Explore Manilva

What Draws People to Manilva?

Manilva is a charming and unspoiled destination on the Costa del Sol, known for its stunning beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and rich Andalusian heritage. Offering a blend of coastal beauty and traditional village life, it attracts holidaymakers, expats, and investors seeking a peaceful yet well-connected retreat.

The town boasts secluded beaches and scenic coastal areas, including Playa de Sabinillas and Playa de Punta Chullera, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The picturesque Puerto de la Duquesa adds to Manilva’s appeal, offering a charming marina with waterfront dining, boutique shops, and sailing excursions.

Manilva’s real estate market features everything from modern beachfront apartments to luxury villas in La Duquesa and Sotogrande, making it an attractive choice for property buyers looking for affordability and exclusivity.

The town is also known for its culinary scene, with local chiringuitos and traditional Spanish restaurants serving specialties like fresh seafood, tapas, and locally-produced wines from Manilva’s vineyards. The annual Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) celebrates the region’s winemaking traditions with live music, wine tastings, and cultural events.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the hiking and cycling trails of the Sierra Bermeja foothills, while golf lovers have easy access to La Duquesa Golf Club and other top courses in nearby Sotogrande.

Manilva retains its authentic Spanish charm, with its whitewashed village, historic churches, and a welcoming local community. With modern amenities, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to Marbella and Gibraltar, Manilva is a hidden gem on the Costa del Sol, perfect for those seeking a tranquil yet vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.

What Was Manilva in Old Times?

Manilva has a rich and storied history, shaped by ancient civilizations, Moorish rule, and Andalusian traditions, making it an important part of the Costa del Sol’s historical heritage. Its origins trace back to the Phoenicians and Romans, who recognized its strategic coastal location and developed fishing settlements, vineyards, and salt production facilities. Roman remains, including villas, baths, and pottery, can still be found throughout the area.

During the Moorish period, Manilva became a fortified village under Al-Andalus, serving as a defensive outpost along the Mediterranean. The Torre de la Duquesa and other coastal watchtowers were built to protect the region from pirate invasions and naval threats. Agriculture flourished under Moorish rule, particularly the cultivation of grapes and olives, traditions that still define Manilva’s economy today.

Following the Reconquista in the late 15th century, Manilva was integrated into the Kingdom of Castile, leading to the development of whitewashed villages, churches, and traditional Andalusian plazas. The town officially gained its independence from Casares in the 16th century, marking an important milestone in its history.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, Manilva remained a small agricultural and fishing village, renowned for its vineyards and Muscatel wine production. Fishing, salt harvesting, and farming were the main industries, with locals relying on the fertile lands and rich Mediterranean waters for their livelihood.

Today, Manilva preserves its historic charm, with its whitewashed Old Town, Moorish-era watchtowers, and traditional winemaking culture. The legacy of its Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian past is still evident, making Manilva a hidden gem on the Costa del Sol, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with modern coastal living.

What is the Size of Manilva?

Manilva is a picturesque coastal municipality on the Costa del Sol, covering an area of approximately 35 square kilometers. Though smaller than neighboring towns like Estepona, it offers a diverse landscape that includes Mediterranean beaches, rolling vineyards, and scenic countryside.

Despite its relatively modest size, Manilva has a growing population of around 16,000 residents, which significantly increases during the summer months as tourists and second-home owners flock to its beaches and charming villages.

The municipality consists of several distinct areas, including San Luis de Sabinillas, the bustling seaside hub; Puerto de la Duquesa, known for its marina, golf courses, and upscale dining; and Manilva Pueblo, a traditional whitewashed village offering authentic Andalusian charm. The town also features unspoiled beaches like Playa de Sabinillas and Playa de Punta Chullera, perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Manilva’s low-density development, proximity to Marbella and Gibraltar, and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for residents, investors, and visitors seeking a peaceful yet well-connected retreat on the Costa del Sol.

What Types of Properties Can Be Found in Manilva?

Manilva offers a diverse range of real estate options, making it an attractive destination for holiday home buyers, investors, and permanent residents. With its coastal location, low-density development, and traditional Andalusian charm, Manilva provides a peaceful yet well-connected lifestyle on the Costa del Sol.

The area features modern beachfront apartments and penthouses, particularly in San Luis de Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa, offering sea views, spacious terraces, and access to pools, gyms, and beach clubs. Popular developments such as La Duquesa Village and Pure South Residences provide modern designs with resort-style amenities.

