Town · Costa del Sol · Málaga province

Manilva

The westernmost town of the Costa del Sol, with a marina, an eighteenth-century castle, vineyards and quiet beaches.

Why visit Manilva

Manilva lies at the western end of Málaga's coast, near the border with Cádiz province. Its hill village grew up around vineyards and sugar cane, and it is still known for Moscatel grapes, while the coast at Sabinillas and La Duquesa has a small marina and beaches that are calmer than those further east. Manilva suits families, couples and golfers looking for a low-key base between Marbella and Gibraltar.

What to see and do in Manilva

The Castillo de la Duquesa, an eighteenth-century coastal fort near the marina, now houses a museum of local archaeology, and nearby are the remains of a Roman villa and baths. The sulphur spring of the Baños de la Hedionda, used since Roman times, lies inland on the border with Casares. Puerto de la Duquesa has restaurants around the harbour, and the beaches include La Duquesa, La Chullera, Las Arenas, Los Toros, Tubalita and El Negro. Golfers have La Duquesa course. Manilva's Moscatel vineyards hold a grape harvest festival in early September. Casares and Gibraltar are close.

A day in Manilva

Visit the Castillo de la Duquesa and the nearby Roman remains in the morning. After lunch at the marina, spend the afternoon on La Chullera or another quiet beach. In the evening, drive up to Manilva village or on to Casares for dinner with a view.

Food and local life

Look for fried fish and espetos on the beaches, Moscatel grapes and sweet wine, and the local dish of berza. The harbour restaurants at La Duquesa are a popular evening spot.

Around Manilva

Manilva is in the Costa del Sol comarca, at its western edge. Casares and its hill village, Sotogrande, Gibraltar and Estepona are all within 30 minutes. Manilva's Moscatel vineyards are among the last on the Costa del Sol, and in early September the grape harvest is celebrated with music, tastings and a pageant in the village. Inland, the white villages of the Genal valley and the Serranía de Ronda are within an hour, and the mountain road to Gaucín is spectacular. Sabinillas, the seaside part of town, has a long promenade, a weekly market and a relaxed, residential feel.

See every town and village on the Costa del Sol page.

Getting there and around

Manilva is in the Costa del Sol comarca, about 1 hour 10 minutes from Málaga airport and 30 minutes from Gibraltar by car. Buses connect the coast. A car is useful for the hill village and nearby attractions. The climate is mild year round.