Getting around
Drive times
Beach-side homes can walk to the sand and to the La Zarza shops. For the rest you need a car [5].
| To | By car | Note |
|---|---|---|
| El Paraíso Golf Club | ~1 min | [5] |
| La Zarza shopping centre | ~2 min | [5] |
| San Pedro de Alcántara | ~7 min | [5] |
| Estepona town | ~10 min | [5] |
| Puerto Banús | ~12 min | [5] |
| Málaga airport (AGP) | ~48 min | 72 km [5] |
| Gibraltar airport | ~65 min | 93 km [5] |
Character
Villas by the sea, between two towns
El Paraíso has three parts. El Paraíso Alto and Medio lie north of the coast road, around the golf course. El Paraíso Barronal lies south of it, by the sea [4].
The enclave is entered from Avenida Benamara [1]. Benamara, a quiet villa area with streets named after fish, borders it to the east [4].
It was developed from the 1970s around beachfront estates [2]. Most homes are detached villas on private plots, some on the frontline with direct beach access [1]. Styles are mostly Mediterranean, with a growing number of contemporary villas [3].
There are a few low-rise complexes, such as Las Gardenias and Playa Paraíso, and some 1990s townhouses [2]. Older villas often need full modernisation [2]. Price per m² to confirm.
Green & outdoors
Gardens and beach
The skyline is low, and mature gardens and palm avenues dominate [2]. Green areas are well kept [3].
The beaches are Playa de Benamara and Playa del Saladillo, both within a short walk. The coastal boardwalk is close [2].
Golf
A golfer’s address
El Paraíso Golf Club, designed by Gary Player in 1973, is next door [4,5]. Atalaya has two 18-hole courses about six minutes away [3,5]. Guadalmina, with two courses, is about ten minutes away [3,5]. Los Flamingos is also close [3].
Schools
International schools
| School | By car | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| The International School Estepona | ~2 min, in El Paraíso | International to confirm [5] |
| Atalaya International School | ~8 min | to confirm [5] |
Other schools in San Pedro and Marbella are 15–25 minutes away to confirm.
Building here
Renovate or rebuild
Many villas here are older and on good plots near the sea [2]. Often the value is in the land and the location. A full rebuild can give a modern house with the beach on foot.
Check the coastal rules for frontline plots before you plan any work to confirm.
Everyday life
Easy, all year
Supermarkets, pharmacies and beach bars are on foot or a short drive away [1]. For most supermarkets and banks you cross the main road by footbridge [2].
Hospiten Estepona is about eight minutes away [5]. Buses run along the coast road between Marbella and Estepona about every 30 minutes [2].
Buyers are often families who want the beach and golfers who want several courses close by [2].