Living in Manilva: the ultimate expat guide

The job market in Manilva and the western Costa del Sol is heavily shaped by tourism, hospitality, and real estate. While the region has historically faced higher unemployment than northern Spain, the situation has improved significantly in recent years, with Málaga province recording its lowest unemployment figures since 2008.

Key Employment Sectors

The tourism and hospitality sector dominates local employment, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs. The presence of numerous golf courses, including La Duquesa Golf & Country Club, creates opportunities in sports and leisure management. Real estate and construction remain strong employers, as the area continues to attract property buyers from across Europe. Many expats work remotely or run their own businesses serving the international community, including property management, legal services, and healthcare.

Work Permits and Considerations

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Spain. Non-EU citizens require a work visa or residence permit that allows employment. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, has become popular for remote workers, requiring proof of income of at least €2,520 per month. Self-employment is also possible through the autónomo system, with monthly social security contributions starting around €230.

The following table provides key employment indicators for the region:

Sources: INE - Instituto Nacional de Estadística, BBVA Research Andalusia Economic Outlook 2024

While Manilva itself does not have a university, students and lifelong learners have access to excellent higher education institutions within reasonable distance. The region offers both traditional Spanish universities and private international options catering to the area's diverse population.

University of Málaga (UMA)

The University of Málaga is the primary public university serving the Costa del Sol, located approximately one hour from Manilva. Founded in 1972, UMA now enrolls over 40,000 students, including around 7% international students from across the globe. The university offers programs across two campuses (El Ejido and Teatinos) in fields including Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Tourism, and Arts. Tuition fees for EU students are among the lowest in Europe, typically ranging from €800 to €1,500 per year for undergraduate programs. Non-EU students pay higher rates, varying by program. UMA participates actively in the Erasmus+ exchange program and offers some courses in English.

Marbella International University Centre (MIUC)

For those seeking English-taught programs closer to home, the Marbella International University Centre offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, and International Relations. Located approximately 45 minutes from Manilva, MIUC caters primarily to international students. Annual tuition fees are around €19,845 to €20,895 for the 2025/2026 academic year.

University of Cádiz

The University of Cádiz is another public option, with campuses in Cádiz, Jerez, Algeciras, and Puerto Real. Programs in Marine Sciences, Engineering, and Business are particularly strong. Fees are similar to UMA, and the Algeciras campus is accessible within 45 minutes from Manilva.

Sources: Universidad de Málaga, Marbella International University Centre, Universidad de Cádiz

Manilva has long been a favored retirement destination, attracting retirees from across Europe seeking sunshine, affordability, and quality of life. The established expat community, excellent healthcare access, and gentle pace of life make it an ideal place to spend your retirement years.

Visa Requirements for Non-EU Retirees

Non-EU citizens wishing to retire in Spain typically apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), sometimes called the Retirement Visa. This permit allows long-term residence without the right to work. For 2025, applicants must demonstrate passive income of at least €28,800 per year (approximately €2,400/month) for the main applicant, plus €7,200 per year for each dependent family member. Income can come from pensions, investments, rental income, or savings. Private health insurance is mandatory. The visa is initially granted for one year, renewable for subsequent two-year periods, leading to permanent residency after five years.

Healthcare for Retirees

Spain's public healthcare system is excellent, and legal residents can access it. Retirees from countries with reciprocal agreements (including the UK's S1 form for state pensioners) can register with the Spanish social security system. Many expats also maintain private health insurance, which costs approximately €50-€150 per month depending on age and coverage, providing faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors. The Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella and Hospital de Estepona are the nearest major facilities.

Why Retirees Choose Manilva

The combination of affordable living costs, excellent weather (averaging 320 sunny days per year), established English-speaking community, and proximity to both Gibraltar and Málaga makes Manilva particularly attractive. Social clubs, walking groups, charity organizations, and the active expat scene at Puerto de la Duquesa ensure an active social life. The lower pace compared to Marbella or Estepona suits those seeking tranquility without isolation.

Sources: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spanish Social Security

Families relocating to Manilva will find a range of educational options, from excellent Spanish state schools to prestigious international institutions. The choice often depends on your family's long-term plans and whether full integration into Spanish society or maintaining an international curriculum is the priority.

Spanish State Schools

Manilva has well-regarded Spanish public schools (colegios públicos) that are free for residents. CEIP San Luis de Sabinillas and CEIP Manilva serve primary-aged children, while IES Manilva provides secondary education. These schools follow the Spanish national curriculum and teach primarily in Spanish, making them ideal for families committed to full integration. Many expat families report positive experiences, noting that children typically become fluent in Spanish within one to two years.

International Schools

The standout option for international education is Sotogrande International School (SIS), located just 15 minutes from Manilva. SIS is an IB World School offering the complete International Baccalaureate pathway from Primary Years Programme through to the IB Diploma. With over 1,040 students representing 50+ nationalities, SIS provides a truly global educational environment. Tuition fees range from €7,600 to €21,900 per year depending on the grade level. Boarding facilities are also available. Other options include international schools in Marbella and Estepona, such as Aloha College and the English International College.

School Enrollment Requirements

For Spanish state schools, you will need proof of residence (empadronamiento), the child's passport, health card, and previous school records (translated if necessary). The enrollment period (matriculación) typically runs from March to April for the following academic year. International schools have rolling admissions but recommend applying early as places are competitive.

