Getting around
Drive times
A car is essential. Access is from the A-397 Ronda road above San Pedro [3,5]. Times depend on which gate you use.
| To | Distance / time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| San Pedro de Alcántara | 6.5 km | [5] |
| Puerto Banús | 9.2 km | [5] |
| AP-7 toll road | At the foot of the Ronda road | [3] |
| Málaga airport (AGP) | to confirm | Via the AP-7 |
| Gibraltar airport | 68 km, just over an hour | [3] |
Character
Space first
El Madroñal sits on ridges of olive, cork oak and pine, above deep valleys [3]. It borders La Zagaleta, which has its own guide [1].
It was first owned and developed by the Parladé family, and later sold to Thierry Roussel [1].
The estate is built in six phases, each with its own gate and 24-hour access control [2]. Phase 1 is the oldest, with plots that started at 5,000 m². Later phases keep a 2,600 m² minimum [2]. Houses stand well apart under the trees [5].
Villas are large. One source puts the average built area at about 866 m² [2]. Styles range from Andalusian country houses to contemporary villas [2,3]. Many have a spa, a gym, a cinema or a tennis court [3].
Unlike most prime estates, El Madroñal still has building plots for sale [1,2]. One source gives plot prices of about €210/m² [1] to confirm. Villa prices per built m² to confirm.
Green & outdoors
Forest, wildlife and long views
The estate is mostly forest. Wild boar, mountain goats, deer and eagles live here [3].
From the higher plots you see the coast to Gibraltar, Morocco and the Rif mountains [3].
Golf
Golf in the valley
There is no course inside the estate. Benahavís and San Pedro have many courses a short drive away, including Los Flamingos, Marbella Club Golf and Guadalmina to confirm.
Schools
International schools
There are no schools inside the estate. The nearest international schools are on the coast to confirm.
Plan the school run with care. The drive down the Ronda road adds time.
Building here
Building on a slope
Most plots are on sloping ridges. That gives the views, but it also drives the cost of foundations, retaining walls and access roads. A careful early design keeps those costs under control.
Building rules vary by phase to confirm. Ask for the phase rules and the plot survey before you commit.
Everyday life
A retreat, minutes from the coast
There are no shops inside. San Pedro, about 6.5 km away, covers daily needs [5]. Puerto Banús and Benahavís village are a short drive further.
The estate is known as one of the safest communities on the coast [4]. Its nickname is “the best-kept secret on the Costa del Sol” [2].