El Paraíso is an established residential estate on the eastern edge of Estepona’s New Golden Mile, built around an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player in 1973. Positioned between Marbella and Benahavís, it offers rapid access to both Málaga Airport (50–60 minutes) and Gibraltar Airport (45–52 minutes). Buyers benefit from Andalusia’s 7% Transfer Tax on resale properties in 2026, alongside clear regulations for long-term residency and short-term letting.
Why do buyers and investors choose El Paraíso on the New Golden Mile?
According to the Estepona General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU, May 2022), El Paraíso is situated at the easternmost boundary of the municipality of Estepona. It borders the municipality of Benahavís directly to the north along the Brijan sector and the Autopista del Sol (AP-7), while adjoining San Pedro de Alcántara in Marbella to the east. Tucked between the foothills of Sierra Bermeja and the Mediterranean coastline, this position gives residents access to three distinct municipalities within a five-minute drive.
International transport connections are straight-forward. Route data from May 2026 shows that Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) sits 65–70 km to the east (a 50–60 minute drive via the A-7 or AP-7 toll motorway). Gibraltar Airport (GIB) lies 58–63 km to the west, taking 45–52 minutes by car. This double airport access makes the area suitable for frequent international travellers, commuters, and holiday home owners.
The neighborhood offers a clear division of property types across three main zones:
- El Paraíso Alto and Medio: Low-density hillside sectors featuring detached villas with private gardens and panoramic views towards the sea or the surrounding golf valleys.
- El Paraíso Golf: Established communities of Mediterranean-style townhouses and semi-detached villas positioned around the fairways.
- El Paraíso Barronal / Coastal Strip: Low-rise apartment complexes and luxury penthouses located south of the A-7 road, within walking distance of the beach.
Golf, beaches and daily life in El Paraíso
The central landmark of the neighbourhood is El Paraíso Golf Club, founded in 1973. Designed by South African championship golfer Gary Player, the 18-hole course winds through a valley featuring natural streams, lakes, and mature landscaping of palm, jacaranda, and oleander trees.
For tennis and padel enthusiasts, the adjacent Bel-Air Tennis and Padel Club provides 10 tennis courts (comprising 6 Plexipave hard courts and 4 clay courts), 5 glass padel courts, a fitness studio, a bar-restaurant, and dedicated children’s facilities as of October 2026.
Playa del Saladillo serves as the primary coastal destination for local residents, offering a long stretch of sand suited for water sports and beachfront dining. Buyers should note that according to official ADEAC assessments in August 2026, no beaches within the municipality of Estepona held a Blue Flag in 2025 or 2026, with the single local Blue Flag awarded exclusively to the Estepona marina.
Family infrastructure in the area is well supported. Educational facilities listed in official directories (August 2025) include International Kids Club ‘El Campanario’, offering a trilingual programme in English, Spanish, and Russian for children up to six years old, alongside The International School Estepona, which caters to pupils aged 2 to 12. Local commercial centers at Benavista and El Pilar provide daily amenities, including organic markets, pharmacies, banks, and informal dining options.
Taxes, short-let rules and residency when buying in El Paraíso
Understanding local tax obligations is essential when evaluating acquisition costs on the New Golden Mile. In 2026, property transactions under the Agencia Tributaria de Andalucía property tax rates apply distinct rates depending on whether the home is a resale or direct from a developer.
| Transaction Type | Primary Tax Rate | Additional Fees / AJD Stamp Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Resale Property | 7.0% Transfer Tax (ITP general) | Reduced rates (6.0% or 3.5%) for qualifying primary residences |
| New-Build Property | 10.0% Value Added Tax (VAT / IVA) | 1.2% Stamp Duty (AJD general rate) |
Investors planning short-term holiday rentals must navigate Junta de Andalucía Decree 31/2024, which remains in force in October 2026. Properties registered as tourist accommodations (VUT) must measure at least 25 m² (with an allowance of 14 m² per guest), feature integrated climate control systems, and strictly comply with community guidelines. Community of owners (comunidad de propietarios) statutes can legally restrict or prohibit holiday lets within individual developments. Estepona Town Hall has not issued a municipal suspension on new VUT licences as of October 2026.
For non-EU buyers (including UK and US citizens), residency routes changed significantly following Organic Law 1/2025, which abolished Spain’s real estate Golden Visa scheme effective 3 April 2025. Investors seeking long-term European residency now typically apply for Non-Lucrative Visas or Digital Nomad Visas rather than relying on property ownership alone.
Real estate professionals and private investors use CASAFARI Area Insights to analyze live supply, track active listings, and review transactional trends across municipal boundaries. To conduct accurate valuations, you can build a comprehensive property valuation and market study or utilize Property Sourcing to aggregate deduplicated market listings. For detailed conveyancing guidelines, consult our guide to buying property in Spain and our detailed breakdown of understanding the Spanish purchase contract and escritura.
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Frequently asked questions
Which municipality does El Paraíso belong to?
According to Estepona’s General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU, May 2022), El Paraíso belongs to the municipality of Estepona, located at its far eastern border. It directly adjoins the municipality of Benahavís to the north and San Pedro de Alcántara in Marbella to the east. Because of this tri-municipal border position, local taxation (IBI) and planning regulations depend on which side of the boundary line a specific plot resides.
What are the property purchase taxes in El Paraíso, Estepona in 2026?
Under current rules from the Agencia Tributaria de Andalucía in 2026, resale property purchases in El Paraíso carry a Transfer Tax (ITP) rate of 7%, though reduced rates of 6% or 3.5% apply for eligible primary residences. Buying a brand-new home directly from a developer incurs 10% Value Added Tax (IVA) along with a 1.2% Stamp Duty (AJD).
Can you get a tourist rental licence in El Paraíso under current Andalusian law?
Yes, tourist rental licences (VUT) remain accessible in Estepona as of October 2026, provided properties comply with Junta de Andalucía Decree 31/2024. Homes must offer a minimum surface area of 25 m² (at least 14 m² per guest), integrated climate control, and must not be restricted by the bylaws of the local community of owners.
Is the Spanish Golden Visa still available when buying property in El Paraíso?
No, the real estate Golden Visa was officially abolished under Organic Law 1/2025 of 2 January, which took full effect on 3 April 2025. Non-EU buyers purchasing property in El Paraíso who wish to stay longer than 90 days per 180-day period now typically apply for alternative residency routes, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa.