Property insights of Malaga, Spain
Year after year, the most renowned Spanish holiday and second home destination of Malaga attracts a multitude of nationalities from all Europe and beyond. It is not surprising why.
Apart from the finest selection of Malaga properties, it includes a fantastic Mediterranean climate, beautiful golden beaches, and an extensive choice of leisure facilities for every taste. Here you will find one of the best-supplied airports and excellent infrastructure, including world-class golf courses, marinas and restaurants.
Where is Malaga?
The province of Malaga is situated on the Spanish southern coast, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. It has borders with the provinces of Sevilla, Cádiz, Granada, Córdoba, and in the south to the Mediterranean Sea. The province is split into comarcas (counties) of Malaga, Antequera, Axarquia, Guadalhorce Valley, Serriana of Ronda and the famous Costa del Sol. There are 101 municipalities within these six comarcas.
In the past, the greater part of its inhabitants lived in fishing villages and in towns. They were located in the foothills running down to the coastline. Starting from the 1950’s, the province has been developed to meet the needs of the international visitors. Since then, it has been a getaway for many travelers and individuals looking for a holiday home or a permanent residence in the sun.
Why Malaga?
Because of the range of nationalities that live and visit the Malaga province, many places, especially coastal areas, have a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. For example, there are residents of 137 various nationalities in Marbella alone, and this number grows every year.
Conveniently, the superb situation of Malaga along with the efficient road facilities, make it very easy to reach the province. It can be accessed by air, road, rail and sea from various locations in Spain and the rest of Europe.
The renowned international airport of Malaga is Spain’s fourth busiest airport after Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. It offers flights to more than 100 destinations in 25 countries and welcomes over 14 million passengers (as of 2015).
The Port of Malaga offers 3 maritime terminals that accommodate cruise ships and freight vessels. Notably, the world’s largest cruise ship ”Oasis of the Seas” docked in the Port in 2014.
The variety of numerous beaches on the 160km of coastline coupled with the year-round Mediterranean climate have converted Malaga into the world-class holiday destination.
Property selection of Malaga, Spain
The major resorts of the province are concentrated on the coastal strip of Costa del Sol (the Sun Coast). Over several years it has developed into the most popular stretch of the coastline in Spain.
Nearly all municipalities in this region have witnessed an incredible growth. The closest to the airport are the resorts of Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Benalmadena. Further along the coast lies the sun-kissed luxurious resort of Marbella with its celebrated marina at Puerto Banus, as well as Estepona and Sotogrande. Finally, there is Gibraltar where the Costa del Sol comes to an end.
What to do in Malaga
The capital of the Malaga province is the city of the same name, the 5th most populated in Spain. Being a birthplace of Picasso, it has an unparalleled selection of museums and an influential contemporary art scene. The historic Old Town features its most important landmarks, the spectacular Malaga Cathedral and Moorish fortress of Alcazaba. And of course, the city is famous for its buzzing nightlife with top-class tapas bars and restaurants.
Malaga as a province is quite mountainous, which is observed especially from the coast as the backdrop for the beaches are mountains along the most of the coastline.
It is also known for its typical mountain whitewashed villages spread around the province. This is where you will encounter the real authentic Spain. Compared to the modern and cosmopolitan coastline areas, these charming towns preserve their traditions and culture. They are very much worth a visit for enjoying the specialty food, artisanal craftwork, and spectacular views.
The province of Malaga provides a wide choice of pastime and sport activities to cater for all interests. It ranges from seasonal water and nautical sports to inland activities in nature. Whatever is your preferred leisure time, you will almost certainly be able to find it.
The Costa del Sol boasts the finest golf facilities in Europe. Here you will find the largest concentration of fairways and greens. The highest density of first-class golf courses is found particularly in the western part of the coast around Marbella, Manilva, and Estepona.
Towards the east of the province, you will find ski runs close by Granada’s Sierra Nevada. Other adventure leisure possibilities are available in the natural parks, caves and down the province’s rivers. Just imagine, it is possible to ski in the morning and be on the beach by the afternoon as there is only an hour’s drive from the ski resort to the coast.
The coastline’s glam and chic port of Puerto Banus is a perfect spot for fine wining and dining. It is filled with million-dollar yachts, first-class restaurants, lively bars and high-fashion boutiques.
The province along with the Costa del Sol has one of the most flourishing nightlife scenes in Spain. It offers both exclusive and traditional hotspots. The locals are well-known for their partying. Thus, the atmosphere is very vibrant all year round. Nevertheless, in some areas, you can also enjoy calm evenings at the seaside having dinner or a drink in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes.
Malaga’s coastal area is basically scattered with all types of beach bars. The most typical and the most frequented by both visitors and locals are small ”’chiringuitos”. They usually serve locally caught fresh seafood and fish. The sardines being grilled on the beach over old fishing boats along the sand represent a famous image of this region.
As to the special events, Malaga is a home to ferías and flamenco. Every village and town of the province hosts festivals and fiestas through the whole year. The major fería of Malaga takes place every year in August. Traditional flamenco dance is performed here by many – from young to old, male or female.
Considering all this, Malaga province has become a superior destination. Especially now, it appeals to a greater variety of foreign visitors, Spanish residents and retirees of all nationalities than ever before as a place to reside or spend a quality holiday.
Read more about the region of the Costa del Sol and its various areas in our Area Guides.
Highlighted hoto by Ennio Berti on Unsplash