What to do in East Marbella: 10 plans that will make you invest in paradise
Carmen Duran - Nov 5, 2025 - Pure Living News
If you’re wondering what to do in East Marbella, here are ten reasons that will make you fall in love with this part of the Costa del Sol. For decades, Marbella’s spotlight has focused on the famous Golden Mile and areas such as Puerto Banús or Puente Romano. Yet, while the city looked west, East Marbella quietly matured, transforming into one of the most sought-after destinations for those seeking a more relaxed, exclusive lifestyle, surrounded by nature.
Unlike the more mountainous areas of West Marbella, distances in East Marbella are shorter and more convenient. The area’s linear development along the coast allows for quicker transfers between the beach, golf courses, and the mountains. Another major advantage is its proximity to Málaga — just 35 minutes by car — with easy motorway access from Calahonda, ensuring excellent connections with the airport and the rest of the province.
In this article, we explore what to do in East Marbella — from beach clubs and seaside restaurants to luxury hotels, sports facilities, and natural spots that make this stretch of coastline one of the most promising investment areas in the Mediterranean.
1. Discover a new Marbella: the rise of the East
From Río Real to Cabopino, East Marbella stretches along 13 kilometres of coastline where pine forests meet the sea, and golden dunes blend with tranquillity. Exclusive urbanisations such as Los Monteros, El Rosario, Las Chapas and Elviria host some of Marbella’s most desirable villas, perfectly combining privacy, space, and nature.
This is a part of Marbella that has evolved without losing its essence — less crowded, more family-oriented, and with a relaxed lifestyle but all the luxury amenities close at hand. That’s why more international investors and buyers are now looking into what to do in East Marbella before deciding where to buy or invest.
2. What to do in East Marbella: must-visit beach clubs
East Marbella lives in harmony with the sea, and its exclusive selection of beach clubs epitomises sophistication. The list is long, but these are our top choices:
La Cabane (Los Monteros): a timeless classic reborn. One of Marbella’s first beach clubs, known for its glamorous 60s and 70s parties, reopened in 2023 in partnership with chef Dani García, Mosh Group and Dolce&Gabbana, redefining luxury on the Costa del Sol. (Open spring–summer).
La Plage Casanis (Playa Real de Zaragoza): located on one of Marbella’s finest beaches, this venue from the Casanis Group combines a relaxed Andalusian vibe with cosmopolitan sophistication, led by chef Fabián Cangas. (Open all year).
Nikki Beach Marbella (Hotel Don Carlos): the most iconic beach club on the Costa del Sol, famous for its international cuisine, parties, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. In 2025, it celebrated a record summer with the return of its legendary White and Red Parties. (Open until September).
Lucía Summer Club (Hotel Don Carlos): following its success in Cannes, the Lucia brand by Nikki Beach Hospitality Group opened its first Spanish venue here in 2025. With its vintage Mediterranean design, live music, and family-friendly policy, it’s a favourite for stylish families. (Open until October).
Amû Beach Club (Hotel Gran Marbella Resort): opened in 2025, this is the first beach club in Spain by the Monaco-based brand, blending the spirit of the French Riviera with Andalusian charm.
3. Fine dining: eat with your feet in the sand
East Marbella’s culinary scene blends tradition and innovation, with beachfront restaurants that prioritise quality and local produce. Tasting your way through its dining options is one of the best answers to what to do in East Marbella.
Trocadero Arena (Playa Río Real): a timeless classic offering Mediterranean and Asian fusion in a colonial-style setting.
The Beach House (Elviria): a favourite among international residents, serving contemporary cuisine with sea views.
Oyana Beach (Las Chapas): one of East Marbella’s rising stars, combining Mediterranean flavours with international influences and signature cocktails in a relaxed, natural setting.
Restaurante Jara (Elviria): one of the area’s standout new venues, offering Mediterranean fine dining in an elegant, modern setting — perfect for dinner by the sea.
Rooftop Kimpton Los Monteros: this new panoramic spot at Kimpton Los Monteros offers creative tapas, signature cocktails and one of the best sunset views in East Marbella.
Each of these places captures the essence of East Marbella — honest gastronomy, a refined atmosphere, and the luxury of enjoying time without hurry.
4. Discover new hotels: the luxury tourism renaissance
The growth of East Marbella has attracted top international hotel brands, revitalising the area’s hospitality scene and positioning it as one of Marbella’s most attractive luxury destinations.
Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella: recently opened on the site of the historic Los Monteros hotel, setting a new standard of luxury with a contemporary design, fine dining and a boutique hospitality concept that blends international elegance with local authenticity.
Don Carlos Resort & Spa: after a full renovation, this classic resort offers suites with panoramic sea views, lush tropical gardens and a comprehensive wellness offering.
Hotel Gran Marbella Resort: managed by Iconic Luxury Hotels, owners of Palm House, Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort and Cliveden House, this new five-star property offers cutting-edge facilities and design aimed at the world’s most discerning travellers.
