An Insider’s Guide to San Juan in Sabinillas

We are so lucky to have our real estate agency in Sabinillas close to the seafront promenade and the the Monumento en Homenaje al Pescador. This prime location puts us at the heart of local events, especially the Noche de San Juan celebration.

San Juan Night is a huge party on the 23^rd of June to celebrate the summer solstice. All along the coast you will see people building bonfires and setting off fireworks at midnight, but in Sabinillas it is bigger and better!

Our San Juan party includes a different sculpture by a local artist which looks way too good to be set alight, as well as live music and entertainment, rides for the kids, bars all along the paseo and a brilliant atmosphere.

What’s Noche de San Juan all about?

San Juan celebrates the shortest night of the year and the summer solstice. It’s a pagan tradition to light bonfires on the summer solstice, apparently to give more power to the sun. It’s also associated with Saint John the Baptiste, but now it’s just a great opportunity to celebrate the start of the summer with a big party and bonfires.

Some fun traditions to try

San Juan celebrates the shortest night of the year and the summer solstice. It’s a pagan tradition to light bonfires on the summer solstice, apparently to give more power to the sun. It’s also associated with Saint John the Baptiste, but now it’s just a great opportunity to celebrate the start of the summer with a big party and bonfires.

When does it take place?

On the evening of the 23^rd of June, which this year is a Monday. It centres around the burning of the bonfire and the fireworks at midnight and then the entertainment runs until very late.

However, families tend to start arriving down on the beach from around 8pm, with blankets, chairs drinks and picnics, to enjoy the atmosphere and play on the beach until the bonfire is lit and then leave shortly after.

Where does it take place?

The main area is around the statue in the middle of the Sabinillas promenade very near our office. Here’s a link to it on Google Maps. The bonfire is built on the beach to the left of the statue and then back from the statue you will find a big stage with performers and DJs.

Pretty much all the bars along that stretch of the paseo will set up outside, serving drinks in plastic cups, which you can take onto the beach.

At the La Noria end of the paseo and also on the other end by the Plaza de los Maestros (Burger King and San Luis school area) there tend to be rides and activities for the kids.

There are people selling things all along the paseo as well, and there is a great atmosphere between La Noria and San Luis school, but the main action is around the statue.

How to enjoy the Noche de San Juan to the full

There are a few ways to do it, depending on your budget and what your group is looking for.

Option 1 is to book a table at one of the beachfront restaurants and enjoy a leisurely meal. You will definitely need to book and we’d recommend booking for as late as you can handle eating, as the later it gets, the better.

By eating in a restaurant, you enjoy a delicious meal and table service for drinks, you miss the worst of the crowds, while still soaking up the atmosphere and you also get to use their toilets – something which is a big selling point with so many people trying to use the few toilets on the beach.

Option 2 is to arrive at the beach earlier, with blankets, chairs, drinks, a picnic or disposable BBQ and set yourself up for the evening. This is a lot of fun and easier to then run into the sea at midnight and generally enjoy the fully San Juan experience. However, the lack of toilet facilities can be an issue.

Whichever way you do it, we’d definitely recommend a stroll down the paseo earlier on in the evening, before the crowds build too much, to see what’s going on and soak in the atmosphere.

You need to try and stay until midnight at least to see the bonfire lit.

Then you can head to the stage and dance the night away, or pack up your chairs and head back after the bonfire is out and the fireworks have gone off.

Whatever you choose, we know you’ll have a great time!

Where to park?

Thousands and thousands of people descend on this little seaside town for San Juan and the parking is not easy at all, especially as some roads near the front are closed off.

Don’t try and park in the middle of the action! Take a look at the areas either end of the paseo if you’re there relatively early. Around La Noria has a decent amount of parking and is within an easy walk of the middle. The other end of the paseo by La Colonia is also a good option, as there’s quite a lot of free parking right by the beach and just back from it.

However, if you get there later on in the night there won’t be anything there, so parking over the other side of the coastal road and then walking over one of the footbridges, or down through the centre of town can be an excellent option. Here are a few places worth trying with links to Google Maps –

Dirt car park opposite Villa Matilde

Footbridge by Gran Shanghai

The area around Lidl and Superasia

Top Tips to a great San Juan in Sabinillas

1. Bring something warm to wear – It sounds crazy, but night time on the beach, even in the summer does feel cold, so you’re going to want a jumper or a wrap to wear, or a blanket to use
2. Be prepared to be up late – The best part of the event happens around midnight and beyond, so get there later and stay later, or if you want to enjoy the beach first, be prepared to be there for a good long while
3. Think about the crowds – Especially if you’re going with little ones, the crowds on the paseo can be really difficult to navigate. If you’re trying to move around later in the evening with the family in tow, you’re best to avoid the central area of the paseo. We recommend walking along on the sand until you can see a bit of space and then go to your car from there, otherwise it can be very difficult with prams and stressful for tired kids.
4. Take toilet paper and be ready to queue – The bathrooms are not in the best shape by the mid to end of the night and there are big queues of people waiting to use them, so go and find them earlier than strictly necessary and remember some toilet paper. If that sounds like your idea of a nightmare, then booking a table in a restaurant is an excellent idea so you can use their facilities.

We hope you found our Insider’s Guide to San Juan in Sabinillas useful. We’d love to hear your experiences or tops tips, so please comment with anything you think we left out!

To find out more about the area, read our Sabinillas Area Guide and make sure you pop into our real estate agency in Sabinillas if you’re interested in buying property. We’re here to help!

Enjoy the party!

The long-term rental market on the Costa del Sol is hot right now. There is huge demand for long-term rental properties and at C2C Properties we have a waiting list of tenants searching for a property. Lack of supply and lots of demand means that prices are being pushed up and long-term rental is a very attractive opportunity if you want to generate income from your Spanish property.

However, many owners are still fixed on holiday rentals as the best way to generate income. True, the weekly income is greater, but because the peak season is relatively short and competition is high, it’s not a sure bet if you need to meet mortgage payments or want to generate a certain amount of income. Add to that the costs of marketing, managing and cleaning the property after every visit and the tight regulation on holiday rentals and we would recommend strongly considering long-term rental as an option.

To give you the low-down on long-term rentals on the Costa del Sol, we spoke to our long-term rental specialists in Manilva and asked them your questions.

What are the differences between holiday rentals and long-term rentals in terms of regulation?

Long-term rentals are not subject to any of the restrictions that face holiday rental properties.

The rental law that was brought in during 2016 highly regulated the holiday rental industry and required that owners register their properties along with the first occupation license with the Andalucia Tourist Board before it can be rented out.

You also need to comply with certain standards set by the local authority to ensure the comfort and safety of guests.

Modifications to the rules in 2017 added that you must also log arrivals of guests with your local police station and present copies of their passports. Further modifications in 2019 to make the industry more transparent, and ensure owners are paying tax, is that property portals and estate agencies doing rentals are obliged to pass their clients’ tax details over to the Spanish Tax Authorities. This has removed the opportunity to avoid paying tax on this income.

