Living in Marbella: Is it the best place to live in the world?

While the benefits of building an energy-efficient villa in the south of Spain are clear, many of our clients are keen to know what living in Marbella is actually like.

Having travelled all over Spain (and in fact the world) and spent time in lots of different cities both for personal and professional reasons, we’ve come to the conclusion that Marbella really is one of the best places to live in the world.

Here’s a short summary of why living in Marbella is a great idea for those who want a city with everything (and we mean everything)…

Marbella’s warm climate

Probably the top reason why Marbella is such a good place to live. Not only can you take advantage of energy-efficient building techniques that will get you a home that’s warm in winter and cool in summer (harder to do in harsher climates), warm weather simply lifts your mood.

Stepping outside into the sunshine 320 days a year will make a huge difference to how you feel. You can swim (between May and October), wear comfortable summer clothes, and feel the benefits to your health as the cool Mediterranean breeze greets you right at your front door.

People in Marbella are friendly

Spain is a culture of people who work to live, and not the other way around. Outsiders are made to feel welcome and once a bottle of sherry is opened among friends, don’t be surprised if the cork is simply thrown away to suggest the night will be a long one.

It’s easy to find people in Marbella who just want to have fun, and as such, living in Marbella puts you in an environment conducive to feeling pretty happy most of the time.

Marbella is very well communicated in Spain

With its own international airport, fast national train services, intercity buses that run hourly (and on time) and big, wide, often empty motorways, Marbella is a very well-connected part of Spain to live in.

Marbella is a good place to live in Spain if you have plans to explore the country, the rest of Europe… and beyond!

Mediterranean food is hard to pass up

Sitting out on the terrace with a cold drink and a few dishes of tapas out on the table is what life in the Mediterranean is all about.

Being so close to the water means the seafood in Marbella is particularly good, but you’ll find so many other great restaurants serving both Spanish and international cuisine. Your palette won’t know what’s hit it!

Spain’s exciting nightlife

Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a night owl, it’s hard to resist staying up into the early hours at least a few times.

If you’re from the UK, you’ll probably find that things start to get going in Marbella around the same time things are winding down at home. Popping out for a drink at midnight is quite normal in Marbella, as are late dinner reservations and simply dancing the night away.

Rich Spanish culture and history

From its Arabic history that left a huge mark on food, language and landmarks, to unique local festivals and quintessentially Spanish traditions, the south of Spain has plenty to discover and explore.

Take a stroll through Marbella’s Old Town, watch the ships come in at Puerto Banus Marina or marvel at the Dali sculptures in Avenida del Mar.

From golden beaches to snowy mountains

There are few places in the world that give you the opportunity to ski in the morning (in the Sierra Nevada, 2.5 hours away by car) and be back for a warm dip in the sea by late afternoon.

The Costa del Sol can get a little crowded in the summer, so those living in Marbella can use the peak tourist season as an excuse to explore the unspoilt beaches of Cadiz, head off for an adventure in the countryside or take a road trip along the coast to see what you find.

The cost of living in Marbella is quite low

Marbella is certainly cheaper than bigger cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona, but it’s still hugely popular with tourists so you’ll find plenty of overpriced bars and restaurants that are often best avoided.

Of course, living in Marbella allows you to step away from the tourist traps. And if your home is energy efficient, your savings on energy bills is something you’d struggle to achieve in a different climate.

A wealth of sports and activities on offer

Set off on a skiing trip or go rock climbing in the Sierra Nevada, take up windsurfing or scuba diving in the sea, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try your hand at some paragliding, hang gliding or even a skydive!

Of course, if your interest in sport is more about following your favourite team from back home, you’ll find plenty of international bars where you can catch the latest game and a cold beer.

Golf courses as far as the eye can see

With an impressive 70+ golf courses (21 of which are in Marbella), it’s no wonder the region has earned itself the nickname “Costa Del Golf”.

Many of the golf courses in Marbella are of world-class championship standard. If living in Marbella is about getting more time on the green for you, consider looking at plots that would offer you direct views of an immaculately manicured course and landscaped trees.

Is Marbella a good place to live?

With sunny weather, affordable living and plenty of things to do, Marbella is a great place to live and one of the most popular places for expats to build a home and start a new life.

We would recommend visiting as much as you can to discover the best place to live in Marbella for you and your circumstances, then arrange a few visits to see some land for sale in Marbella so you can imagine what it might really be like to live there in a home designed around your lifestyle.

If you’re planning on living in Marbella and hope to build your own beautiful, energy-efficient villa, contact Eco Vida Homes so we can make the process smooth and get you the home in the sun you’ve always dreamed of.

Eco Vida Homes is a team of architects, technical architects, builders, an engineer, and a chartered surveyor. We help people design and build beautiful, energy-efficient homes designed for Mediterranean living in Marbella and Southern Spain. There are two things that make us stand out: a sharp focus on our clients’ needs and the fact that every home we build is comfortable and energy-efficient. It’s like Grand Designs, only without the drama.