Málaga’s West Coast Promenade Connects to Sacaba

For over two decades, runners, cyclists, and walkers navigating Málaga’s western coastline have hit a frustrating dead end. The Paseo Marítimo de Poniente (Antonio Banderas promenade) has long stopped abruptly just before reaching Sacaba beach, forcing outdoor enthusiasts to detour inland or navigate unfinished terrain—just one of many local curiosities, much like the fascinating secrets hidden within Málaga’s hotels.

That bottleneck is finally becoming history. Construction has officially started on the last remaining stretch of the western promenade, a project that will seamlessly connect the city’s western coast all the way to Sacaba.

Bridging a 20-Year Urban Gap

This long-awaited infrastructure project is being executed by the Basque developer Naiz Homes. It forms a key component of the massive ‘La Térmica’ urban redevelopment plan, which is completely transforming this former industrial sector of the city as Málaga’s property sector continues to attract record investment.

According to details published by La Opinión de Málaga, the work represents the resolution of an urban planning block that has remained unresolved since the early 2000s. By bridging this final gap, the city is creating a continuous, high-quality coastal corridor that will significantly improve mobility and leisure options on the west side of Málaga.

What the Project Entails

Rather than just a simple paved path, the final connection is designed to match the modern aesthetic of the existing Antonio Banderas promenade. Key features of the development include:

• Pedestrian and Cycle Paths: Dedicated lanes to ensure safe, separate spaces for both walkers and cyclists.
• Green Spaces and Landscaping: Integration of native plants and trees to provide shade and visual continuity with the rest of the seafront.
• Modern Urban Furniture: New seating areas, energy-efficient lighting, and waste bins to make the space welcoming and functional.
• Improved Beach Access: Direct, structured access points to the sands of Sacaba beach, protecting the local coastal environment while making it highly accessible.

Part of the ‘La Térmica’ Transformation

The completion of the promenade is closely tied to the broader redevelopment of the La Térmica district. This area, once dominated by heavy industry and the iconic thermal power plant chimney, is being converted into a modern residential and commercial hub.

Integrating the promenade into this plan ensures that the new neighborhood is highly walkable and connected to the rest of Málaga’s coastline. It also provides a direct connection to the Guadalhorce river estuary natural area, offering a scenic route for long-distance runners and nature lovers.

A Boost for Active Living in Málaga

For locals living in neighborhoods like Carretera de Cádiz, Pacifico, and Quirón, this connection is a major upgrade. It opens up uninterrupted kilometers of coastline for daily exercise, morning strolls, and weekend bike rides without the need to navigate traffic or unpaved construction zones.

As Málaga continues to grow and modernize, projects like this highlight the city’s commitment to reclaiming its waterfront for its residents. The completion of this final link is a quiet but deeply impactful victory for urban mobility and outdoor life in the city.

We hope this new stretch of the promenade brings many bright mornings of fresh sea air and easy walks to everyone in Málaga. See you out there on the path!