Why Celebrities Choose the Costa del Sol? Marbella, Málaga, and Where the World Meets

Ewa Bochenko
5 days ago
6 min read

The Costa del Sol has been attracting actors, musicians, athletes, and businesspeople for years. Some come here for concerts and prestigious events, others spend their holidays, and some choose southern Spain as their second home.

But it's not just about luxury hotels, yachts, and restaurants overlooking the sea. The Costa del Sol's greatest asset is its combination of several things rarely found in one place: beautiful weather, good connections to Europe, high-quality services, privacy, and a relaxed, Mediterranean lifestyle.

Marbella – the unofficial capital of luxury

When it comes to celebrities visiting the Costa del Sol, Marbella is often mentioned. It's here that Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Nueva Andalucía, and La Zagaleta are located—locations synonymous with luxury residences, prestigious hotels, golf courses, and exclusive clubs.

Marbella, however, doesn't try to compete with Monaco for scale or Ibiza for the intensity of its nightlife. Its advantage lies elsewhere: you can be close to the action, restaurants, and international scene, while also living in a quiet, protected urbanization, far from the tourist bustle.

In 2025, Antonio Banderas and Robert De Niro, among others, met in Marbella. Their lunch together quickly attracted media attention, but it wasn't particularly unusual for the city itself. The gathering of international stars at a table on a sunny terrace perfectly illustrates Marbella's character: luxury is present here, but often takes a very casual form.

Antonio Banderas – Málaga's best ambassador

Not every famous person comes to the Costa del Sol just for vacation. Antonio Banderas hails from Málaga and has maintained strong ties to the city for years.

The actor lives in Málaga and actively participates in its cultural life. He is the creator of the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, which has become a significant landmark on the city's cultural map. His presence has led to Málaga being increasingly perceived not only as a tourist destination but also as a modern European center for art, film, and theater.

Banderas regularly invites his film friends to Andalusia. In recent years, he has been seen in Málaga and Marbella with Robert De Niro and Richard Gere, among others.

Eva Longoria and the American interest in Marbella

The Costa del Sol has long been popular with Europeans, but it is also increasingly attracting visitors from the United States.

One of the celebrities often associated with Marbella is Eva Longoria. The actress has attended charity events here and has been photographed numerous times during her stays in the city. Her presence clearly demonstrates that Marbella is also gaining a stronger following among American celebrities and investors.

For clients from the United States, the Costa del Sol may be attractive due to, among other things, its mild climate, international schools, English-speaking environment, and the opportunity to combine a European lifestyle with high-standard real estate.

Footballers choose Puerto Banús

The Costa del Sol is exceptionally popular with professional footballers. Players from Europe's biggest clubs regularly visit Marbella after the season ends.

Among the athletes visiting the region were Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams. Puerto Banús attracts them with its restaurants, clubs, marina, and luxury hotels, but equally important is the opportunity to rent a private villa with a pool, security, and full service.

Athletes also enjoy Nueva Andalucía, sometimes called Golf Valley. This quieter part of Marbella, located near Puerto Banús, offers large villas, modern apartments, and access to renowned golf courses.

Starlite Festival – a magnet for global stars

One of the most important events attracting celebrities to Marbella is the Starlite Festival. The concerts take place in a distinctive quarry, creating an intimate and spectacular setting.

The Starlite stage has hosted internationally renowned artists. The 2025 lineup included Camila Cabello, Marc Anthony, Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, and Will Smith.

The event is not limited to concerts. It also includes dinners, charity galas, and business meetings, making Marbella a summer destination that connects the worlds of entertainment, fashion, sports, and international business.

Málaga is increasingly competing with Marbella

Just a few years ago, Marbella received most of the media attention. Today, more and more celebrities are choosing Málaga as well.

The city has undergone a profound transformation, expanding its cultural, gastronomic, and hotel offerings, and its renovated historic center has become one of the most attractive places to live in southern Spain.

Málaga also attracts major international events. The first San Diego Comic-Con Málaga in 2025 featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jared Leto, among others, and the event attracted approximately 120,000 attendees.

Robbie Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Richie and many other international artists have also performed here.

This means that Málaga is increasingly perceived not as an airport to Marbella, but as a fully-fledged place to live and invest.

What really attracts celebrities to the Costa del Sol?

Privacy

Many exclusive urbanizations offer 24-hour security, controlled access, and large plots separating properties from neighbors. This allows you to enjoy the region's charms without the constant attention of tourists and the media.

Climate

Mild winters and abundant sunshine allow for outdoor activities throughout most of the year. Golf, tennis, walking, sailing, or dining on the terrace in January are commonplace here.

Good flight connections

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport offers connections to many European cities. For business travelers, the ability to quickly reach London, Paris, Madrid, and other capitals is crucial.

International environment

People from all over the world live on the coast. There are international schools, private clinics, law firms, restaurants, and businesses serving clients in multiple languages.

Properties to suit different lifestyles

The Costa del Sol offers spectacular villas with sea views, apartments in the center of Málaga, houses on golf courses, and modern developments with swimming pools, gyms and concierge services.

Where do wealthy clients most often choose real estate?

The Golden Mile is chosen by people who want to be located between the center of Marbella and Puerto Banús, close to beaches, hotels and restaurants.

Sierra Blanca offers spacious villas, panoramic views and a high level of privacy.

Nueva Andalucía attracts golf enthusiasts and those looking for a home near Puerto Banús, but outside its busiest part.

La Zagaleta is one of the most closed and prestigious urbanizations in Europe, aimed at clients who expect maximum privacy.

Benahavís combines green surroundings, mountains and elegant residential areas with good access to Marbella.

The center of Málaga is chosen by people interested in culture, gastronomy and an urban lifestyle who do not need a large villa in the suburbs.

Does the presence of celebrities affect the real estate market?

Celebrities are not the only reason for the growing popularity of the Costa del Sol, but they undoubtedly strengthen its international image.

The presence of celebrities attracts media, luxury brands, restaurateurs, event organizers, and investors. Premium services, private healthcare, international education, and the luxury real estate market are all thriving in their wake.

It's worth remembering, however, that a good property doesn't become a good investment just because a Hollywood actor dined at a nearby restaurant. Location, building quality, access to infrastructure, legal status, and real resale or rental potential are still key factors when purchasing.

Celebrities create the atmosphere. The numbers still have to add up—even in Marbella.

Costa del Sol – luxury that doesn't have to be for show

The greatest phenomenon of the Costa del Sol is that you can live very luxuriously here without giving up normality.

In the morning, you can jog by the sea, later work from the terrace, dine at a local restaurant, and in the evening find a few tables with a famous actor or athlete. Nobody makes a big show of it, because the region's international character has become part of its everyday life.

And perhaps that's why celebrities return here so eagerly. The Costa del Sol allows them to be visible when they want to be—and almost invisible when they need peace and quiet.

Thinking about your own place on the Costa del Sol?

You don't have to be a Hollywood star to find a property that suits your lifestyle. We'll help you compare locations, explore offers, and navigate the entire buying process safely—from the first conversation to handing over the keys.