Enjoy Mediterranean Style in Cabopino

The exclusive and stylish urbanisation of Cabopino is situated in Marbella East, about ten minutes by car from the town centre, and close to Benalmadena. Its charming marina is smaller than that of Benalmadena, with a tranquillity that is helped perhaps by the fact that it can't be seen from the road. It possesses a select number of impressive bars and restaurants, and is well patronised by locals. Cabopino means cape of pines, and it is indeed protected by thick woodlands. Increasing in popularity all the time, it boasts prime realestate opportunities, with market leaders Engel & Völkers offering some stunning properties in the vicinity.

At 1,500 metres in length with a width of 25 metres, Cabopino beach is considered to be one of the best along this coastline, with fine golden sands and shallow waters that are ideal for families. Various beach and water sports (including surfing) add to the fun atmosphere. It's a pleasant walk along the sands to the old town, where visitors can enjoy traditional Andalusian architecture, and typical Spanish plazas that explode with a riot of colourful flowers, against a backdrop of cooling fountains. Accommodation choices range from luxury hotels to camping.

There are some great bars along some of the other sandy stretches nearby, with Playa Artola to the west. Playa de las Duna-Carib lives up to its name, being the only beach in this area to be backed by protected and far-reaching sand dunes, making it the only unspoilt and natural section along this coast. Both of these beaches are optional-clothing areas, and are also gay-friendly.

There is also some history on this coastline. On the Puerto del Cabopino beach stands the coastal fort of Torre Ladrones, with its height of fifteen metres making it the tallest watchtower on Malaga's coast. Thought to have been built during the period of Arab occupation, it is now one of the most-visited monuments in the area.

There is easy access to bars and beaches, while other amenities are not far away, and the nearest English International College at Elviria is reputed to be the best on the Costa del Sol. Many will appreciate the fact that its nightlife, while still lively, is quieter than that along some other parts of the coast. Strolling along the marina brings plenty of chances to study the jet set lifestyle, and to view the smaller luxury yachts that use the one hundred and sixty-nine moorings here.

The clear water around the marina allows a tantalising glimpse of the fishes that frequent the port area, making this an ideal spot for snorkelling. It's easy to hire boats, jet skis, pedalos and other crafts for watersports, while dolphin-tracking trips are always a memorable experience. Marbella is ideally placed for touring, and excursions by boat, coach, car, bike, or public transport can take travellers all over the region, and as far as Gibraltar. Green fairways in the vicinity include the eighteen-hole Cabopino Golf Course with its stunning views of both the mountains and the Mediterranean sea.

Like the rest of the region, the realestate market around Cabopino has recovered from the slow-down felt in Spain in recent years, with excellent rental returns and investment opportunities now available. Although UK purchases still top the market, demand has dropped due to the uncertainties of Brexit, making the sector hard to predict in the near future. However, British buyers and investors haven't abandoned their dreams altogether, with some simply choosing less expensive homes, in some cases with the idea of refurbishing them to maximise their options.

The upsurge in demand for new-builds and modern properties is a favourite trend at the moment, allowing purchasers to plan their own homes from the beginning. Renovating an older property is another way of giving it an individual stamp, and saving on the purchase cost. For buyers on a budget, a house that has been reduced in price is worth considering.

There are some excellent investments on the market right now, and the local knowledge and expertise of Engel & Völkers can point you in the right direction. Properties on our books include a south-facing front line beach villa with an asking price of 2,995,000 EUR (around 2,581,180 GBP), located in the Artola Baja district of Cabopino. With its eight bedrooms (with fitted wardrobes) and nine bathrooms, modern open-plan design, large garden and pool, and view towards the lake and sea, this is a must-see. The fully-equipped kitchen even has a kitchenette on its large terrace, and the basement houses a gym, sauna and private cinema. There is garage space for three cars, but the residents can walk to the amenities of Cabopino and the sand dunes, making its location perfect.

Also in our portfolio is a brand-new four-bedroom villa with stupendous views over the azure waters of the Mediterranean, as far as the African coast. Close to some excellent golf courses, and to Cabopino's yachting marina with all its facilities, it nevertheless offers total privacy in a quiet residential location. A spacious living area with fireplace opens on to extensive sunny terraces, while five bathrooms, a private swimming pool, tv room, and a garage parking for more than four cars, complete the picture of a villa that is excellent value at 1,800,000 EUR (approximately 1,551,293 GBP).

For those who prefer an apartment, a spacious mature property with three bedrooms (one en suite) and two bathrooms sits less than two hundred metres from the sand dunes and the port, and is near the acclaimed Cabopino Golf Course. The terrace offers stunning views of both the sea and the lush gardens of the urbanisation. There is private underground parking and storage space included for the asking price of 375,000 EUR (roughly 323,186 GBP).

This prestigious resort is only a twenty-five minute drive from Malaga International Airport, and a few minutes from central Marbella. Development in Cabopino has always been strictly controlled, meaning that demand for realestate is higher than supply, and that investors or those seeking a second home in quality surroundings need to contact Engel & Völkers without delay.