Talking about the best place to live in Costa del Sol means talking about lifestyle, sea views, light, sustainability and a residential quality that has become an international benchmark. Costa del Sol is not just a privileged holiday destination but one of Europe’s most sought-after locations for establishing a primary or second home. At RH Privé Estates, as Master Agents with over 30 years of consolidated experience in the luxury real estate sector, we have in-depth knowledge of every area where we develop our projects. We are an active part of the region’s urban development history, promoting sustainable, secure communities designed for wellbeing. But is there really a single answer to the question about the best place to live in Costa del Sol? The reality is that it depends on what each person is looking for, so let us explore the most outstanding areas. Top areas: best place to live in Costa del Sol Mijas: Andalusian tradition and endless sea views Mijas is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and attractive areas in Costa del Sol. It combines the charm of a traditional white village with modern residential developments perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. Living in Mijas means enjoying: Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Protected natural environments Proximity to golf courses and premium services An ideal balance between tranquillity and connectivity Mijas is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed setting with a strong Andalusian identity, without compromising on high-end contemporary homes. It is highly valued by international buyers who prioritise views, privacy and construction quality. If your idea of home includes sea sunrises, spacious terraces and a direct connection with nature, Mijas could certainly be the best place to live in Costa del Sol. Benalmádena: strategic location and international lifestyle Benalmádena is one of the most established and well-connected areas in Costa del Sol. Its proximity to Málaga Airport, its marina and its wide leisure offering make it a strategic location both for permanent residence and investment. In elevated areas, you will find some of the most privileged locations, true natural balconies overlooking the Mediterranean. Here, the concept of housing goes beyond interior space; it is about embracing a lifestyle. Benalmádena offers: Fast connections to Málaga and Marbella International schools and high-level medical services Top-tier dining and leisure Well-established residential communities It is an ideal area for families and professionals seeking a balance between accessibility, services and exclusivity. From our experience, Benalmádena stands out as one of the strongest answers to the question of the best place to live in Costa del Sol, especially for those who value convenience and consolidated infrastructure. Reserva del Higuerón: luxury community with comprehensive services Speaking about Reserva del Higuerón means referring to an iconic community in Costa del Sol. Its development began in the 1990s, consolidating it as one of the most prestigious luxury residential areas. More than 400 homes have been developed, together with security services, a spa circuit and a sports club, creating a complete residential environment where the community setting is as important as the property itself. At RH Privé, we conceive luxury as a global experience. It is not only about architecture; it is about community, wellbeing and sustainability. Our commitment to energy efficiency, responsible water use and bioclimatic design forms part of a genuine sustainability framework. Reserva del Higuerón is ideal for those who seek: Security and privacy Integrated sports and wellness facilities High-level contemporary design A consolidated international community If you are looking for a gated community where everything is designed to maximise your quality of life, this could undoubtedly be the best place to live in Costa del Sol. Reserva del Chaparral: nature, golf and new premium expansion The expansion towards Reserva del Chaparral represents the natural evolution of the concept that began in Higuerón. This new community combines: A privileged natural setting Direct proximity to golf courses Close access to the beach Sustainable design and contemporary architecture La Reserva del Chaparral stands out for its more intimate character and strong connection with nature. It is an ideal location for those who wish to live surrounded by greenery, with open views and quick access to La Cala de Mijas and Fuengirola. Here, luxury blends with the landscape. Our developments maintain the standards of quality, sustainability and design that define RH Privé, focusing on an exclusive and long-term residential experience. Fuengirola: dynamism, sea and constant appreciation Fuengirola has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It is a vibrant town with a seafront promenade, shops, international schools and a wide cultural offering. Its strengths include: Excellent train connections to Málaga and the airport Active urban life all year round Strong international demand Real estate appreciation potential For those who wish to combine residential luxury with the convenience of having all services within walking distance, Fuengirola is an outstanding option. Its cosmopolitan appeal also makes it highly attractive for investment. Many buyers searching for the best place to live in Costa del Sol particularly value this combination of city and sea. How to choose the best place to live in Costa del Sol The key lies in defining your priorities: If you are looking for open views and tranquillity, Mijas may be ideal. If you prioritise connections and consolidated services, Benalmádena stands out. If you want a gated community with integrated premium services, Reserva del Higuerón is a benchmark. If you seek nature and golf in an exclusive setting, Chaparral is a solid choice. If you prefer urban dynamism by the sea, Fuengirola offers all of this. We always recommend personalised visits to experience each environment firsthand. There is no better decision than the one made by walking through the area, feeling the atmosphere and envisioning your future home. We invite you to contact our team to arrange a private viewing and receive personalised advice. At RH Privé Estates, we offer guidance in six languages and a service based on transparency, trust and empathy. Answering the question about the best area in the Costa del Sol

