Macáel Marble Floors: Love Them or Loathe Them, They're Part of Spain’s Story

Whether you love it, hate it, or just don’t give it much thought, if you’re house-hunting in Spain you’re likely to come across floors that look like this:

It’s one of those instantly recognisable features of Spanish homes built between the 70s and early 2000s: white, lightly veined marble floors that stretch through houses and apartments on the Costa del Sol.

Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t really mind, Macáel marble floors are incredibly common in properties across the Costa del Sol. Thanks to the huge range of materials available to us now, it’s fallen a bit out of fashion — but it actually has a really interesting (and ancient) heritage.

What is this marble, and why is it everywhere?

It’s called Macáel marble, and it comes from the town of Macáel in the Almería province of Spain. In fact, the town takes its name from the stone (or possibly vice versa). This marble is 98% calcite, with quartz, muscovite, and opaque minerals, which give it those distinctive grey vein inclusions.

It’s the most important stone extraction in Spain — historically and still today — which explains why it shows up in so many homes across the country.

It’s just as beautiful in the ground as it is in homes. Macáel marble is a locally sourced, high-quality material, prized for its durability, resistance to wear, and easy maintenance. It’s impressively strong and frost-resistant, so it works just as well outdoors as it does inside.

And unlike synthetic flooring materials, it’s a more environmentally friendly choice — no high-energy processing or transport from across the globe. It’s a natural product from the land right here in Andalucía.

A quick dive into history

The first known use of Macáel marble dates back to the Neolithic period (3400–3500 BC), continuing through the Phoenician era. But it was the Romans who took it mainstream, and then the Moors who brought it to another level. You’ll find it in some of Spain’s most iconic architecture, like the Mosque of Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada.

Lions of the Alhambra in Macáel Marble

Even early on, it was exported as far as Nigeria, and by the 19th century, industrialisation meant it could be shipped worldwide on a much. Today, you’ll spot it in surprising places — from the Burj Al Arab in Dubai to the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indonesia, and even the Summer Palace in Russia.

What makes it worth keeping?

In the right home, I think these floors — with good maintenance and a nice polish — can look absolutely stunning.

The big benefit? Light reflection. Marble works beautifully with the bright, sunny landscapes of southern Spain, and can make a room feel bigger, cooler, and more open. It’s also a good insulator.

For those used to carpets, the cool marble underfoot can be a bit of a shock but a well placed accent rug can make all the difference.

I´ve also seen some beautiful updates with Macáel marble inspired porcelain tiles which gives a fresh, modern and highly polished take on a older classic.

My favourite Marbella home, Alhambra Palace bedecked in Macáel Marble inside and out

Thinking of visiting Macáel?

You can! The quarries and town are open to visitors, and there’s even a small marble museum. Definitely worth a day trip if you’re into architecture, natural materials, or simply want to connect with a bit of Spanish history beneath your feet.

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