Where is Málaga? An Idiot’s Guide To The Costa del Sol

Málaga, the basics

Forgive me if I'm repeating what you already know, but today's post asks the basic question “Where is Málaga?" for the benefit of those readers who don’t know their way around the city and other parts of the province.

Where is Málaga?

The city of Málaga is the capital of the province of the same name, which in turn is in the region of Andalucía in southern Spain.

The easiest way I can think of to explain where Málaga is would be to imagine Spain as a dartboard (bear with me). The bull’s eye of the dartboard is the capital, Madrid, slap bang in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, and Málaga would be where double three is. That is to say, due south of Madrid as far as you can go before hitting the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean.

A large chunk of this southern coastline, roughly from the city of Málaga itself to the border with neighbouring Cádiz to the west and including inland towns and villages, too, is referred to as the “Costa del Sol”.

What is there nearby?

If you can tear yourself away from the charm of Málaga’s old town or the allure of the Costa del Sol’s golden beaches, you will find loads to do in the rest of the province and beyond.

For unforgettable day trips without leaving the province, the Nerja Caves, Caminito del Rey walking trail and picturesque charm of Ronda are just a few of the places you must visit and things you must see.

Even winter trips are covered! Sierra Nevada, one of Spain’s most popular ski resorts, is just a 90-minute drive from Málaga city’s developed Muelle Uno port area, meaning you can take to the slopes during the day and be back on the Costa del Sol in time for dinner.

Further afield, Sevilla is a two-hour drive north-west of the province, while the fastest train will take you from central Málaga to the stunning cathedral city in one hour and forty minutes... and from as little as 22€ one-way, if you book in advance!

Then you have Gibraltar, Tarifa, Cádiz, Córdoba and Granada all within a two-hour radius of the Costa del Sol, as well as the ferry crossing to visit north Africa…

To discover more about where you can go from Málaga, check out our Costa del Sol and Andalucía Area Guides.

Why do people move to Málaga?

Besides being home to the world-famous Costa del Golf, a mecca for golfers with over 70 top-class courses, the province has one of the most enviable climates in all of Europe.

The weather in Málaga is consistently sunny and warm in summer (maximum temperatures tend to be around 35°C), while winters are temperate. To give you an idea, I've been out on my terrace on Christmas Day for the last two years enjoying temperatures in the mid-twenties!

This, as well as its relative proximity to other, colder European countries and great transport links (the international airport is just outside the city of Málaga), explains its popularity as both a tourist destination and a relocation destination for thousands of expats.

This week, for example, the capital will be buzzing because the Feria de Málaga, (Málaga fair) returns for another year of festivities until Sunday 25th August. Considered the best and certainly the biggest of all the province's fiestas, the Málaga fair is an unmissable event in a malagueño's social calendar and has a programme of events as long as your arm, which you can see here.

Costa del Sol property

As if the beach, sun, golf, surroundings, location and accessibility weren’t reason enough for people to choose to live on the Costa del Sol, the huge variety of real estate to suit every budget – both new build and resale – puts Málaga on the map.

The supply of property of all types is rich, whether you are looking for a small investment property in an apartment complex, a townhouse with a small private garden, a villa with private swimming pool or a rustic finca with great refurbishment potential.

It is worth mentioning that no two property buyers are the same. While some seek a luxury home in an ultra-exclusive area - Puerto Banús, Benahavís and Sotogrande come to mind - others don't mind being further away from the coast where the average house price per square metre is significantly lower.

At VIVA, we offer a complete and tailored real estate service and pride ourselves on our experience, knowledge of the local market and reputation as the largest listing agent on the Coast. We've helped thousands of clients realise their dream over the years, and if you like the sound of the Costa del Sol as a second home or relocation destination, contact us with no obligation.

If you weren't well acquainted with where Málaga is, I hope this blog has shed some light on its location, the reasons people choose to live there and the abundance of properties for sale on the Costa del Sol. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below or get in touch with VIVA at [email protected].