A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Fuengirola, Malaga, at 10.38am today, with tremors felt as far as Cordoba, 150 kilometres inland.
The quake’s depth of 78 kilometres suggests it occurred in the upper mantle, a region where tectonic plates can still generate seismic activity.
Seismic activity increasing recently
Seismologists say this follows a pattern of increased activity in Andalusia, with 23 quakes recorded in the Malaga region in the past week, including a 3.2 magnitude event near Estepona. Earlier this year, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake in February jolted western Andalusia, affecting 200 municipalities and raising concerns about seismic risks in the region.
Experts attribute these events to the complex tectonics of southern Spain, where the African Plate’s slow collision with the Eurasian Plate causes periodic shaking. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional is monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries from today’s quake.
Residents in Malaga and Cordoba reported feeling mild shaking, consistent with a quake of this magnitude and depth, which typically causes minimal impact. Historical data shows Malaga experiences about 23.7 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher annually, though larger events like a 5.0 magnitude quake occur roughly every decade. Local authorities are advising residents to stay prepared, as aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.
The quake’s epicentre near Fuengirola has prompted officials to check infrastructure along the Costa del Sol.
A historic issue along the Costa del Sol
The Malaga region, part of Spain’s seismically active Andalusia, has a rich earthquake history. Notable events include the 1431 quake damaging Granada, the 1504 tremor affecting Malaga, and the 1884 Andalusian earthquake (magnitude 6.5), which devastated Granada and Malaga provinces, felt as far as Madrid. Other significant quakes occurred in 1518, 1522, 1531, 1645, 1674, 1680, 1748, 1804, and 1829. The 1884 event caused widespread destruction over a 200×80 km zone, with aftershocks collapsing buildings. More recently, minor tremors like today’s 3.7 magnitude quake near Fuengirola (December 5, 2025) reflect ongoing tectonic activity along the Trans Alboran Shear Zone.
How about you? Did you feel the quake? Did anything fall off shelves?