This guide to Costa del Sol provides a broad insight into what you can expect from this beautiful region. It includes information on the climate, various towns, transportation options, and activities to enjoy. Keep reading to learn more!

Where is the Costa del Sol?                              

The Costa del Sol refers to the Mediterranean coastline located in southern Spain, stretching from Sotogrande in the west to Nerja in the east. This beautiful area is part of the Andalusia region, with Malaga serving as its capital city.

What’s the Costa del Sol like?

The Costa del Sol, sprinkled with numerous famous resorts, stands out as one of Spain's top holiday destinations and a beloved choice for relocation in Europe. Its highlights feature a fantastic year-round climate, beautiful beaches, a wealth of activities and sights, excellent transport links, and a variety of budget-friendly properties.

In general, the Costa del Sol can be categorized into three main regions:

Western Costa del Sol

Nestled between Sotogrande and Marbella, this region features the resorts of Manilva, Estepona, and Marbella, along with the charming town of San Pedro and the picturesque white villages of Benahavis, Casares, Istán, and Ojén. The western part of the Costa del Sol boasts some of Spain's most opulent resorts and high-end properties. Notable locations such as Marbella’s Golden Mile, Puerto Banus, and the La Zagaleta estate are all situated in this area.

Central Costa del Sol

This area is the most advanced and is situated between Marbella and Malaga. You'll discover the well-known resorts of Mijas Costa, Fuengirola, and Benalmadena, along with Torremolinos, which is recognized as the birthplace of mass tourism on the Costa del Sol since the 1960s.

Eastern Costa del Sol

Nestled between Malaga and Nerja, this area is relatively undiscovered, making it a peaceful and less commercialized spot. Notable resorts along the eastern Costa del Sol feature Torre del Mar, Torrox, and Nerja.

How big is it?

The Costa del Sol spans 150 kilometers along the Mediterranean shoreline, but its width is quite narrow. The towering mountain ranges that run parallel to much of the coast have restricted expansion into the inland areas.

What’s the population of  the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol boasts an official population exceeding 1 million people. Among its 11 municipalities, Istán is the smallest, with only 1,600 residents, while Marbella stands out as the largest resort, housing over 156.200 individuals. Additionally, Malaga has a population of 594,000.

How many foreigners live on the Costa del Sol?

There are approximately 350,000 foreign residents on the Costa del Sol, which accounts for about 18% of the total population. In certain areas like Mijas and Marbella, foreigners represent nearly half of the local residents. Among the foreign community, two-thirds are Europeans, with British nationals being the largest group—over 75,000 Brits have chosen to call the Costa del Sol their home.

What’s the weather like in the Costa del Sol?

One of the main draws of the Costa del Sol is its fantastic weather. With more than 320 sunny days each year (and that's a sure thing), it boasts low rainfall and comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Summers can get quite warm, often exceeding 30 degrees, while winters are mild, with daytime temperatures seldom falling below 16 degrees.

How do I get to the Costa del Sol?

Getting to the Costa del Sol is a breeze, especially if you're coming from a European city. Malaga Airport is the third busiest airport on the Spanish mainland, handling more than 15 million passengers annually.

This airport connects to over 100 destinations worldwide, including major cities in Spain, many European capitals, and even places like Dubai during the summer months. Approximately 70 airlines operate flights throughout the year.

If your resort is located on the western side of the Costa del Sol and you're flying from the UK, consider checking out flights to Gibraltar Airport as an alternative.

From the UK, Ireland and France:

Flights to the Costa del Sol take between 2.5 and 3 hours.

From central Europe: flights from Germany to the Costa del Sol take at least 3 hours.

From the US: flights from Malaga to New York take 7 to 8 hours.

How far is it to Malaga Airport from the Costa del Sol?

Distance to Malaga city centre from Malaga Airport: 8km, allow 10 minutes by car.

Distance to Benalmadena from Malaga Airport: 10km, allow 15 minutes by car.

Distance to Fuengirola from Malaga Airport: 24km, allow 20 minutes by car.

Distance to Marbella from Malaga Airport: 50km, allow 40 minutes by car.

Distance to Estepona from Malaga Airport: 80km, allow 55 minutes by car.

Distance to Manilva from Malaga Airport: 90km, allow 65 minutes by car.

Distance to Torrox from Malaga Airport: 65km, allow 45 minutes by car.

Distance to Nerja from Malaga Airport: 70km, allow 50 minutes by car.

How far is it to Gibraltar Airport from Marbella?

Gibraltar Airport provides a convenient option for travelers flying from the Costa del Sol to the UK. Located 77km away, it's a short drive of under an hour, although it's advisable to factor in additional time for crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar.

How far is it to Malaga from the Costa del Sol?

Gibraltar Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from Manilva, 48 kilometers from Estepona, and 76 kilometers from Marbella. Be sure to factor in an extra 30 minutes for your travel time to account for crossing the border between Gibraltar and Spain.

What are the main attractions on the Costa del Sol?

There’s a long, long list of attractions and this Costa del Sol guide covers some of them.

Beaches

The Mediterranean beaches are a top attraction, and the resorts along the Costa del Sol provide a variety of beaches that cater to all preferences. Additionally, beach clubs are a significant appeal, with Marbella boasting some of the finest in southern Europe.

Sports facilities

Up next on the list of attractions are the leisure activities, and just like the beaches of Costa del Sol, there’s a little something for everyone. For sports lovers, there are more than 70 golf courses (with some being among the finest globally), beautiful blue-flag marinas, and various tennis and racquet clubs. Plus, there are endless chances to enjoy outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, and canyoning. And let’s not forget about skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada, which is only a 2-hour drive from the Costa del Sol resorts.

