Manilva has previously been both a Roman and a Moorish settlement however the current town dates back to the mid-16 century when King Charles ordered the building of a watch tower to warn of attacks from the Barbary pirates who were persistent in tormenting the southern coast of Spain. By the end of the century a small community had collected around the tower and was located within the Municipality of Casares in 1976 it was given its autonomy and own Villa status.

It has remained mainly Spanish in character and atmosphere, as most of the English and other sizeable nationalities prefer to be on the coast (approx 2 km away), it therefore still recognises the siesta period where time seems to stand still.

The largest building, the Iglesia de Santa Ana, replaced the original church in the 18 century after its predecessor was destroyed by an earthquake.

The village has been surrounded by acres and acres of vineyards with Moscatel grapes converted not only to wine but also raisins which can be seen drying on the hillsides during September. However this is s diminishing site as many of those nearer to the coast are being sold for conversion to houses, apartments, shopping complexes and golf courses.

History of Manilva

The history of Manilva dates back to the Neolithic period or New Stone Age and remains from this period can be found in more than 20 archaeological sites in the area. However, the first period of any permanent settlements in Manilva can be dated back to the Roman occupation where settlements are believed to have been established in Sabinillas and Manilva village. This is especially evident in the Roman baths of Manilva which has developed into a popular and protected tourist destination. Other Medieval remains found in the area include those of La Alcaría, El Cerrillo de la Sepultura, El Cerro del Tesorillo, the Torre Almenara (Minaret tower) de Chullera, dating from before the re-conquest, and the Torre de la Duquesa.

In the 16th Century the history of Manilva was linked with its neighbour Casares under the rule of the Duke of Arcos who was requested to increase the security of the area by Carlos V from his military strategy to protect the road ways and beaches in the area. In 1528 Carlos V issued orders to build a tower known as the 'Salto de Mora'. It is here that a few years later a farm community formed on the hillside which became known as 'El Cortijo' which is now the origin of the present village of Manilva. In 1530 the Church of Santa Ana was built under the auspices of the Duke of Arcos

Despite the gradual growth in the population of Manilva it was not until October 26th 1796 that Manilva gained its independence from Casares and was granted with the 'Royal privilege of town'.

Manilva has since developed into a prosperous farming community with its harvest of fine wine, fish and Mediterranean produce. Latterly Manilva has grown to become a thriving tourist town due to its mild climate, natural beauty and enviable farming culture and history.

Manilva Gastronomy

The cuisine of this land is based on the Mediterranean diet. The peoples of the Mediterranean have managed to combine centuries food in a smart, leading to a balanced diet, nutritious and tasty. The town's bars and restaurants are a meeting place where you can sample a variety of delicious cuisine Manilva, developed with the highest traditions and ingredients of the highest quality.

Daily, land and sea offer the best we have appetizing dishes for a typical kitchen Malaga, where you can taste excellent traditional dishes made from local products.

Tomato soup (with black bread, tomato, onion, pepper, garlic and sardinitas); asparagus; clam, and gazpachuelo, which is a soup with mahonesa the traditional style.

Other typical dishes from the kitchen manilveña are: gazpacho "MAJA" with olive oil, yearn, sour orange, bread and salt; cabbage; based cooked cabbage, chickpeas and pork; tagarninas soup with chickpeas; meat in marinade , Macerated with various spices and vinegar.

I should also mention some traditional salads such as: the pipirrana, salad with tomato, onion, pepper and cucumber, dressed with olive oil, salt and vinegar and you can add octopus or dried cod, and gazpacho with fried ripe tomato, cucumber, garlic, onion, pepper, bread crumbs, olive oil, salt and vinegar.

But what stands out most in the town of cuisine is fish and shellfish, for its freshness and natural flavour, whether they are prepared for an easy way to grilled or baked, as if they are cooked in savoury stews. There are numerous restaurants and bars which offer a rich and varied supply of fish to combine with a local wine. "The stewed potatoes with bay; noodles with clams, cuttlefish soup with chickpeas; fish soup, rice with fish; emblanco with fresh fish; tortilla cod, anchovies in brine and vinegar, although the more traditional form as fried and this is where we highlight the famous "fried Malaga", without forgetting the moraga (act of sardines grilling outdoors, usually on the seashore, to spit against the wind in, ensartadas with a special art).

Moreover, wines Manilva may accompany the dishes very well giving a very special flavour muscat grapes, being a delight for your taste buds. Desserts will be the climax that sweetened their meals. The pinch cake, fried cakes, Torrijos, piñonate, and the traditional muscat grape, which can also taste in spirits and raisins.

The tapas is also a good way to open up to the kitchen manilveña taste and culinary arts with small portions of the countless tapas on offer. The kitchen offers each week, most succulent dishes themselves and the municipality.