Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol - Overview

Stretching over 150km along the Malaga coastline, the Costa del Sol runs from Nerja in the east to Sotogrande in the west, taking in some of the best known beach resorts in Andalucia – Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and, of course, Marbella. Easy to get to, the Costa del Sol has two airports – Málaga airport with flights from the UK and most of Europe and Gibraltar airport offering UK flights. Getting around on the Costa del Sol is also easy – the roads are excellent and the public transport network is good.

This popular travel destination in Spain has everything under the sun (literally) – historic cities such as Málaga and picture postcard white villages in Andalucia. Beach resorts on the Costa del Sol range from quiet family resorts such as Nerja and Benalmadena to party resorts that never sleep – for example, Puerto Banus with its jet set marina. From Nerja to Sotogrande, every resort on the Costa del Sol has its own distinctive character.

Famous for its year-round pleasant weather, the Costa del Sol attracts discerning tourists from the world over. Many come for the excellent beaches – there are several blue-flag beaches on the Costa del Sol; many are attracted to the golf – the Costa del Sol with over 40 golf courses (plus many others planned) is one of the world’s top golfing destinations; and others come for the nightlife – night clubs and discos in Marbella and Puerto Banus are perhaps the most famous. 

But whatever your budget or inclination, the Costa del Sol is the undisputed European playground of choice and an unrivalled holiday destination in Spain.

Things you Must See and Do in Costa del Sol

Yacht Spotting: Visit at least one of the Costa del Sol’s best marinas such as Puerto Banus and Puerto Marina in Benalmadena. Stroll round the marinas and take in the sights of some seriously expensive boats.
Climb a Peak: Some of the Costa del Sol’s best views are from above. If you’re fit, walk up La Concha in Marbella or Los Reales in Estepona on a fine day and take in the 360º views. If you don’t fancy the walk, the Benalmadena Cable Car whisks you up the 800m to the top of Monte Calamorro. (www.telefericobenalmadena.com)
Culture Vultures: Visit Malaga and its museums for a taste of genuine culture.
The Picasso Museum and the Centre of Contemporary Art (CAC) are the best known, but Malaga is also home to an aircraft museum, music museum, bullfighting museum...
Love the Beach: Since the Costa del Sol is mostly about the beach, treat yourself to a day at one of the many beach clubs. Ranging from cheap and cheerful to luxury and from busy to relaxed, get a frontline sea position on a lounger and enjoy.
The Real Spain: Several towns on the Costa del Sol have attractive old quarters that give you a glimpse of traditional Andalucian life and architecture. Take a stroll back in time round the old quarters in Marbella, Nerja, Benalmadena Village or Mijas.
Family Fun: As a top tourist destination, the Costa del Sol pulls out all the stops when it comes to family entertainment. Take the kids to Fuengirola Zoo, Sea Life in Benalmadena, Selwo in Estepona, dolphin spotting, to a water park...
Luxury hotels on the Costa del Sol:Pamper yourself at one of the many luxury hotels and their spa facilities. Treat yourself to a day of pampering and relaxation.
A Bite to Eat: Sample local Costa del Sol cuisine – grilled sardines, fried small fish, gazpacho, Malaga salad – and wash it down with Andalucian wine and finish with a glass of Malaga sweet wine.