Sierra Blanca Mountain Range, Marbella: the best of both worlds

Sierra Blanca (The White Mountain Range)

The Sierra Blanca chain of mountains stretches over 6,500 hectares and includes four municipal areas: Istan in the west, Monda in the north, Ojen in the east and Marbella in the south. From 1970 to the beginning of the 2000`s it was a National Hunting Park, also known as the Andalusian Hunting Reserve, and in 1995 became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for it´s unique ecosystem.

Flora and Fauna in Sierra Blanca

Enjoying the Mediterranean climate, these mountains retain a lot of the vegetation typical of most Mediterranean ravines, glens and streams, including cork oaks, pine, chestnut, cherry and eucalyptus trees, to mention just a few, also with a wide variety of herbs and aromatic plants.

The mountain goat, fox, mountain cat, mongoose, eagles, falcons, owls, partridges, doves as well as various types of small reptiles, represent only a small part of the fauna of this magnificent mountain range.

Sierra Blanca: famous for its marble

The La Concha mountain, or “The Shell Mountain” which is both representative of Marbella and a favoured landmark of many photographers, is the second highest peak in the range, which is made up of various masses of marble, the main types being white marble, from which it gains its name, and blue striped marble. The extraction of this beautiful stone continues today, with the main quarry having probably one of the most unusual activities known for a quarry: the annual venue for the Marbella Starlite Festival.

… and its Starlite Festival

Every summer, for a full month, thousands of residents and tourists head up to La Cantera (The Quarry) to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, or simply a unique fine-dining eating experience at the Starlite Festival. The festival pulls in the big names from both the national and international music scenes, both past and present, with THE big night being the Starlite Gala evening, a worthy charity event hosted by the Malaga born actor, Antonio Banderas.

Fabulous Sierra Blanca Properties

And, against all this rich backdrop of natural flora and fauna (as well as the fun!), the Sierra Blanca residential estate and the Sierra Blanca Country Club were built, and are perfectly situated to offer residents the tranquility and charm of a country setting but at a short distance from Marbella centre, the glamour and “buzz” of the fabulous marina of Puerto Banus and, of course, the beaches.

Overlooking the town, down past the Marbella Golden Mile and out towards the Mediterranean Sea, most of the properties here are very select luxury homes, with the emphasis on quality, exclusivity, and privacy. Owners looking to combine these characteristics with an excellent infrastructure, proximity to shops, restaurants, international schools and leisure and sports facilities and activities such as golf courses, tennis clubs, horse riding, fishing, etc. will definitely agree that Sierra Blanca could be the perfect spot for their luxury villa, apartment or townhouse in Marbella.

Text by Patricia Torney, April 2014. Revised in May 2025.