For many people, buying a house near the beach on the Costa del Sol is becoming increasingly difficult.
Property prices in hotspots like Marbella and Fuengirola have surged into eye-watering territory, and competition is fiercer than ever.
But there are still some enclaves where bargains are to be had.
Tucked away on the quieter Axarquia coast lies one of these notable exceptions – Algarrobo, a town that, against the odds, has managed to keep its real estate prices grounded.
According to the latest figures from property portal Idealista, Algarrobo is currently the most affordable seaside town in the province of Malaga, with homes averaging at €1,616 per square metre.
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That’s nearly a third of what you would pay in Marbella, and a bargain considering the ever-tightening real estate squeeze along the Andalucian coast.
Affordable, Authentic, and by the sea
Algarrobo isn’t trying to be Marbella – and that’s its charm. It’s a low-key coastal enclave with two modest but inviting beaches: Playa de Algarrobo and Playa de la Mezquitilla.
Don’t expect superyachts or designer boutiques, but you will find warm waters, local chiringuitos and a sense of peace that’s becoming increasingly rare along the Mediterranean.
With prices still well below €2,000/m², Algarrobo offers something few other coastal towns in southern Spain can: accessibility.
Whether you’re eyeing a permanent move or a laid-back summer bolthole, this unassuming village just might be the last coastal bargain in Malaga.
Playa de Algarrobo, the main beach, is a sandy 800-metre stretch flanked by a simple promenade. It’ll keep its Blue Flag status into 2025, guaranteeing cleanliness and solid infrastructure.
A short stroll away is Playa de la Mezquitilla, a quieter, rockier option at 650 metres, minus the Blue Flag but perfect for those looking to dodge the summer crowds.
Algarrobo Costa sits just a 40-minute drive from Malaga city, and even closer to Velez-Malaga and Torrox.
Ranked: Property prices along the Costa del Sol’s beachfront municipalities
- Algarrobo – €1,616/m²
- Velez-Malaga – €1,710/m²
- Manilva – €2,599/m²
- Torrox – €2,730/m²
- Rincón de la Victoria – €3,039/m²
- Mijas – €3,273/m²
- Casares – €3,320/m²
- Malaga – €3,381/m²
- Torremolinos – €3,516/m²
- Nerja – €3,563/m²
- Benalmádena – €3,737/m²
- Estepona – €3,854/m²
- Fuengirola – €4,022/m²
- Marbella – €5,135/m²
In other words, you could buy two homes in Algarrobo for the price of one in Fuengirola – and still have cash left over for a paddleboard and paella.
