Why move to Málaga Province?

In the heart of magical Andalucia in southern Spain, Málaga’s year-round temperate climate attracts visitors and expats from all over the world. Here's seven more reasons to buy property in Málaga Province:

Sumptuous fresh seafood and extraordinary local wines

Food and drink in Málaga is a fusion of fresh seafood, from tuna and prawns to anchovies. The local wines include sweet Málaga and dry Sierras de Málaga varieties. It’s also home to the tasty Bull Egg Tomato and an ideal place to grow your own food, from citrus fruits and bananas to avocados, dates, fruits, and nuts.

Moving to Málaga province means you’ll be close to a variety of buzzing tapas bars and restaurants serving espetos (grilled sardines), porra antequerana (tomato and bread stew) and ajoblanco (chilled almond soup.) Sugarcane, honey, olive oil, and subtropical fruits are the other highlights of the Málaga region’s bounty.

Restaurants in Málaga province have access to an abundance of freshly caught seafood and excellent local produce including olive oil, wine, cheese, ham, and a huge array of fresh fruits and vegetables. The province is home to several excellent restaurants, including Blossom in Málaga City, Sollo in Fuengirola, Charolais in Fuengirola, and Michelin-starred José Carlos Garcia in the Port of Málaga, Málaga City.

It's a big business hub

Málaga city has emerged as a hotspot for entrepreneurs and digital nomads in recent years. The city offers a wealth of resources for business owners, including state-of-the-art co-working spaces, such as Marlife, innovative business hubs, and frequent networking events.

A rich Moorish legacy

Málaga province has been shaped by many civilisations, including the Phonecians, Romans and Moors. You can discover the province’s Moorish legacy by visiting historic sites like the Alcazaba (a Moorish fortress adjoining the ancient walls of Málaga city) and Gibralfaro castle, which overlooks Málaga city and the port.

Local people in Málaga province celebrate their religious and agricultural heritage during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and at the lively Feria de Agosto street fair in Málaga city, where you can check out the local flamenco dancing culture and bullfighting scene. 

Golfer's paradise

Málaga province’s sunny Costa del Sol has earned the moniker “Costa del Golf” thanks to its array of world-class golf courses, including Valderrama, Finca Cortesin, and La Quinta. Both locals and tourists flock here all year round to enjoy the challenging championship golf courses coupled with idyllic weather and scenic Mediterranean backdrops.

A never-ending list of adventures await

You’ll find a host of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy when living in Málaga. From touring the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro hilltop fortresses or hiking in Montes de Málaga park to relaxing on the white sands of La Malagueta beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling your spare time.

For an authentic taste of the local lifestyle, visit a traditional white village like Frigiliana or embark on a tapas crawl through Málaga city’s historic centre. Outdoor activities such as sailing and rock climbing are also popular.

Vibrant city life

The once-shabby port city of Málaga has undergone a serious glow-up in recent years. With its contemporary shops, art galleries, historic sites and beaches, head here for the buzzing gastronomic scene, edgy urban arts, and a huge number of museums. The birthplace of Picasso, Malaga’s many museums include the Museo Picasso Málaga, which was opened in 2003 after more than 50 years of planning.

Shop 'til you drop

Living in Málaga and in need of some retail therapy? Visit Puerto Banús's luxury boutique shopping centre (and open-air marina!) in Marbella, or head to the popular street market on Plaza Antonio Banderas to browse unique local crafts.

Málaga City also has an excellent reputation for shopping. The Calle Larios pedestrianised zone has hundreds of international high-street stores, and Muelle Uno has designer boutiques servicing the wealthy cruise shop dockers. The Málaga branch of El Corte Inglés is packed with Spanish fashion, homeware, and a good supermarket.

What’s it like to live in Málaga province?

Living in Málaga province means water will play a big part in your day-to-day life. Whether you’re swimming lengths in the Virgen del Carmen III and IV swimming pool complex in Torremolinos, splashing around at the water parks in the Costa del Sol or enjoying magnificent ocean views from a jet-ski or kayak, there are plenty of opportunities for a wet and wild lifestyle here.

Away from the breathtaking coastline, there’s a treasure trove of historical treasures to discover in Málaga province. You can explore ancient Moorish villages like Antequera and Ronda, where the winding streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and intricate tile work.

Málaga province’s pueblo blancos (white villages) are famous for their pretty whitewashed buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and traditional Andalucian culture. White villages like Casares, Frigiliana, and Mijas cling to the hillsides, promising spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The Moorish architecture and relaxed way of life in Málaga’s pueblo blancos offer an authentic glimpse into historic Spain.

