Just 5 minutes from Marbella, Río Real features an extensive beach, a scenic coastal path, and discreet luxury. Enjoy beachfront golf, beach clubs, and lush surroundings, all close to essential services.

The location of this area is strategic. Just 5 minutes from the centre of Marbella, Río Real stretches from the seashore to the mountains in a wooded area, offering welcome shade in summer. The exclusive Río Real Golf Club unfolds along the slopes, with some of its holes right on the beachfront. The course of the namesake river keeps the area lush and green. Surrounding the course is a luxury boutique hotel with views of the sea and the mountains.

High up, there are very exclusive villas, some overlooking the verdant fairways, others surrounded by expansive gardens, or penthouses with spectacular views. Down below, a handful of stunning beach houses enhance the coastal landscape. Río Real Beach, known as El Pinillo, stretches about 30 meters wide and is perfect for long walks with feet soaked in the sea. This area is also popular among windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

The coast here is dotted with chiringuitos and beach clubs ideal for enjoying from dawn to dusk. The coastal path, a wooden boardwalk that outlines the coast, invites endless walks refreshed by the Mediterranean breeze. The area is extremely green, discreet, and quiet, with little traffic but close to all necessary services, schools, and health centres. Soon, the Four Seasons Hotel will also open in the area, adding even more value with its accommodation, dining, and leisure offerings.

Just 5 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella, on the outskirts of the city, its identity is defined by the beauty of the Río Real Golf Club, which overlooks the A7 highway.

Access to the A7 motorway is very convenient, making it easy to reach strategic points. It’s important to note that the Costa del Sol is served by two main highways, the A7 and the AP7 (this is a toll road and allows for faster movement between different points, especially during the summer when traffic is heavier). Here are the driving times to the main destinations:

Old Town Marbella. 7.7 km – 15 minutes. Directions

The Golden Mile Marbella. 9.8 km – 11 minutes. Directions

Puerto Banús. 15.5 km – 15 minutes (via A7 and AP7, with toll). Directions

City of Málaga. 58.2 km – 51 minutes. Directions

Málaga International Airport. 49.2 km – 37 minutes. Directions

Gibraltar International Airport. 80.8 km – 1 hour. Directions

In Río Real, it’s possible to choose a refuge near the sea, one that admires the horizon from above, or a home that enjoys spectacular views of the Río Real Golf Club. The community offers luxurious villas and exclusive gated complexes with high-end apartments and penthouses, all set in a lush, natural environment just minutes from Marbella’s city centre. Many properties boast stunning sea views, while those around the golf course offer serene green vistas. The area features a blend of modern and Andalusian architectural styles, making it a highly sought-after location.

Transforming this destination into a permanent home or a second residence requires considering a budget ranging from 550,000 € to 5,000,000 €, depending on the type of property and its location.

The beach is always a good idea, especially in this area, where they are wide and long, perfect for endless walks with the feet soaked in the sea. Here are two must-visit spots in Río Real:

La Ĉabane Beach Club. A must-visit destination for a unique day in Marbella. Located right on the beach, overlooking the Mediterranean, with a crystal-clear pool and a seafront terrace, this perfect setting is complemented by the ambience curated by Dolce & Gabbana. In addition to sunbeds for soaking up the Costa del Sol sun, Grupo Mosh ensures every minute is an experience with live DJs and unforgettable shows.

Nosso. A bit farther towards Málaga, this super hippie-chic beach bar offers beach service (though without a pool) with comfortable sun loungers, lounges, and double beds that do not allow children under 12. At their tables, guests can enjoy exquisite Asian-Mediterranean-Nikkei cuisine crafted by Chef Gema González. Additionally, refreshing cocktails and mocktails are served, which can be enjoyed before or after a relaxing massage.

Golf is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about this area. Here, the Río Real Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by the legendary Spanish designer Javier Arana, stretching over 6,000 meters alongside the Río Real River, reaching its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea. The club offers classes for those who want to start or perfect their swing on one of the most iconic courses in the area. Additionally, it features an exclusive boutique hotel with 30 rooms overlooking the course, a clubhouse for enjoying a coffee in good company, a pool with a solarium befitting the Costa del Sol, and a wellness area to leave all tensions behind.

