Officially known by the name of San Luis de Sabinillas, the small fishing community is now more commonly known by the name of Sabinillas.

It lies between Estepona and San Roque on the western end of the coast and is within easy driving distance of both Gibraltar and Málaga airports.

The traditional ways of life have not changed too much in Sabinillas, despite the development and building work that has taken place on this part of the coast over the last few years. Sabinillas is still predominantly the small market town that is has always been.

The community that lives around Sabinillas is reasonably small and is made up of a mixture of Spanish locals and English expatriates and northern Europeans who have either moved to the area permanently or who have purchased a second home here. There is also a big community of Spanish and Gibraltan origin living here as the area is very handy for making the journey across the border to work on the Rock of Gibraltar. The different communities are well integrated and live happily side by side whilst enjoying the beach lifestyle and laid back pace of life that is still prevalent in this part of Spain.

It is only in recent years that the town of Sabinillas has begun to tap in to the tourist market, so there are still very few hotels in the area. On the other hand there is an excellent selection of traditional bars and restaurants and because of the lack of commercialisation; much of the original Spanish charm is very much evident today.

As the property market begins to saturate the bigger neighbouring towns such as Estepona and Duquesa, new apartment blocks have emerged around the outskirts of Sabinillas village.

As well as the new property that is being built here, other changes are being made in order to bring the village a little more up to date. For example, the busy main A7/ N340 road used to split the town in two by travelling straight through the middle of it, but works have meant that the road is now diverted under the town through a tunnel. There have also been a number of improvements to the main Avenida Manilva.

The local council has constructed a new Paseo de Maritimo (seafront promenade) along the whole length of Sabinillas beach front. And the beach at Sabinillas is without a doubt one of the main attractions of the area. The long sandy beach here is excellent and it has been awarded Blue Flag status (for cleanliness, safety and facilities).

Many residents from other parts of the coast travel to Sabinillas during the summer months to enjoy the beautiful beaches and to listen to the waves lapping up against the sand. It is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all whilst still avoiding the big crowds that can overrun the more famous tourist resorts during high season. During the winter months it is also a fantastic place to take a stroll and watch the waves roll in.

The markets at Sabinillas are also another reason why residents from nearby towns travel here so frequently. Spend a few happy mornings ambling around the big, busy markets, especially the one that takes place every Sunday. In recent years the Sabinillas Sunday market has become so big and busy that is had to move locations! It can now be found at the feria ground close to the main coast road. The market is open from 10am until around 2pm but it is very popular so you would need to get there early to bag the best bargains!

On Fridays there is also a huge street market where produce of all types is on sale. The Sunday market is more car boot style but you can find new and artisan products as well as antiques and second hand goods.

Although the village of Sabinillas is small it is perfectly self-contained and is home to everything you would need for a holiday or to live here permanently. There is an excellent choice of banks, schools, all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants and other services you would expect to find. A variety of high quality café bars have sprung up around the area giving the town a very friendly and cosmopolitan feel.

Most of the activity is centred on the town’s main square where the Post office, chemist, taxi rank and church all are. But even with all this, the town has a very quiet and sleepy atmosphere which can be very peaceful and relaxing.

Another reason to visit Sabinillas is to sample the excellent seafood available across the town. Not surprisingly for a fishing village, most of the local restaurants excel in seafood and you can be sure that whatever you choose, it will be fresh from the days catch! A number of restaurants and bars line the lovely sandy beach so you can enjoy delicious food whilst taking in the unique ambience of the area.

Although the property market in and around Sabinillas is undoubtedly on the increase, the area hasn’t been subject to the overdevelopment that can be found is some of the bigger and more established resorts. There are few skyscraper buildings or hotels and it is still very easy to find yourself at the heart of a very attractive and truly Spanish village.

The other excellent thing about Sabinillas is its location. You are within easy driving distance of the busy shopping areas of Marbella and Puerto Banus and you are close to the picturesque ports and shops at both Duquesa and Estepona.

You are also very close to the British colony of Gibraltar, which offers visitors a great deal in terms of cheap petrol, alcohol and tobacco. Gibraltar is also home to many UK high street shops including Marks and Spencer, Next, Monsoon and there’s even a Morrisons supermarket.

The real estate market in Sabinillas is undoubtedly on the increase and a range of new developments that have been built along the beach and on the mountainside of the main coast road. If you are interested in buying property or investing in the area then we have an excellent selection of brand new apartments, penthouses, townhouses and villas for sale.