For those seeking private villas and townhouses, areas like La Paloma, Los Hidalgos, and Punta Chullera offer spacious homes with private pools, panoramic sea views, and tranquil surroundings. Manilva also has a selection of golf-front properties, particularly near La Duquesa Golf Club, catering to golf enthusiasts looking for luxury living with direct course access.

The town retains its authentic Spanish charm, with traditional whitewashed townhouses and village homes in Manilva Pueblo, perfect for those looking for a quieter, more traditional Andalusian setting.

With affordable property prices compared to nearby Marbella and Sotogrande, as well as its strong rental market and proximity to Gibraltar, Manilva remains a highly desirable location for real estate investment, second homes, or full-time coastal living.

What is the Average Price to Buy a Property in Manilva?

The cost of property in Manilva varies based on location, property type, and amenities, with affordable options compared to neighboring Marbella and Sotogrande. The town’s seaside charm, low-density development, and strong rental potential make it an attractive market for investors, holiday home buyers, and permanent residents.

On average, properties in Manilva are priced around €1,800 per square meter, reflecting its mix of beachfront developments, hillside villas, and traditional village homes. Below is a general breakdown of property prices:

• Luxury Villas: Prices start from €700,000, with high-end villas in La Paloma, Los Hidalgos, and Punta Chullera exceeding €2 million, offering private pools, sea views, and spacious plots.
• Apartments and Penthouses: Typically range from €180,000 to €500,000, with developments like Pure South Residences, Duquesa Village, and Blue Suites offering modern amenities, beach access, and stunning views.
• Golf-Front or Hillside Townhouses: Averaging between €250,000 and €600,000, with properties near La Duquesa Golf Club featuring large terraces, panoramic views, and gated community benefits.

Manilva remains a highly desirable and cost-effective property market, offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle, proximity to Gibraltar and Marbella, and strong rental demand, particularly for seafront and golf properties.

Top Things to Do in Manilva

Manilva is a hidden gem on the Costa del Sol, offering a blend of coastal relaxation, outdoor activities, and authentic Andalusian charm.

Explore Manilva’s culinary scene, from fresh seafood at beachfront chiringuitos in Sabinillas to traditional tapas at La Duquesa Marina, where visitors can enjoy a mix of Spanish and international cuisine with stunning sea views.

Relax on Manilva’s pristine beaches, including Playa de Sabinillas, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and Playa de Punta Chullera, a secluded spot with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding. The picturesque Puerto de la Duquesa offers sailing trips, fishing excursions, and water sports for adventure seekers.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at La Duquesa Golf Club, a scenic course with challenging fairways and panoramic coastal views. Nearby courses in Sotogrande also provide top-tier golfing experiences.

History lovers can visit Manilva’s historic landmarks, such as the Roman sulfur baths of Baños de la Hedionda, where Julius Caesar is said to have bathed, or explore the Moorish watchtowers that once protected the coastline from pirate invasions.

Manilva’s local festivals bring the town to life, from the famous Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) celebrating the region’s wine-making tradition to the lively Feria de Manilva, showcasing flamenco, music, and traditional Andalusian culture.

With its unspoiled coastline, rich history, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Manilva is an idyllic destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of the Costa del Sol.

What Sports Can You Do in Manilva?

Manilva is a fantastic destination for sports and outdoor activities, offering a mix of land and water sports set against its stunning coastline and rolling hills. Its mild climate and natural landscapes make it an ideal place for an active lifestyle.

Golfers can enjoy a round at La Duquesa Golf Club, offering challenging fairways and scenic Mediterranean views. Nearby courses in Sotogrande and Estepona provide additional world-class golfing experiences.

For racket sports enthusiasts, Manilva offers tennis and padel courts, with modern facilities for casual games and professional coaching.

The surrounding countryside and coastline make Manilva perfect for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with trails leading through vineyards, rolling hills, and coastal viewpoints. The Baños de la Hedionda hiking route is particularly popular, taking visitors past historic Roman baths and scenic landscapes.

Manilva’s pristine beaches and marina offer a range of water sports, including paddleboarding, sailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of Punta Chullera are ideal for diving and exploring marine life. La Duquesa Marina also provides options for boat rentals and deep-sea fishing trips.

For those who prefer indoor fitness, gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers are available, often within luxury residential developments and resorts. Many of these facilities include pools, spas, and personal training services for a complete wellness experience.

With its scenic landscapes, modern sports facilities, and year-round good weather, Manilva is a perfect destination for outdoor lovers and active travelers on the Costa del Sol.