Living in Mijas is about more than just an address. It means choosing a way of life: Andalusian white-village charm, the everyday ease of a residential area that stays active all year and the privilege of having the Mediterranean close by. Mijas is also a large, varied municipality, which is why it suits so many different lifestyles: families, remote workers, international buyers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants everything within reach without living in the middle of a city. We often describe it in one simple idea: Mijas gives you plenty of options. And when it comes to property, options mean freedom. How Mijas is laid out and what each area offers To really understand what living in Mijas feels like, it helps to think of Mijas as a collection of areas with distinct personalities. Broadly speaking, there are three main areas: Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa and Las Lagunas de Mijas. Mijas Pueblo Mijas Pueblo is the classic Andalusian “white village”: charming streets, sweeping views and a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, thanks to its hillside location on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas. It’s a great fit for anyone who values character, calm and a sense of history. Mijas Costa Mijas Costa is the municipality’s coastal strip, home to areas such as La Cala and long-established residential developments. This stretch runs for around 12 km along the Mediterranean. Life here has a clear seaside feel: walks by the water, beach days, chiringuitos, water sports and a wide range of services suited to year-round living, and it’s also popular with international buyers. Las Lagunas de Mijas Las Lagunas is the most practical side of Mijas. It’s a modern residential and commercial area, with everyday convenience at its core: shops, services and a lively everyday feel. For anyone prioritising easy errands, schools nearby and good road connections, it’s often a smart option. Beyond these three main areas, Mijas also includes smaller rural communities and countryside areas that attract buyers looking for more privacy, more space and more nature. Real nature: from seaside walks to mountain trails One of the main reasons many people choose Mijas as a year-round home is that the outdoors becomes part of daily life, not something you save for weekends. The Sierra de Mijas shapes the landscape and the character of the area. A key landmark is Pico de Mijas, also known as La Bola, which reaches around 1,150 metres. That means hiking routes, viewpoints and a genuine sense of escape right on your doorstep, perfect for long walks, training or simply switching off. Meanwhile, the coastline offers a different kind of nature: long seaside walks, a constant sea breeze and an outdoor lifestyle for much of the year. Beaches such as Calahonda-Riviera, around 1,350 metres long with easy access, are a great choice, especially if you like having services close at hand. This mix of mountains and sea has a direct impact on wellbeing. There’s a big difference between being “close to nature” and being able to make it part of your weekly routine without effort. Mediterranean food and lifestyle: eating well is simply the norm Living in Mijas also means enjoying life around the table. Food here isn’t an afterthought, it’s part of everyday culture. Along the coast, the focus is often on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine: fresh fish, rice dishes, crisp salads and grilled flavours. In Mijas Pueblo and inland areas, you’ll find more traditional Andalusian cooking, with stews, meat dishes and that slower way of eating, talking and sharing. The best part is that the food scene goes far beyond tradition. The Costa del Sol has a strong international side, and Mijas reflects that with a varied offering, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and options for every kind of lifestyle, from relaxed family dining to more gourmet experiences. Top-level services for a life without compromises For anyone planning to live somewhere full-time, one question matters more than most: how easy is everyday life? When it comes to living in Mijas, the answer is usually very positive, largely thanks to its variety. Depending on the area, you can choose a quieter setting or a more urban feel, while still having reliable services nearby. Healthcare: local primary care and leading hospitals nearby For primary care, Mijas has local health centres. For specialised hospital care, one of the key reference hospitals in the Western Costa del Sol area is Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, part of Andalusia’s public healthcare system and located in Marbella. Having it nearby brings real peace of mind for families, international residents and anyone who values access to quality healthcare within a reasonable distance. There is also a wide range of private clinics and hospitals in the area, many with an excellent international reputation. Schools and education: international and multilingual options In terms of education, the area offers attractive options for families looking for quality and continuity, and there are many international schools across the Costa del Sol. For example, St. Anthony’s College is well known for its British curriculum approach, with academic pathways that include stages such as IGCSE, and a clearly international profile. There are also nearby private schools with a strong focus on multilingual education and academic excellence, such as Colegio Salliver, which states it is located in Fuengirola, just minutes from Mijas, and offers a school transport route connecting both areas. Overall, this reinforces an important idea: living in Mijas can be a long-term family decision, not just a temporary move. Close to Málaga and nearby towns: connectivity that makes a difference Another major advantage of living in Mijas is how easy it is to get around. Málaga is close enough for a day trip without it ever feeling like a hassle. The drive is around 31 km and roughly 33 minutes between Mijas and Málaga. For international residents, and for anyone who travels frequently, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is another major plus. It’s well connected to the coastline and offers a wide range of destinations and airlines. By