Family-friendly things to do

There are so many fun family activities to enjoy on the Costa del Sol! You can embark on a safari adventure at Selwo Aventura or explore one of the best zoos in the world located in Fuengirola. For some water park excitement, head to Torremolinos or Mijas, and don’t miss the chance to take a cable car ride to the mountain summit in Benalmadena. Plus, there’s Tivoli World theme park, Sealife, the Butterfly Park, the Music Museum, and even opportunities for dolphin watching!

Amenities for residents

In addition to numerous tourist spots, the Costa del Sol provides a wealth of opportunities for its residents. The resorts feature top-notch health services, various amenities, and schools, including several international institutions that allow children to learn in a different language alongside Spanish.

What are the beaches like on the Costa del Sol?

The 150 kilometers of coastline offer a variety of beach experiences. On the Costa del Sol, you can discover expansive sandy stretches, pebbly inlets, naturist areas, family-oriented beaches, lively beach clubs, and hidden coves that you might just have all to yourself.

What cultural activities are there in the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol has so much more to offer than just its beautiful beaches and recreational activities. Most resorts provide a vibrant cultural program throughout the year, featuring theatre, music, art, and dance. Malaga shines as a cultural hub in southern Spain, boasting over 35 museums, including the renowned Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre. Additionally, the city is home to a Philharmonic Orchestra, along with various theatres and concert venues.

Beyond the capital, Marbella hosts an annual art exhibition, and its summer Starlite Festival draws in major artists—Santana, Tom Jones, Sting, Rod Stewart, Placido Domingo, Ricky Martin were all part of the last years. Jazz festivals are celebrated in Mijas and Alhaurin de la Torre, while the Nerja Festival, set in the famous caves of the resort, showcases outstanding concerts and ballet performances.

Traditional festivals

Staying true to Spanish customs, fairs and festivals are a vital aspect of life along the Costa del Sol. Each resort, town, and village hosts at least one major celebration each year to honor their local patron saint. Some of the most notable festivals on the Costa del Sol are:

Holy Week – the impressive processions in Malaga, Marbella, and Velez-Malaga stand out.

On July 16, celebrations take place in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen, across all Costa del Sol resorts.

The Malaga Fair in mid-August is renowned as the largest summer celebration in southern Spain.

Fuengirola Fair occurs in early October.

What about eating out in the Costa del Sol?   

No guide to the Costa del Sol would be complete without a nod to its incredible food scene! This region is a true haven for food lovers, offering a variety of dining options that cater to every palate and budget. With thousands of restaurants to explore, you can find everything from cozy bars dishing out classic tapas to upscale dining that rivals the finest establishments in New York or London.

Discover the best restaurants in Marbella.

At the pinnacle of dining on the Costa del Sol, you'll find several high-end restaurants boasting a total of seven Michelin stars. Among these, Marbella shines with four Michelin-starred establishments, including the Dani Garcia Restaurant at the Puente Romano Hotel, which holds two stars. Additionally, there's one star each for a restaurant in Malaga, one in Fuengirola, and another at Finca Cortesin in Casares. Beyond these acclaimed spots, there are numerous fantastic restaurants offering delicious food and wine at surprisingly reasonable prices.

International cuisine

The Costa del Sol, known for its diverse foreign community, boasts a wide array of international cuisine. While Spanish dishes like fried fish and gazpacho take center stage, Mediterranean favorites such as paella and fresh seafood are also popular. Throughout the region, you'll discover a rich tapestry of European dining options, including English pubs, Italian trattorias, French cafes, and Swedish diners. Additionally, the culinary scene is enriched by flavors from around the globe, featuring restaurants that serve Indian, Thai, Mexican, Persian, Chinese, and Japanese dishes.

Discover the best restaurants in Estepona.

How about shopping in the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol is a great shopping destination and you’ll find a great choice of shops and larger stores in many resorts.

Best shopping centres on the Costa del Sol

There are several including:

• La Cañada in Marbella – one of the largest shopping centres in southern Spain and home to most high-street brands as well as stores such as Apple, FNAC, Guess and Habitat.
• Miramar in Fuengirola – one of the most popular shopping centres on the Costa del Sol with a good choice of well-known brand stores plus a selection of smaller shops.
• Centro Larios in Malaga – a favourite with locals and tourists, this shopping centre includes Primark and Dunnes Stores, and has the added advantage of being next to Vialia, another large shopping centre.
• El Ingenio in Velez-Malaga – the best shopping centre on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol with a good choice of shops, a hypermarket and cinema.
• El Corte Inglés – the flagship Spanish department store has several large shops on the Costa del Sol including two in Malaga city, one in Fuengirola and one in Marbella.

Best high-street shopping on the Costa del Sol     

The best places to go are:

• Calle Larios in Malaga – the city’s central street plus the adjacent Calle Nueva are packed with well-known stores and brands.
• Avenida Ricardo Soriano in Marbella – the main street is home to big-name Spanish stores such as Zara, Massimo Dutti and Mango, and near the old quarter packed with little unusual shops.

Best luxury shopping on the Costa del Sol

If you fancy treating yourself to a luxury purchase, Marbella offers the best choice at:

• Puerto Banus – second only to Madrid and Barcelona for luxury shopping in Spain, Puerto Banus is home to the world’s best-known fashion and accessory brands. Italian, French and American fashion houses all have boutiques here and even if you’re just window shopping, this is a great shopping destination.
• El Corte Inglés – the Puerto Banus branch of this department store specialises in luxury brands throughout the shop from the supermarket to the furniture department.

And property?

Our Area Guide highlights the incredible diversity of the Costa del Sol, which can make it challenging to choose the perfect spot for you. To assist you in discovering the ideal resort and area for you and your family, feel free to reach out to our welcoming team. We’re excited to help you find the best fit!