By contrast, long-term rentals have no restrictions or requirements. You simply have to advise your Gestor that you will be renting out the property, in order to ensure you declare the income and are taxed on that income. You must also make changes to your home insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for other people renting the property.

You will need to be in possession of the title deeds to certify that the house you are renting belongs to you. Utility bills, a certificate of first occupation to show that it is habitable and an Energy Efficiency Certificate are also required.

Once you’ve got all of those things in place, you’re ready to rent and because we have a waiting list of tenants searching for long-term rental properties on the Costa del Sol, you could get someone in pretty much straight away.

What are the costs of renting out your property long term?

Landlords pay a finder’s fee to the agents that find them their tenant. Most people, especially those who do not live in Spain, will also contract a property management company to handle everything for them. Although this is an additional cost, you can rest assured that rent is being collected and maintenance issues are being resolved, without you having to try and organise things from overseas. Please contact us to find out about our property management services.

How much money could I earn for renting out my property long-term?

Obviously, this varies depending on the property and the area. In general, prices are rising due to the high demand and limited supply.

As an example, if you had an average 2-bedroom apartment in Duquesa Port you could expect €700-€900 euros per month. Further out from the centre the prices go down slightly to around €650-€800. The same property in Sabinillas would tend to go for €600-€700 and in Manilva village €550-€650. Townhouses or villas will obviously fetch significantly more.

It is important to note that once you have set the rent you are restricted on how much you can increase it. Due to the pandemic and cost of living crisis, restrictions have been put in place to only allow you to increase rent by 2% this year, 3% in 2024 and index linked from 2024.

Please contact us with your property details and location and we can give you a suggested price.

Can anyone rent out their property long-term?

Absolutely! However, it is particularly suitable for owners who live abroad, or have a second home in Spain and do not use the property on a regular basis. If the property is mortgage-free it’s ideal, as you have no concerns about interest rates rising and you can enjoy the regular payments to cover the cost of your community fees and council tax and make a tidy profit.

How much tax will I pay for renting out my property in Spain?

You do have to pay tax on your rental income.

Under Spanish tax law, long-term rentals of properties both in Spain and abroad are eligible for a tax allowance of 60% of the net rental income, and a mortgage tax allowance can also be claimed.

If you are not resident in Spain, but are an EU resident you have to pay foreign tax, known as IRNR (Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes). In this case there are deductions for expenses related to the property.

If you are not resident in Spain and live outside the EU, you will be taxed on the full income you receive from rentals, without any deductions or allowances.

Speak to a Gestor or Accountant to find out exactly how much you would pay.

What does the landlord have to pay in terms of costs and what does the tenant cover?

The landlord pays the community fees and the IBI (Council tax) and any maintenance costs. When setting your rental rate, you need to budget for these expenses.

The tenant pays the utility bills and changes the bills into their name. They are responsible to pay for their electric, gas, water and internet/phone and should take insurance out for personal items.

How does the deposit work?

The tenant must pay one month deposit prior to moving in. This security deposit is then lodged with the regional public administration in an escrow account, therefore protected. It is not uncommon for landlords to then ask for additional guarantees in the form of further months deposits, to protect against non-payment.

Some insurance policies offer additional compensation for non-payment of rent, so this is worth looking into if you are concerned.

What level of demand do you have for long-term rental properties?

We have a very high demand and a shortage of properties and in fact have a waiting list of tenants desperate to find a property. All apartments, townhouses and villas are in demand, so it’s a great way to generate income on your property if you don’t use it very often.

Who can help me to rent my property long-term?

We can!

C2C Properties offer long-term rental properties across the Costa del Sol and have a waiting list of clients looking for properties. We have helped many clients to buy an investment property and then rent it out long-term and we also offer property management services to make renting out your property even easier. Contact us to discuss renting out your property long-term.

We love Casares and our buyers love it too! If you’re thinking of buying property in Casares, but want to find out more about it before you take the plunge, we hope this area guide will help you decide. We have a great selection of properties in Casares that you can browse on our website and we’d love to show you around, so please do get in touch!

Where is Casares?

Casares is a small municipality on the Costa del Sol, in the South of Spain. It’s in the Malaga Province, on the western side of the Costa del Sol, between Estepona and Sotogrande. It’s very close to our office in Sabinillas and within easy reach of Gibraltar.

Costa or Pueblo?

Casares is divided into two parts – Casares Costa and Casares Pueblo.

Casares Pueblo is the beautiful white village in the hills, which we’d say is one of the most picturesque white villages on the whole of the Costa del Sol. Set in beautiful countryside, the white washed houses huddle around the hill leading up to church at the very top and birds of prey circle in the bright blue sky. You will want to have your cameras at the ready! This is the oldest part of the area and a walk through its tiny streets feels like you’re stepping back in time.

In addition to the old whitewashed houses, there are some new developments where you can buy more modern properties in Casares. They tend to be on the outskirts of the village, sympathetically designed to fit in with the surroundings, but offering the contemporary living experience most buyers are looking for.

Casares Costa is on the beachside, where you can find townhouses, apartments and villas for sale on pretty developments. We’d also include the developments the other side of the road from the beach, heading up the hill to the golf courses in Casares Costa. This offers buyers a wide choice of property options, most of which are modern and in well-equipped developments with good communal facilities.

The long, wide, sandy beaches are great, and usually very quiet, with some beach bars, restaurants and some play areas for the kids. It is also easier to access the coastal road from this area, which makes it easier if you need to commute to work, take the kids to school, or want to travel around a lot.

What is it known for?

Casares is famous as the birthplace of Blas Infante, a politician, writer and historian. He’s important in the history of the region, as he fought to make Andalucia into a self-governing state and is known as “the father of Andalucia.”

It is home to the 5* Hotel Finca Cortesin, with its Michelin star restaurant and championship golf course. It also has two other golf courses – the 18 hole Doña Julia Golf course and the 9 hole Casares Golf course.

Casares has built up a reputation as a gastronomic hot spot, with fantastic restaurants throughout the municipality. Ranging from lovely beach side restaurants like Bahia Beach and La Sal, to highly traditional Spanish restaurants such as La Choza and roadside “ventas” where you can enjoy a great value menu del día at lunch time, you’re sure to eat well in Casares. The Forge tops the list of the best restaurants in Casares and we’d agree that it is wonderful for a special meal.

What is there to do there?

Casares is a very popular spot for walking and enjoying the nature in the Sierra Bermeja Natural Park. You can find eleven hiking routes in Casares ranging in difficulty and length, from just an hour to 7-8 hours!  There are also companies organizing different ways to enjoy nature, you can even ride horses through the beautiful countryside!

There’s a small museum dedicated to Blas Infante where he was born, and for the adrenaline junkies there’s an 80 meter zip line going down into the valley, for amazing views and an exhilarating experience.

