Where to live when your boat’s as important as your view. Pictured is Puerto Banus in Marbella.
At 8:00 a.m., Puerto Marina is already active. Crew washing down teak decks. A local walking his dog past the oyster bar. The scent of fresh coffee rides the breeze off the water. A few boats are out already, fishing or just drifting. This isn’t a holiday snapshot. For many residents along the Costa del Sol, this is daily life.
The marinas of southern Spain have evolved. No longer just seasonal docking spots, they’re now full-service ecosystems where high-end property meets convenience, security, and serious recreation. In 2025, living next to a marina is no longer about showing off. It’s about cutting the clutter out of life.
According to Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), over 320,000 foreign residents now live permanently in the Málaga region, and nearly 40% are over 45. The draw? Quality of life, climate, and ease of travel. But increasingly, it’s also about access to marinas that offer more than berths—they offer a lifestyle.
What Makes a Marina “Best-Rated” in 2025?
It’s not just the yachts or the shops. It’s about how easily life flows from sea to shore and back again. A top-rated marina in 2025 has:
- Secure mooring with year-round management
- Modern infrastructure: fuel, electric, black water, and fibre connectivity
- Walkable property nearby: seafront apartments, penthouses, or hillside villas with access
- Essential services within reach: clinics, groceries, restaurants, gyms, and transport
- Community: not just tourists, but residents, owners, and locals
And ideally? You can walk from your sofa to your boat in under five minutes.
The Top 4 Marinas to Live Near in 2025
1. Puerto Banús (Marbella)
Address: Muelle de Honor, s/n, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Website: www.puerto-banus.com
Phone: +34 952 90 99 00
For: glamour, convenience, and quick access to Marbella Club, La Zagaleta, and serious property
Still the most recognisable name on the Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús earns its spot through consistency. Full-time security, 24/7 dock services, proximity to Marbella’s best schools and clinics, and a well-established expat community aged 45 and up. The port is surrounded by real property: penthouses, duplexes, and villas in Nueva Andalucía. Most have underground parking, fibre internet, and terraces designed for hosting.
Who buys here: Entrepreneurs, early retirees, and part-time residents who want the boat close and the town closer.
2. Puerto Marina Benalmádena
Address: Dársena de Levante, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain
Website: www.puertomarina.es
Phone: +34 952 44 09 00
For: mid-size yachts, strong infrastructure, and everyday walkability
One of the most awarded marinas in Europe, Puerto Marina in Benalmádena is known for its architecture, accessibility, and resident-friendly layout. Berths range from 6 to 30 metres. Restaurants, gyms, and shops are steps away. Many properties are built directly above or beside the marina—low-maintenance flats owned by long-term residents, not short-term tourists.
Who buys here: Scandinavian couples, solo professionals, and remote-working retirees who travel often and want practical living by the sea.
3. Puerto Deportivo Estepona
Address: Av. Luis Braille, s/n, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
Website: www.marinasdeandalucia.com
Phone: +34 952 80 07 00
For: space, real town life, and long-term appeal
Estepona’s marina doesn’t aim to impress—it just works. Upgrades in infrastructure, new dining spots, and cleaner berthing facilities make it a quiet powerhouse. Properties nearby include modern seafront flats, duplexes, and townhouses within walking distance of local markets and clinics. The area is calmer, slightly more traditional, and perfect for residents wanting to slow the pace without missing comfort.
Who buys here: Families relocating from northern Europe and professionals seeking a low-key, full-time base.
4. Puerto Sotogrande
Address: Ribera del Marlin, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Website: www.puertosotogrande.com
Phone: +34 956 79 02 00
For: polo, privacy, and open-water sailing
Sotogrande is the most discreet and arguably the most elite. Deep water access. Marina-front townhouses. Private villas set back from the water. Full maintenance support. No big cruise crowds. Nearby, Valderrama Golf, La Reserva, and an international school support a tight-knit, high-end community.Who buys here: Financial professionals, private families, and seasonal residents who want Mediterranean access with none of the circus.
Puerto Marina in Benalmadena has been honoured twice with the "Best Marina in the World" award in 1995 and 1997 by specialised international journals.
What Kind of Homes Can You Buy Near These Marinas?
At ultimate-lifestyles.com, we focus on homes that do more than look good. They function. They offer independence, privacy, and optional income. Examples include:
- Marina-View Penthouses: 3-bedroom layouts, glass terraces, smart automation, and full frontal sea views. Most with pools and private lifts.
- Seafront Apartments: 2–4 bedrooms, walk-up access to the dock, and renovation-ready or newly built to energy-efficient specs.
- Hillside Villas: Slightly above the marinas with views, privacy, and concierge services. Ideal for part-time living with rental potential.
Most of our clients are in their 40s to 60s and know what they want: a home near the sea that’s easy to live in, easy to leave, and secure.
Life Off the Water
Living next to a marina isn’t about being at sea every day. It’s about what comes with it.
- Golf: Nearby clubs include Finca Cortesín, La Cala, and San Roque Club, each under 30 minutes away.
- Healthcare: Clinics like Hospiten, Vithas Xanit, and Quirónsalud offer bilingual service and same-day private care.
- Food & Culture: Málaga’s museums, Marbella’s restaurants, and Estepona’s old town are year-round, not seasonal.
- Travel: Málaga Airport offers connections to 100+ cities. High-speed rail to Madrid takes 2.5 hours from María Zambrano Station.
Can You Live Here Year-Round?
Yes. And many do. The homes are insulated and air-conditioned. The marinas run year-round. And life, honestly, is better without the August rush. For EU nationals, moving is simple. For non-EU citizens, Spain’s non-lucrative visa is ideal for those with passive income.
Our legal partners specialise in relocation for high-net-worth individuals. You won’t have to figure it out on your own.
Your Next Step Starts Here
We specialise in homes that are ready to live in—not fixer-uppers, not timeshares. Real property in real locations, handpicked for people who expect clarity, quality, and service.
- Website: www.ultimate-lifestyles.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +34 951 12 07 12
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 18:00 CET
Let’s find your next address—on land, right by the water.