Guadalmina: Steeped in history and a beautiful place to call home
Nestled between the areas of San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona, is the beautiful community of Guadalmina. An eclectic mix of beachside living and luscious green golf courses, with all the luxuries of nearby Puerto Banus, Marbella and Estepona.
Today, the area is mostly known for its luxury villas, golf courses and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination to live, work and play, but this prestigious area’s roots date back to the 1930s.
The area got its name from the River Guadalmina, a 28km long coastal river that runs from the Sierra Bermeja mountains right down to the shoreline, and also serves as the divide between the municipalities of Marbella and Estepona. The river was formerly of strategic importance to the people of Marbella, as it served to power watermills for grinding grains of wheat into grain.
The area of Guadalmina is divided into two parts: Guadalmina Alta and Guadalmina Baja. Guadalmina Alta is a more residential area, dotted with large villas, townhouses and apartment complexes, whereas Guadalmina Baja is located much closer to the beach and also features a variety of property types as well as hotels. Both areas are connected by the well-known Centro Comercial which boasts a plethora of amenities, including bars, cafés, restaurants, delis, supermarkets and services, just off the main A7 road.
Much like its neighbour of Estepona, Guadalmina has held on to its traditional Spanish roots and both residents and tourists enjoy the laid-back Andalucian lifestyle. The types of housing on offer here is varied, so you’ll find everything from studio apartments to sprawling luxury villas and residences.
Acquisition by Noberto Goizueta
In 1933, Norberto Goizueta, a wealthy young man from Navarra, was cruising along the Mediterranean coastline on his yacht, when he spotted the tall sugar cane plantation of Guadalmina. Intrigued by the plantation, he decided to purchase the 350 acres of land from the Compañia General Azucarera de España, in order to farm on.
He paid half a million pesetas (equivalent to 300,000€ today) for the land, situated between the Rio Guadalmina and Arroyo del Chopo. On the land, he built an expansive ranch house called Hacienda Guadalmina, designed in a Californian style and decorated with various artifacts from the Seville Expo in 1929.
Tourism development
Having watched the growth of tourism along the Costa del Sol, in the 1950s, Norberto decided to change his original plans for the land he purchased. So, in 1959, he opened the nine-hole Campo Sur Links Golf Course, which is now a part of the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina. After that, he then opened the prestigious Hotel Guadalmina, perched almost directly on the beach and complete with its own swimming pool and bungalows, which would later become a bustling social hub for locals.
In the 1980s, Guadalmina truly burst onto the Costa del Sol tourism scene, and it’s during this time that the area saw most of its development take place.
The Roman Baths of Guadalmina
Perhaps surprisingly, Guadalmina has managed to hold on to its roots, and evidence of this can be found all around the local area.
In particular, near the mouth of the Guadalmina River, you’ll find the remains of an old Roman Bath dating back to the 3rd Century. Known locally as Las Bovedos (meaning ‘The Domes’), this slice of ancient history is comprised of seven stone rooms built in an octagonal shape, with an upper floor and access to several other small rooms. Given how close they are to the beach, it is very much well-preserved, though the Junta de Andalucia have outlined plans to renovate the site in the future.
The site is not currently open to the public, but it can be found (and observed!) from a distance by taking the path at the end of Calle 3 in Guadalmina Baja.
Properties in Guadalmina
Due to the area’s diverse landscape, you’ll find many different options when it comes to properties in Guadalmina. From luxury villas on private plots to modern apartments and penthouses overlooking the luscious golf greens, you’re sure to find a property to suit your property and lifestyle needs. If you’re thinking of settling or investing in Guadalmina, then trust no other than the local experts: Winkworth.
With our offices based in the Centro Comercial in Guadalmina, we’re right in the centre of the action and ready to help you with your property search. We’re one of the leading agents in the UK, with branches located throughout the country, so we’re pleased to be able to offer you the same professional service here on the Costa del Sol.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you find your dream property in Guadalmina.