The Town Hall organizes lots of events during the year including Andalucía Day celebrations and fun activities for the kids in March for Carnaval. It’s a beautiful place to see the Easter processions winding through the narrow streets too. In April they organize a cultural week, which includes a gastronomic route around the bars, restaurants and tastings of delicious local produce.

There’s loads going on over summer. You can join the crowds on the beach for the San Juan festival on the 23^rd of June, where you can expect a great atmosphere, a big bonfire and great fireworks. Recommended for people who don’t like the crowds in nearby Sabinillas.

Visit during the first weekend in August and enjoy their feria, which is a wonderful way to see the village in all its glory, celebrating its patron saint. There are also lots of family activities on the beach, you can see a list of the main events in Casares on the Town Hall website (just in Spanish though I’m afraid). Keep an eye on the Town Hall’s Facebook page to see what’s going on when you’re visiting as well.

Why is it popular with foreign buyers?

The beautiful scenery, culture and great bars and restaurants has long attracted foreign tourists and residents. In fact, over 30% of the residents of Casares are foreign, and so there’s a good international community there and also in nearby Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa.

There are a wide range of properties in Casares ranging from the traditional white washed houses in the village, to modern apartments right by the beach or overlooking the golf courses.

There are also a number of new developments in Casares that are an excellent opportunity for buyers looking for brand new, contemporary properties and beautiful facilities.

These include Célere Doña Julia, Albatros and the new spectacular beach side development of apartments at Solemar Casares.

We are here to help you get to know the area, find the right location and the right property in Casares. We can also be your guide to explore the opportunities in Sabinillas, Duquesa and Manilva. Our experienced, licenced real estate agents live and work in the area and have many years of knowledge of the property market in the Western Costa del Sol.

C2C Properties are regulated by Royal decree 1294/2007 and are members of the API and AIPP. This means that our team are qualified real estate professionals registered with and recognised by the Consejo General de los Colegios Oficiales de Agentes de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria de España - the body which regulates the real estate market in Spain (membership number 29096122107C).

We’re also members of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP). As members of the AIPP, we have been vetted and approved, and we have voluntarily committed ourselves to industry regulation.

Please contact us to start your property search and discover the beautiful area of Casares on the Costa del Sol.

Duquesa Fairways 3 Bed 3 Bath Groundfloor For Sale - €198,000

LARGE GROUNDFLOOR - DUQUESA FAIRWAYS.

Bright three bedrooms and three bathrooms elevated ground floor floor apartment with front and back (two terraces facing South West and North East) terraces and so plenty of natural light, guaranteeing all day sunshine. Located walking distance Duquesa Port, and is only a 10 minutes walk to Monte Square (amenities). It is sold unfurnished and includes an underground parking space and storeroom.

La Duquesa.

La Duquesa enjoys a great location just 25 minutes west of Marbella and 35 minutes from Gibraltar. The attraction is easy to see as it retains a vast amount of unspoiled natural scenery and authentic local character.  Whilst sharing the fantastic climate and all the excellent services and infrastructure of the rest of the Costa del Sol. Puerto de la Duquesa offers a certain serenity but also offers excellent night life with many music bars and restaurants. The result is an ideal balance of relaxed living with easy access to every imaginable amenity. In other words, quality of life. * Immaculate property in modern and contemporary style. * South and West facing. Really sunny and bright. * Lovely and private solarium. * Gated complex with communal pools and gardens. One heated pool. * Fully furnished and equipped. * Garage, storage room and wardrobe storage included. * Close to the Marina La Duquesa. 15min walking. Penthouse, La Duquesa, Costa del Sol. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Built 120 m², Terrace 60 m². Setting : Close To Golf, Close To Port, Urbanisation. Orientation : South West. Condition : Excellent. Pool : Heated, Children`s Pool. Climate Control : Hot A/C, Cold A/C. Views : Sea, Mountain, Garden, Pool. Features : Lift, Fitted Wardrobes, Private Terrace, Solarium, Storage Room, Ensuite Bathroom, Marble Flooring, Double Glazing. Furniture : Fully Furnished. Kitchen : Fully Fitted. Garden : Communal. Security : Gated Complex, Entry Phone. Parking : Underground. Utilities : Electricity, Drinkable Water, Telephone. Category : Luxury, Contemporary.

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Buying a property in Spain is a complicated process and in order to ensure a smooth road, you need to be aware of how it all works, the stages and processes to follow and the pitfalls to avoid. That’s why we’ve produced this article, with the 10 key steps to follow when buying a property in Spain.

If you need any support with buying a property in Manilva, Sabinillas, Duquesa or Casares, C2C Properties are here to help you every step of the way. Please get in touch for advice or to arrange a viewing trip.

1. Obtaining the NIE

If you are a foreigner, you will first need to obtain the NIE (Tax Identification Number) in order to purchase the property. The NIE will also be necessary to open a bank account. It is advisable to apply for it in good time, as it is difficult to get an appointment and can cause delays.

2. Open a bank account

It is not compulsory, but it is recommended in order to make it easier to purchase the property and pay the corresponding taxes. To do this, we recommend checking with different banks which operate in your chosen area to find out the bank account options and fees and find out if they speak your language. Once you’ve done your research, choose the one that best suits your needs.

3. Solvency study

If you need a mortgage to purchase your property in Spain, the solvency study and defining your budget is one of the most important steps.

It is important to note that Spanish banks only finance up to 80% of the value of the property (excluding the costs involved in the purchase) for residents, or up to 60% for non-residents. Therefore, it is advisable to ask your bank or mortgage broker for a simulation to see what you can afford and also what bank offers the best conditions.

It is also possible to apply for a loan in your country of origin if you can leave guarantees (for example, your main residence) and obtain a better deal. However, some banks do not offer the possibility of investing abroad. A mortgage broker is best placed to help you choose the right option for you.

4. Finding the property

Once you are clear that you have the finance in place and know what your maximum budget is, we can start looking for properties.

Although there are lots of properties for sale listed online, it can be hard to know where to start without local knowledge. We recommend that you start by choosing an accredited and registered real estate agent, so that they can advise you and show you the properties, either in person or virtually.

Having expert help on the ground will prevent you from falling into certain traps (overvalued properties, poor general condition of the property, hidden refurbishment work that needs to be done). It will also prevent you from having to make several trips if you are not yet living in Spain.

C2C Properties SL are here to help if you’re looking for property in Duquesa, Manilva and the surrounding areas. C2C Properties was established in 1997 and moved to our current location in San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva in 2002. We have lived and worked in this area for over 20 years and are passionate about the incredible lifestyle it can offer, whether you’re here year-round, or just want to rent or buy a holiday home in the sun. Contact us if you’re interested in buying property in this area, we’d be delighted to help you.

