The town of Sabinillas & port of Duquesa are encompassed within Manilva. Within easy reach of both Málaga (50 mins) and Gibraltar (30 mins) airports. The area boasts amongst its attractions miles and miles of uncrowded blue flag beaches, promanades with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, a selection of championship 18 Hole Golf Courses and a picturesque marina.
This beautiful location coupled with lovely year round climate and the proximity to a vast array of amenities makes this an ideal weekend destination, a family holiday destination or a more permanent residence.
Duquesa
Puerto de la Duquesa is an ideal location for both family holidays and a permanent residence. It provides ample facilities and attractions to keep even the most active families occupied.
The picturesque port offers a full menu of pleasure boat services for boating enthusiasts as well as a great variety of land based attractions.
There is also a good selection of port-side boutiques, bars and restaurants. The port also on occasion hosts a popular open air arts and crafts market.
Casares
The picture postcard mountain village of Casares is only 14 kilometres from the coast but unexpectedly displays the most authentic charm and character of a traditional white village. It miraculously avoids the hustle and bustle of the coast and the dreaded coach tours. This village has preserved the ambiance of quieter times and it is a pleasure to walk the narrow, cobbled streets to visit the church, the Moorish Castle, to wonder at the cliff hugging buildings and to take in the breathtaking views.
Gibraltar
Stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and you feel as if you were on top of the world. Europe is at your feet. Africa fills one horizon, while the gates to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are on either side. The journey to the top of the Rock rewards you with a truly breathtaking view. From a height of 426m you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the City far below, the quays, marinas and bays. Stroll the quiet path to St Michael’s Cave and you will be alone with nature.
For the ancient Greeks, Gibraltar marked the limit to the known world. To pass beyond it was to sail to certain destruction over the bottomless waterfall at the edge of the world. Thus many of the offerings made to the Gods by these and other civilisations such as the Phoenicians and Carthaginians can be found in the many caves on the shorelines. From Arab to Spanish, Gibraltar changed hands several times before Admiral Sir George Rooke saw an opportunity to capture the Rock in July 1704 and since then it has played a part in some of the most famous episodes of British history. Colourful ceremonial events, Heritage Sites, Museums, St Michaels Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and many, many other exciting opportunities afford visitors the chance to explore Gibraltar today.
Sabinillas
Castles is situated in Sabinillas, a traditional fishing village located in the heart of the western Costa del Sol. Although largely undiscovered it is easy to be charmed by the small-town atmosphere with promenade cafes, local tapas bars and friendly chiringuitos – beach bars serving freshly caught fish and other local delicacies. Sabinillas beach is one of the few beaches on the Costa del Sol to be honoured with the prestigious blue flag beach award. This internationally recognised award certifies that as well as exceeding European environmental health and safety standards the pristine beach also offers the best in facilities & activities. Sabinillas offers all essential amenities. It has many branches of national and international banks, a selection of supermarkets, a post office and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. Sabinillas also boasts two markets, one on friday in the town and another on Sunday in the newly relocated area to the edge of town. A very pleasant 5 minute walk along the promanade (paseo marítimo) brings you to the Port of Duquesa.
Estepona
Estepona is one of the most popular destinations for both tourists and foreign residents alike on the Costa del Sol, yet even today it still manages to retain it’s old Andalusian charm.
Located at the western end of the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Estepona’s cobbled narrow streets, fishing port, Spanish cafes and bars spilling out higgledy piggledy on the pavements, and the quaint shops and bodegas, all combine with the modern Puerto Deportivo (leisure port) and marina, the tourist facilities and golden sandy beaches, to make this a comfortable and interesting place to visit.
Estepona is located closer to Gibraltar airport and Malaga airport is just 50 minutes to one hour’s drive away.
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús was opened in May 1970 by the developer Jose Banús. It is situated only 5km to the east of Marbella and has become one of the most famous ports in Europe with a plethora of super yachts filling the berths and many a superstar frequenting the area. It’s synonymous with wealth, extravagant parties, high fashion and glitz. It is doubtful that Jose himself envisaged it would become the magnificent marina that it is today. The port is extremely picturesque, surrounded by wonderfully white Andalusian buildings and is teeming with multi-million pound yachts, cruisers, speed boats and Ferraris. Sitting on ground floor level are the best designer shops, including names such as Armani, Versace, Ralph Lauren and Gucci to name but a few. In fact there is no other location in Europe that has such a collection of designer names is such close proximity! It’s designer shopping heaven! The area also has many excellent open-air restaurants and bars and the best nightlife strip on the Costa del Sol including world renowned super-clubs.
Puerto Banús has been continually branching out behind the marina with more shops, restaurants, and housing developments. There is now an aquarium, a multi-screen cinema, a casino and a five floor El Corte Ingles shopping centre, that’s like the Harrods of Spain. Alternatively you could head to the market that is held near the bullring on Sunday mornings which sells local produce and souvenirs alike.
If you get fed up of the shops, then Puerto Banús has several beaches either side of the marina, that have some great fish and grill restaurants and all sorts of water sports are available.
Sotogrande
Sotogrande is an exclusive section of the coast and is regarded as one of the most luxurious sports and residential developments in Europe. Originally developed by American Joseph McMiking, its 2,500 hectares (6,178 acres) encompass all the amenities you could imagine. Miles of unspoiled beaches, a world class marina, golf, International Polo, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and even leisure centres combined with fabulous weather make this a unique experience.The central attraction of Sotogrande is of course the picturesque marina with over 550 moorings. This is the perfect setting for a meal in one of the many cafes or restaurants along the harbour with views across the bay to Gibraltar and beyond to North Africa. Many regattas taking place throughout the season and is busy even in the winter season. Polo is an extremely popular sport in the area attracting the rich and famous but the clubs also offer courses for beginners and experts alike.
Sotogrande’s other prestigious asset is Valderrama Golf Club, regarded as the very best in Spain, having played host to numerous European Tour competitions including the Ryder Cup. Not to be outdone there is also the Sotogrande Real Club de Golf designed by Robert Trent Jones, the neighbouring San Roque course designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros and the prestigious courses at La Reserve and Almenara..
Sotogrande is fast becoming the place to be seen on the Costa del Sol, there is a distinct feeling of elegance and luxury about the place which makes for a very worthy visit!