Hotel Incosol: the legendary wellness hotel will reopen as a holistic health resort focused on well-being and personalised treatments, reaffirming East Marbella’s position as a wellness destination of global relevance.
Luxury Hotel Las Chapas Project: recently approved by the Andalusian government, this new high-end development will further enhance the eastern coastline’s luxury tourism offering.
5. Golf with Mediterranean views
For golf lovers, East Marbella is synonymous with excellence and scenery in perfect harmony with nature.
Río Real Golf: designed by Javier Arana, this prestigious course stretches almost to the sea.
Santa Clara Golf: designed by Enrique Canales, offering technical play and stunning sea views.
Marbella Golf & Country Club: created by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., ranked among Europe’s finest.
Santa María Golf & Country Club: surrounded by pine forests, this course offers a relaxed and natural atmosphere.
Greenlife Golf: an intimate, boutique-style course with a central lake, ideal for quiet practice.
Green Golf Driving Range: a modern facility perfect for practising your swing while overlooking the Mediterranean.
Few experiences define what to do in East Marbella better than a round of golf between the blue sea and the green hills.
6. Tennis, padel and wellness
If you’re still wondering what to do in East Marbella, the area is also a sports hub. The Royal Tennis Club Marbella boasts eight clay courts and hosts international tournaments, while the Don Carlos Tennis Club, now managed by the Rafa Nadal Tennis Club, combines elite coaching and exclusivity.
Los Monteros Tennis Club offers a more intimate setting for players seeking privacy and personal training.
Wellness is also a way of life here. O2 Wellness El Rosario and Don Carlos Wellness Centre offer tailored treatments, yoga by the sea and detox programmes. East Marbella is also home to a rugby field in Bahía Marbella and a football stadium in Elviria, both adding to the area’s active lifestyle.
7. Natural beaches: the luxury of silence
The beaches of Los Monteros, Real de Zaragoza, Alicate and Cabopino stand out for their size, cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere.
The Dunas de Artola–Cabopino, declared a Natural Monument, are an ecological gem — a protected dune system with wooden walkways and panoramic sea views. This is one of the most authentic and beautiful nature experiences on the Costa del Sol.
Disconnecting from the noise and embracing the Mediterranean at its purest is one of the finest answers to what to do in East Marbella.
8. Education and family life
Families moving to East Marbella will find some of the best international schools on the Costa del Sol, such as The English International College (EIC) and Colegio Alborán, as well as private medical services, gourmet supermarkets and 24-hour security in most residential areas.
The recent expansion of Marbella’s Regional Hospital will improve healthcare coverage for the entire eastern area, adding to the strong network of private and international clinics already available. This is one of the reasons why more European families choose East Marbella as their permanent home.
9. Shopping, art and local life
Elviria and Las Chapas are full of boutique stores, interior design shops and local markets.
Centro Comercial Pinares brings together restaurants, French bakeries and concept stores, while El Rosario’s weekend market has become a multicultural meeting point.
East Marbella maintains its own rhythm — more serene, more authentic — where social life, gastronomy and art coexist naturally. Spending a day shopping here is one of the most enjoyable plans for those wondering what to do in East Marbella.
10. Investing in East Marbella: the future of luxury living
As Javier Nieto, CEO of Pure Living Properties, notes: “East Marbella represents the future of luxury: more privacy, more space, and a genuine connection with nature. It’s where luxury is lived, not displayed.”
He adds: “East Marbella strikes the perfect balance between nature, exclusivity and value. It’s a soulful area where residential projects are designed around well-being and contemporary architecture. In the coming years, it will undoubtedly consolidate as one of the most desirable investment destinations on the Costa del Sol.”
The urbanisations of Los Monteros, Las Chapas, Elviria and Río Real are home to prime real estate — beachfront villas and contemporary architecture that attract international buyers.
The Altos de Los Monteros area is expanding rapidly, with new developments such as Dunique, Altos Marbella and La Mairena, all offering panoramic views and natural surroundings. There are also available plots for residential and hotel projects, highlighting the area’s growing investment potential.
What’s the difference between East Marbella and the Golden Mile?
East Marbella offers more space, privacy and nature, while the Golden Mile is more urban and social. Here, life revolves around private villas and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
What are the best beaches in East Marbella?
Real de Zaragoza, Los Monteros, Alicate and Cabopino are among the most beloved for their natural beauty, cleanliness and tranquillity.
Is it a good area to live or invest year-round?
Yes. East Marbella offers an exceptional location, international schools, high-end services and a natural setting, making it one of the most promising areas for long-term investment and permanent living.
If you’re thinking about investing in East Marbella, contact the Pure Living Properties team.
We’ll help you find the perfect villa or the best investment opportunity in one of the Costa del Sol’s most exclusive and promising areas.
Pure Living Properties offers a curated portfolio of luxury homes in East Marbella — each a unique investment opportunity in this scarce, high-demand market.
