Estepona East and New Golden Mile area guide
Living and buying property in Costalita
A beachfront and beach-adjacent strip known for long sandy beaches, established apartment communities and seasonal coastal living.
Research reviewed: August 2026
Beach access
Highdirect in many developmentsInternational schools
3 nearbyTIS, Mayfair and AtlasAirport Málaga
75–85 kmapproximately 55–70 minutesPrice comparator
€4,192/m²Benamara-Atalaya idealista indicator, June 2026Explore the location
Costalita on the map
Costalita and El Saladillo are defined by their beach, promenade and low-rise communities. The setting is more relaxed than urban Estepona, with restaurants and convenience services dispersed along the coast. Inland golf and international schools are close by, but most households use a car for shopping and school runs.
Everyday life
Schools, shopping and local amenities
Schools and education
- The International School Estepona — British curriculum, approximately 10–15 minutes
- Mayfair International Academy — co-educational day school in Atalaya-Isdabe, approximately 10–20 minutes
- Atlas American School — American curriculum through Bachillerato in Selwo, approximately 15–25 minutes
- Cancelada nursery and public CEIP options — approximately 8–15 minutes by car; catchment and transport must be confirmed
- Buyer note: beach access is excellent, but the daily school run remains car-based for most families.
Shopping, restaurants and markets
- Benavista and Diana Park — nearest broader convenience centres
- Carrefour Estepona — approximately 15–20 minutes
- Local beach businesses — cafés, pharmacy/convenience services and seasonal chiringuitos
- Restaurant shortlist: Salduna Beach, Torre Velerín and Sonora Beach
- Markets — Estepona centre Wednesday/Sunday markets; seasonal beach markets; verify current dates.
Healthcare
- Hospiten Estepona — approximately 15–20 minutes
- Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona — approximately 20–25 minutes
- Pharmacies — Benavista/Atalaya and Estepona centre options
- Public primary-care assignment — address-specific.
Connections and distances
- Málaga Airport — approximately 75–85 km / 55–70 minutes
- Gibraltar Airport — approximately 60–70 km / 60–75 minutes plus border
- Beach — direct or short walk from many communities
- Estepona centre — 15–20 minutes
- Marbella — 20–30 minutes
- A-7 access is close, but road crossings and summer traffic must be checked.
Beaches, marina and culture
- Long sandy beach and coastal walking
- Seasonal chiringuitos and beach clubs
- Atalaya, El Paraíso and El Campanario golf
- Selwo Aventura
- Puerto Banús and Estepona old town by car.
Property perspective
Buying property in Costalita
Typical property types
- Beach apartments
- Penthouses
- Townhouses
- Small villa communities
Typical buyer profiles
- Beach second-home owners
- Families wanting a coastal base
- Seasonal renters subject to licence
- Buyers seeking established resale
Well suited to
- Beach-focused second-home buyers
Points to check
- Salt, wind and humidity
- A-7 crossings
- Summer parking
- Seasonal business hours