Sources: Sotogrande International School, Junta de Andalucía - Consejería de Educación

One of Manilva's greatest attractions is its affordability compared to other Costa del Sol destinations. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, you'll find prices significantly lower than in Marbella, Estepona, or Sotogrande, while still enjoying excellent amenities and coastal access.

Neighborhoods and Areas

Manilva Pueblo: The hillside village offers the most authentic experience and best value, with property prices averaging €2,413/m². Life here is quieter and more traditionally Spanish, ideal for those seeking tranquility and local immersion.

San Luis de Sabinillas: This practical seaside town has the best local amenities—supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour), health center, banks, and a long beach with excellent chiringuitos. Property prices are moderate, and it's the most convenient area for daily life.

La Duquesa & El Castillo: The marina area is the heart of expat social life, with waterfront restaurants and bars. It commands premium prices, averaging around €3,135/m² for properties near the port.

Rental Prices

The average rent in Manilva is approximately €12.5/m² (2025 data), representing an 18% increase from 2024. For a standard 80m² apartment, expect to pay around €1,000 per month. Long-term rentals (September to June) are more affordable than summer rates, with one-bedroom apartments starting from €650-€800 and three-bedroom properties ranging from €1,200 to €1,500.

Buying Property

Manilva offers the lowest property prices on the Costa del Sol. The average price per square meter is approximately €2,063, meaning a 70m² apartment costs around €144,000—roughly half the price of equivalent properties in Marbella. Buyers should budget an additional 10-12% for taxes and fees (transfer tax, notary, registration, legal fees).

Sources: Idealista, Numbeo

Beyond its beaches and sunshine, Manilva offers a rich tapestry of activities, cultural experiences, and natural attractions. The area rewards exploration, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment.

Beaches and Water Activities

The main beach at San Luis de Sabinillas stretches for over a kilometer, backed by a promenade lined with chiringuitos serving fresh seafood. This Blue Flag beach offers safe swimming, sunbed rentals, and water sports. For something more secluded, the natural coves at Punta Chullera on Manilva's western edge provide excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The marina at Puerto de la Duquesa offers sailing, fishing trips, and boat rentals.

Golf and Sports

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club is the local course, offering 18 holes with stunning sea views. The wider region is a golfer's paradise, with Sotogrande's legendary courses (including Valderrama, host of the Ryder Cup) just 15 minutes away. Tennis, padel, and hiking in the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains provide additional sporting options.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

The Roman Sulphur Baths of La Hedionda, just outside Manilva, are an extraordinary free attraction. Legend has it that Julius Caesar himself bathed here around 60 BC to cure a skin condition. The cloudy blue thermal pools remain popular for their supposed healing properties. The whitewashed streets of Manilva Pueblo offer traditional Andalusian architecture, and the Iglesia de Santa Ana provides a focal point for local festivals. Nearby, the hilltop village of Casares and the historic city of Ronda make excellent day trips.

Nightlife and Dining

The social scene centers on Puerto de la Duquesa, where waterfront bars and restaurants offer everything from tapas to international cuisine. Quiz nights, live music, and themed evenings cater to the international community. For a more Spanish experience, the chiringuitos on Sabinillas beach serve traditional fried fish and sangria. The local Moscatel wine, produced from grapes grown in the surrounding hills, is Manilva's signature product—don't miss the annual grape harvest festival in September.

Sources: Andalucia.org Tourism Board, La Duquesa Golf

Life in Manilva moves at a gentler pace than in larger Costa del Sol resorts, offering the best of both worlds: Spanish authenticity with international convenience. Understanding the practicalities of daily life will help you settle in smoothly.

Getting Around

A car is almost essential in Manilva, particularly if you want to move between the three main areas or access the wider region. The A-7 coastal road connects Manilva to Estepona (15 minutes), Marbella (35 minutes), and Málaga (1 hour). The AP-7 toll motorway offers a faster alternative for longer journeys.

Public transport is limited to bus services operated by Avanza. The M-240 bus connects Sabinillas to Estepona (where you can transfer to Marbella and Málaga) and La Línea (for Gibraltar). Services run approximately every two hours. There is no train station in Manilva; the nearest is in Fuengirola, connected to Málaga. A planned coastal train extension to Estepona may eventually improve connections.

Airports

Gibraltar Airport is just 25 minutes away, offering flights primarily to the UK. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, one hour's drive, is the main international gateway with connections across Europe and beyond.

Spanish Daily Rhythms

Embrace the Spanish schedule: lunch is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 9:00 PM. Many shops close during the afternoon siesta hours. Supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour in Sabinillas offer convenient shopping, and weekly markets provide fresh local produce. The health center (Centro de Salud) in Sabinillas serves residents for primary care, with Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella for more comprehensive services.

Sources: Avanza Bus, AENA - Spanish Airports

Manilva offers one of the most affordable lifestyles on the Costa del Sol. While prices have risen in recent years alongside the rest of Spain, living costs remain significantly below those of Marbella, Estepona, or northern European cities. The following budgets provide realistic estimates based on current data.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single person can live comfortably in Manilva on approximately €1,500 to €2,000 per month, including rent. Those owning their property outright will find costs considerably lower.

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo - Cost of Living Málaga, Idealista Rental Data