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Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, the Costa del Sol has seen a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees, with Nerja becoming a welcoming refuge for many displaced families. The town's unique sense of community, combined with its mild climate and proximity to Málaga’s Ukrainian consulate, has made it an attractive destination for those fleeing the conflict.
Local organizations, volunteers, and municipalities have played a pivotal role in integrating Ukrainian refugees into the community. The Nerja Town Hall has worked closely with volunteer networks and expat groups to provide immediate support, including temporary housing, food, and access to essential services. A dedicated space in the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja has been used to offer language classes and cultural exchange programs to help Ukrainians adjust to their new surroundings.
The local expat community, including those from the UK and Northern Europe, have rallied to support the new arrivals. There are regular donation drives organized by groups like Helping Nerja Ukraine, which collects clothes, food, and other supplies. Additionally, churches such as the Iglesia de El Salvador have hosted events to bring together locals and Ukrainians, helping to foster a sense of belonging and support.
Real estate in Nerja has played a crucial role in accommodating displaced families. Many homeowners and property management services, including Villasol Real Estate, have stepped forward to offer affordable rental options or short-term accommodation solutions. Given the complexity of the housing market, it’s been essential for property owners to navigate contracts, terms, and financial support programs in collaboration with NGOs and local authorities.
Some refugees have also found employment in local hospitality businesses, helping to alleviate staffing shortages experienced during the peak tourist season. Bars and restaurants along Burriana Beach and central Nerja have integrated Ukrainians into their workforce, particularly in roles requiring language skills and customer service.
Schools in Nerja, including CEIP Narixa and IES Sierra Almijara, have opened their doors to Ukrainian children, offering extra language support and integrating them into regular classes. Educational initiatives are bolstered by local teachers and volunteers who provide tutoring in both Spanish and English. The cultural exchange programs in Nerja ensure that both the local and refugee communities benefit from shared experiences, understanding, and new friendships.
While the future remains uncertain for many Ukrainian families in Nerja, there is no doubt that the town will continue to play a supportive role. New developments and community efforts are ongoing, ensuring that these refugees can rebuild their lives, even if temporarily, in a supportive environment. For Nerja residents, this influx of new neighbours has been an opportunity to show compassion, solidarity, and the strength of a community that cares deeply for others in times of crisis.
At Villasol Real Estate, we continue to work with families looking for secure and welcoming homes in Nerja. Our team is dedicated to supporting both locals and newcomers in finding the right property, whether for long-term rental or investment, in this beautiful part of the Costa del Sol.Spain is reported to be investigating over 900 individuals and companies with links to Russia. However, the Ministry of Finance has warned that its specialist staff will take, “months, if not years,” to arrive at conclusions.
Since early March, investigators are reported to have been trying to unravel the complex assets and interests of those in Spain who are close to Russia’s Vladimir Putin. There are around 80,000 Russians registered as living in this country but, according to State security forces, none of these faces restrictions.
Instead, investigations are continuing into those who are close to the Kremlin, those who have visited Spain numerous times and those who have assets here, including luxury yachts. One of these, an 85-metre-long vessel named Valerie (pictured) was seized by the authorities in Barcelona port in the middle of March. The owner is reported to have been a close friend of Putin since the era during which both worked for the KGB.
Spain has also agreed to join around 40 other countries in a lawsuit to be brought against Vladimir Putin alleging he is guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said that the main objective of this, together with economic sanctions, is to “isolate Putin and those around him more and more.”
Meanwhile, refugees from Ukraine began arriving in Spain throughout March, with the province of Málaga reportedly taking in most individuals in the region of Andalucía. The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, said that a total of around 1,200 adults and children would be welcomed in private homes, in youth hostels and in other accommodation made available by property owners.
Previous News - Local support for the Ukraine
A coach charted by Nerja Town Hall with the help of the Nerja Business Association and local tour operator Viajes Turísticos, completed a round trip of 6,600 kilometres when it returned home from Poland on March 18. On board, were several dozen women and children fleeing from Ukraine who were picked up at Krakow.
When they arrived in Nerja, the refugees were given a warm welcome and presented a bag of personal hygiene products, as well as toys for the children. They were then transferred to an hotel in Alcaucín to be processed and to receive health care before being handed into the care of individual families who had offered accommodation.
On the outward journey to Poland, the bus was loaded with humanitarian aid and basic necessities donated by local people, groups and associations. These were then transferred to the interior of Ukraine to be distributed amongst the population.
Nerja Town Hall, meanwhile, has aligned itself with national institutions and the international community demanding “the immediate cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of Russian military personnel deployed in Ukraine” and has conveyed its “solidarity and affection” for around 70 Ukrainian citizens resident in the municipality.