For racquet sports enthusiasts, Los Monteros Racket Club is just minutes away. It boasts hard courts and top clay tennis courts, glass paddle courts, beach volleyball, a gym, and a café to recharge energy. Additionally, the Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella features a spa with an exclusive thermal circuit to end the day perfectly.

Inland, the equestrian centre El Repique offers riding lessons, stables for the comfort of the horses, a pony club for the little ones, and a café. Also, Hacienda MonteMarina is a top-tier equestrian club offering diverse services for horse enthusiasts of all levels. The club features a 100-hectare finca, a championship dressage arena, a world-class show jumping arena, and an indoor riding arena. 

Proximately, the doors of the Four Seasons Hotel and the classic five-star Hotel Incosol, fully renovated and focused on wellness and health, will open. Both will add even more value to the area.

In Río Real, quality trumps quantity when it comes to dining options. While the area offers limited but exclusive choices nearby, just a few minutes towards Marbella or Málaga, the range of alternatives is immense. Here are some addresses not to be missed.

El Club Restaurant. Is the dining venue of Río Real Golf Club, serving Mediterranean cuisine right by the course. Additionally, it features a snack bar that is perfect for a light midday stop.

Trocadero Arena. Set against the beach, this chiringuito was created by Lorenzo Queipo de Llano, the designer known for his work on the Ritz Hotel in Madrid alongside Carolina Herrera. It offers Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese options and sunbeds with sea views, providing a unique dining experience. 

La Ĉabane Restaurant. The three-time Michelin-starred Marbella chef, Dani Garcia, works his magic at the restaurant of the exclusive Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella. Designed by Dolce & Gabbana, the menu combines flavours from the Amalfi Coast with a raw bar offering dishes crafted from the finest ingredients.

The area is primarily residential, so there are virtually no services within the immediate vicinity. However, supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks are less than a 10-minute drive away. Additionally, Marbella’s urban centre is less than 15 minutes away, offering all the conveniences and amenities one might need.

Rio Real’s location fosters exceptional access to healthcare. Residents enjoy the convenience of having a comprehensive range of medical facilities readily available, from state-of-the-art hospitals to specialized clinics. This ensures residents can receive prompt and effective medical care whenever needed.

Costa del Sol Hospital. Serves as the primary public hospital in the vicinity, located approximately 3,9 km away (a 6-minute drive via the AP7). Get directions.

Other private medical centres in nearby areas include HC Marbella International Hospital*, RS64 Clinic, Clínica Premium, Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella and Hospital Ochoa. Towards Benalmádena, a 40-minute drive leads to the Vithas Xanit International Hospital, offering a comprehensive range of specialities and services.

In addition, Helicopteros Sanitarios offers a 24-hour private home medical service. Get directions.

*HC Marbella Hospital Internacional has been recently awarded the Q distinction for Tourist Quality. The recognition of the hospital’s quality of care, granted by the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE), makes HC the first Andalusian hospital to obtain the Q mark and the third in Spain.

The Costa del Sol offers a wide range of educational options, with a strong and reputable system that includes some of the best private schools in Spain and internationally. Education in Spain is divided into three stages: early childhood (ages 3-6), primary (ages 6-12), and secondary (ages 12-16), with an optional final stage from 16-18 years. Primary and secondary education are mandatory.

Parents can choose from Spanish state schools, concertado schools (government-funded but privately managed), or international schools offering bilingual education with a strong emphasis on English. Many expats start with public schools and switch to private institutions for university preparation.

Private school fees range from €2,000 to over €10,000 annually, making them more affordable than in Northern Europe and North America, yet providing a high-quality, multicultural education.

Below is a list of highly recommended schools in the area and its surroundings.

