Costa del Sol Continues to Soar as Málaga Airport Records Another Record-Breaking Summer
The Costa del Sol has received another encouraging indicator of its continuing international appeal, with Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport recording 3,050,841 passengers during August 2026.
According to figures released by airport operator Aena on 15 September, passenger numbers increased 6.6% compared with August 2025, equivalent to an average of more than 98,000 travellers passing through the airport every day.
International traffic was particularly strong, increasing by almost 8% year-on-year, with notable growth from markets including Saudi Arabia, Poland, Hungary, Greece and Lithuania.
For anyone considering purchasing a property on the Costa del Sol, the figures provide another indication of the region’s increasingly international profile.
More than 19 million passengers in eight months
The August figures form part of a much bigger story.
During the first eight months of 2026, Málaga Airport handled 19,324,184 passengers and 132,539 aircraft movements, according to Aena.
Connectivity has long been one of the Costa del Sol’s major advantages as a second-home destination. Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona combine the Mediterranean lifestyle with access to a major international airport, making it practical for owners to use their properties throughout the year rather than solely during the traditional summer season.
Increasing connectivity with a wider range of international markets also broadens the potential audience for prime Costa del Sol real estate.
Tourism remains exceptionally strong
The airport figures are supported by another important milestone.
Hotels, tourist apartments, campsites and rural accommodation across the Costa del Sol generated approximately 18 million overnight stays during the first seven months of 2026, reaching that level for the first time.
Domestic demand has strengthened too. During the first half of 2026, accommodation providers in Málaga province reported a 12% increase in stays by Spanish visitors, according to recent tourism data reported by SUR.
This combination of domestic and international demand is particularly encouraging for the region because it demonstrates that the Costa del Sol’s appeal is increasingly diversified.
Marbella’s property market remains resilient
There are also encouraging signs within the property market itself.
Analysis of official notarial data covering Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona shows that 3,422 residential properties changed hands during the first half of 2026. Although transaction volumes were below the exceptionally active first half of 2025, the average price of completed transactions increased 15.5% to €4,366 per square metre.
That distinction is important.
The market appears to be becoming more selective following several years of exceptional activity, but limited availability of quality properties and continued international demand are helping to support pricing. Buyers are increasingly focused on location, build quality, amenities and value rather than simply purchasing whatever becomes available.
For the new-build and off-plan sector, this creates an interesting environment. High-quality developments in established locations can offer something increasingly difficult to replicate: modern specifications, energy efficiency, contemporary amenities and desirable locations within a market where prime land remains constrained.
Why international connectivity matters to property buyers
When assessing a second home or investment property, the quality of the property itself is only one part of the equation.
Accessibility matters.
The ability to travel easily between the Costa del Sol and major European and international cities makes the region considerably more practical for owners who intend to visit several times each year.
It also helps explain why areas including Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona, Sotogrande, Mijas and the wider Málaga coastline continue attracting buyers from such a broad range of countries.
As Málaga Airport’s international network continues to develop, the Costa del Sol is becoming not simply a Mediterranean holiday destination, but an increasingly accessible location in which to own a second home, relocate or invest.
Looking ahead to 2027
There are, of course, no guarantees about future property-price performance. However, the fundamentals supporting the Costa del Sol remain notable: strong international connectivity, significant tourism demand, limited prime development land and continuing investment in high-quality residential and hospitality projects.
For buyers considering entering the market ahead of 2027, understanding which locations and new developments offer the strongest combination of quality, scarcity, accessibility and long-term appeal is becoming increasingly important.
Buying a new or off-plan property on the Costa del Sol?
Jason Callow Homes specialises exclusively in new and off-plan properties across the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona, Sotogrande, Mijas and surrounding areas.
Our team works across the region’s new-development market and can help buyers compare available projects, locations, developers, specifications and pricing before arranging a tailored property viewing itinerary.
Contact Jason Callow Homes to receive our latest selection of new and off-plan properties for sale on the Costa del Sol.
