Manilva

Manilva village, Inland Andalucia

The district of Manilva covers a surprisingly large area. It is on the western edge of the province of Malaga, on the border of Cadiz Province. It takes in coastal towns like La Duquesa and Sabinillas, but is famed for its traditional white-washed village also called Manilva. The village, which is about 2 km inland, is famous for grape-making and agricultural production of cereals, fruit and vegetables. The surrounding countryside is spectacular, especially around the valley of the Guadiaro river.

There are many Roman remains scattered about, including an original Roman bath, where Julius Caesar was said to have bathed, and was so taken with the natural healing properties of the sulphurous waters, he also dragged in his horse for an impromptu bath! For the tourist, the 18th century Church of Santa Ana and the castle of Sabinillas are both worth a visit. The entire area is ringed by the Sierra Bermeja mountain range, resulting in breathtaking views and some excellent mountain excursions for the more adventurous visitor.

Hotels, restaurants, and golf courses are also in abundance in Manilva. Road connections via a relatively recent toll road, and the choice of two airports (Malaga to the east, and Gibraltar to the west) make it a highly accessible area of southern Spain. It is also very much in golf country, with the courses at La Duquesa and nearby Sotogrande both close to hand. The Valderrama golf complex (home to the Volvo Masters and previous Ryder Cup venue) is just a short drive away.

In short, the Manilva district is a mixture of old and new - traditional inland village Spain, combined with sea-front modernity. There’s something for everyone here, with La Duquesa’s harbour continuing to attract the attention of nautical enthusiasts from across the world - boats and yachts jostle for mooring space in its busy marina. There is a large expat community here, who come for its tranquil surroundings, good golf access, and its relatively lower property prices compared to the more expensive areas of Puerto Banus and Marbella, a little further up the coast.