Costa del Sol

Travel Guide

Nerja which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and a coastal town
Ronda
Ronda
El Tajo Gorge which includes farmland
Nerja which includes a sandy beach, boating and general coastal views

A globally famous tourist hotspot, this Spanish region is home to several bustling resorts, numerous sandy beaches and lively nightlife.

Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) is a renowned destination in southern Spain’s Andalucía, becoming popular among international tourists around the 1950s. Since then it’s been a favorite choice for travelers from Britain, Germany, Scandinavia, France and elsewhere. Enjoy Costa del Sol’s warm Mediterranean climate, sunny beaches, lovely coastal towns and resorts, shops and restaurants.

Start in Málaga, Costa del Sol’s capital city. Enjoy wandering in its beautiful Centro Histórico (Old Quarter) and along its famous avenue La Alameda Principal. See the majestic cathedral Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, considered a true architectural gem. Swim and sunbathe on its lovely beaches. Walk along the elegant garden Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción and the famous Parque de la Alameda, with tropical and subtropical plants.

Visit the upscale port Puerto Banús, located in Nueva Andalucía district in the province of Málaga. This popular entertainment area in Costa del Sol has many luxury hotels and exclusive designer shops including Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Walk along the famous Boulevard de la Fama de Puerto Banús and marvel at the sculpture Rinoceronte vestido con puntillas (Rhinoceros dressed in lace) by the famous artist Salvador Dalí.

Stop at the many picturesque coastal towns, such as Nerja. Spend a day at the beach and discover beautiful natural areas, including the ancient cave Cueva de Nerja and the impressive views of the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo. Have fun at the amusement park Tivoli World and the aquarium Sea Life Benalmádena, both located in Benalmádena.

Taste the traditional cuisine of Costa del Sol. Start the day enjoying a typical Spanish breakfast with churros (deep fried dough pastries) dipped in hot chocolate. For lunch and dinner choose some of the most popular dishes of pescaíto frito (small fish fried in olive oil), tortilla (Spanish omelet made with potatoes) and delicious gazpacho (a refreshing cold tomato soup). Have some tapas (small savory dishes) and relax in the many chiringuitos (open-air beachside cafés).

Where to stay in Costa del Sol

Port of Malaga showing general coastal views, boating and a marina

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(807 area reviews)

Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are a few top attractions in Málaga Centro. Hop around the city on the metro at La Marina Station or La Malagueta Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning cathedral and captivating waterfront views.

Málaga Centro
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Puerto Banús

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Puerto Banús is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and waterfront views. You might want to check out attractions like Puerto Banús Marina or El Corte Ingles Shopping Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Puerto Banús
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Marbella City Centre

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Marbella City Centre is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Orange Square and Venus Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Marbella.

Marbella City Centre
Balcon de Europa which includes views and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Nerja City Centre

4.5/5(84 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Nerja City Centre. A stop by Calahonda Beach or Carabeo Beach might round out your trip.

Nerja City Centre
La Carihuela featuring street scenes

Carihuela

4.5/5(176 area reviews)

Carihuela is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Carihuela Beach and Los Alamos Beach.

Carihuela
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Fuengirola City Centre

4/5(102 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Fuengirola City Centre. A stop by Los Boliches Beach or Bioparc Fuengirola might round out your trip.

Fuengirola City Centre
Senator Marbella Hotel
Senator Marbella Hotel
4 out of 5
Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Parcela 97, Marbella, Málaga
The price is €176 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€176
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (799 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Senator Marbella Hotel
Senator Banus Hotel
Senator Banus Hotel
5 out of 5
Urb. Benamara, Avda. Dos Hermanas, Ctra. N340, km 168, Estepona, Malaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €160 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
€160
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Estepona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (468 reviews)
Excellent
"Come here a lot as we love the overall hotel"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Senator Banus Hotel
tent Torremolinos
tent Torremolinos
3 out of 5
Hoyo 28, Torremolinos, Malaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
€104
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Torremolinos. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (789 reviews)
"The hotel food drink and staff were amazing."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

tent Torremolinos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort
4 out of 5
Calle Flaminio 2, Urbanización Valle Romano, Estepona, Malaga
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Estepona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (574 reviews)
"Great stay as usual! Stayed here many times"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2025

Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Hotel El Faro Marbella
Hotel El Faro Marbella
3 out of 5
C/ Virgen del Pilar, 11, Marbella, Malaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (258 reviews)
"Great area, 2 mins from the boardwalk and marina, many shops within 10 min radius walking. Hotel is aging, and there aren’t modern amenities like usb plug ins, or in room coffee, but the staff are friendly, the pool is clean, and the price was right."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Hotel El Faro Marbella
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
3.5 out of 5
Carretera de Cadiz, km 206, Mijas, Malaga
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Mijas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,037 reviews)
"Nice hotel very quiet , apartments pool area super nice and very close to main little cities like marbella and malaga."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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