When we talk about living in Benalmádena, we don’t simply mean having a home near the sea. We mean choosing a town where you can build a complete life, surrounded by nature and supported by services that make everyday living easier. With plenty of leisure options and a strategic location, moving around the Costa del Sol feels effortless. Benalmádena offers that highly sought-after balance: the energy and character of a coastal destination, the calm of its residential areas and a direct connection to Málaga city and the airport. For anyone planning to live here full-time or spend long seasons, that changes the experience completely. A town designed to enjoy, but also to live Benalmádena isn’t a weekend getaway kind of place. Its appeal is in the everyday, in what a normal Monday feels like when living in Benalmádena. The town is made up of different areas, the coast, more urban neighbourhoods such as Arroyo de la Miel and zones with a more traditional feel. This means every lifestyle can find its place without sacrificing what matters most. Málaga’s proximity is also a major advantage. The drive is easy and typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. For international travel, Málaga Costa del Sol Airport is extremely convenient too, roughly 15 km away and around 13 to 18 minutes by car as a general reference. That feeling of being close to everything shows up in daily life: when you’re working, when friends or family come to visit, when you want a dose of city culture or when you fancy escaping elsewhere. Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Marbella and Mijas are all within easy reach, without spending half your day in the car. From Parque de la Paloma to Mount Calamorro: everyday nature One of the reasons many families and international buyers seriously consider this area is that outdoor living isn’t an extra here; it’s part of the lifestyle. When living in Benalmádena, going for a walk or switching off doesn’t require going far. Parque de la Paloma is a perfect example. It’s a large green space of over 200,000 m² and features a lake, marked walking paths and plenty of areas designed to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s not just a beautiful park, it becomes part of a healthy routine, where walks, gentle exercise and family time fit effortlessly into everyday life. If you prefer gaining height, the Benalmádena Cable Car takes you up to Mount Calamorro in around 15 minutes, reaching nearly 800 metres above sea level. From there, trails and viewpoints offer a completely different perspective on the Costa del Sol. What starts as a tourist attraction soon becomes part of normal life, a Sunday visit, a sunset walk or a simple moment to switch off. This balance between urban green spaces and nearby mountains, combined with a Mediterranean climate, makes it easy to maintain an active lifestyle without forcing it. Over time, that naturally translates into real wellbeing. Seaside living: beaches, marina and Mediterranean lifestyle For many people, living in Benalmádena means choosing the sea as part of daily routine. But here, the sea isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a way of life. Strolling along the coast, having water sports within reach, dining with views over the water or going out for a drink with atmosphere, all without the feeling of being in a manufactured resort. Benalmádena’s marina, called Puerto Marina, is one of the town’s great icons. It has maintained its Blue Flag status since 1987, recognising the quality of its services and waters. In recent seasons, the local council has also highlighted the presence of Blue Flags across both the town’s beaches and the marina. What does that mean in real life for residents? The marina isn’t just somewhere you go for leisure; it becomes your outdoor living room. It’s a place to meet up, switch off and celebrate, where the sea becomes part of your daily routine. Then there’s beach life itself, paired with a food scene that feels effortless: fresh fish, rice dishes, espetos, Mediterranean salads and that sense that time runs at a different pace. Here, the Mediterranean lifestyle is tangible: light, terraces, more walking and more life outdoors. Gastronomy, culture and a cosmopolitan way of life Benalmádena strikes a great balance between international and local. It’s common to hear several languages in the same café, find a wide variety of restaurants and still enjoy spaces with a strong cultural identity. From a cultural and heritage point of view, two places capture that mix especially well: With events, activities and leisure options throughout the year, living in Benalmádena offers a pace you can easily adapt to. You can enjoy lively nights when you feel like it, while still finding quiet corners where the sea, the light and the calm take centre stage once again. Sport and wellbeing: staying active Living in Benalmádena makes it easier to turn sport into a natural part of everyday life. You don’t need to over-plan it, the town itself encourages movement. Long walks, routes with elevation, water activities, gyms, golf, courts and that intangible advantage of the climate, which makes outdoor sport enjoyable for most of the year. Mount Calamorro and its surroundings have also become a popular setting for sport and hiking, with trails accessible from the summit for different levels. In our experience, this is something people especially value when coming from cities with long winters. Here, wellbeing is a year-round priority. International schools and healthcare: peace of mind for families If you’re considering living in Benalmádena as your main residence, two questions naturally come up, education and healthcare. Benalmádena offers options that bring real peace of mind. In education, you’ll find bilingual international schools, both for international families and for those who want that kind of education for their children. In healthcare, Benalmádena is home to the Benalmádena High Resolution Hospital, created to strengthen specialised care in the area. And with Málaga so close, you also have access to major reference hospitals