The Sierra Nevada mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures, from cycling to hiking. If you prefer to explore your surroundings at a more leisurely pace, make like a local and take a stroll through a pretty white washed village (pueblo blanco) to an al fresco restaurant, breathing in the scent of citrus groves along the way.

Essential Information about Málaga province

Healthcare in Málaga province

Málaga province offers excellent healthcare facilities and hospitals, with both public and private healthcare options available. The public healthcare system in Spain offers affordable, high-quality care and is accessible via hospitals such as the Regional Hospital of Málaga and Costa del Sol Hospital. Major private hospitals like Vithas Xanit International in Benalmádena and Hospiten Estepona in Estepona provide top-notch care and English-speaking staff.

The city of Málaga is home to well-known healthcare facilities, including the Materno Infantil Hospital for maternity care and the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra for cancer treatment. Smaller towns in the province have their own local clinics and medical centres, and many expat communities also have access to private international medical facilities.

There are well-stocked pharmacies in all major towns and cities for minor ailments and medical issues.

Employment opportunities in Málaga province

If you’re looking for jobs in Málaga province, you’ll find diverse employment opportunities in many different industries. Tourism is a major economic driver, so seasonal jobs in hotels, bars, restaurants, leisure venues, and other tourist services are usually easy to find, especially in seaside locations. However, the construction and property sectors are also key employers, particularly in built-up coastal resorts like Málaga City.

Other key industries include agriculture (fruits, olives, wines), fishing, technology, and renewable energy. Some of the region’s biggest employers include Unicaja Bank, Acosol (food production), Mayoral (kids’ clothing brand) and technology parks like Parque Tecnológico de Andalucia. Finding work teaching English as a second language is also an option.

If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, internet speeds are generally good in major towns and cities such as Málaga and Marbella, and you’ll also find plenty of co-working spaces and internet cafés to work from. In Marbella, the Fair Internet Report says the typical home user sees internet speeds in the range of 81.52-297.85 Mbps.

Indeed, Trabajos and TuriJobs are all great places to start searching for jobs in Málaga province. There are also several Facebook groups you should check out, including Jobs in Málaga, Jobs in Málaga Fuengirola Benalmádena Marbella, and Expats Business & Social Málaga.

If you’re interested in setting up your own business in Spain, check out the Spanish Chamber of Commerce website here.

Schools and education in Málaga province

Málaga province offers a wide range of education options for expat families. The public school system provides free primary and secondary education taught in Spanish.

There are over 1,000 schools and education centres in Málaga province, with options for every age group. This includes 435 nursery/pre-school facilities for kids aged between 0 and 3 years. State-run public nurseries are usually open between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm. Private nurseries are usually open for longer so they tend to be more expensive. If you’re looking for a babysitter or nanny, the Babysits website is a useful resource. Kids aged 3 to 6 can attend infant school or kindergarten, which normally runs between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm, including a two-hour lunch break at midday.

If your kids are young, you might want to send them to a Spanish school, as this will help them pick up the local lingo. It’s important to note that whether you choose a public or private Spanish school, kids in Spain must learn both Spanish and the regional language.

Many towns in Málaga province have public schools, but private Spanish schools like Colegio San José are available in places like Estepona and Marbella.

If you have older kids who don’t speak Spanish already or you’re looking for a school that offers an international curriculum, there are several acclaimed international schools in areas popular with expats. These include Aloha College in Marbella, Novaschool Sunland International in Málaga, and Laude San Pedro College in Marbella. Many of these schools teach the British, American, or International Baccalaureate programmes.

The University of Málaga, located in the city of Málaga, offers higher education opportunities. This high-ranking university offers a variety of degree programmes in fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, arts, and sciences. It also has campuses in Antequera and Ronda.

Check out our article on finding the right school in Spain for more information.

Getting around Málaga province

The province of Málaga is served by a comprehensive transport network. The main airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (sometimes called Pablo Picasso Airport), which is 8km from Málaga city centre and offers international and domestic flights, with connections to over 60 countries worldwide. From the airport, you can reach Málaga City by train (eight minutes), express bus service or taxi.

Train services are available, but the rail network is not as extensive as other modes of transport. The Cercanías local trains serve Málaga city and other coastal areas. 

The province is also well-connected by its extensive EMT local bus system, which offers all-day services and a separate night timetable. Long-distance buses run between Málaga and Madrid, and the journey takes anywhere between six and nine hours. Long-distance trains to Málaga run from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, with the journey between Madrid and Málaga taking anywhere between two hours and 35 minutes to four hours.