5. Reserving the property

A reservation contract is drawn up initially to give both parties time to prepare for the purchase & sale process, while ensuring it doesn’t get sold to another buyer. Signing this contract gives the buyer time to verify that all the documents of the property are in order and that there are no hidden defects or problems. Please note, this is more than a reservation of the property, it is called an option to buy. It should not be confused with the deposit contract, which is usually signed afterwards (about 15 days after the reservation).

A deposit of between 3000 and 6000 euros is required at this stage and the contract is valid for a defined period of time (usually coinciding with the signing of the deposit contract), enough time to verify the legal status of the property and the approval of the loan.

In the reservation contract the buyer shows his intention to buy the property, it is important that it is drawn up and that all the conditions and obligations of the parties are established so that no problems arise later, including the return of the amounts paid and the conditions of repayment.

6. Check charges

Before signing the purchase contract, the buyer must know the following things about the property:

• whether it is encumbered by a mortgage or other encumbrance that could be detrimental to the buyer.
• town planning authorisations (L.P.O., certificate of habitability, etc.).
• whether it has been seized by any public or private entity or by third party creditors
• municipal charges (possible debts for non-payment of municipal taxes such as IBI)
• energy certificate (EEC)
• payment of community fees
• tenancy or usufruct issues (the property must be handed over free of occupants and tenants).

To do this, it is necessary to obtain a Nota Simple from the Land Registry and verify the charges of the property, as well as going to the official public bodies and the Administrator of the Community of Owners where the property is located to verify the lack of outstanding debts.

7. Obtaining financing

If you have already carried out the financial study and you need a mortgage, it will be necessary to go to the bank so that they can approve the loan and proceed with the purchase of the property.

8. Deposit contract

The deposit contract (contrato de arras) is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. Normally the buyer must pay between 7% and 15% of the sale price.

There are three types of deposit contracts: confirmatory, penal and penitential. In contracts for the sale of real estate, penitential deposit contracts are most commonly used.

But what does the deposit contract guarantee? It protects the buyers and sellers against the other party pulling out of the purchase. If the buyer pulls out, he will lose his deposit, however, if it is the seller who pulls out, he will have to pay the buyer double his deposit.

The contract must contain as a minimum:

• The personal information of the seller and the buyer
• The description and identification of the property
• The selling price of the property
• The method of payment
• The amount to be paid (to be subtracted from the total amount)
• The deadline for finalising the sale
• The distribution of the notary's fees
• Penalties in the event of withdrawal by either party
• The signature of the seller and the buyer

This is not an exhaustive list, so it is important to detail all the clauses that you want to include so that you are legally protected. This is why it is important to seek advice from a lawyer or qualified real estate law expert (API).

At C2C Properties, our in-house lawyer Domenico di Giorgio can take care of all of this for you. He has been a lawyer since 2002 and has operated on the Costa del Sol since 2012, specialising in the real estate sector and residency. Please contact us to talk to Domenico.

9. Purchase and sale and public deed

The purchase and sale of the property is concluded at the notary with the signing of the mortgage, if there is one, followed by the signing of the title deed of the property. The bank representative, if a mortgage is signed, the notary, the buyer, the seller and the real estate professional or lawyers, if any, are all present at this time.

The notary will verify that payment has been made to the seller.

The deed must then be presented to the Land Registry to notify the change of ownership. This is not obligatory, but we recommend it to ensure the owner is legally protected against any third party.

10. Payment of taxes derived from the purchase of the property

Once the property has been bought and sold, it is necessary to pay a series of taxes, depending on whether the property is new or second-hand. These are as follows -

A- Newly built properties

• VAT - 10% of the deeded amount.
• Stamp duty (Impuesto de actos jurídicos documentados) - This is a tax which is calculated on the deed made public before a notary and which is applied to the legalisation of all types of notarial documents. It is paid by the buyer and is 1.5% of the value of the property in Andalusia.

B – Second hand property

• Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) - The General tax in the Community of Andalusia is currently 7% of the value of the property and 4% of the value of the furniture, in case it is sold separately to the property.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you to see that buying a property in Spain is a simple process if you know the key steps.

It is essential to surround yourself with trustworthy people who can advise you and accompany you throughout the whole buying process. At C2C Properties, we offer you comprehensive assistance throughout the process of buying your property in Spain: from obtaining the NIE to signing at the notary and paying the taxes.

Our aim is to make your journey of buying a property on the Costa del Sol as simple and stress-free as possible. Our passion, experience and local insiders’ knowledge really helps our clients to find the perfect property. That’s why we only sell properties in Manilva, Sabinillas, Casares and Duquesa, a radius of under 5 kilometres from our office.

We are committed to excellence and know our clients need to put their trust in us. This is why we are licenced with the API and members of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP). As members of the AIPP, we have been vetted and approved, and we have voluntarily committed ourselves to industry regulation.

Please contact us and let us help you to support you through your journey to buying a property on the Costa del Sol.

Let C2C Properties be your guide and help you to understand what’s on offer in the beautiful area of Manilva on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Discover Manilva's charm with C2C Properties, your expert guide to this Costa del Sol gem. Since 1997, we've introduced international buyers to Manilva's blend of lifestyle, beaches, and value. Dive into our blog for insights or contact us for personalized property viewings in this southern Spanish haven.

What is Manilva?

This might sound like a strange question, but clarifying this should avoid any confusion.

Manilva is a quaint village and district on the Costa del Sol, encompassing Sabinillas and the port of Duquesa, The village serves as the administrative hub, while "Manilva" often refers to the entire area.

We hope that’s cleared it up for you!

Where is Manilva?

Situated in Malaga's Andalusia province, Manilva is 30 mins from Marbella, 1 hour from Malaga Airport, and 15 mins from Estepona. It's a gateway to the Atlantic coast, with Tarifa and Jerez nearby.

It’s a fantastic location!

Why choose Manilva?

Its proximity to Gibraltar attracts English-speaking expats. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, diverse culture, low living costs, and a mix of Spanish and British influences. Explore our range of properties tailored for international buyers.

Manilva Areas:

• Manilva Village: A practical "pueblo blanco" with amenities, sports facilities, and a Spanish community vibe.
• San Luis de Sabinillas (Sabinillas): The district's largest town, offering essential services, parks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Duquesa Port: A vibrant marina with international eateries, water sports, and bustling nightlife.
• Castillo de la Duquesa: A charming fishing village near the castle, known for seafood and tapas spots.
• Inland Manilva: Home to golf courses, modern developments, vineyards, and rural landscapes.

Properties in Manilva have also catered to the international market and new developments have been built with their tastes in mind. Although not as cheap as it once was, Manilva still offers good value properties and a wide range of options, from apartments, to townhouses and impressive villas. You can browse some of the properties for sale in Manilva on our website, or contact us to draw you up a shortlist and arrange viewings for you.

Manilva in summary

As you can see, Manilva offers a wide range of living and socialising experiences to choose from. We love it because wherever you choose to buy property in Manilva, you have everything within a short drive away.

