In This Guide You’ll Learn

• Why so many British people choose Marbella
• Where most UK property owners live
• The best places to watch England matches
• Why Marbella has become Britain’s favourite destination in Spain
• Why many visitors eventually buy property here
• The lifestyle that keeps British homeowners returning year after year

Tonight, millions of football fans across Britain will be watching England take on France in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff.

Pubs across the UK will be full, televisions will be switched on in living rooms, and supporters everywhere will be hoping England finishes the tournament on a high.

But not every England fan is watching from Britain.

Thousands of British supporters will be watching tonight’s match from somewhere much warmer:

Marbella.

For decades, the Costa del Sol has become one of the UK’s favourite destinations, and for many people, what started as a holiday has eventually become a second home.

Why Do So Many British People Choose Marbella?

Few places in Europe offer the same combination of lifestyle, climate and accessibility.

British visitors continue choosing Marbella because it offers:

• more than 320 days of sunshine each year;
• beautiful Mediterranean beaches;
• excellent golf courses;
• luxury marinas;
• international restaurants;
• direct flights from the UK;
• modern healthcare;
• outstanding property investment opportunities.

Many visitors arrive for a week’s holiday.

Many return every year.

Some eventually decide they never want to leave.

Marbella’s British Community

The Costa del Sol is home to one of Spain’s largest British communities, with tens of thousands of UK nationals living permanently or owning second homes across the region.

For decades, British families have chosen southern Spain for:

• retirement;
• second homes;
• investment properties;
• remote working;
• family holidays.

English is heard almost everywhere throughout Marbella, making it one of the easiest places in Spain for British buyers to feel immediately at home.

Where British Buyers Prefer to Live

Some areas have become particularly popular with British homeowners.

Nueva Andalucía

Often called Golf Valley, this area combines villas, apartments and championship golf courses.

Its location close to Puerto Banús makes it especially attractive.

Guadalmina

Popular with families looking for larger villas, quieter streets and easy beach access.

Elviria

Known for beautiful beaches, pine forests and excellent value compared with central Marbella.

Marbella Golden Mile

One of Europe’s most prestigious residential addresses.

Luxury villas, beachfront apartments and five-star hotels make it a favourite among international buyers.

Benahavís

Offering privacy, spectacular mountain views and luxury gated communities, Benahavís continues attracting buyers seeking exclusivity.

Where British Football Fans Watch England Matches in Marbella

One of the reasons Marbella feels so familiar to British visitors is that there is never a shortage of places to watch Premier League football, England internationals or major tournaments.

Some of the most popular venues include:

Linekers Bar – Puerto Banús

Probably the best-known sports bar in Marbella. Linekers has been welcoming British football fans for years and regularly broadcasts Premier League, Champions League and England matches on multiple large screens. During major tournaments the atmosphere is electric.

O’Grady’s Irish Bar – Puerto Banús

A favourite among British and Irish visitors looking for a traditional pub atmosphere. Expect live football, cold beer and plenty of England supporters during international fixtures.

The Hogan Stand

Another long-established venue popular with football fans. Large screens, lively crowds and an authentic British sports bar experience make it one of Marbella’s favourite match-day locations.

Sinatra’s Bar – Puerto Banús

Located just steps from the marina, Sinatra’s combines sport, drinks and nightlife. Many British visitors start their evening here before heading to nearby restaurants or clubs.

Mahiki Beach

While best known as a luxury beach venue, Mahiki also screens selected major sporting events, allowing fans to enjoy football just metres from the Mediterranean.

Rachel’s Eco Love

For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, Rachel’s has become increasingly popular with international residents, offering excellent food and occasional live sports in a beautiful environment.

Several sports bars regularly show:

• Premier League
• Champions League
• England internationals
• World Cup matches

Match Day in Marbella

Unlike many European destinations, watching football in Marbella is often just the beginning of the evening.

Many supporters watch England matches before heading to:

• Puerto Banús Marina
• Ocean Club
• La Sala by the Sea
• beach restaurants
• rooftop cocktail bars
• luxury chiringuitos

It is this combination of football, sunshine and Mediterranean lifestyle that makes Marbella unique.

After the Match: The Marbella Lifestyle

Football is only part of the experience.

Once the final whistle blows, Marbella offers countless ways to enjoy the evening.

Many British homeowners continue their night by visiting:

• Puerto Banús Marina
• beachfront chiringuitos
• luxury restaurants
• rooftop bars
• beach clubs
• live music venues

Others simply return home to relax on the terrace of their villa while enjoying the Mediterranean evening.

That combination of football, sunshine and lifestyle is difficult to match anywhere else in Europe.

Why Holidays Often Become Property Purchases

Atlas Real has worked with many British buyers who followed exactly the same journey.

It usually starts like this:

• first holiday;
• second visit;
• renting for longer periods;
• viewing properties;
• purchasing an apartment or villa.

Many buyers discover that Marbella offers far more than just holidays.

Owning property allows them to enjoy the Costa del Sol throughout the year while also benefiting from long-term investment potential.

Many British buyers initially visit Marbella for a football weekend, a golf holiday or a family vacation. After experiencing the lifestyle, they begin looking at apartments or villas and eventually become property owners themselves.

Why British Buyers Continue Investing in Marbella

The local property market remains attractive because of:

• strong international demand;
• limited supply of prime real estate;
• excellent rental potential;
• stable luxury market;
• outstanding quality of life.

These factors continue attracting British buyers despite changes following Brexit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marbella popular with British buyers?

Yes.

British citizens remain one of the largest groups of international property buyers on the Costa del Sol.

Where do most British people buy property?

Popular areas include:

• Nueva Andalucía
• Guadalmina
• Elviria
• Marbella Golden Mile
• Benahavís

Can I watch England football matches in Marbella?

Absolutely.

Many sports bars regularly show Premier League, Champions League and England international matches.

Why do British families relocate to Marbella?

The combination of climate, lifestyle, healthcare, schools, beaches and property investment opportunities makes Marbella highly attractive.

Related Guides

• Why Erling Haaland Chose Marbella
• Why David Beckham Loves Marbella
• Why Cristiano Ronaldo Loves Marbella
• Kylian Mbappé and Marbella
• Why Lamine Yamal Loves Marbella
• Footballers Who Own Property in Marbella
• Buying Property in Marbella
• Marbella Golden Mile Guide
• Where the Rich Live in Marbella

Conclusion

Tonight, England and France meet once again on football’s biggest stage.

But while millions of supporters are watching from Britain, thousands of England fans are watching from terraces, beach bars, apartments and luxury villas across Marbella.

For many of them, the Costa del Sol has become much more than a holiday destination.

It has become a place to spend every summer.

A place to invest.

A place to build a second home.

And for an increasing number of British buyers, Marbella simply feels like home.

Planning to Buy Property in Marbella?

Atlas Real specialises in luxury villas, beachfront apartments and premium real estate across Marbella, Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile and Benahavís (La Zagaleta).

Whether you’re searching for a holiday home, an investment property or a permanent residence, our experienced local team is ready to help you find the perfect property on the Costa del Sol.