Finding the best areas in Marbella for long term rentals isn’t so much “the nicest place” but more about matching the right location, lifestyle and property to how you actually live. Marbella has it all, from gated communities close to a golf course to walkable streets by the Old Town to ultra-private hills such as La Zagaleta.
And if you are thinking of long term rentals Marbella (generally 11+ months) then this guide breaks down the top neighborhoods, what you’ll pay for your rental, and how the rental process works in Spain – so you can rent in Marbella confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
Why the Best Areas in Marbella for Long Term Rentals are More Important than the Property
Marbella is located on the Costa del Sol of Spain, but it’s no one uniform town. Instead, it’s a collection of micro-locations where your day-to-day-life can be felt completely different. For example, by living near Puerto Banus, one can have designer boutiques, vibrant nightlife and constant energy. Meanwhile, San Pedro de Alcantara is more local, practical and family focused.
Since the rental market turns over quickly – especially for spacious villas and modern apartments with high speed internet – choosing the correct area first may make your property search quicker. It also saves you from falling in love with an awesome-looking villa, perfectly suited for sunsets, but a nightmare when it comes to school runs, parking or noise.
Practical rule: select your top 2 neighborhoods first, then do your home shopping.
Quick Comparison Table Best Areas in Marbella for Long Term Rentals
| Area | Best for | Typical vibe | Key perks | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marbella Golden Mile (Golden Mile) | Luxury + beach lifestyle | Premium, polished | modern luxurious, access to the beach, secure buildings | Higher price, limited supply |
| Puerto Banus / Puerto Banus | Social life + walkability | Lively, high-end | marina, designer shops, eating | Noise, seasonal crowds |
| Nueva Andalucia | Families + golf | Residential, international | golf, space, schools nearby | Traffic peaks, popular rent go fast |
| San Pedro de Alcantara | Value + local town life | Calm, practical | good for families, access to the beach | Fewer ultra-luxury options |
| Marbella East | Space + beaches | Laid-back | larger plots, calmer beaches | Car often required |
| La Zagaleta | Privacy + security | Ultra-exclusive | gated entry, elite amenities | Very limited inventory |
| Old Town (Casco Antiguo) | Culture + charm | Traditional | tapas, walkability | Parking, older buildings |
Best Areas in Marbella to Long Term Rentals: Neighborhood Guides
Marbella Golden Mile: Prestige, Beachfront, Modern Luxury
The Marbella Golden Mile (often just “Golden Mile”) is located between the centre of Marbella and Puerto Banus. It’s one of the most in-demand addresses on the Costa del Sol as it combines the best of both worlds – prime location, proximity to the beach and luxury infrastructure.
Long term renters here normally desire a turnkey lifestyle: luxury apartments with amenities, or exclusive villas with gardens, pools, and outdoor dining area built out for al fresco evenings. Many homes make the most of the natural light and the indoor and outdoor flow, which is important for the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Best fit if you want:
- Easy access to Beach clubs and central Marbella
- Premium gated community and secure parking
- High end finishes and wide-ranging terraces
Typical properties: modern apartments and penthouses and spacious villas with multiple bedrooms
Puerto Banús: Life in the Marina, Designer Stores & Nightlife
Puerto Banus is well known for its marina, designer boutiques and restaurants. If you want to step outside and be surrounded with energy, it’s hard to beat. It’s also perfect for renters who want to be close to designer shops, fitness studios and beach venues.
However, nightlife is a reality. While some buildings provide excellent soundproofing as well as controlled access, other buildings seem busy — especially in peak months. If you’re sensitive to noise, perhaps finding a home set one or two streets back, or even within a gated development.
Look for:
- Double glazed and quiet orientation
- A terrace to be used for outdoor living
- Reliable high speed internet (ask for proof)
Nueva Andalucia: Golf, Families, and Large Bedrooms
Nueva Andalucia is one of the most solicited term rental zones in Marbella that can be truly lived year round. It’s often referred to as “Golf Valley” because there are several courses nearby which is important if you are interested in golf on your doorstep- or just greener views.
The big draw is space. Many houses have large bedrooms, more than one bedroom, and family working layouts. You’ll also find villas with second floor bedroom wings, bright living spaces with natural light, and outdoor areas sized for entertaining.
What families choose Nueva Andalucia:
- Easy access to international schools (depending on the school, commute is not too long)
- More property value vs beachfront zones
- Close to Puerto Banus and not living in the busiest core
If golf is on your agenda find out which properties are near your favorite golf course and check to see if there is access to parking and storage or if roads are a problem.
San Pedro de Alcantara: Local Town With Beach Access
San Pedro de Alcantara (often written San Pedro de) has grown in popularity for permanent residence due to the “real town” feel. It’s practical, friendly and not too far from the beach. Many renters like that since they are able to enjoy the coast without having to pay Golden Mile premiums.
You’ll find modern apartment blocks, family homes or some villas with direct access to promenades in some pockets. This area is also ideal for renters interested in daily convenience – schools, sports, shops – without constant nightlife.
Best for:
- Families that are focused on more restful evenings
- Long term rentals that have a feel of being grounded and local
- Better value without being too far from the centre of Marbella
Marbella East: Space, Sea Views and a Slower Pace
Marbella East is perfect if you are looking for room to breathe. It often provides larger plots, quieter beaches and more relaxed day-to-day living. Due to the topography, some properties can have sea views or even panoramic sea views, with mountain views on the background.
