In Málaga and on the Costa del Sol, people love to dream big. Here, there have been more than a few promises to transform the region completely—from futuristic trains to artificial islands for millionaires. But on closer look, most of these ambitions have remained in draft form, and sometimes only in imagination.
Authorities and entrepreneurs have repeatedly made bold statements that sounded like a challenge to the status quo. However, the reality turned out to be far more mundane. Bureaucracy, lack of funds, protests from locals, and sometimes just a lack of common sense—all of this has repeatedly derailed even the most ambitious ventures.
Islands and Casinos
In the 1990s, Marbella’s former mayor Jesús Gil set out to impress everyone: he promised to build an artificial island off the coast of Puerto Banús with a casino and luxury hotels. The project was valued at an astronomical sum, and Gil swore he would invest his entire fortune into it. But nothing ever came of the plan—the island remained only as a symbol of that era’s eccentric ideas and big promises.
A similar story played out with an attempt to create a local Las Vegas. In 2018, the Canadian company Triple Five considered Manilva and Marbella as sites for a massive entertainment complex with casinos, hotels, and amusement parks. Investment was supposed to reach billions of euros, but after initial discussions, the project disappeared from the agenda—not a single mayor confirmed any serious negotiations.
Technologies of the Future
When the whole world started talking about hyperloop, Málaga also wanted to join the transport revolution. In 2018, there were plans to build a European research center for the high-speed magnetic levitation train right here. It seemed the region was on the verge of becoming a hub for innovation. But bureaucratic delays and a lack of funding quickly dampened these ambitions. By 2023, the company had shut down and the dream of a train speeding at 1,200 km/h vanished into thin air.
An equally ambitious project was the private airport in Antequera. In the mid-2000s, plans called for the construction of a massive terminal and a runway capable of accommodating the world’s heaviest planes. However, its proximity to existing airports, environmental concerns, and the economic crisis buried the idea during the approval process.
Parks and exhibitions
In 2015, Rincón de la Victoria decided to surprise everyone with a park inspired by Tolkien’s works. Orcs and hobbits even made an appearance at the Fitur tourism fair. But the project never received the necessary permits or funding. A later attempt to relaunch it—this time without references to Middle-earth—also failed.
The dream of hosting Expo 2027 didn’t come true either. Despite ambitious plans and the hope of welcoming millions of visitors, Málaga lost out to Belgrade. It was another disappointment for a city that has tried several times to win the title of cultural capital or host major international events.
Bridges and highways
In 2008, Malaga considered building a giant bridge across the entire bay—almost 11 kilometers long and 70 meters high. The bridge was meant to accommodate cars, trains, and even bicycles. However, the cost, technical challenges, and environmental concerns quickly rendered the project unfeasible.
In the early 1980s, Fuengirola dreamed of hosting its own Formula 1 circuit. City officials even organized test runs to convince everyone the idea could work. But high expenses and logistical issues put an end to those plans—the Grand Prix never took place.
Football and skyscrapers
Malaga was in the running to become one of the host cities for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, but withdrew at the last moment. The reason: it was impossible to renovate the La Rosaleda stadium on time and there were infrastructure issues. Funds invested in preparation went to waste, and the city missed out on the football celebration.
In 2013, Marbella seriously considered building six skyscrapers up to 50 stories tall. Architect Ricardo Bofill was expected to give the city a new look. But resident protests and political disputes forced the idea to be abandoned—not a single tower appeared on the skyline.
Dinosaurs, towers, and museums
In Mijas in 2010, there were plans to open a dinosaur theme park—with 150 giant figures, a museum, and play areas. But the company that owned the brand demanded an end to the use of their name and symbols. As a result, the project was scrapped, and the dinosaurs remained only in the imagination.
In the early 2000s, there were plans to build a 200-meter tower in the Malaga port that would serve as a city landmark and telecommunication hub. But this project never made it past the drawing board—too expensive and too complex.
There were also its share of oddities. In 2012, Malaga saw the opening of a Gemstone Museum that lasted only a couple of hours. The exhibition was empty and the building failed to meet safety standards. As a result, the city spent millions of euros on a project that turned into a true financial fiasco.
Cultural centers and waterfront promenades
Actor Antonio Banderas wanted to give his hometown a major cultural center on the site of the old cinemas. However, he faced criticism and accusations of lobbying, eventually abandoning the idea. Later, he realized his vision in another way by purchasing a theater and opening a new arts center.
In Rincón de la Victoria, the construction of a modular pier for yachts and boats was discussed in 2019. The authorities supported the project, but residents opposed it, fearing loss of public space and environmental harm. Ultimately, the mayor abandoned the idea, heeding the concerns of locals.
These stories are more than a list of unrealized dreams. They reflect how ambition, reality, and common sense come together in Malaga. Sometimes, it’s wiser to stop in time than to chase castles in the air costing millions of euros.
