Costa del Sol Spain

The Costa Del Sol welcomes more than two million people a year who arrive at Malaga international airport and head to one of the many resorts located along this stretch of coastline from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east. The best known resorts lie west of Malaga beginning with Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. Further along the coast lies Marbella with its famous marina at Puerto Banus, Estepona, Sotogrande and finally Gibraltar.

With the Costa del Sol weather giving average annual temperatures of 18ºC and over 300 days of sunshine per year it isn’t difficult to understand why it is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. There are some incredible rental properties on the Costa Del Sol for holidays all year round. And if you’re in the market to buy then now’s a great time to start looking with the Spanish housing market in such a bad way.

Costa del Sol Resorts

Benalmadena – Lying a short distance south west of Malaga airport between the famous resorts of Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Benalmadena has plenty to offer the whole spectrum of visitor types.

Estepona – Estepona is the most westerly resort of the Costa del Sol. It has avoided too many of the high rise blocks of many of the other resorts and is an ideal choice for those people looking for a quiet holiday.

Fuengirola – The third major high rise resort heading south from Malaga, Fuengirola is especially popular with British tourists of all ages especially families and middle aged groups.

Malaga – Malaga is the stepping stone to the Costa del Sol. Relatively few visitors visit the city as they rush from the airport to their holiday resort. In doing so they miss a gem of a city with a fascinating old quarter next to a Roman theatre and Moorish palace, a commercial centre with first class shopping and a vibrant social life.

Marbella – Famous as a playground of the rich and famous, Marbella is now accessible to many who swarm south to enjoy the Spanish sunshine and the world class golf courses of the Costa del Golf. Marbella Restaurants | Marbella Weather

Mijas – Mijas Pueblo stands high up the mountain above the coastal resorts and is a popular ½ day excursion from the Costa del Sol whilst Mijas Costa is the resort on the coast below which attracts mass tourism to its many attractions.

Nerja – Nerja is the most easterly resort of the Costa del Sol which still somehow maintains a reputation as a quaint village. This is no longer the case as the inevitable tourist developments have transformed the town into a thriving resort but without the high rise excesses of the western Costa del Sol.

Puerto Banus – Puerto Banus was established long ago as a favourite haunt of Europe’s jet set. Today it is still home to multimillion dollar yachts and flash cars but is also open for business to everyone.

Sotogrande – Sotogrande marina is the first port of call for yachts entering the Mediterranean. It is also home to two of Europe’s finest golf courses including Valderrama which hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup.

Torremolinos – During the 1950s and 60s Torremolinos was converted from a quaint fishing village into the Costa del Sol’s original tourist resort. Today it is a concrete jungle but with fine beaches and ample accommodation it has plenty to offer.

Map of the Costa del Sol

Things to Do on the Costa del Sol

There are around 70 Costa del Sol Golf Courses on the “Costa del Golf” which can be played all year round as well as a whole range of other activities available such as sailing, scuba diving, horse riding, dolphin safaris, etc. The list is endless. The less active might enjoy going shopping at one of the markets which take place daily along the coast.

Away from the coast there are some fabulous day trips to the great Moorish cities of Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Ronda. For the more adventurous you can also take a 15km trip across to Tangier in Morocco or take a dolphin and whale watching trip in the Straits of Gibraltar. A few private excursions are available if you prefer to hire your own vehicle and driver rather than travelling in a group by coach.