Why move to Manilva
Manilva is perfect for anyone wanting to combine the pleasures of Spain’s most popular coast with a quiet life in a relaxed, friendly community.
A hidden gem just along the coast from glamorous Marbella, Manilva offers an authentic slice of Andalusian life. Just 3 kilometres inland from several modern resorts, this is a resolutely Spanish town. The sweet Muscatel wines made from the grapes of the surrounding vineyards are a perfect accompaniment to the daily catch from the harbour of neighbouring Puerto de la Duquesa.
Ditch your car and get lost in the town’s winding, whitewashed streets. Stop and say hola to the friendly locals who greet you as you pass the church before moving up to take in the stunning views over the sugar cube village of Casares and across the coast to Marbella and Estepona. Explore a little deeper via the network of ancient rural tracks to the Baños de la Hedionda, sulphurous springs where Julius Caesar is said to have once taken in the healing waters. In Manilva you can get away from it all and enjoy a richer, healthier lifestyle.
Community
Its position at the western limits of the Costa del Sol means many visitors never get as far as Manilva. They’re missing out on a gem of a small, friendly and mainly Spanish community. The nearby resorts and urbanisations add a significant foreign population to the area which results in a cosmopolitan feel.
Property
Manilva is a great alternative to pricier nearby locations such as Marbella and Sotogrande and offers charming townhouses and apartments along with villas and fincas (farm houses) to explore in the surrounding countryside.
Amenities
The town is well known for the fabulous tapas and sweet wines served in the bars around the town square. Golf lovers will be in paradise, with 12 courses to be found within a 10 kilometre radius and there are further sports and leisure facilities to be found in town. Shops include a supermarket, bakery and wine shop.
Transport
Gibraltar airport is a 45 minute drive away with Malaga just over a 60 minute drive but offering flights to a wider number of destinations. The explosion of development along the coast in recent years has brought with it improved access including the new Sabinillas underpass and access to the AP-7 toll road.
Employment
Manilva has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the Malaga region with tourism and property providing most of the work. The proximity of both Gibraltar and Marbella also means access a wider range of opportunities.
Health
The village has its own public health clinic and pharmacy, with more doctors to be found in the coastal urbanisations. If you require a hospital the closest is a 20 minute drive away in Estepona.
Schools
There are Spanish state schools for all ages in the village. If you’re interested in following the British national curriculum, one of Spain’s top rated international schools is located in nearby Sotogrande.
Cost of Living
You will find things cheaper here, particularly compared to the premium prices of Marbella and its satellite towns. Manilva caters less to tourists than to the needs of its local population and prices reflect that fact.