If you like the sound of this area and want to find out more, please do get in touch. We’d love to listen to your needs, wants and lifestyle and guide you through the best areas for you and then the ideal property options within that area. We’re sure we can find you a property in Manilva to suit your needs. Contact us today and let’s start your search!  

 

Puerto de la Duquesa

Duquesa Port (Puerto de la Duquesa) is the western-most marina in the Malaga province, located between Marbella and Sotogrande ports and on the edge of the Cadiz province.

It was built in the 1980s and has 328 births. It is a very pretty marina, with no high-rise hotels or buildings and a range of developments offering modern apartments and charming townhouses within easy reach of the sea. Over the years, it has become the very centre of tourism in the area, transforming from a traditional Spanish marina to a hub for the expat community, with an impressive array of bars and restaurants serving food from all around the world.

The marina sits between two beautiful beaches, which tend to be relatively quiet, even in the high season.

It is just a short walk from the fishing village of Castillo de Duquesa, named after its impressive 18^th Century fortress, which was built to defend the coast from privateers and pirates. This beautiful structure was occupied by the French in the early 19^th century, before being abandoned for many years. In the mid-19^th century it was used as the home of the “Carabinieri de Costa” who were responsible for defending the coast and borders and prevent smuggling. It is now a historic monument and a place where events are held, which adds historic value to the newer area of Duquesa Port.

On the other side of Duquesa is the bustling town of Sabinillas, with lots of shops, supermarkets, banks, chemists, schools and healthcare providers. That’s where the C2C Properties office is located too, so we know the area very well.

Why people love to holiday in Duquesa

As we mentioned earlier, Duquesa really is a tourist hub, both down in the port itself and in the surrounding developments either side and up the hill. It is particularly popular with the British and there’s a strong year-round British resident population, as well as thousands who flock here each year for a holiday.

It offers British tourists a taste of home, with lots of English and Irish bars and restaurants serving familiar favourites, with English speaking staff, but in stunning surroundings. But it’s not just British food on offer! You can take a culinary trip around the world during a holiday in Duquesa, with restaurants offering Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Argentinian, Portuguese, Italian and other cuisines, alongside some good Spanish options.

It's a great place to go out in the evening too. There’s a lively bar scene, with karaoke, live music and a great atmosphere, especially during the summer months. There are also events throughout the year which really bring the place to life. The annual Manilva Pride festival is a weekend of concerts and fun in June which attracts thousands, and they also hold smaller events at other times of the year as well.

The beaches are fantastic and surprisingly quiet! There are rocky outcrops perfect for exploring and rock pooling in some areas. In others there are long stretches of sandy beaches which rarely get busy and the beach is dotted with little beach restaurants known as chiringuitos, perfect for lunch on the sand. The seafront promenade makes a lovely place for a stroll too.

Things to do in Duquesa

It’s not just the food scene, nightlife and beaches that make this area so popular for international buyers and holiday makers. There are lots of things to do in this area too.

Duquesa Golf Club, just over the road from the marina, was designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1986. This 18-hole golf course overlooks the sea and there’s a practice tee, as well as a Club House with a great restaurant which often hosts events. It’s considered one of the better value-for-money courses on the Costa del Sol and you can get short and long-term memberships, or simply pay for a round. It’s 40€ for 18 holes, 25€ for 9 holes (30€ on Sundays) and weekly unlimited golf for 199€.

There are also a wide range of watersport options based out of the marina itself. You can hire a boat for yourself and explore the coastline, or hire a boat with a skipper and add on donuts and inflatable rafts for a really exciting experience. There’s also the option to take a fishing excursion, with an experienced team and try your luck at landing a catch.

You can also hire bikes, which is a great way to enjoy the seafront promenade. Or if you’d rather have some power behind you, hire segways and little electric cars for the kids, they are a lot of fun.

Within easy reach of Duquesa

In Casares there’s a 300-meter-long zip wire with incredible views over the mountain which is perfect for thrill seekers. It costs 12€ per person, and although it says all ages can take part as long as they are over 40kg, in fact the minimum age is 14. Casares is also a great base for horse riding and mountain biking and is one of the most stunning white villages on the whole of the Costa del Sol. Visiting the historic centre feels like you’re stepping back in time and the restaurants are spectacular.

Up in the village of Manilva is a wine museum where you can take tours and conduct wine tastings in their vineyard where they are trying to save the local vines. All C2C buyers now get a vine in their name when they make their purchase, in order to support this great cause. Manilva is also home to an annual wine festival on the first weekend in September, which we’d very much recommend. In the hills there are great walks and hikes, and there’s even a Roman bath you can visit.

Nearby Estepona also has a packed schedule of events, a pretty old town and a vibrant culinary scene, including an annual tapas festival, which is a great way to explore the town.

On the other side you’ll find Sotogrande, which hosts an annual polo tournament and festival in July and August, which is free to attend and a real experience.

Property in Duquesa

If you want to be in the centre of the action and within walking distance of Duquesa marina itself, then there are several developments to choose from, within the marina and either side. They are mostly apartments, but there are also small developments of townhouses very close to the port. The most popular developments in Duquesa with our buyers are Marina de la Duquesa, Los Granados, Mikanos, Marina Real, Marina del Castillo.

However, if you’re looking for more peace and quiet, then on the other side of the coast road there are lots of developments around the golf course, with lovely views and facilities, and a choice of apartments, townhouses or villas. These include Duquesa Golf Villas, Ocean Golf Villas, Los Hidalgos Golf & Duquesa Village. There are new developments in the Duquesa area as well, such as Pure South Small Oasis &  Blue Sunset which offer the ultimate in contemporary living.

If you’re searching for property in Duquesa, please browse the property options on our website, or contact us with your requirements and we can send you a list of available options.

Brian and Raquel visited the NILVA Wine vineyard in November to see for themselves the great work this local company are doing to save Manilva’s vineyards. Did you know that 70% of the vineyards in this area have disappeared in just 25 years and the surviving vineyards are in serious danger of disappearing?

Wine making is so essential to this part of the Costa del Sol and the growing of vines protects the land from building, so we believe it’s very important to support. This is why, we’ve sponsored one of the 4,000 vines in their Viña del Peñoncillo vineyard.

C2C Properties have also decided to donate one vine shrub to NILVA, for each property we sell. We will sponsor the vine on behalf of the buyer and in their name, and they will have a wooden plaque with their names on the vine.

As part of this sponsorship and to celebrate the purchase of the property in typical Manilvan style, there will be a presentation at the vineyard, to show our clients their vine, and to give them a certificate and a presentation bottle of Moscatel. We hope this will be a lovely way to start their time owning a property in the Manilva area and is just another way that they can put down roots and start to feel part of this great community.

Anyone can sponsor a vine and support NILVA in their crusade to ensure the vineyards are not developed and the wine making heritage of Manilva is preserved. Leading Spanish Chef Martín Berasategui, owner of the three Michelin star restaurant Lasarte-Oria has sponsored a vine, as has Chef and Food Writer David de Jorge. Find out more about sponsoring a vine on their website.

