Costa del Sol Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nerja which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Ronda
Ronda
El Tajo Gorge showing farmland
Nerja which includes general coastal views, boating and a sandy beach
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(29 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
Default Image

Puerto Banús

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
Default Image

Marbella City Centre

5/5(3 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

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
Default Image

Fuengirola City Centre

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
La Carihuela featuring street scenes

Carihuela

4/5(1 area review)

Carihuela is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Carihuela Beach and La Bateria Park.

Carihuela
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
4 out of 5
Urb. Nueva Andalucía, s/n, Marbella, Málaga
The price is AU$254 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$254
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marbella. 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! (629 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, breakfast was unbelievable, service on the whole was good. The main bar was a great spot for evening drinks with the live music, drinks are reasonably priced. However, being outside of the summer season the pool bar was closed which was inconvenient when the wanting to order food and ..."

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Occidental Puerto Banus
Occidental Puerto Banus
4 out of 5
Avenida Rotary Internacional s/n, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Malaga
The price is AU$227 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$227
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (320 reviews)
"Great stay, lovely & clean, modern rooms. The only downside is road noise, everything else more than makes up for that"

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2025

Occidental Puerto Banus
Senator Marbella
Senator Marbella
4 out of 5
Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Parcela 97, Marbella, Málaga
The price is AU$158 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
AU$158
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
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! (766 reviews)
"It was nice but not very clear on information."

Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025

Senator Marbella
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 Princesa Playa
Ona Princesa Playa
4 out of 5
Paseo Maritimo, s/n, Marbella, Malaga
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Marbella. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,555 reviews)
"Excellent property with good amenities. Beach facing and nice restaurants variety within the walking distance. Highly recommend this property."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2025

Ona Princesa Playa
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (358 reviews)
"Excellent service thank you"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2025

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete
Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol
Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol
5 out of 5
Carretera de Cadiz, km 206, Mijas, Malaga
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Mijas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (366 reviews)
Great break in February
"Apartment was very clean and had all the kitchen appliances required for a stay if self catering. Jacuzzi on our patio was a fabulous extra. Excellent short break in central location."

Reviewed on 25 Feb. 2025

Wyndham Grand 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Costa del Sol