Manilva / Duquesa

Manilva

Manilva is located at the southern western edge of the province of Malaga, on the border with Cadiz. The town is split into two parts, the seaside resort and the charming white-washed, sleepy village, located just 3 kilometers up a hill from the coast.
The village itself, which is the original Manilva, is bordered by a wonderful vineyard of Moscatel Grapes, which are mainly used for making sweet wine. Down on the coastal resort, Manilva has managed to retain its small village mentality, opting out of excessive development. The urbanisations of Sabinillas, Puerto Duquesa and Estepona are all located within a few minutes drive. Malaga is 97 kilometres away, with Gibraltar airport being closer. 

History
The town has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times; still today there are some remarkably well-preserved Roman sulphur baths. However if you want to take advantage of these health-giving waters you will have to be prepared to dive into a subterranean cavern and to put up with the smell of sulphur on your swimwear!
Also in the village is an interesting 17th century church and at the foot of the village there are two remaining pieces of aqueduct, in good condition.

Beaches
The beaches in the Manilva area are some of the best on the Costa del Sol, and remain fairly un-crowded during the summer months. 

Golf
Being located on the Costa del Golf, means that Manilva is located within an area with a high density of golf courses, including: La Duquesa, Alemnara in Sotogrande, Alcaidesa Golf in San Roque, Doña Julia in Casares and El Paraiso in Estepona, to name just a few. Manilva offers a perfect central location to reach the many golf courses on the Costa del Sol

Eating out
The area offers a good selection of beach-side restaurants and options located in the urbanization and commercial area. There are a few bars, but no discos and late night-bars. 

Puerto de la Duquesa

Puerto de la Duquesa (Duquesa Sports Marina), situated on the western side of the Costa del Sol, is a tiny port and golfing community, an ideal location for family holidays, providing ample facilities and attractions to keep even the most active families occupied. The port has been described as the next Puerto Banus.

The area is within easy reach of both Malaga (40 minutes) and Gibraltar (30 minutes) airports and boasts amongst its attractions miles of beautiful uncrowded beaches, promenades with bars, restaurants, cafés and services, a championship 18 hole golf course, shopping and bustling nightlife just minutes away and sports activities galore.

Duquesa Sports Marina

The beautiful port area of La Duquesa offers a full menu of pleasure boat services for boating enthusiasts, as well as good selection of land-based attractions. 
There are also a good selection of restaurants, bars and a small shops which facilitate a grocery purchase if you don’t feel like heading to the nearest larger supermarket, which is actually just a few minutes drive away. Two days a week the port hosts a unique open air market, which is popular with both local residents and visitors alike. 

Golf

La Duquesa Golf and Country Club offers an 18 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a technical masterpiece, the course boasts wonderful sea and mountain views. In addition to golf, the club offers a host of facilities including tennis, squash, and a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer service if you need to be pushed. Membership to the club is available. Duquesa is well placed if you are organizing a golfing holiday, with plenty of other courses within easy reach

Beaches

Puerto de la Duquesa is surrounded by miles of pristine beaches, many with the prestigious European Blue Flag status for cleanliness. 

Eating out

Along the waterfront there is a wide variety of restaurants, intimate bars and cafés in which to while away the days. The vast choice of eating and drinking options include French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and, of course, Spanish with its fresh, local fish. Numerous services and grocers are also on hand. 

Climate

Puerto de la Duquesa enjoys a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and warm winters. Cooling breezes from the sea make the summer heat manageable, temperatures are an average of 32 ºC in summer.