Wine in Manilva

The traditional grapes grown in Manilva are the Muscat of Alexandria (Moscatel de Alejandría), an ancient grape which are believed to have come from North Africa and brought to the area by the Romans. These grapes are eaten fresh or as raisins, but also make strong, sweet wine. The area is best known for its sweet wine, which you can find at most local shops in Manilva village and the surrounding area.

Not only are the team from NILVA trying to save the vines, they are also educating people about wine and have a wine museum in the village, next to the Fire Station. You can visit the museum to find out all about it and there are guided tours of the museum and wine tastings in the surrounding vineyards, which we would highly recommend.

The team behind NILVA wine is so passionate about the wine making heritage in Manilva, and the potential of the area as a producer of fine wines, that they now produce two dry Manilva wines, a regular version and an organic version. They describe the wine as dry, modern and unique with fruity and aromatic notes and a fresh taste with a slight salty note due to the proximity to the sea.

They are winning praise and plaudits for both the wines and the work they are doing to preserve the native grapes and cement the reputation of Manilva and its wine. This is quite a departure from the usual way that wine is produced here - locally in very small batches and sold from little shops and market stalls in plastic bottles, with no label. It’s very important work, and wonderful wine too!

The man behind this impressive project is Argimiro Martínez Moreno, who comes from a family of wine producers in Albacete. Starting as an engineer, he discovered Manilva and its vineyards in 2011 and loved the beautiful countryside and village. He created NILVA ENOTURISMO in 2014 to produce fine wines from Manilva, establish experiences around wine and promote the area as a destination for wine tourism. He’s taken these wonderful wines to wine and food festivals around the country, where they elicit an excellent response. The organic wine was placed in the top 10 in the Best Wines of Spain Awards, the white won the best white wine in the Taste of Malaga event and they were named the best wine from the Sierras de Malaga in 2021.

They are also now part of the Wine Route of Ronda and Malaga, bringing more people to this area to enjoy the wine, food and beautiful surroundings, and were awarded an international sustainable tourism award in 2019 for their work.

Where to enjoy Manilva wine?

We’d recommend visiting the Manilva Wine festival on the first weekend in September, where you can try Manilva wine and see the grapes being crushed in the traditional way as part of the event. Check out our guide to the Manilva Wine Festival for more information.

There is also a gastronomy festival called Saborea de Manilva (Taste of Manilva) at the beginning of December each year, where you can try locally produced wines, alongside traditional products from the area.

You can also pick up a bottle of the rustic local wines in fruit shops and on the side of the road during grape season. Fruteria Pascual e Hijos sells these wines and stocks lots of incredible local cheeses, meats, olives and oils and is well worth a visit. These traditional Manilva wines are sold in plastic bottles that you’d expect to see oil in and usually come in sweet, medium and dry varieties. These are rough and ready wines and benefit from being very cold, but they are certainly cheap and cheerful and will give you a true experience.

You can also pick up NILVA Wine at their shop in the Manilva Wine Museum, or buy it online. If you want to taste the wine and find out more about wine making, join them for their NILVA Wine Experience. This includes a tour of the wine museum, a tour of the production facility for the wine and then a visit to their vineyard where you will taste the wine and enjoy tapas. This costs 25€ per person and takes around 2 hours.

Property in Manilva

If you’d like us to help you buy property in Manilva and sponsor a vine too please contact us. You can browse properties for sale in Manilva on our website, or send an email to [email protected] with your requirements and let us shortlist some properties for you.

Duquesa and Sabinillas are popular expat areas on the western Costa del Sol, between the town of Estepona and the well-known area of Sotogrande. Due to their proximity to Gibraltar and the good value of housing, they are hotspots for English-speaking expats working in Gibraltar, but wanting to enjoy the wonderful Spanish lifestyle that the Costa del Sol has to offer.

Before we drill down to the areas themselves, we wanted to put them in context and give you an introduction to the Costa del Sol and why it’s such a popular holiday destination and attracts so many expat residents too.

Costa del Sol, Andalusia

Andalusia embodies everything that is quintessentially Spanish, even to Spaniards from other regions! Many of the images that are commonly associated with Spain, such as bullfighting, sherry and tapas will be found in this corner of Spain. By making your base on the Malaga coast, you will have easy access to key places of artistic and cultural significance. The historic cities of Granada, Ronda, Cordoba, Sevilla, Jerez and Cadiz are all within a 2-3 hour drive. And Gibraltar is little more than half an hour away.

Why the Costa del Sol?

Reasons for choosing the Costa del Sol for your Permanent Residence, Holiday Home or Investment Property:

• Wonderful climate with over 300 days sunshine each year
• Year-round rental market from golfers, holidaymakers and residential/seasonal tourists
• Wonderful relaxed lifestyle
• Low cost of living compared with the UK, Northern Europe and North America
• Lower petrol prices, and cheaper tobacco and alcohol
• Property prices still good value compared with UK and Ireland
• Excellent investment potential
• Legal protection for money invested
• Constant improvements to infrastructure (golf courses, amenities etc)
• Incredible coastline with many blue flag beaches
• History & culture

Roman ruins and Moorish palaces, museums and galleries, cathedrals and churches are found in abundance in Andalusia, which is steeped in history and culture.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, clinging to hillsides or nestling in lush green valleys, are Andalusia’s famous "white villages" with their quaint cobbled streets and white washed houses. Sun, sea and sand lovers who visit the coast during the summer months often do not realise that Andalusia has such magnificent surprises to offer. With its abundance of natural foliage, its pine covered hillsides, lakes, mountains and beautiful coastline, Andalusia offers among the best rural tourism sites in Spain.

Spain is a predominantly Catholic nation, where the religious calendar is observed. Andalusia is renowned for its parades, pilgrimages and parties. Cities, towns and villages have weeklong ferias in honour of their patron saints, with music, dance and general merriment being the order of the day in celebrations that must not to be missed.

Gibraltar, which is steeped in history, is just a short drive away.

Airports

The Costa del Sol is well serviced by two main airports with daily services to and from most of northern Europe.

Malaga airport, which is under an hour away from Sabinillas on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol, is the nearest international airport. This busy airport serves 132 destinations including daily flights to the UK and many other countries.

On the far west of the coast is Gibraltar. Although there are border controls between Gibraltar and Spain, there are regular flights with easyJet and British Airways to Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick and Heathrow and Manchester.

North of Gibraltar is Jerez de la Frontera with a small airport servicing London Stansted and also some internal Spanish flights.

Things To Do...

• For the Children

Children are never bored on the Costa del Sol: if they get tired of the beach or the pool, there are so many great things for them to do. During the summer they’ll love the waterparks, we’d recommend Bahia Park in Algeciras and Aqua Mijas in Fuengirola.

