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Costa Del Sol Travel Guide

Sun drenched beaches, lively resorts and relaxed Mediterranean charm make the Costa del Sol one of Spain’s favourite holiday destinations.

The Costa del Sol stretches along the coast of Malaga province in southern Spain and gives you exactly what the name promises: long seasons of sun, easy beaches and sea views, mixed with real towns, white villages in the hills and a choice of lively or quiet resorts. It runs for many kilometres along the Mediterranean, but most visitors focus on the stretch between Nerja in the east and Estepona in the west, where you find the best mix of beaches, promenades, marinas and old streets.

This is a coast you can shape to your own style. There are places for simple family holidays with everything close by, city breaks with culture and food, relaxed bases for winter sun and smart spots for long evenings by the water. Flights into Malaga are short from much of Europe, transfers are easy, and public transport along the coast works well, so you do not always need a car. You just need to pick the right area.

Below is a clear look at the main destinations so you can see which one sounds like your kind of place.

MALAGA

Malaga is the natural starting point and a destination in its own right.

The historic centre is full of life: a cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress, galleries including the Picasso Museum, local markets and shaded squares where you can sit with coffee or tapas and simply watch the day move. Just beyond, the port area has been opened up with a modern promenade, palm trees and waterfront restaurants, while the city beach runs for a long stretch with simple chiringuitos serving grilled sardines and cold drinks.

It is an easy place to explore on foot, with a friendly local feel all year. Evenings are relaxed but lively enough, restaurants are varied, and you have good bus and train links if you want to explore other parts of the coast. Malaga is a strong choice if you like culture and food as much as beach time, want a weekend break with sun, or prefer a base that feels Spanish rather than only resort focused.

Stay in Malaga if you like:

A mix of culture, food and beach
Short breaks without needing a car
Boutique hotels, modern seafront properties and good transport along the coast

a large building with palm trees in front of it

A building with a large stained glass window

green trees near body of water during daytime

people sitting on chairs near brown concrete building during daytime

A group of people walking down a sidewalk next to palm trees

white concrete building near mountain during daytime

a couple of people that are standing in the street

brown concrete building near green trees during daytime

TORREMOLINOS

Torremolinos is one of the classic resorts of the Costa del Sol and still delivers what many people want from a straightforward beach holiday.

There are long sandy beaches, a wide promenade, plenty of places to eat and drink and a mix of hotels and apartments for different budgets. The old fishing area of La Carihuela keeps more traditional character, with narrow lanes and excellent seafood places, and there is always something happening along the seafront.

Torremolinos suits travellers who want an easy base with good public transport, simple access from Malaga airport, and a social atmosphere where you can walk everywhere, enjoy the beach by day and choose between quiet bars or livelier spots at night. It is practical, friendly and does not pretend to be something it is not.

Good for:

Simple beach holidays with everything close by
A lively, classic seaside resort feel
Easy access to Malaga and nearby resorts
Popular areas include Bajondillo, Carihuela and Playamar, all with many seafront hotels and apartments.

a set of stairs leading up to a building

BENALMADENA

Benalmadena sits next to Torremolinos but has its own mix of areas.

Down by the water, you have a tidy marina with boats, restaurants and bars, and a long beach front with family friendly stretches of sand. Higher up on the hill, Benalmadena Pueblo offers a different side, a traditional white village with viewpoints, small squares and a calmer pace.

With attractions such as a cable car to a nearby peak, parks and a choice of hotels, Benalmadena works well for families and couples who want variety without going far. It offers beaches, activities and evenings out, but you can still find quieter corners if you move away from the busiest parts of the strip.

Stay in Benalmadena if you like:

A marina setting with restaurants and boat trips
Family friendly beaches and activities
The option to visit a traditional village without going far
Variety within walking or short bus distance

Nerja

Nerja sits on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol and has a softer, more traditional look.

Whitewashed streets lead to the Balcony of Europe, a viewpoint that stretches out over the sea with wide views of the coastline and mountains behind. Below the cliffs, small coves and beaches curve around clear water, some reached by steps, others more open and family friendly. The town still feels like a place where people live, with plenty of small bars, cafes and restaurants in the centre.

Close by, you can visit the famous caves of Nerja or the pretty hill village of Frigiliana for narrow streets, views and simple local food. Nerja is ideal if you want charm, walkable streets, attractive scenery and a slightly calmer feel than some of the larger resort areas.

