The coast at a glance
Málaga is the centre, with the airport on the western side of the city. To the west lie Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola: densely built coastal towns with plenty of tourism, a large stock of older apartments and a rail link to the airport and Málaga. Next come Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, where prices are generally higher and a car becomes more important. Manilva closes the coast to the west. East of Málaga lie Rincón de la Victoria and Nerja, which tend to be quieter than the western coast.
The price and yield table on this page shows that the differences between areas are considerable. The figures are indicative and based on estimates from our local partners; how to read them is explained on the investing page.
How to choose an area
Four questions help you narrow down the options quickly.
- What is your budget? For the same money you can buy a spacious apartment in one area and a small studio in another. Look at the price per m², but also at the type of property that is typical for the area.
- How will you use the property? For your own use, it matters how lively a place is outside the high season. Towns with many permanent residents, such as Fuengirola, stay active all year; other areas, including parts of Marbella, are clearly seasonal.
- Which rental market are you targeting? Holiday letting requires tourist demand and room within local rules; long-term letting requires a steady tenant market. Read more in holiday versus long-term letting.
- How far from the airport do you want to be? From Fuengirola the airport is about 25 minutes away, and there is a suburban train (cercanías). From Marbella it is about 45 minutes by car, with no rail link.
A more detailed comparison can be found in the articles yield by area and emerging areas.
The areas
Málaga
The provincial capital combines a historic centre with newer residential districts. The city sits next to the airport and functions as a full city outside the tourist season, which makes both holiday and long-term letting possible. More on the Málaga area page.
Torremolinos
Close to the airport, with strong demand for holiday lets, including around La Carihuela. There is a good deal of older stock suitable for renovation, and prices are below the average for the coast. See Torremolinos.
Benalmádena
A mix of beach, marina and the village on the hillside. Demand for holiday lets is high, especially around the marina, and here too you will find older properties that can be renovated. See Benalmádena.
Fuengirola
An international town that is lived in all year, with a seafront promenade, international schools and a rail link to Málaga and the airport. The beaches are busy in summer. Fuengirola is often chosen by families, retirees and buyers with a mid-range budget. See Fuengirola.
Mijas
Mijas consists of the white village in the hills and the coastal strip of Mijas Costa, which includes La Cala de Mijas. It combines proximity to the beach with a quiet residential setting and a relatively favourable price level. See Mijas.
Marbella
The top price segment of the coast, with well-known districts such as the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía. Marbella has a long coastline, golf courses and an international buyer base, but also higher costs, heavy traffic in high season and no railway. See Marbella.
Estepona
Estepona has changed considerably in recent years, with new developments and a renovated old town. The area mainly attracts buyers looking at medium-term capital growth rather than immediate rental yield. See Estepona.
Manilva
The westernmost area in our overview, with one of the lowest price levels on the coast and therefore a relatively high gross rental yield. The distance to Málaga airport is greater than from the other areas. See Manilva.
Nerja
A coastal town east of Málaga with its own character and a price level above that of most areas around Málaga. See Nerja.
Rincón de la Victoria
Directly east of the city of Málaga, with a quieter residential feel and a price level around the middle of the table. See Rincón de la Victoria.
How CostaVista can help
CostaVista guides you in comparing areas on the basis of your budget, intended use and letting plans, and arranges viewings on the ground together with local partners. Browse the current listings or contact us.
