A hidden gem
El Madroñal is an exclusive luxury neighbourhood in the municipality of Benahavís, often called a “hidden gem” or “Marbella’s hideaway”. Once a private hunting estate, it is now renowned for its peaceful landscape and lush natural surroundings. Its name comes from the abundant strawberry trees (madroños) that contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.
The community comprises around 150 luxury villas across 223 hectares of pine and cork oak woodland along the scenic road to Ronda, between La Zagaleta and La Heredia. At 400 metres above sea level, views extend across the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, Africa’s Rif Mountains and the Guadaiza river valley.
Privacy and security
The community has round-the-clock security and six separate entrances, each serving a limited number of properties for maximum privacy. Plots average around 3 000 m², with some exceeding 10 000 m². Many villas feature private tennis courts, spas, gyms or home cinemas.
Nearby, in La Reserva de Alcuzcuz and Las Colinas de Marbella, you will find cafés, restaurants, a butcher’s, a bakery and a gourmet food shop.
History and prices
The extensive estate once belonged to the Parladé family, and Spanish royalty came here to hunt in the 1960s. It was later owned by the French Roussel family and then by Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi, who hosted legendary parties here in the 1970s and 1980s. The estate was subsequently divided into today’s La Zagaleta, El Madroñal and La Reserva de Alcuzcuz.
Villa prices start just below 2 million euros for a property on a plot of around 2 000 m², while the most expensive villas are priced just below 8 million euros.