Close to the Manilva area, there is a paintball centre in Torreguadiaro. A go-karting track, trampoline park and Selwo Safari Park in Estepona. Soft play and water fun in Mundo Mania in Cancelada and Castellar Zoo near Sotogrande. There are also many events organised by the Manilva Town Hall to look out for, such as free sports on the beach, inflatables and water slides and traditional games as part of the summer schedule.

If you are happy to travel a little further afield, you’ll find the Tivoli World theme park in Benalmadena, where there’s also Selwo Marine Park and you can take a cable car ride. In Fuengirola there’s a great zoo and massive skate park, as well as the Aqua Park.

This is a very family friendly area and so many things to do which provide year-round entertainment for all ages.

• For the Adults

In addition to all the cultural activities, fine food and sightseeing, many national and international golf, tennis and other sporting competitions are held regularly.

For boating enthusiasts, the Costa del Sol boasts some world-class marinas such as the prestigious ports of Benalmadena, Puerto Banus, Estepona, Sotogrande and Duquesa with plans for yet more marinas in the pipeline.

With the Ryder Cup in 1997 and the Volvo Masters in 2007, both hosted at Valderrama in Sotogrande, this stretch of coast has been nicknamed "Costa Golf." Andalusia has some of the finest golf courses in Europe; these attract tourists to the area throughout the year and especially in the cooler months.

The mountains of Sierra Nevada are only a couple of hour's drive from Malaga. Here Europe's southernmost ski resort hosts many national and international competitions throughout the season. This is a wonderful ski resort for beginners and intermediate skiers and you can be on the beach for breakfast and skiing by lunch!

In the summer months tourists flock to some of the cleanest Blue Flag beaches in Europe. Water sports are on offer all along the coast including boat charters, parasailing, water skiing, wet biking and jet skiing. World-class wind surfing can be found only a short drive away in Tarifa.

Visitors can access the abundant number of municipal swimming pools and leisure facilities, as well as many private sports clubs and gymnasiums dotted up and down the coast. Slightly away from the coast, horse riding, shooting, fishing and quad biking can keep you occupied.

The greatest of sports addicts will also be delighted to discover that Andalucia offers paragliding, caving and canyoning, scuba diving and kite surfing as part of its bill of fare.

Last but not least, the Costa del Sol's nightlife is legendary. When the sun goes down the nightlife heats up. The three major casinos, innumerable amount of shows and concerts as well as the multitude of restaurants, bars and clubs here, ensure that boredom is one word you will not have to bother learning in Spanish!

What’s on offer in Sabinillas?

Sabinillas is the main town in the district of Manilva and it’s a busy little town which has everything you need. There are several supermarkets, a post office, banks, chemists, hairdressers, dentists, a health centre, gym, shops, bars and restaurants so it’s a good choice if you want the maximum amenities on hand. There are also two primary schools and public and private nurseries, so it’s very popular with families. There’s also a very highly regarded international school around 15 minutes’ drive away in Sotogrande if you want your child educated in English.

Sabinillas has a long seafront promenade with bars and restaurants and lots of events and activities going on in the summer months. The long, wide beaches are wonderful places to relax, sunbathe, swim and exercise and due to their size rarely get super busy. There is a Friday market and a regular market during the summer months.

Sabinillas is most famous for its annual San Juan festival on the beach, where thousands of people flock for a massive party and the burning of a huge sculpture which is designed and built each year by a local artist. Other highlights are the Luna Llena (Full Moon) party, the Sabinillas Feria, Vigin del Carmen (blessing of the boats), Carnival and the Medieval Market.

Why choose Duquesa?

Puerto de la Duquesa is a very pretty port, around a 10-minute walk from central Sabinillas. It is popular for its international restaurants and bars and excellent nightlife and is a hub for expat residents in the area.

You can find the tastes and experiences of home, such as Sunday lunches and English breakfasts and there are shops such as Arkwrights Supermarket and the English Butcher where you can pick up the essentials that you may miss in a Spanish supermarket. There are English and Irish bars where you can watch sport, take part in a quiz or karaoke. There are also flavours from all around the globe, so there’ll be something to suit everyone. In amongst all these restaurants and bars there are a few shops, a beautician, hairdresser and pharmacy, but you’ll probably need to go to Sabinillas to stock up and run errands.

Behind the port are a number of popular residential developments which are favoured by expats and there’s also a golf club and properties constructed around the fairways as well.

Properties in Sabinillas and Duquesa

There are excellent value properties for sale and rent in this area and there is a large choice. In central Sabinillas and within Duquesa port itself you will mainly find apartments, with townhouses and villas on the outskirts and up into the hills.

With our office located in Sabinillas since 2002 and a lot of time spent showing properties and enjoying the lifestyle in both Sabinillas and Duquesa, we’re very well placed to help you to understand the market and the area. We can give you an area tour, based around what you’re looking for and how much space you need, as well of course as your budget. Contact us to arrange a call, or to pop into the office if you are visiting the area.

You can also search for properties in Sabinillas and properties in Duquesa on our website, to give you a flavour of what’s available.

We absWith our office located in Sabinillas since 2002 and a lot of time spent showing properties and enjoying the lifestyle in both Sabinillas and Duquesa, we’re very well placed to help you to understand the market and the area.olutely love this area and we are sure you will too!

Manilva is famous for its grapes and wine, and its vineyards have been established since the 16^th century. On the first weekend of September, the village pays tribute to the local farmers and celebrates the end of the grape harvest with the “Fiesta de la Vendimia” (Manilva Wine Festival). This is a two day a festival which has been recognised as a unique event in the province and of significant importance for tourism.

The Manilva Wine Festival has been going for many years and combines wine, food, religion, tradition and music to create an unbeatable party, which brings the usually sleepy village to life. There are several different parts to this wonderful celebration and thousands of people from all around Andalusia join in the fun.

We are Manilva property experts and love the Manilva Wine Festival and have been enjoying attending ever since we first set up C2C Properties in 2002. However, we know that it can be hard to find information in English and because it is a festival of parts you can end up missing out. So, in this post, we’ll take you through the different aspects of the Manilva Wine Festival and give you recommendations on how to enjoy it to the full – like a local!

Where is the Manilva Wine Festival and how do you get there?

Manilva is a district and a village, so this can get confusing. This event takes place in Manilva Pueblo, the pretty white village up the hill from the town of Sabinillas on the coast.

The main area of the celebrations extends from the roundabout at the entrance to the village, up to the main town square (Plaza de la Vendimia) and the high street (Calle Mar).

This is all closed to traffic throughout the event and parking can be tricky, but there is a dirt car park on Calle Oceana which is usually a safe bet and a short walk up a steep hill into the centre of the action.

There are public buses which run from Sabinillas to Manilva Village as well, but they are limited and so many people take a taxi to avoid travel issues.

When should you go to the Manilva Wine Festival?

The main day of celebrations is always the Sunday. However, there is usually a flamenco show on the Friday evening, and the festivities really commence on Saturday around 7pm with a religious mass and procession, followed by musical performances.

