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The Costa del Sol: 150 sunny kilometres of coastline enjoying a year-round temperate climate. It’s the perfect holiday destination for winter, spring, summer or autumn.
And the diversity of this southern Spanish region means that whatever the type of holiday you want to enjoy: family-friendly, romantic couples break, fun friends getaway, or relaxing beach break, you’ll find the perfect location here on the Costa del Sol.
If you are planning a holiday to the Costa del Sol in Spain and are undecided as to the best resort for you, here are a few of our favourite destinations running from east to west coast.
If you want to enjoy the beauty and warmth of the Costa del Sol with a more relaxed atmosphere, then the charming town of Nerja is ideal.
Located about 60 kilometres (or just under an hour) east of Malaga, Nerja is ideal for visitors seeking a more peaceful holiday spot without giving up modern amenities and an excellent choice of bars and restaurants around town.
Other coastal towns, such as Rincon de la Victoria,Torre del Mar and Torrox lie in between Nerja and Malaga and this region, known as Malaga East has become a popular winter retreat spot for retirees.
If a beach holiday is what you seek, you’ll love Nerja. Home to some of the Costa del Sol’s most beautiful beaches, including Burriana Beach and Maro Beach which is frequently included in ‘Best Beaches of Spain’ lists.
When you visit Nerja, we highly recommend that you take a trip Inland to the area known as the Axarquia, which enjoys beautiful scenery and authentic Andalusian charm. Pretty whitewashed villages, such as Frigiliana (One of the Beautiful Villages of Spain), Competa and El Acebuchal are within a 15-40 minute drive - although some of the windy roads can be a bit hairy on the way up and down, but it’s worth it to see another side of Andalucía!
Who is Nerja for?
Nerja enjoys a lovely relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, which makes it great for older couples and families with small children.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Nerja in Costa del Sol, we’ve got a good selection of owner direct villas in Nerja for you to choose.
Malaga city is often overlooked by tourists who hop off the plane and along the coast to the popular holiday resorts of Fuengirola, Mijas Costa or Marbella. However, those that take the time to explore the city are more than pleasantly surprised.
Malaga brings together the best of southern Spain in one incredible city by the sea and the beauty of Malaga is that its small enough to enjoy (mostly) on foot.
The city boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, it’s chock full of bars and restaurants, and enjoys a vibrant nightlife. And of course, Malaga is on the beach, so you can explore the city in the morning and head to the beach in the afternoon. It’s the perfect combination!
Who is Malaga for?
Malaga is a great holiday destination for couples who are looking to explore the authentic culture, lifestyle and food of southern Spain and Costa del Sol.
It’s also a fantastic choice for friends getaways - forget Puerto Banus and Marbella, and go for Malaga. It’s got the beach, it’s got shopping, and it’s got an upbeat fun atmosphere day and night.
Easy access to Malaga city and the airport (15 kms), great beaches and a welcoming and inclusive attitude.
Holidaymakers have fallen in and out of love with the town over the decades, but there is no denying that Torremolinos has come into its own in recent years and it’s broad appeal is attracting back tourists who come for its abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars; excellent shopping and perhaps the jewel in Torremolinos’ crown, its beaches.
Torremolinos boasts seven kilometres of pristine beaches: Los Álamos, La Carihuela and El Bajondillo are particular favourites and the wonderful promenade adjoins the 7 kms stretch of beachfront is perfect for warm evening strolls.
Family-friendly activities such as Aqualand Torremolinos, great restaurants, and of course just a train ride takes you west to Fuengirola and east to Plaza Mayor shopping centre and glorious Malaga city. What more could you ask for?
Who is Torremolinos for?
Torremolinos in Costa del Sol is ideal for family beach holidays, couples who want to enjoy a laid-back and inclusive holiday resort and for those who also want to explore Malaga city, which is just a 20 minute train ride or 10 minute drive away.
Neighbouring Benalmadena borders Torremolinos to the east, Fuengirola to the west and stretches up to meet Mijas in the Sierra de Mijas high above the coast.
Divided into the neighbourhoods of Benalmadena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Pueblo, El Higueron, Torrequebrada and Torremuelle, each has its own personality and amenities.
Benalmadena Marina is the place to head for a wide variety of lively bars and restaurants, and heading west away from the marina Benalmadena’s beaches span to Torreblanca, varying from golden stretches, small coves to rocky headlands.
Benalmadena in Costa del Sol is a great choice destination for families with the delightful Parque de Paloma (Paloma Park) which has several playground spaces, lakes, a small farm zone and lots of wild rabbits and chickens around. There is also Benalmadena Sea Life Aquarium, Selwo Marina and the Mariposería (Butterfly Park)
If you are seeking a more exclusive holiday location, then choose El Higueron which nestles between Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
Home to the Higueron Hotel, part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection and where you’ll find luxury villas and apartments to rent for your holiday, plus Michelin star Sollo restaurant, an exclusive beach club, and a special shuttle that takes you from El HIgueron into Malaga and down to the beach.
Who is Benalmadena for?
Benalmadena is perfect for family beach holidays on the Costa del Sol. With a myriad of amenities and facilities and easy access to Malaga airport, and the neighbouring towns of Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
If you are looking for a more authentic Spanish experience, then Benalmadena is probably not the first choice destination for you. That’s not to say that you won’t find excellent Spanish restaurants around town and on the beach, but it’s atmosphere is distinctly international.
There’s plenty to love about Fuengirola, conveniently located just 20 minutes (20 kms) to Malaga airport and 20 minutes east of Marbella, Fuengirola has managed to retain much of its authentic Spanish charm, even though you’ll find some distinctly international neighbourhoods around town - it’s especially popular with British and Scandinavian residents and tourists.