Stay in Nerja if you like:

Cliffs, coves and clear water for swimming
Pretty streets, sea views and a relaxed pace
A more traditional feel than the big resort strips
Easy trips to hill villages without long drives

a beach with rocks and a body of water with a town in the distance

Fuengirola and Mijas Costa

Fuengirola is built along a wide bay and has one of the longest seafront promenades on this coast.

Here you find a broad sandy beach, many cafes and restaurants, shops, a marina and a relaxed but lively everyday feel. The train connection to Malaga and the airport makes it an easy, practical choice, especially if you do not want to drive. It is popular with families, winter sun regulars and anyone who values having facilities close at hand.

Just above the coast, Mijas Pueblo sits in the hills with white houses, narrow streets and open views over the Mediterranean. It is an easy day trip from Fuengirola and gives a taste of traditional Andalusian village life.

Choose this area if you want a busy resort atmosphere with real local life, simple transport and the option to head up into the hills when you want a change of scene.

Stay in Fuengirola and Mijas Costa if you like:

Long seafront walks and big town beaches
A lived in local atmosphere, not only tourist focused
Simple train connections for arrivals and day trips
Easy visits up to Mijas Pueblo for views and village charm

a marina filled with lots of boats and palm trees

a view of a city from a high point of view

Marbella

Marbella brings a more refined feel while still being very much about the sea.

The old town is one of the prettiest corners of the Costa del Sol, with flower filled streets, small chapels, orange trees and hidden squares. From there you can walk down to the seafront and follow the promenade for kilometres, passing beach clubs, cafes and calm stretches of sand.

Modern Marbella offers quality hotels, a strong dining scene and stylish spots to sit by the water from day into night. It is a good fit if you like comfort, old town charm, sea views and the option of a more grown up atmosphere without giving up the simple pleasure of a walk along the beach at sunset.

Stay in Marbella if you like:

Charming old town evenings and pretty streets
Stylish beachfront hotels and calm daytime walks
Good restaurants and relaxed beach clubs
A slightly more grown up atmosphere without losing the beach feel

A scenic view of a golf course and mountains

a woman sitting at a table in front of a white building

Puerto Banus

A short distance from Marbella, Puerto Banus is known for its marina, luxury shops and nightlife.

Yachts line the harbour, designer names sit along the front, and the evenings are lively, with many bars, clubs and restaurants. There are also beaches, both beside the port and along the coast in each direction, so you can combine daytime relaxation with more glamorous nights if that is your style.

Pick Puerto Banus if you want that confident, busy scene with easy access to Marbella and the wider coast, and if part of your holiday picture includes people watching, late dinners and staying out a bit longer.

Good for

Nightlife and late dinners by the marina
Designer shopping and people watching
Groups of friends and celebration trips
Quick access to Marbella and nearby beaches

A metal sign that says puerto banus in front of a body of water

Estepona

Estepona is a favourite for travellers who want a slightly calmer, more traditional setting at the western end of the main Costa del Sol strip.

The old town streets are beautifully kept, with colourful flower pots, tiled corners and a mix of local shops and cafes. The seafront is wide and relaxed, with long sandy beaches that are less crowded than some of the larger resorts. There are smart hotels, but the town has kept its character.

Estepona works well for couples, families and longer stays, especially if you want comfort and facilities without a full on party environment. It also makes a good base for exploring inland villages and the coast towards Gibraltar.

Good for

Quieter breaks with real Spanish character
Long sandy beaches without heavy crowds
Couples, families and longer stays
Exploring western Costa del Sol and nearby villages

A narrow street lined with white buildings and trees

Choosing your Costa del Sol base

Think about what you want your days to feel like:

Malaga for a real city by the sea with culture and beach in one place.
Nerja for cliffs, coves and a pretty town with a relaxed atmosphere.
Torremolinos for easy, social beach holidays with strong connections.
Benalmadena for marina life, family attractions and a mix of coast and village.
Fuengirola and Mijas Costa for long promenades, local feel and simple transport.
Marbella and Puerto Banus for stylish stays, dining and nightlife options.
Estepona for a calmer, charming town with wide beaches and a softer pace.

Once you know your spot, SpainHotelsDirect can help you compare and book trusted hotels and holidays along the Costa del Sol so everything runs smoothly from landing to your first sunset walk.