Remember this is a very hot time of year on the Costa del Sol and everything gets going late, and so you’re better to get up late on Saturday night and party alongside the locals until the early hours.

If you’re travelling into Manilva for the festival you should aim for the Sunday, as this is the main day. Activities such as wine and food tastings and processions start around lunchtime, and the live music normally kicks off around 2pm, with lots going on until 10 or 11pm and finished off with a firework display, if weather conditions allow.

Now you know the basics, let’s drill down to the details!

Flamenco at the Manilva Wine Festival  

One important aspect of the Manilva Wine Festival, as with almost all “ferias” in southern Spain is flamenco. You will see many attendees decked out in their flamenco finery and there is live flamenco music being played on the streets and on the stages throughout the event.

For over 40 years, the local flamenco society “Peña Flamenca de Manilva” has held a flamenco festival on the Friday at the beginning of the Vendimia festival, and it continues to go from strength to strength. In recent years, it has been held at the local village school Pablo Picasso, and in 2022 attracted 600 people to enjoy the performances of three incredible female flamenco singers – Argentian, María Terremoto and Anabel Valencia. This is a ticketed event, and cost 20€ in 2022.

We’d recommend this part of the festival for real flamenco aficionados. However, if you just want to hear some and watch the locals dance, you’ll find flamenco performances taking place on the stages in Calle Mar on the main day of the celebrations (Sunday). The more traditional flamenco performances tend to be earlier in the day, with the DJs taking over later in the evening.

Religion and Parades at the Manilva Wine Festival 

You’ll find that there is a mass to start almost all festivals in Andalusia, and the Feria de la Vendimia is no different.

On Saturday evening there is a mass in the Parroquia de Santa Ana – the main church in Manilva and this is the first official activity of the event. There is singing from the local music school’s choir and then a procession, taking the statue of “Our Lady of Sorrows” from the church, up Calle de la Iglesia and into Calle Mar. This beautiful statue and the bearers of the float makes for quite a spectacle, and the municipal band provides music to accompany it.

The image of the virgin is accompanied by villagers in traditional costumes and she is presented with an offering of the best grapes and requested to bless the fields and the vineyards of Manilva.

At the same time, local farmers are invited to enter their grapes into a competition to crown the winner of the heaviest bunch of grapes.

There is also a parade on horseback which takes place around 1pm on Sunday.

Music at the Manilva Wine Festival

There’s lots of great live music to enjoy during the Vendimia festival, with groups performing in Calle Mar and in the Vendimia Square. DJs delight the crowds of younger party goers throughout Saturday night and on Sunday evening.

You’ll also see the musicians and dancers of the “pandas de verdiales”, who roam the streets with their instruments and perform in the middle of all the action.

Food and Drink at the Manilva Wine Festival

There are lots of opportunities to enjoy traditional Spanish food and of course wine at this festival.

The centre of the village is transformed with “casetas” or little huts set up outside people’s houses, and bars and stalls on the streets offering drinks and food. It can be hard to get a seat, as it is very crowded, but you can grab a drink or something to eat and find a park bench or a little space to stand in and enjoy the atmosphere.

There are also food trucks with food like burgers, kebabs and jacket potatoes - handy for soaking up the alcohol consumed by the revellers.

C2C Properties Insider’s tip – Most of these casetas are private, invite only affairs, and the bars tend to require that you buy tickets, rather than just pay with cash.

On Sunday there is usually a tasting of wine and grapes, with cheese and ham offered for free to kick off the festivities (it took place at midday in 2022).

The main event, which everything is leading up to, takes place in the Vendimia Square. Here people tread the grapes and you have the opportunity to taste the first press grape juice.

There is a traditional platform with a low wall around it, where the grapes are poured. There are two holes at the base of this platform and spouts for the grape juice to escape from and be captured in barrels. Two or three people in traditional dress tread the grapes and it’s a wonderful sight, which takes you back in time. This took place at 7pm in 2022, but times can vary, so check the programme.

After this, expect another four hours or so of music, dancing, drinking and eating before the festival is brought to a close with a fireworks display (if the weather isn’t too windy).

It really is a fantastic party and something you won’t forget in a hurry!

Where to find up to date information about Manilva Wine Festival?

We recommend you follow the Manilva Town Hall’s press department on Facebook, as they tend to post about the events, although only in Spanish. https://www.facebook.com/AytoManilva

Manilva WS website and Facebook is another great source of information in Spanish

If you’re in the area, then the Town Hall offices usually have summer event information to pick up, as well as flyers and posters with the schedule. However, these tend to be released quite close to the event itself.

You can also follow C2C Properties on Facebook, as we post local information and event information every Friday to help you stay up to date with what’s going on in this fantastic area.

Properties in Manilva

Our clients who are looking for the authentic Spanish experience and a place with charm and tradition really like properties in Manilva village. Families like the excellent state primary school Pablo Picasso and the top-notch sports facilities available.

It is quite a small place, so there is a limited supply of properties in Manilva Pueblo itself, but they do come on the market and there are a number of different options. These vary from traditional whitewashed homes, apartments and flats to more modern townhouses.

If you’re looking for a pool and parking then you can choose a property on a development around the Vendimia square, or some of the larger villas on the outskirts. Central properties are charming and very convenient for accessing everything that Manilva has to offer, but don’t often have pools or parking.

To find out more about living in Manilva or Manilva properties please contact our helpful team and we can advise you on what’s out there and what would work best for you.

Otherwise, we’ll see you at next year’s Manilva Wine Festival!

Residencial Duquesa Location: Beautiful new and modern urbanization located in SABINILLAS. Just a 10 min walk to the BEACH and Puerto de la Duquesa. The development has APARTMENTS with large TERRACES, 4 swimming pools and 2 paddle tennis courts. A quite urbanization but within walking distance to supermarket, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers… An ideal INVESTMENT opportunity or SECONDARY RESIDENCE or HOLIDAY RENTAL with HIGH PROFITABILITY.

Average Price: €175,500. Community Fees: €90.00 per month IBI: €525.00 Per Annum Investment Potential: High: Holiday & Long Term Rental Income: Long Term €700.00 per month. Holiday High Season €550.00 Per Week

Plusvalia Tax Refund

In February this year Spain’s Constitutional court declared that ‘Plusvalia’ property tax cannot be charged when a vendor sells a property at a loss. In simple terms no profit, no taxation.
When selling a property in Spain a vendor is liable for two taxes

1.Capital gains tax (paid to regional Authorities).
2.Plusvalia tax (levied by the local town halls).

As you are probably aware there is normally a retention of 3% made at the notary if the seller is not fiscal resident in Spain, this tax is refundable if the property was sold at a loss however, on the second tax “Plusvalia” the vendors need to pay this tax as a result of the increase of value in the land to the town hall where the property conveyed is located. If there is no increase in value, no tax should be paid, however the Town halls have fought to avoid this as they are over dependent on this local tax.