El Paraiso and El Pilar Estepona districts
El Paraíso and El Pilar districts are situated to the east of Estepona town and located on the mountainside for the A-7 coastal highway. They are neighbouring residential areas often collectively referred to as El Paraíso. Locals describe El Paraíso as a more settled, tranquil, and prestigious area, while the smaller El Pilar is seen as a more evolving residential area with varied housing. Both are located between the Arroyo Saladillo to the west and, Arroyo de Dos Hermanas to the east which borders on the Nueva Atalaya district. The area is known for its upscale villas and apartments, championship golf courses, and a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and sports clubs. The area offers a peaceful environment, a mix of residential properties, and is popular for its golf and proximity to beaches, a short drive away on the other side of the highway.
Residential areas
Development in El Paraíso district began around 1962, driven by increasing population and demand for quality housing and a broader period of growth across Estepona. Today, the district is home to an impressive mix of luxury private villas, spacious townhouses, and contemporary apartment complexes, with ongoing developments continuing to enhance the area. Despite this expansion, El Paraíso has retained a distinctive countryside charm, where residential communities coexist with working farmland.
Cars delivered to your hotel or address in Estepona. All-inclusive prices, book your car online without cancellation fees!
Market Leaders in Quality Marbella Properties since 1970, four generations of Real Estate Professionals since 1904.
El Paraíso is recognised as divided into three zones: El Paraíso Alto and El Paraíso Medio are located on the mountainside, while El Paraíso Barronal is on the coast. El Paraíso Alto, the highest, occupies the northern area, surrounded by hills with lush vegetation and views: of the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains and the golf course. Below this, El Paraíso Medio sits closer to the golf course and benefits from convenient access to local shopping centres and everyday amenities.
Within these zones, several well-established urbanisations are located. Among the earliest is El Paraíso urbanisation, initially developed in the early 1970s around the El Paraíso Golf Club and now forms the heart of the area. El Pilar is an urbanisation adjacent to El Paraíso Medio and has seen significant development in recent years. It has become a popular residential area for both locals and expatriates, most of whom live in medium-sized villas on private plots with gardens and swimming pools. It is also home to well-established communities such as Las Gardenias (1987) and Fuente del Paraíso (1988), originally designed to cater to Scandinavian visitors but now home to a multicultural mix.
Urbanización Cortijo Casareño is another notable residential enclave, home to developments such as Cortijo del Golf, a gated community of 64 contemporary apartments and penthouses completed in 2020 and located close to the golf course.
The district has evolved significantly over time, transitioning from its origins as equestrian land and rustic farm estates into a refined residential area. Several surrounding properties were converted from former equestrian centres into private villas, and historic farmhouses were expanded and enhanced in the 1940s and 1950s by notable figures, including Hollywood actor Stewart Granger, adding a distinctive historical character to the area.
Las Acacias is a well-established low-density residential community typical of the developments constructed during the late 1980s to early 1990s, a period that marked another phase of significant growth in Estepona.
Other long-standing residential communities in the area include Urbanización Cortes, developed in 1989, and Urbanización El Saladillo, one of the area’s earliest neighbourhoods dating back to the early 1960s. More recent additions include modern developments such as Golden Hills, scheduled for completion in mid-2026.
Hotels and resorts
El Paraíso is home to several notable hotels and resorts that cater to both leisure and business visitors. Among them is the TRH Paraíso Beach & Golf Hotel, a four-star property built in 1974 and renovated in 2005. The hotel is particularly popular with tourists and golf enthusiasts and serves as a well-regarded venue for conferences and corporate events.
Another prominent development is the Cortijo del Mar Resort, a four-star self-catering resort completed in 2010. Designed in a traditional Andalucían style with a contemporary interpretation, the resort comprises approximately 250 apartments, duplex penthouses, and townhouses set within landscaped grounds.
Ona Club Benavista, developed in the early 2000s, offers one- and two-bedroom self-catering apartments inspired by classic Andalucían architecture, making it a popular choice for families and long-stay visitors.