This is the most attractive area in terms of renters who are looking for large villas with large gardens, pools and outdoor kitchens or a true fully equipped kitchen inside for year round living.
Good to know: you’ll generally want a car here, even though there are still pockets where basic things are easily accessible.
La Zagaleta: Ultra-Secure, Ultra Private Luxury
La Zagaleta is the synonym of privacy. It’s known for controlled entry, high-end infrastructure, and a very exclusive feel to it. For those long term renters that want security, discretion, and world-class amenities, it’s a standout.
Here, “luxury” often means:
- Large plots, good privacy, gated security
- Modern living built high-spec homes
- Staff Space, gyms, home offices
Inventory is limited so best dealt with through a specialist with a curated selection.
Old Town: Charm, Tapas Bars and Walkable Living
Marbella’s Old Town is ideal if you love culture, history and being able to walk to cafes and tapas bars. You’ll mostly find apartments and not big villas, and some will be on a second floor without an elevator.
This lifestyle is about character not new build perfection. Therefore, make sure to check insulation, the quality of a renovation or the practical storage before signing a long lease.
What to Look for in Long Term Rentals Marbella (Luxury Checklist)
Even in the best of areas, the incorrect layout can make a property seem impractical. Use this checklist when viewing:
Interior essentials
- Spacious bedrooms with wardrobe and storage
- Enough bathrooms for family members and guests
- Good natural light and ventilation
- A really fully equipped kitchen (oven size, dishwasher, ventilation)
Outdoor living
- An area for outdoor dining (not just a slim balcony)
- Spacious sun/shade and seating terraces
- Private gardens if you want your pets or outdoor play
Community & comfort
- Secure parking/ controlled access,
- Gated communities if you want the extra security
- Confirm high speed internet using the speed test screenshot
Pet friendly reality check
- “Pet friendly” is a landlord and community rule. Always confirm in writing.
Pricing Reality, What is Driving Long Term Rent in Marbella
Long-term pricing is dependent on the combination of location, views and building quality. In general the fastest moving rentals include:
- Prime Zones (Golden Mile, Puerto Banus)
- Renovated homes with contemporary luxury finishes
- Homes that have sea views or panoramic views of the sea
- Large terrace, gardens, and privacy villas
Also, remember the “real cost” includes utilities and set up. Budget for electricity, water, internet and in some cases community related items based on the agreement.
For more general market context, you may track housing and rental market trends at national level using reliable outlets such as the official statistics institute of Spain (INE): https://www.ine.es/ or market reports of big property portals.
Rental Process in Spain – Step-by-Step For term rental
The rental process for long term rentals in Spain is straightforward, but it’s document heavy.
Step by step from property search to keys
- Define requirements: Area, Budget, Number of bedrooms, Must haves (views, terrace, gated).
- Shortlist properties: The best areas in Marbella for long term rentals should be prioritized first.
- Viewings: see noise, sun orientation, damp, ac and internet options.
- Submit documents: usually valid ID, proof of income and even references.
- Contract review – check term length, deposit, maintenance responsibilities, renewal terms
- Inventory: photos, written condition report prior to move-in.
- Handover – keys, fobs, meter readings, community rules
For legal background, study the rental framework from Spain (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos, LAU) from official or good legal summaries.
FAQs: Best Areas in Marbella for Long Term Rentals (Featured Snippet Ready)
What is long term rental in Marbella?
In general, long term refers to more than 11 months on a residential lease, as opposed to short term stays for holidays.
Which area is best – families and international schools?
Many families choose Nueva Andalucia, San Pedro de Alcantara and parts of Marbella East as they are a balance of space, quieter streets and access to international schools.
Can I find sea views on a long term lease?
Yes. Marbella East, high sites of Nueva Andalucia and some of the Golden Mile properties can have sea views or panoramic sea views, depending on the orientation and height.
Are Marbella rentals pet friendly?
Some are but it is not automatic. Always get “pet friendly” terms in writing, especially gated communities with community rules.
How Marbella Dream Villas Helps You Rent Smart (and Fast)
Marbella Dream Villas is a specialist in quality rentals in Marbella, focused on high standard living with long stay practicality. If you’re looking for long term rentals Marbella in the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella East and even La Zagaleta, we can make your life easier.
What you get with our team:
- A curated selection based upon your lifestyle, rather than a list of listings
- Expert advice on areas, contracts and realistic prices
- Access to off-markets or quiet markets homes located in prime gated developments
- Assist in matching needs such as multiple bedrooms, strong internet, outside living
To get started, send us your favorite areas, budget, and must haves (views, terrace, beach, golf). We’ll recommend the best-fit and set up viewings in the most efficient way possible.
Conclusion: Best Areas to Choose for Long Term Rentals in Marbella
The best areas in Marbella in terms of long term rentals depend on your day-to-day rhythm. Choose the Marbella Golden Mile for prestige and ease of beach for Puerto Banus, walkable energy for Nueva Andalucia, room and town practicality for San Pedro de Alcantara, room and views for Marbella East, and ultimate privacy for La Zagaleta.
If you are looking to rent Marbella and don’t want to spend weeks on wrong listings, Marbella Dream Villas can guide you in your search for the property, recommend the right neighborhoods and help you find a home that will suit your life on a long-term basis.
Ready to explore long term rentals Marbella?: Contact Marbella Dream Villas and inform us of your desired date of move-in, as well as your desired location and we’ll send you some options that fit your standards.