Fuengirola centres around the charming Plaza de Consitutición and sprawls out to cobbled streets, alleyways which reach down to the sea and where you’ll find plenty of tapas bars, restaurants and a fabulous Gastromarket.
Fuengirola boasts an impressive eight-kilometre stretch of beach that has been awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness and one of the longest promenades in Spain. It’s a joy to stroll along the promenade during the evenings, as you watch the world pass by on their evening stroll, skate or cycle. With Aquamijas on hand, mini golf and go-karting in the Parque Miramar Shopping Centre, Fuengirola is also a great holiday destination for family holidays. The Sohail Castle which sits atop the headland at the entrance to Fuengirola organises regular concerts and events.
Who is Fuengirola for?
Fuengirola is a fabulous all-encompassing destination. Perfect for families who want activities, shops and beaches all close to hand. As most of Fuengirola is flat, it’s also great for visitors who don’t want to climb hilly streets to get around town.
There are plenty of accommodation options from beachfront apartments and townhouse complexes, to family-friendly villas in Fuengirola.
Stretching from Fuengirola to Cabopino Port, the gateway to Marbella, Mijas Costa is a destination that is adored by many visitors. And once smitten, they return to Mijas year-in, year out.
The central nucleus of Mijas Costa is La Cala de Mijas. Once a small fishing village, La Cala has retained much of its old charm in the centre, where you still find whitewashed village homes where doors are left open, so you can catch a glimpse of the abuela (grandmother) cooking lunch for her nietos (grandchildren).
Old charm aside and in recent years, La Cala de Mijas has developed into one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol with excellent restaurants around town, golden sand beaches (albeit they can get windy) and of course the prestigious La Cala Golf Club.
Who is La Cala de Mijas for?
La Cala de Mijas offers plenty of amenities which means you wouldn’t have to leave the village for anything. It’s ideal for older couples who want to enjoy everything in a flat walking distance, for families with young children who want the ease of having the beach and restaurants on the doorstep and of course with several golf courses along Mijas Costa, it’s also a popular Golf Holiday destination.
Villas in Mijas range from beachside apartments, golf complex accommodation and private villas with sea views.
Visitors come from across the globe to visit the five star resort of Marbella. However, Marbella isn’t all about glitz, glam and reality TV celebrities. This modern-day resort effortlessly combines everything you would want from an authentic Spanish holiday and you can make it as low-key or high octane as you like.
The heart of Marbella is the casco antiguo (old town) with its delightful cobbled streets, old roman walls, Spanish and international restaurants, fashion boutiques and a beautiful church.
Head down to the paseo maritimo (promenade) where you’ll find an abundance of restaurants and beach chiringuitos. Morning, afternoon or evening, you’ll find locals and tourists taking their daily walk with a shot of fresh sea air!
Heading out east under the iconic Marbella arch, you come to an area known as Marbella East, which stretches from Marbella town to Cabopino port. This low-density built area of Marbella is encompassed by pine groves and is home to several of the coasts best golf courses and, for many residents, the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.
One of the best places to stay on the Costa del Sol is in Elviria. A small resort urbanisation with plenty of amenities and great beaches. It’s also home to the famous Don Carlos Hotel and Nikki Beach Club.
Who is Marbella for?
Marbella is all-embracing and whatever type of holiday you want to book, you’ll find a location in Marbella to suit you.
Families who want to enjoy a beach holiday on the Costa del Sol will love Elviria and Marbella East for its beautiful beaches and beach restaurants. Marbella town is also great for families and couples who want to have everything on their doorstep without needing a car or transport.
Friend groups, hen and stag parties will love Puerto Banus and there are plenty of apartments in the port itself, or head across the highway to Nueva Andalucia for holiday villas and townhouses.
Marbella is also an excellent destination for golf holidays with Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf Club in Golf Valley and over in Marbella East, there is Rio Real, Santa Maria and Greenlife Golf, as well as La Cala Golf not too far away.
Find your ideal Marbella villa or holiday accommodation right here on Holiday Homes Direct.
Known as the Garden City of the Costa del Sol, Estepona lies on the western side of the Costa del Sol, just 25 minutes from Marbella and 40 minutes from Gibraltar.
Although the town has been developing steadily over the years it has still managed to retain much of its Andalusian charm.
The heart of Estepona has grown up around the original fishing village and port into a city worthy of international acclaim. And development in the area has meant that Estepona has been growing steadily over the years, the old town has still managed to retain its Andalusian charm.
You can still find pretty whitewashed village homes through the cobbled streets of the old town, alongside restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours.
To the west of Estepona town is the Puerto Deportiva de Estepona (leisure marina) with a great selection of bars and restaurants and apartment complexes and to the east of Estepona town, is the increasingly popular area known as the New Golden Mile. This golden stretch of coastline reaches to San Pedro de Alcantara and is an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy both Estepona and Marbella and Puerto Banus.
And it goes without saying that Estepona has an excellent reputation in the golf community, with five golf courses in close proximity, including the world-class Villa Padierna and Los Flamingos Golf Clubs.
Who is Estepona for?
Much like Marbella, Estepona is an all-encompassing destination. It’s a great choice for family holidays and works just as well for families with small children, as well as families with teenagers, as they can get around town and to the beach safely, and they’ll find plenty of places to hang out.
It’s a hugely popular European golf holiday destination and for friends getaways, who want to combine quieter Estepona with vibrant Puerto Banus.
If you’re flying into Malaga airport, Estepona is a good hour’s drive away, so may not be suitable for visitors who want easy access to the airport. Gibraltar airport is closer (40 minutes).
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