Despite its name, the Royal Marbella Golf Resort is located close to El Paraíso Golf Club. The resort features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with modern amenities such as a co-working space, a fully equipped gym, and two outdoor swimming pools, appealing to both holidaymakers and remote workers.
Golf Clubs
The El Paraíso district offers an excellent selection of golf and tennis facilities, most notably the prestigious El Paraíso Golf Club. Opened in 1973, the club features an 18-hole championship course designed by the legendary Gary Player and is one of the few member-owned golf clubs on the Costa del Sol. Its origins date back to the late 1960s, when a Belgian family, forced to leave their homeland, acquired the land with the vision of creating a world-class golf course. That vision endures today, with El Paraíso Golf Club widely recognised as a friendly and welcoming club that provides a true test of golf for players of all abilities, guaranteeing an enjoyable yet challenging round for both members and visiting golfers.
Complementing this is the Campanario Golf & Country Club, which opened in 2003 and features a 9-hole par-3 course designed by Manuel Piñero. Ideal for refining the short game, the club also offers a practice putting green and club and trolley hire. Beyond golf, Campanario provides a comprehensive lifestyle experience with a Spa and Wellness Centre, tennis and padel courts, a swimming pool, and a highly regarded restaurant, making it a popular social and sporting hub in the area.
El Paraíso offers golfers an excellent selection of specialist shops catering to all golfing needs, from clubs and accessories to apparel. Golf City Sports is located in El Pilar comercial centre and within a short walking distance Golfriends Estepona is in Benavista stocking all major brands and featuring an in-store outlet section.
Tennis CLubs
Bel-Air Tennis Club is a long-established, family-run, family-oriented facility offering programmes for children and adults of all skill levels, from beginners to semi-professionals. Founded in 1974 by Teo Barrio, the club has been managed since 1999 by his son, Sergio Gómez, a former professional tennis player, and has maintained its strong tradition of coaching excellence and community spirit.
The RozaRossa Tennis Family Country Club provides a comprehensive sports and wellness experience. Facilities include grass, clay, and hard tennis courts, two padel courts, and a dance and yoga studio. The club also features a swimming pool, beauty salon, and specialised sports physiotherapy services. In addition, it offers residential accommodation for individuals or small groups seeking immersive tennis training programmes.
El Pilar Comerical Center
Centro Comercial El Pilar, conveniently located on a service road off the A-7. Here you will find a selection of cafés and restaurants, including Cabana Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, d’Alicia Café – El Pilar, Maa Indian Restaurant, Lola’s Bar Pinchos y Tapas, and Restaurante Don Juan. A local favourite for takeaway is Asador Belga, renowned for its roasted chicken. There is an Notary in El Pilar and known for a more spacious and quieter atmosphere than the ones in the town centre. Additional local shopping options include a SuperCor Express on Calle Gaucín, ensuring easy access to daily essentials throughout the area. Centro Comercial El Pilar faces the A-7, the service road continues to the Benevista comercial centre.
BenaVista Comercial Center
Centro Comercial Buenavista faces the A-7 highway and is reached form a service road off the A-7 taken before El Pilar. For a traditional Sunday roast, Los Arcos Bar on Calle Benavista (Exit 1057) is well known for its popular carvery and homemade dishes. Nearby on Calle Benavista, Bernie’s 19th Hole Sports Bar is a favourite spot for casual dining and live sports. For a hearty breakfast or relaxed brunch, Neli G’s Gastro Café in Las Palmeras de Benavista is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Benavista is home to Besko Supermarket, Liam’s Quality Meats butcher, and El Gran Corte Chino, a cost-effective store offering a wide range of products, including clothing, household items, hardware, and gardening supplies. The commercial centre also provides practical amenities such as an ATM and an Amazon collection point.
Bus Service
For public buses to Estepona, there are two bus stops serving the district: In Benavista near the Los Arcos Bar by the footbridge, and at El Pilar stop near the golf store.
Neighbouring districts
The neighbouring district to the west (Estepona) is Bel Air. The neighbouring district to the east (Marbella) is Nueva Atalaya .
