Living in Málaga is a dream for many, a luxury for others, but above all a privilege. With its rich offer from east to west and from north to south, the province of Málaga offers a diversity of housing options. But which municipalities stand out as the best places to live in Málaga and the Costa del Sol?
According to Idealista, a leading player in the real estate sector, five municipalities stand out as the best places to live in the province of Málaga. This selection of course includes the beautiful coastline and sun-drenched beaches. But also a quality of life that is rare worldwide. The top five consist of Málaga City, Nerja, Fuengirola, Marbella, and Benalmádena.
Malaga city
Málaga, the capital, offers a life full of charm and diversity. With its mild Mediterranean climate, more than 300 sunny days a year, pleasant city beaches, its nature reserve Montes de Málaga, and beautiful city parks, the city offers something for everyone. Culture lovers will also get their money’s worth with more than 30 museums, including an affiliate of the Centre Pompidou, the Picasso Museum, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum. Major attractions include the Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Fortress, and the Roman Theatre. The city also has a rich gastronomy and lively nightlife. The average purchase price is €2,687/m2, while the rental price is €13.07/m2.
Also read: A weekend in Malaga
Nerja: Mediterranean charm
Nerja has retained its Mediterranean nature and original charm. Like many places on the Spanish coast, Nerja was once a small fishing village. Now it has become a favourite destination on the Costa del Sol. The city has a coastline of 16 kilometres. Here are still quite unspoiled bays and internationally recognised beaches such as Playa Burriana. The Nerja Cave attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Just inland you will find beautiful nature, stunning white villages such as Frigiliana, and numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The average purchase price is €3,316/m2 and the rental price is €13.92/m2.
Also read: A weekend in Nerja
Fuengirola: Busy and cosmopolitan
Fuengirola is known for its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mediterranean climate, golden beaches, and wide range of services. The city offers a rich gastronomy and a diverse range of culture and leisure. There are Roman excavations to visit, popular concerts are regularly organised in the castle and the more than eight-kilometre-long sea boulevard is famous. You will find attractive beaches such as Carvajal, Los Boliches, and El Castillo. The central location between Málaga and Marbella is also a plus. Furthermore, according to recent research residents of Fuengirola enjoy the highest life expectancy in Andalucia. The average purchase price is €3,232/m2 and the rental price is €12.7/m2.
Marbella: Luxury
Marbella, the most expensive of the municipalities mentioned, offers an enviable lifestyle with its dune beaches, comfortable urbanisations, and variety of village centres. From cosy Elviria to international San Pedro de Alcántara. You can choose between very authentic Spanish parts in the centre or focus more on the cosmopolitan and luxurious Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile. The historic centre still looks like a characteristic white village and the city reflects various cultural influences everywhere. The average purchase price is €4,510/m2 and the rental price is €16.2/m2.
Benalmádena: Quality of life and fun
Benalmádena combines the best of coastal living with a vibrant international community and an enviable climate. There are three Benalmadenas: the part on the coast with wide beaches, the famous port Puerto Marina, and the beautiful Paloma Park. Then there is the bustling center of Arroyo de la Miel with all the facilities that come with it. Finally, in the high-altitude Benalmádena Pueblo, you will imagine yourself in a real white Andalusian village with winding streets, real village life, and numerous cosy restaurants. Benalmádena is an excellent choice for those looking for quality of life and fun. The average purchase price is €3,017/m2 and the rental price is €13.9/m2.