With all of this in mind, you don’t necessarily need a car when you’re living in Málaga. However, if you want to explore further afield, the A-7/A-15 is a major highway running along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. This road connects Málaga City with coastal towns such as Manilva, Estepona and Marbella. The A-7 links up with the AP-7 (toll road) and other major highways, which you can use to reach the rest of Andalucia, Murcia, Valencia, and Barcelona.

Other main roads in the Málaga province include the A-45, A-357, A-355, and A-369. These roads connect the province with other Andalucian provinces, including Cádiz, Seville, and Granada, and provide driving links to other parts of Spain and Portugal.

Málaga province property market statistics

The Malaga property market continues to thrive, with prices reaching record highs in 2024. As of September 2024, the average asking price for residential properties stands at €3,608 per square meter, marking a significant 19.99% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects the province's enduring appeal to both domestic and international buyers. Despite rising interest rates, Malaga remains an attractive investment destination due to its strong rental yields, particularly in the holiday let sector, and consistent capital appreciation. Property hotspots include coastal areas like Benalmádena and Torremolinos, which have seen annual price increases of 15.1% and 14.4% respectively. The luxurious Benahavís and charming Mijas have also experienced substantial growth. In Malaga city, the Centro and East districts are particularly sought-after. While the market shows no signs of slowing, potential investors should be aware of new regulations affecting holiday rentals and consider the impact of limited supply on future growth.

Where to buy property in Málaga province

Estepona

Savour the laidback coastal lifestyle in charming Estepona. With ample sunshine, sandy beaches, and a thriving international community, discover the lively tapas bars and plazas in the authentic old town, enjoy world-class golf, or take a stroll along the pretty seaside promenades. Estepona is smaller than other nearby towns, but the pleasant climate, reasonable living costs, easy access to amenities, and welcoming expat scene make it an appealing retirement destination. 

Estepona property prices start from €145,000.
Check out our Living in Estepona guide for everything you need to know.

Nerja

Living as an expat in Nerja offers a tranquil yet vibrant experience. This picturesque white village boasts incredible beaches like the iconic Burriana, not to mention the famous Nerja Caves. Take a stroll through the old town’s winding streets lined with tapas restaurants, and shops, or go hiking up the majestic El Cielo mountain. The mild climate and natural beauty make Nerja an idyllic coastal base for you to embrace the relaxed Andalucian lifestyle. It has a thriving social scene and offers a relatively affordable cost of living, too. 

Nerja property prices start from €147,000.
Check out our Living in Nerja guide for everything you need to know.

Marbella

If you fancy a taste of the high life consider relocating to Marbella, playground for the rich and famous; think expensive yachts, Dolve & Gabbana branded residences, fashionable restaurants, and designer shops. Whether you’re lounging on one of the beautiful beaches, exploring the picturesque old town, or indulging in world-class dining and nightlife, Marbella is home to an exciting international community. With luxury amenities and easy access to golf courses, it can be expensive, with the sunny climate and stunning scenery attracting affluent expats and jetsetters. However, behind all the glitz lies plenty of Spanish charm.

Marbella property prices start from  €159,950.
Check out our Living in Marbella guide for everything you need to know.

Torrox

Admire the sweeping sea views from this charming whitewashed village. The cobbled streets are lined with tapas bars, and you’ll have easy access to the local beaches and nature attractions. Though smaller than coastal hotspots, Torrox offers a slow pace of life, affordable costs of living, and ample amenities whilst retaining its Andalucian traditions and character. The pleasant climate and welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing choice for expats. 

Torrox property prices start from €75,000.
Check out our Living in Torrox guide for everything you need to know.

Fuengirola

Wander along the bustling promenade and beaches, discover the delights of the charming old town, or savour the local delicacies at one of the local restaurants. This former fishing village is home to a large international community and has a family-friendly vibe. With excellent modern amenities and easy access to other Costa del Sol towns and villages, sunny Fuengirola is sure to appeal to expats of all ages. 

Fuengirola property prices start from €159,000.
Check out our Living in Fuengirola guide for everything you need to know.

La Duquesa

Despite its small-town atmosphere, La Duquesa provides excellent amenities while retaining an authentic Spanish vibe. This quaint Andalucian village sits between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea and boasts fantastic beaches and a charming marina. Enjoy the peaceful way of life with affordable living costs, friendly locals, and easy access to golf courses and coastal trails. 

La Duquesa property prices start from €145,000.
Check out our Living in La Duquesa guide for everything you need to know.