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Manilva, Spain: For Families, Wine Lovers and the Sea

Writer: Sarah
Sarah
Sep 30
4 min read

In the province of Málaga, you’ll find a small town and municipality that are among our top tips for a holiday in Andalusia. The Costa del Sol coastline is far from the only thing this area has to offer. Whether you enjoy hiking, golf, nightlife or simply taking some time to relax, Manilva has something for everyone.


Die Wanderwege von Manilva bieten einen herrlichen Blick auf die Küste

Our Top 5 Attractions in Manilva


  1. Feria de Santa Ana

  2. Fiesta de Vendimia

  3. Playa de la Chullera

  4. Embalse de Alcorrín

  5. Castillo de la Duquesa


Things to See in the Municipality of Manilva


Manilva refers not only to the town itself, but also to the wider municipality, which includes several other places. As a result, there are plenty of things to discover throughout the area.


The Town of Manilva


The small town of Manilva is located on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga and is surrounded by vineyards. From the town centre, as well as from other parts of Manilva, you can enjoy beautiful views across the coast and mountains.


The Mirador de Manilva is an excellent place to take photos and videos. You can also visit a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting. The Parroquia de Santa Ana church is another notable attraction.


San Luis de Sabinillas


The slightly larger town of San Luis de Sabinillas is located directly on the coast. Numerous restaurants along or close to the seafront promenade are among the highlights of the town.

There are also several hotels here that are particularly popular thanks to their location. From Sabinillas, it is not far to Duquesa, even on foot.


A walk through the town is also worthwhile because many of its streets and alleyways are named after artists, with each one featuring at least one painting by the respective artist.


Puerto de la Duquesa


Puerto de la Duquesa is the place to see and be seen. Bars offer beautiful views of the sailing boats and small yachts moored in the harbour.


Very close to the marina, you can also visit a historic castle, the Castillo de la Duquesa. More recently, visitors have been able to admire the archaeological remains of the surrounding buildings from an elevated walkway specially constructed for this purpose.


Things to Do in Manilva



The Best Beaches in Manilva


Manilva’s climate makes it ideal for spending time on the beach during the summer months. There are several beaches to choose from. Here are some of the largest and most popular:


  • Playa de Sabinillas

  • Playa de la Duquesa

  • Playa de la Chullera

  • Playa Aldea Beach

  • Playa de los Toros


The closer a beach is to one of the towns or a car park, the busier it tends to become during the summer.


If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it is worth taking a short walk to reach a more secluded stretch of coastline. One of the best areas is at the edge of Playa Aldea Beach, heading towards Playa de los Toros. There is a protected section here that provides a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.


A day at the beach can also be combined with a little history and culture. The Torre de Chullera is an example of the region’s eventful past and was once used, among other things, to protect the coast from pirates.


In Sabinillas, you can also find one of the area's historic landmarks: the old sugar factory.


Accommodation in Manilva



Museums in Manilva


  • Museo Arqueológico de Manilva

  • Centro de Interpretación Viñas Manilva

  • Works of art in the streets of San Luis de Sabinillas


More Attractions in Manilva


Alongside traditional Andalusian celebrations such as the Feria and Noche de San Juan, Manilva also hosts an annual wine harvest festival.


Known as the Fiesta de la Vendimia, the festival traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September. Wine naturally plays a central role in the celebrations.

Other popular activities in Manilva include:


  • Festivals

  • Golf

  • Hiking


When it comes to sport, golf takes centre stage in Manilva. Several golf courses can be found in the immediate area, making them another highlight for visitors.


You can also enjoy hiking without spending any money. There are several walking trails, including the recently opened Sendero Serrano. The route takes you to the Embalse de Alcorrín, a small reservoir.


The El Canuto de la Utrera is also worth visiting, particularly because of its impressive rock formations.


Cheap Flights to Manilva


One of the nearest airports to Manilva is Málaga Airport. Another option is Jerez de la Frontera Airport. As public transport connections to Manilva are not particularly convenient, hiring a car can be a good option. Gibraltar Airport is another possibility. From La Línea de la Concepción, there is a bus service to Duquesa and Sabinillas.



Food and Drink in Manilva



Day Trips and Places to Visit Nearby



FAQ


Where is Manilva, Spain?

Manilva is located on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, close to the border with Cádiz province. The municipality stretches along the coast, while the town of Manilva itself is situated slightly inland towards the western part of the municipality.


Is there a travel guide to Manilva?

Yes. You can find a complete Manilva travel guide here on andalusian-adventure.com. It covers the best things to see and do in Manilva, as well as some useful insider tips for exploring the area.


What is the weather like in Manilva?

The climate in Manilva is typical of the Mediterranean and the Costa del Sol. Winters can be wet, while summer temperatures often reach 30°C or higher. The area can also be quite windy, meaning that even in August it may not feel excessively hot. This makes Manilva a pleasant destination for spending time outdoors and enjoying the coast.


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Andalusian Adventure blog writers Nico and Sarah at the beach during sunset

About us

For more than 10 years we, Nico and Sarah, have been calling the wonderful Andalucía our home. Now we would like to introduce you to our favourite places. This way you can make the best of your visit to Andalucia!

 

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