The growth of tourism on the Costa del Sol and the constant expansion of Málaga Airport open unique opportunities for Nerja taxi transfer services. In this article, we analyze who visits the airport, what type of tourists are heading to Málaga and Nerja, which international markets are the most relevant, and why more and more travelers choose our taxi service to travel between Nerja and the airport.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport has recorded historic figures. During 2024, approximately 24.92 million passengers and 174,915 flights were counted, representing an 11.5% and 8.2% increase in passengers and operations, respectively. Moreover, nationally it ranks third, after Madrid and Barcelona, ahead of Gran Canaria.
The majority of these flights are international, connecting with key markets such as the
These figures not only reflect the operational capacity of the airport but also the growing demand for global connections benefiting the entire Málaga region.
Spain's population increased by 115,612 people during the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 49,077,984 inhabitants as of January 1, 2025.
The city of Málaga has consolidated itself as a top tourist destination. Recent statistics show that Málaga hosts millions of hotel travelers each year, with a notable international presence that drives the hospitality and restaurant sectors. Additionally, the tourist and cultural infrastructure – museums, urban renovations, and new cultural spaces – have contributed to maintaining the dynamism of the destination. According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), Málaga's population reached 1,773,136 inhabitants in 2024, up from 1,751,600 in 2023, representing a population growth of approximately 1.23%. This demographic evolution, along with tourism activity, reinforces the need for efficient and quality mobility services to connect visitors with various points of interest in the city.
On the other hand, Nerja, in addition to being a beach destination with a relaxed atmosphere, has experienced sustained demographic growth. By the end of 2024, Nerja had around 22,186 inhabitants, a figure reflecting an annual growth of 1.25%, according to INE data compared to 21,913 inhabitants in 2023. This demographic increase is accompanied by a higher tourist influx, generating a growing demand for transfer services to connect with Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.
Notably, the municipalities of Marbella, Benalmádena, and Mijas have recorded the largest increases this year. Marbella added 2,705 new residents, while Benalmádena experienced an increase of 1,853 inhabitants, and Mijas saw an increase of 1,611. Furthermore, Estepona showed a significant rise, with an increase of 1,438 people. These figures highlight the region's dynamics, resulting in greater demand for transfer services to connect these populated areas with the airport and other strategic points on the Costa del Sol.
The ten most populated municipalities are:
Málaga (Costa del Sol) stands out for having an average stay of 7.10 days, one of the longest compared to other tourist areas. Only La Palma has a slightly longer average stay (7.18 days). The islands of Menorca and Mallorca have the shortest stays of the mentioned areas.
In 2023, Spain recorded a total of 1,250,991 foreign residents, with the largest communities coming from Romania (45,663), Italy (48,089), and Morocco (123,468). This increase in the foreign population has been a key factor in the country's demographic growth, which reached 49,077,984 inhabitants at the beginning of 2025.
In the province of Málaga, the number of foreign residents rose to 54,544 in 2023. Below is a ranking of the main nationalities:
This growth in the foreign population has significantly contributed to Málaga's demographic increase, which surpassed 1,789,000 inhabitants for the first time at the beginning of 2025.
More information at the National Statistics Institute (INE)
The growth of Málaga and, in particular, Nerja, is a key factor in the region's tourism strategy. While Málaga continues to expand its cultural, gastronomic, and leisure offerings with infrastructure and urban renewal projects, Nerja stands out for its more intimate atmosphere and its annual population growth of 1.5%. This trend has led the Nerja Town Hall to invest in infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Recently, two dog parks have been set up near the Sports City and Parque Verano Azul, with a municipal investment of 20,000 euros. These areas allow pets to socialize and enjoy outdoor recreational activities. However, there is still no designated pet-friendly beach in the area.
Additionally, the process for building a new health center in Nerja has begun, aiming to meet the growing healthcare demand of the population. This project seeks to improve medical care and reduce waiting times for patients.
In terms of connectivity, a project is being considered to connect Nerja to Málaga via a train line. The Ministry of Transport has commissioned a feasibility study valued at 1.2 million euros to assess extending the Costa del Sol train line between Nerja and Algeciras. This study will analyze the demand and socio-economic profitability of the project, aiming to improve mobility in the region.
As for Málaga, the construction of a new terminal (T-4) at the airport has been ruled out. Instead, Aena is working on expanding the current T-3 terminal, aiming to increase its capacity to serve around 35 million passengers annually. This expansion aims to accommodate the growing flow of travelers and improve user experience.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of local and regional authorities to improve infrastructure and services, responding to the needs of a constantly growing population and strengthening the region's position as a leading tourist destination.
Data analysis from Málaga Airport reveals that, internationally, travelers primarily come from:
This descending order shows how the British market leads the list, followed by other European countries. These figures underline the importance of having a transfer service that caters to an international clientele, with multilingual support and adapted to the needs of travelers with luggage and tight schedules.
Our service has positioned itself as the preferred option for travelers who need transfer from Nerja to Málaga Airport for several reasons:
The dynamism of Málaga Airport and the growing tourism interest in Málaga and Nerja create an ideal scenario for the demand for taxi transfer services. The combination of statistical data – such as the record number of passengers at the airport, the demographic growth in Nerja, and the relevance of international markets – along with visual proposals and practical recommendations, makes this article an informative and attractive tool for travelers and associated portals. If you're looking for a reliable, fast, and safe transfer option, our service is the answer.
