What is Manilva like? This Andalusian municipality in the province of Malaga is located on the southwestern coast of Spain, in the Costa del Sol region bordering Casares, Estepona and the province of Cádiz.
It is also surrounded by charming vineyards, small hills, small rivers, fascinating valleys and a large limestone quarry. Without forgetting that they are inhabitants with passion and love for their town and for the new people who come to visit them.
Despite the tall buildings, built in this beautiful city defines the ancient Spanish temperament and its magnificent views preserve the fascinating history of the Roman and Moorish times. An aqueduct and antediluvian Roman sulphur baths still stand, unassumingly describing the history left behind several centuries before. The dominant simplicity stands out in this beautiful city on the Costa del Sol.
What is the origin of Manilva?
The history of Manilva dates back to the Iron Age (12th century BC) thanks to the pottery found in the land of the town and, in addition, can be found in the Manilva Museum. We are going to start telling the story a little more advanced and summarized.
Centuries before, with the Roman presence already established in these lands discovered by the archaeological complex in the Castillo de la Duquesa, it is known that there were continuous revolts by vandals and pirates in the 5th century (around 1483) that led to the abandonment of the main settlements. Coastal areas due to the insecurity caused.
While these events were occurring and the Caliphate era was at its peak (Andalusian Muslim state), the war led to a dispersion of the population towards rural areas, where the County of Casares was located; integrated by the current localities such as Manilva, Jubrique and Genalguacil.
According to the data collected from Wikipedia, almost 50 years later, the first mentions appear, in 1530, of the Manilva plain or pasture, where there was only a sugar mill farmhouse for the exploitation of sugar cane for Genoese and slaves. Use that gave rise to jurisdictional conflicts between Casares and Marbella.
Faced with the threat that Casares received due to these jurisdictional conflicts and pirate attacks, they built the Torre de la Sal and the Cortijo de Manilva. And it is in October 1796 when it obtains the concession of the Royal Privilege of Villazgo, becoming independent of Casares.
Now renewed “Manilva Siempre”
In a privileged place full of possibilities, of extraordinary landscapes, the quality of life offered by our municipality is within the reach of a few and that is why the City Council of Manilva has wanted to give it the value it deserves by creating for this town so wonderful Manilva Siempre brand.
This name established from a survey carried out by the City Council of Manilva to all the inhabitants of the town to understand how their town felt identified and valued. So, they could represent the passion and love of all with a single word.
Although it isn’t a very large town, the heart of its inhabitants is it. For this reason, the City Council of Manilva wanted to give it value with the Manilva Única brand.
How many inhabitants are there here?
The inhabitants of Manilva vary according to the season of the year in which it is found. Being a small and coastal town in Spain, its population increases almost 50% in summer, while in winter and the rest of the seasons it fluctuates again by more normal figures.
Specifically, the data recorded by the Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalusia in 2019 the total population of the town of Manilva is 16,849 people.
Postal code
Depending on the population centre where you are, a postal code will correspond to you:
| Population nucleus | Postal Code |
| Castillo de la Duquesa | 29692 |
| San Luis de Sabinillas | 29692 |
| Puerto de la Duquesa | 29692 |
| Manilva | 29691 |
What does Manilva mean?
We know that the first mentions of the fertile plain or meadow of Manilva were in 1530. This gave rise to jurisdictional conflicts between Casares and Marbella. In those years, there was only one sugar mill farmhouse for the exploitation of sugar canes, of Genoese and slaves.
Faced with the threat that Casares and Marbella, It received pirate attacks. They built the Torre de la Sal and the Cortijo de Manilva. And, already in October 1796 Manilva obtained the concession of the Royal Privilege of Villazgo, becoming independent of Casares.
Where is Manilva?
Manilva is a city located in the Province of Malaga, Andalusia in Spain. Geographically is. (see on Google Maps):
- Latitude 36.376450, longitude: -5.250260.
- Or what is the same expressed in GMS (degrees, minutes and seconds) latitude: 36º 22′ 35”, longitude: 5º 15′ 0.
How long does it take to go around Manilva?
Manilva has 35.59 km2. So, if you are a sporty person, walking or cycling, you can be a fun and beautiful option for a few days. Although, if you prefer to go in a vehicle, you can visit any area perfectly without any impediment.
How big is Manilva?
Manilva is not a very large town. According to the Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalusia, its area is 35.59 km2, with a perimeter of 32,697.65 meters, which compared to its neighbouring towns, which do exceed 120 km2, is one of the smallest in the east of Malaga.
Now, it is divided into 4 large population centres: San Luis de Sabinillas, El Castillo, El Puerto de la Duquesa and Manilva town:
- A small fishing village that occupies most of the Manilva coast, known as San Luis de Sabinillas. It’s the first that has the longest and widest beaches of all the areas. this is from the mouth of the Manilva River to Puerto de la Duquesa.
- A beautiful marina called Puerto de la Duquesa, to the West of Sabinillas. Also, recognized for being the white town and accompanied by a great variety of bars, restaurants of any type of gastronomy. People is usally english.
- The third is the Castillo de la Duquesa. The fortress is located next to La Duquesa beach, next to the coastal town of Sabinillas. Francisco Paulino buitl it during the reign of Carlos Tercero.
- Finally, Manilva as the main part of the town. It’s in the North, surrounded by houses and low buildings, fields and beautiful vineyards. Therefore, it make more traditional, quiet and less crowded than ohter places.
Apart from these nucleuses, there are several promotions and urbanizations that are turning the municipality into a small coastal city. The area is growing and with continuous new investments.
Things to do in Manilva
Manilva is one of the sun and beach tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol, so there will always be something interesting to do. No only in the same town, also in the surrounding area. Here, we leave you several ideas of things to do in Manilva:
- Go to the local beaches
- visit the museums
- Go to typical parks and squares here
- Visit the Estepona Zoo
- Sports and recreational games
If you interest in any of these ideas and want to know how to get there or how you can make a reservation, or learn more about these activities. At Viva Manilva, we have the “Things to do” menu section on our website for you. So, if you want, you can decide on any topic and outdoor activity that seems most interesting.
Where to eat in Manilva
Of course, we were not going to leave him alone with recommendations for leisure and outdoor activities… how could we forget to recommend where to eat here. It is essential to try the typical gastronomy of this town. Of course, it characterized by the beach bars (being a coastal town) and also, course the home cooking that reminds us of our mother’s food.
These are the companies or businesses that predominate here and the majority to try them:
- Pubs
- Beach bars
- Coffee shops
- Ice cream shop
- Restaurants
- Food delivery
If you want to delve deeper into any of these catering businesses, click here to find out where to eat and not fail in your choice.
From Viva Manilva we hope that you have found this post interesting, that you have learned something more about Manilva and the culture that makes this town unique.
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