"Manilva can be enjoyed 365 days a year" – CSN News

Manilva’s tourist season is well underway, with Holy Week already in full swing. What is the town expecting to be a destination for tourists in 2025?

Manilva’s potential as a tourism destination is untapped. As Manilva’s Tourism Councillor, I have been dedicated to giving tourism the attention it deserves. Manilva is the municipality with the largest growth in tourism accommodation on the Costa del Sol according to official statistics from sources like the big data provided the public tourism organization Costa del Sol. This hasn’t happened by chance—it’s the result of hard work.

Manilva relied on its natural beauty and the quality and quantity of its beaches. But under my leadership we have significantly increased our investment both in national and internationally promoted. We’ve launched initiatives to bring the local administration closer to private stakeholders, because what makes Manilva unique is everyone involved—from the waiter grilling sardines on the beach to the person checking you into your hotel or the local team offering leisure activities. I noticed that people were working alone, and I think we need to unite our efforts in order to become a more competitive destination. We want to continue developing quality tourism beyond the summer months, so that Manilva is enjoyed all year round.

The town’s tourism slogan is ‘Manilva única’. What can Manilva visitors expect to find in Manilva that they won’t be able to find anywhere else?

Manilva really is unique. Manilva today offers leisure without crowding. It’s a melting pot of cultures—around 40 per cent of our residents are not Spanish nationals. Manilva has endless beaches and award-winning wine, as well as celebrated hiking trails. But most importantly, it boasts a friendly atmosphere, which makes visitors feel like locals thanks to our residents’ hospitality.

Manilva has a large residential tourism industry. What are the benefits of this type of tourism for the municipality, if you’re the head the departments of Foreign Residents, Urbanisations, and Tourism? What assistance do these departments provide for foreigners who choose Manilva to be their home?

The Foreign Residents Department, which I am responsible for, is excellent at helping those who choose Manilva to be their second home settle in as quickly as possible. Our goal is to make it easy for them to pay their taxes, deal with paperwork, and feel welcome rather than feeling lost or isolated. Manilva should make them feel welcomed.

Manilva has a diverse population, which makes it difficult to keep up with the latest developments. Every group has its own customs, laws and culture. This makes it difficult to stay informed.

I also try to help our residents connect with Spain by taking them on short trips. I believe Manilva is truly unique because of this blend of nationalities—it’s what makes the town so special.

Manilva, with its cutting-edge spaces like CIVIMA, is the clear leader of wine tourism. What type of visitor is attracted to this kind of tourism? What are the plans to develop this specialisation further?

Since the Tourism department was taken over by the Ministry, wine tourism has seen a rapid growth. The wine industry is now prominently featured in all official events, promotional campaigns and other official activities.

Manilva has won awards for its white wines and is part of the Málaga and Ronda Wine Route. Visitors from all over the world come to Manilva during non-peak summer months. The people who are interested in Manilva’s winemaking heritage and in the families which have passed on this tradition for generations, are those from many countries.

Wineries are already open in Manilva, offering unique experiences like tastings. More will open soon. Manilva’s tourism offer is dominated by wine. It has always played a major role, and it will continue to do so.

Manilva recently received the “Sendero Azul”. What does this award mean for Manilva?

Promoting active tourism is a great way to boost the economy. My colleague Noelia Muñoz has, in just two years, made the Senda Azul trail the best in Malaga. It features an ecological reserve, which I encourage everyone to visit—especially now, as it’s in full bloom. Senda Azul is not the only thing to see. We also have officially marked trails where you can enjoy fir trees, springs, dams, reservoirs and the Pajaritos lake, before relaxing in nature at the Charca de la Mina—a place where the colour of the water will definitely surprise you.

What do you think of your tenure as head of the Tourism Department in terms of its success?

I feel proud and very excited because Manilva has tourist attractions that will make it a benchmark in Andalucía.