Colegio Alborán. A bilingual school in English and Spanish offering all educational stages, from preschool to high school. It features a semi-Olympic pool, an equestrian club, and music classes with 7 different instruments. It offers a school bus service from Estepona to Fuengirola.

Las Chapas – Ecos Bilingual School. A private bilingual school in Marbella for children from 0 to 18 years old, with an International Baccalaureate (IB) and Christian values. 

Deutsche Schule Málaga. A private school subsidised by the German State and also recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education. It covers all educational stages, with German as the primary language, followed by Spanish, and complemented by English and French.

English International College (EIC). Established in 1982, this British institution stands as one of the area’s most enduring educational establishments, offering a comprehensive curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Swans International School. With over 50 years of experience, follows the British curriculum, preparing students for GCSE or IGCSE exams in Years 10 and 11, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Sixth Form. It stands out for its extensive sports program, including rugby, hockey, and swimming. Additionally, the school boasts modern facilities and a strong emphasis on performing arts, offering opportunities for students to develop their musical and dramatic talents.

British International School of Marbella. The British International School of Marbella offers a world-class British education for children aged 2-12. Its sustainable and modern campus features an indoor swimming pool, spacious sports facilities, and state-of-the-art classrooms, providing a unique and enriching learning environment. The curriculum, validated by the Spanish education system, seamlessly blends academic excellence with a deep respect for the environment.

Aloha College. Offers a world-class British education for students aged 3 to 18. The college’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its Eco-School status and innovative curriculum. A diverse range of sports and extracurricular activities complements academic studies, fostering well-rounded individuals.

The American College in Spain. The first North American High School & University in Andalusia, offering the opportunity to start High School studies and continue the first 2 years of University in Marbella, with the option to transfer to the US or any other accredited American University worldwide.

Laude San Pedro International School. Boasts a diverse community of over 50 nationalities and fosters multilingualism and a growth mindset. Students follow the British National Curriculum from ages 3 to 18, with the option to transition to the Spanish system at 12. Recognized as one of Spain’s top 100 international schools, Laude offers a rigorous academic program, Cambridge English assessments, and a rich arts and technology curriculum.

Saint George’s School. Private bilingual school following the British education system, combines a solid academic education with a focus on personal development. The school has a swimming pool, a vegetable garden, and ample green spaces, where students can enjoy outdoor activities and learn about nature.

Calpe School. A bilingual school following the British National Curriculum for children aged 2-11. In addition to its academic program, the school organizes various extracurricular activities, such as art, music, and sports workshops. The school is located in the centre of San Pedro Alcántara, making it easily accessible for students.

Casa del Mar International Montessori. In San Pedro Alcántara, this AMI-certified school offers a nurturing learning environment for children aged 15 months to 12 years. Its student-centered approach fosters self-directed learning, equipping children with the values, intellectual abilities, and innovation skills necessary for future success.

Efim. It is a French school that follows a hybrid pedagogical model adapted to the French National Education program, while also being trilingual in Spanish, English, and French.

1. Río Real’s prime location is less than 15 minutes from Marbella’s city centre, offering easy access to all urban amenities.

2. The area provides convenient access with quick connections to major roads like the A7, making travel to and from Río Real effortless.

3. As a tranquil and discreet neighbourhood, Río Real combines a variety of elegant villas and high-end apartments in exclusive gated complexes.

4. Río Real is home to the exclusive Río Real Golf Club, designed by the legendary Spanish architect Javier Arana.

5. Properties in Río Real often offer stunning views, whether overlooking the lush Río Real Golf Club or enjoying breathtaking vistas of the sea.

6. The beautiful beaches surrounding the area are wider and less crowded, featuring high-end beach clubs for unforgettable days by the sea.

7. As a residential area, Río Real has all the necessary services within a 10-minute drive.

8. The upcoming Four Seasons Hotel will enhance the area’s value, adding even more prestige.

9. The area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like golf, beach sports, and walking along the scenic coastal paths.

10. It benefits from the exceptional climate of this Mediterranean spot, where winters are mild, and outdoor life can be enjoyed year-round, with the sun shining for 345 days.