El Rosario is predominantly a residential area with many beautiful private villas, town houses and apartments. Located midway between Marbella and Calahonda, more precisely between the Santa Clara and Las Chapas areas of the Marbella municipality, this urbanisation is fully equipped with its own international school, tennis club, restaurants and beauty salon.

Immediately in front of the hillside community is Elviria, a seaside residential paradise. Elviria is a thriving place, complete with Town Hall, church, post office, schools, including the highly regarded EIC (English International College), etc. This location is ideal for many because it’s only a 30 minutes drive from Malaga International airport and only 5 kilometers from Marbella.

WHAT TO DO

El Rosario is located only 5 minutes from Elviria’s fine sandy beaches, which include some of the best on the coast. Stretching for miles in both directions from the centre of town, the promenade is full of cafés, bars, restaurants and beach clubs. If speed and the ocean sound like an epic combination, then be sure to visit El Rosario’s beaches and rent a jet ski from one of the water sport stands. Many families feel more comfortable visiting large hotels that offer water sports equipment and professional monitors. One major hotel, located in Elviria, with water activities is the Don Carlos Hotel. Fishing trips and dolphin viewing excursions are also available. Most boat activities depart from the port of Cabopino, which is the nearest port.

For party goers, along the beach there are the hip and chic bars playing modern music and serving delicious cocktails until late. This area is not known for rowdy evenings. However, there are plenty of Spanish bars, Irish bars, wine bars, tapas bars and traditional Spanish restaurants. Popular among foreigners is Fluid Bar, an Irish style lounge located at Pino Golf, Elviria. Another popular Irish lounge is Harmon’s Bar, located behind Elviria’s square which has become a popular venue for watching sports on their large plasma screens with additional seating outside. If you head up the Mountain to El Rosario, there are bars and restaurants with a much calmer ambience.

AT THE BEACH

This serene residential locality is only 5 minutes from some of the finest beaches on the Costa del Sol. Beaches in this part of the Coast are all public and equipped with showers, WC, lifeguards, sun loungers, and parasols. There are several local chiringuitos serving cold beer, a great range of cocktails and delicious food. There is one place in this area known for outrageously exciting parties. Located below Elviria’s Hotel Don Carlos is the epic Nikki Beach. Here, the coast’s elite enjoy fun filled days and nights.

SHOPPING

Due to the proximity of these two neighborhoods, residents and tourists enjoy amenities from both locations. The shops in Elviria and El Rosario are mainly Spanish boutiques, supermarkets and souvenir/tourist stores selling inflatable pool toys, sun cream and Spanish and English newspapers

If you’re staying in the area, don’t forget the major shopping centers that are only a few minutes away. There is also a local fruit and vegetable market held in the area every Friday. As one can find along most beaches in Spain, the North African “looky looky” men are in abundance. These enthusiastic salesmen stock replica designer bags, sunglasses and watches. Just don’t forget to bargain as their initial asking price is usually high. If you’re looking for a more up-market shopping experience, world renowned Puerto Banús and La Cañada shopping centre, which has over 150 shops, are only a short journey away.

SPORTS

Although there are no golf courses located directly in El Rosario, Elviria does have some of the best golf courses in southern Spain, including the Santa Maria Golf Club which boasts an 18-hole course set amidst a wonderful pinewood and oak forest. Refer to our BUsiness Directory for more information about reserving a tee time.

If you fancy a game of tennis visit El Casco Tennis Club, located just off the A7 at the entrance to the urbanization. One of the most fun activities available in this area is the Buggy Safari – an exciting day the whole family will remember! A certified tour guide takes buggy riders off road to visit Andalucía’s lush landscape with breathtaking views of the Med.