Ssshhhh! I will say this only once…..
The best kept secret of the Costa del Sol? Well, I´ll only tell you – so please don´t share…!
Even though we´re talking only just over half an hour from the International Airport at Malaga, Puerta Duquesa is like Puerto Banus – but not the Summer throng. . Like Marbella but minus the madding crowds. Similar to other Spanish resorts – but with lots of style!
The Seal of Manilva
How do we find it?
Fly into Malaga airport and head westward….close to the Cadiz border and only 25 mins from The Rock you might be lucky enough and clever enough to book a week or two this Summer at a stylish and stunning holiday rental in Puerta Duquesa. How about this one with a view from the balcony straight across to Gibraltar?
property 9041 click for more details!
The name sounds upmarket…well,it is. The Port of the Duchess. Not just an excellent location – west of the playground of Marbella – in the municipality of Manilva – with natural mountainous scenery behind you and the sparkling azure blue Mediterranean in front, you´ll find yourself in an area where development is limited – and in keeping with traditional sympathetic building – but quality and style is bountiful. Step on in…!
Life on the water…
The main attraction, really. The Marina area is stunning – yachts and fishing boats mingle and should you have forgotten your Porsche or Polo shirt then rather than feel like an onlooker, you´ll feel like a local.
A warm and traditional atmosphere makes admiring the yachts part of a pleasant evening stroll, before tackling the surrounding array of cozy restaurants and the delicious fish menus…mmm. I´ll take that Seafood Chowder to start…
Seafood Chowder – bursting with flavour…
Beach life
Well, what are holidays for?! A few hours or days lounging on the beach are just what the Doctor ordered – you´ll want to take home that tan after all! So choose a nice beach to stretch out on…you´ll be spoiled for choice here.
Las Sabinillas is the most famous Blue Flag beach of the area, stretched languidly for a long 1650 metres between the Port and the River Manilva – a pretty beach sets the stage for the sight of the local fishermen drawing in and distributing their daily alongside families just having a good time.
A sandy beach, staffed by lifeguards and first aiders, and flanked by a multitude of reasonable restaurants for that morning coffee, lunchtime tapas, or afternoon cold beer….a flat 4 km promenade is ideal for perfecting your Paseo!
Playa Castillo is just beside the Marina – wide and sandy and serviced by 3 chiringuitos for snacking and refreshments. 1150 metres of more blue flagged freedom, water sports and general stretching out and enjoyment!
Cleaned and primped daily, as is Las Sabinillas, you´ll enjoy your down time!
Down time at Duquesa Beaches
Hole in One
Golf. It´s what brings golf lovers and Golf Widows in every year – and Duquesa does it to a Royal standard.
The La Duquesa Golf and Country Club boasts an excellent 18 hole championship course backed up by facilities which include Tennis, Squash and a fully equipped Gym. If you really do just want to relax while he aimlessly hits a ball with a stick then book yourself into the Spa and dream of something – or someone – nicer! We all have different views on relaxation!
Spanish golf courses – guaranteed good weather!
What else can we do?
Had enough relaxing? Batteries recharged you may be thinking about the other activities and things to see in the surrounding area…
- Castillo de Duquesa – sits at the entrance to the village, next to the Port. An 18th century fortress to explore.
- Manilva Market – every Sunday morning in the Summer months – just right for a rummage!
- Roman Baths – close to that Sunday market in the valley below Manilva, try drinking the Sulfuric waters for healing all ails…
- Watersports – Sailing, Scuba Diving, Kite Surfing…adrenilin junkies just need to hit the water!
- Days out to neighboring Marbella, Estepona, Benahavis, San Roque, Gibraltar…or possibly even further to Morocco for the more adventurous!
A pretty courtyard at the Castillo de La Duquesa
