Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The earthquake, which measured a magnitude of 4.1, struck at 10.38am near Fuengirola (Malaga) today. It was felt up to 150km inland in Cordoba.
The quake occurred at a depth of 78 kilometers, which indicates that it was in the upper part of the mantle. In this region, tectonic movements can still cause seismic activity.
Recent increase in earthquake activity
Seismologists report that this is part of a pattern in Andalusia where 23 earthquakes have been recorded in the Malaga area in the last week, including one with a magnitude of 3.2 near Estepona. A 4.1-magnitude earthquake that struck western Andalusia in February affected 200 municipalities, raising fears about the seismic risk in the area.
Experts attribute the periodic shaking to the complex tectonics in southern Spain where the slow collision of the African Plate with the Eurasian Plate is causing the shakes. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional is monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries from today’s quake.
Residents in Malaga, and Cordoba, reported mild shaking. This is typical of a quake this depth and magnitude, which has a minimal effect. Malaga has experienced 23.7 earthquakes of magnitude 3 and higher per year, but larger events such as a 5.0-magnitude quake happen roughly every decade. Residents are advised to be prepared for possible aftershocks in the next few days by local authorities.
Officials have been prompted to inspect infrastructure along the Costa del Sol after the epicentre of this quake was near Fuengirola.
Costa del Sol: A historical issue
Malaga, which is part of seismically active Andalusia in Spain, has an extensive earthquake history. Some of the most notable earthquakes include the 1431 quake which damaged Granada; the 1504 tremor that affected Malaga; and the 1884 Andalusian quake, with a magnitude of 6.5, which was felt in Madrid and devastated Granada as well as Malaga. Other important quakes happened in 1518. The 1884 event caused widespread destruction over a 200×80 km zone, with aftershocks collapsing buildings. Recent minor tremors such as the 3.7 magnitude earthquake near Fuengirola on December 5, 2025, reflect ongoing tectonic movement along the Trans Alboran Shear Zone.
What say you? You? Did you feel it? Was anything knocked off the shelves?
