plans in the open air.

Nueva Andalucía has several sports facilities where you can practice sports. The most important is the future Educational Center for Sports Technification, a sports center under construction, located on a plot of 30,000 square meters, which will have an Olympic swimming pool and an approved athletics track, equipment that the municipality lacks and that prevents it from hosting official competitions; in addition to two buildings with offices, classrooms, toilets, warm-up area, changing rooms, gymnasium and bleachers.

On the other hand, Nueva Andalucía has several private sports clubs. Such as Tennis Brothers Marbella Club or the Aloha Tennis Club.

Marbella Arena

A few years ago the old bullring of Nueva Andalucía was converted into the Marbella Arena: a multipurpose center where concerts, large events, charity galas, etc. are held.

It also has several restaurants and stores.

Street market

Every Saturday from 08:00 to 15:00 hours on Avenida Pilar Calvo (next to the Marbella Arena and Centro Plaza), a flea market is held in which everything is sold, from clothing and accessories to antiques and leather goods. It is recommended to go to the market by public transport or walking, as it is sometimes difficult to park and patience is needed. Alternative public parking spaces can be found in Puerto Banús.

The Sierra de Apretaderas borders the north of Nueva Andalucía and has been for centuries the natural connection between the Costa del Sol and the Serranía de Ronda. Among the different natural areas near Nueva Andalucía we have highlighted a proposal for leisure in Nature: one for experienced sportsmen who want to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Sierra de las Nieves.

Puerta Verde, the natural path to the Serrania de Ronda

La Puerta Verde de Marbella is a 42 kilometers long route that connects Marbella with the spectacular town of Ronda. The connection is through the old road that for hundreds of years connected the coast with the villages of the Serrania de Ronda. It is a route that crosses a mountainous area of great natural and scenic interest located within the Natural Park of the Sierra de las Nieves.

This park is one of the most important ecosystems of Andalusia, considered by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. It houses in its entrails an abundant botanical representation, such as cork oak and holm oak, the middle area is home to junipers, junipers, and piornos, while the upper area belongs to the Spanish fir and gall oak, and the riverside areas are occupied by poplars, poplars, ashes, willows and elms.

The fauna is another of the wonders that hides the Natural Park in which species such as the mountain goat, the roe deer and other smaller species such as the mountain cat, the eagle owl, the imperial eagle and the otter, which frequents large areas of the banks of the Verde River.

There are several things to keep in mind about this route: it is hard, as it exceeds 1,500 meters of positive slope; it is long and, as it crosses the heart of the Sierra de las nieves, there are no villages or restaurants, so it is advisable to be well equipped with water, food and shelter. Although it is well signposted, it is important to carry a GPS and to have studied it because there are numerous crossroads with other paths.

Aloha college

Aloha College is a private school founded in 1982, being one of the first schools in Spain with International Baccalaureate. It provides an international education in 2 sections, Primary School (3 - 10 years) and Secondary School (11 - 18 years).

A new secondary school was opened in September 2004, effectively doubling the size of the school. The purpose-built modern accommodation has, in addition to the normal classroom provision, seven well-equipped laboratories, three computer rooms, a library and multimedia center, two art and design studios and a music department with a tiered performance area and two drama studios. There are two all-weather sports fields, a golf academy and a riding school nearby and daily use is made of tennis and swimming facilities minutes from the site.

In addition to an extensive extracurricular activities program, special emphasis is placed on music and drama instruction. Aloha College is an official examination center for the prestigious LAMDA ( London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art ) qualifications. In addition, examiners from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and the British Ballet Organization regularly visit the school to assess students. Students from the age of 14 have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program.

The American College in Spain (ACS)

The American College in Spain (ACS) is the first American High School & University in Andalusia. Located in the Urbanization Alzambra in Nueva Andalucia since 2013, The American College in Spain offers a curriculum based on the American educational system.

Students can complete in Marbella the 4 years of High School (Grades 9 to 12) and then begin their first 2 years of University by completing their general education courses required by all American universities. Upon completion of those 2 years of college, students receive the Associate of Arts Degree from Broward College, which is recognized and accepted worldwide.

After obtaining the Associate of Arts Degree, students can transfer to an American university (USA or any other university in Europe or worldwide that offers the American educational system) where they can complete their degree and obtain their 4-year diploma: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) or BSc (Bachelor of Science).

Nueva Andalucía offers a wide variety of properties and homes of all types. In La Campana it is possible to buy apartments in buildings of about 100m2 for 350,000 square meters. In the Dama de Noche area there are apartments in townhouses of about 80 m2 for about 250,000 m2.

Also under construction is a residential complex of apartments with 70 spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments of up to 106 m2, with prices ranging from 453,000 euros to 749,000 euros. Each one adorned with splendid terraces and guarded by 24-hour security. Each residence is strategically oriented towards the south, guaranteeing unparalleled views of the stunning natural landscape of the Costa del Sol.

Regarding villas and chalets, prices vary but from 3 million euros there are very interesting units.

For example, a residential complex with 26 villas in the heart of Nueva Andalucía is currently being marketed with prices ranging from 4.5 to 9.5 million euros. It will have 24-hour security, providing an environment of total tranquility. With a single entrance and exit, residents' security and privacy are guaranteed. The common areas include a state-of-the-art gym and a SPA with indoor pool, hammam, sauna and ice bath.

On the other hand, at a premium level, the recent development announced by RGZ and Versace stands out. These homes have a market value of over 10 million euros each and will be located within the private and tranquil hills of Nueva Andalucía, ensuring stunning panoramic views from all floors. The plot of each property is approximately 2000 square meters.