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Costa del Sol · Spain

La Duquesa

La Duquesa is a stylish coastal resort located in the municipality of Manilva, positioned strategically along the A-7 coastal road exactly halfway between Marbella and Gibraltar. Known for its prestigious marina and relaxed atmosphere, this area offers a blend of maritime charm and modern luxury. With a population of over 18,000 in the wider municipality, it provides a vibrant yet manageable lifestyle on the western Costa del Sol.

3845
Sunshine hours/year
66m
Elevation
32
AQI (Fair)
A woman in formal attire holding a document, standing indoors.

Living & Lifestyle

Daily life in La Duquesa centers around the Puerto Deportivo de la Duquesa, a bustling marina lined with a diverse selection of over 30 restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area offers a distinct international feel, popular among expats, while maintaining its Spanish roots, particularly in the adjacent whitewashed village of Sabinillas. For families, the municipality is well-equipped with 3 primary schools and 1 secondary school, alongside a health center. The local economy is active, with over 1,000 registered businesses providing a robust commercial infrastructure. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, characterized by fresh seafood, social chiringuitos (beach bars), and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Climate & Weather

La Duquesa enjoys a privileged Mediterranean climate with an impressive average of 3,845 hours of sunshine per year. The weather is generally warm and dry, although wetter than the eastern Costa del Sol, recording approximately 68 days of rain annually. Average temperatures range from 12.3°C in January to a peak of 25.3°C in August, making it a year-round destination. Rainfall is highest in late autumn and winter, with November averaging 127mm, while the summer months are virtually dry, seeing almost no precipitation in July.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 11.9° 16.0°8.5° 75 mm 247h
February 13.0° 16.7°9.8° 44 mm 261h
March 14.2° 18.0°10.6° 146 mm 288h
April 16.2° 20.1°12.6° 61 mm 334h
May 19.4° 23.6°15.4° 30 mm 389h
June 23.1° 27.8°18.8° 9 mm 399h
July 26.0° 31.0°21.4° 1 mm 406h
August 26.2° 30.8°22.2° 4 mm 394h
September 23.3° 27.6°19.8° 23 mm 334h
October 20.0° 23.8°16.9° 69 mm 293h
November 15.4° 19.3°12.1° 94 mm 255h
December 13.2° 16.9°10.0° 76 mm 245h

Getting Around

The location is exceptionally well-connected for travel and commuting. La Duquesa lies roughly 35 kilometers from both Marbella to the northeast and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar to the southwest. The nearest airport is Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), located just 25.4 kilometers away, offering convenient connections to the UK. Alternatively, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is about 74.2 kilometers to the east. Public transport is managed by the CTAM system, with 5 bus lines and 29 stops serving the local area. The terrain is flat, making it very friendly for walking and cycling.

Gibraltar (GIB)

25.4 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

74.7 km

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

465.7 km

Lines

5

Stops

29

Cycling: moderate (gradient 5.5%)

Nature & Beaches

The coastline features the main La Duquesa beach and the expansive Playa de la Chullera to the west. These beaches offer a mix of fine sand and pebbles, equipped with the necessary amenities for a full day of sun and sea. The promenades are perfect for evening strolls, offering views of the African coastline on clear days. The air quality is generally good, with an AQI of 29 (Fair) and low UV index levels in the winter, creating a healthy environment for outdoor living.

Marinas

Sports & Recreation

La Duquesa is a prime destination for sports enthusiasts, particularly golfers. The area is surrounded by prestigious courses, including Estepona Golf and the renowned Club de Golf La Cañada, all within a short driving distance. The marina itself is a hub for water sports, sailing, and fishing. For general fitness and indoor activities, residents utilize the Complejo Deportivo Las Viñas. The flat gradient of the area (only 2.3%) also encourages outdoor activities like cycling and jogging along the coastal promenades.

Golf Courses

Amenities

Restaurant

33

Pharmacy

3

Cafe

4

Dentist

1

Official Statistics

Health Centres

1

Businesses

1.029

Housing transactions/year

1.351

Air Quality

PM2.5

5.6

µg/m³

PM10

12.1

µg/m³

NO²

4.9

µg/m³

Ozone

81.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Families in La Duquesa have access to a solid educational structure within the municipality of Manilva. There are three primary schools and one secondary school available for Spanish curriculum education. Additionally, the proximity to larger hubs like Estepona and Sotogrande opens up options for various international schools and private institutions catering to the large expatriate community.

Primary Schools

3

Secondary Schools

1

Economy & Income

The economy of La Duquesa is driven by a mix of tourism, real estate, and local commerce. Data indicates a net household income averaging around €33,868. The area has seen significant real estate activity, with 1,351 housing transactions recorded, reflecting a dynamic and attractive property market. The presence of over 1,000 businesses supports a thriving local service sector, catering to both residents and the seasonal influx of visitors.

Net income/person

€12.950

2023

Net/household

€33.868

Median income

€16.450

Gross/person

€15.602

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Located strategically halfway between Marbella and Gibraltar (35km each).
  • Enjoys approximately 3,845 hours of sunshine annually.
  • Home to the scenic Puerto Deportivo de la Duquesa marina.
  • Closest airport is Gibraltar (GIB) at just 25.4km distance.
  • Features 33 restaurants and immediate beach access.
  • Municipality population: 18,044 residents.
  • Terrain is flat (2.3% gradient), ideal for walking and cycling.

Browse by Property Type

New Build
122 real estate
→
Apartments
84 real estate
→
Villas
17 real estate
→
Penthouses
30 real estate
→
Townhouses
13 real estate
→
New Build
2 real estate
→
Land & Plots
8 real estate
→
Commercial
2 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in La Duquesa is diverse, currently offering 131 properties for sale. The market caters to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles, with prices ranging from €16,000 for renovation projects to nearly €99 million for luxury frontline villas. The most common property types are middle-floor apartments (41 available) and ground-floor apartments (32 available), though there is a healthy supply of penthouses and townhouses. The average asking price is approximately €2.25 million, skewed by high-end luxury developments.
New Build (122) Apartments (84) Villas (17) Penthouses (30) Townhouses (13) New Build (2) Land & Plots (8) Commercial (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is La Duquesa from the nearest airport?
La Duquesa is very close to Gibraltar Airport (GIB), which is only 25.4 km away. Málaga Airport (AGP) is the alternative, located 74.2 km to the northeast.
What is the average temperature in the summer?
Average temperatures in July reach 24.8°C and peak at 25.3°C in August, with almost no rainfall, providing ideal beach weather.
Is La Duquesa a flat or hilly area?
The area is characterized by a low gradient of 2.3%, making it relatively flat and very accessible for walking, cycling, and families with strollers.
What types of properties are most common?
The market is dominated by apartments. Currently, there are 41 middle-floor apartments and 32 ground-floor apartments listed, alongside penthouses and townhouses.
Are there good golf courses nearby?
Yes, La Duquesa is a gateway to several golf courses including Estepona Golf, Azata Golf, and the prestigious Club de Golf La Cañada.
What is the healthcare infrastructure like?
The municipality has one health center to serve the local population of 18,044, with larger hospitals available in nearby Estepona or Gibraltar.
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