Want to feel like you’re on an endless holiday? Then what better place to buy than the winner of Europe’s best destination for 2024, Marbella?
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Europe’s best destination 2024
Marbella has won the crown for Europe’s best destination for 2024. This year, over one million travellers from 172 countries participated in a vote for Europe’s best destination. Out of 500 destinations, a top twenty was selected, with Marbella securing first place, as the “preferred 5-star destination for travellers in 2024”.
After Marbella, these cities made the top twenty: Monaco, Malta, Geneva, Batumi, Riga, Madeira, Florence, London, Reykjavik, Lège-Cap-Ferret, Siena, Ponza Island, Porto-Vecchio, Champagne Wine Region, Faroe Islands, Sirmione, Piran, Newquay and Thassos.
Why Marbella won the top spot
Marbella boasts of 330 days of sunshine a year, ideal for golfers!
Marbella is a city and municipality in Málaga in southern Spain. There, the sun shines for over 300 days a year, the choice of twenty-four beaches are all beautiful, and the golfing opportunities are ace.
One of the most loved beaches is Playa de Puerto Banus, as it is close to Marbella’s glitzy marina. While Playa de la Fontanilla is an easy walk from the city centre. Popular with celebrities, Playa Nagüeles is home to chic hotels and restaurants. Then, for buzz, head to Marbella Seafront Promenade, which stretches for over seven miles. It is lined with pretty palm trees, tapas bars, cafes and is the haunt of joggers and cyclists.
Additionally, Marbella has an exciting fine dining scene. In Marbella and the surrounding area, eighteen restaurants are featured in the Michelin Guide. Skina, located in the charming old town, has two stars for its modern cuisine. While Messina, BACK, Nintai and Sollo all have one.
Another plus of Marbella is how easily accessible it is. Málaga airport is just 30 minutes away from the city centre.
As well as being Europe’s best destination, Marbella also secures first place in the best golf destinations of Europe. Favoured ones include: Santa Maria Golf & Country Club, Marbella Club Resort and Aloha Golf Club. St Andrews in Scotland is considered the best golf experience in Europe. But as anyone familiar with Scotland knows, even in the height of summer, you’re not necessarily going to get the loveliest weather for golfing. But in Marbella, there will be very few days a year when you can’t be out on the golf course.
Marbella’s property market
A one-bedroom apartment located in Marbella’s old town for €375,000.
As a consequence of its status as a high-end tourist destination, property for sale in Marbella is generally more expensive than other parts of Andalusia. Increasingly, Marbella has lured in celebrity buyers to purchase a second home there. Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria and her husband José Bastón are among them.
If you have a budget of €200,000, then you will be able to find a studio or even a small two-bedroom apartment. Often, this will be in a complex with access to communal gardens and a swimming pool. Moreover, if this is your budget but you are after a larger home, then you may want to look in inland Andalusia, where there are some incredibly affordable property options.
If you are seeking a family property, with four-bedrooms or more, then this will cost upwards of €400,00. As a general rule, the closer you want to be to the beach, the bigger your budget will need to be.
While there are plenty of townhouses to purchase in Marbella, it is also a popular place to search for a new build home. Such properties are built to a sleek and modern design with features like open-plan living space and large terraces with a panoramic view.
Plus, given its unparalleled reputation as a golfing destination, it’s no surprise that Marbella is a superb place to hunt for a home on a golf course (or with the best views of one). Have a browse through some here.
Unlock the holiday home potential of Marbella
One of the contributing factors to Marbella securing the top place as Europe’s best destination for 2024 was its amazing selection of hotels. However, some people prefer the personal touch and privacy offered by staying in a holiday home. So, if dislike the idea of your Marbella home sitting empty for some of the year and want to make some cash, you could rent it out to holidaymakers. Given its new status as Europe’s best destination, even more holidaymakers are likely to want to check this bright, sunny city out.
