Over several decades the Costa Del Sol has developed into one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations based largely on its climate which provides around 300 sunny days per year with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the key gateway to the region which attracts more than 30 million annual visitors. Most of the tourist development has taken place to the west of Malaga as mega resorts have grown out of what were no more than fishing villages in the 1960s.
When deciding where to stay on the Costa del Sol will depend on what kind of holiday you’re looking for. The most popular resorts include Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola which are very close to the airport. Further along the coast lie Marbella with its famous marina at Puerto Banus, Estepona, Sotogrande and finally Gibraltar where the Costa del Sol comes to an end. Tourist developments to the east of Malaga are mainly geared towards domestic tourism until you reach the popular resort of Nerja which attracts mainly foreign visitors.
Weather: The tourist brochures don’t lie when they claim that the Costa del Sol gets over 300 days of annual sunshine, so you’d be very unlucky to have anything but great weather during July and August. June and September aren’t necessarily as reliable but again it’s fair to say that you can expect great weather during those months. In temperature terms you can expect it to reach around 30ºC during those peak summer months with little or no rain.
The odd summer storm is often a welcome respite from the soaring heat. The months of May, June and September are great for golf tourism on the Costa del Sol but the region is also popular during the winter months when daytime temperatures average around 16ºC.
Getting There: With over 22 million passengers passing through its terminals, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is Spain’s 4th busiest airport which serves as the gateway to the holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol. The airport has three terminals with flights to more than 100 European destinations and many cities in Spain.
Where to Stay on the Costa Del Sol
Torremolinos
During the 1950s and 60s Torremolinos was converted from a quaint fishing village into the Costa del Sol’s original tourist resort. Famous for its lively atmosphere and excellent amenities, it lies just 8km from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. For most visitors, the sandy beaches of Playa La Carihuela and Playa Bajondillo are the main attraction.
However, there are many more things to do in Torremolinos such as visiting world-class waterparks and dining at seafood restaurants in the former fishing village of La Carihuela. The resort is also known for its inclusive and lively nightlife at venues concentrated around the central Plaza Costa del Sol.
Benalmadena
Benalmádena is the nearby neighbour of Torremolinos, lying just 10km along the coast from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. This well-established holiday resort attracts visitors all year-round thanks to this accessibility and the appeal of its modern tourist infrastructure. The town is divided into three distinct areas: the coastal Benalmádena Costa, the traditional village of Benalmádena Pueblo and the more commercialised Arroyo de la Miel.
With its sandy beaches, nearby theme parks and lively nightlife there are plenty things to do in Benalmádena which will suit families, young holidaymakers and retired couples alike.
Fuengirola
Further west comes the family-friendly resort of Fuengirola which lies 24km from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. It is best known for its 7km stretch of sandy beaches, including Los Boliches and Carvajal, which are lined with a bustling promenade. The Paseo Marítimo offers a mix of restaurants, shops and bars, making it a popular area throughout the day and evening.
Beyond the beaches, there are plenty other things to do in Fuengirola such as spending a day at Bioparc Fuengirola, shopping at the weekly street market or booking a round of golf at one of the many courses along the Costa del Sol.
Mijas
Mijas Costa is a tourist development along the coast near Fuengirola which includes popular areas such as La Cala de Mijas and Sitio de Calahonda. The area is home to some excellent beaches such as Playa El Bombo and is popular with golfers who flock to Mijas Costa for its world-class courses. These include La Cala Resort which has three 18-hole championship courses set against the backdrop of the Sierra de Mijas mountains.
The resort area is distinct from Mijas Pueblo which is a traditional mountain village located 10km inland from the coast. Whilst many tourists stay in this typical Andalucían destination, the village is also one of the most popular day trips from the Costa del Sol.
Marbella
Located 50km along the coast from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Marbella was one of Europe’s original playgrounds for the rich and famous. Today it is more accessible to a broader spectrum of travellers whilst retaining a certain exclusive atmosphere. The resort is famous for its upscale marina, Puerto Banús, with its luxury yachts, designer boutiques and high-end restaurants. Its beaches such as Playa de la Fontanilla and Cabopino are another main attraction.
Exploring the Casco Antiguo around Plaza de los Naranjos is one of the top things to do in Marbella whilst the resort is extremely popular with golf enthusiasts who come to play some of the world-class courses in the area.
Estepona
Estepona is 75km from Malaga Airport and is the most westerly of the Costa del Sol’s mainstream resorts. It has avoided the worst of large scale tourism development whilst retaining much of its traditional Andalucían charm. Centred on Plaza de las Flores, a wander around the beautifully preserved Old Town is one of the essential things to do in Estepona.
Another key attraction is its long, sandy beaches such as Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada which are perfect for family holidays. Whilst the nightlife is more subdued compared to nearby Marbella, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to suit all visitors. There are some great day trips available to the likes of Ronda, Gibraltar and the villages of the Sierra Bermeja. The area is heaven for golfers with ready access to a number of top-notch courses.
Sotogrande
Another 30km along the coast from Estepona leads to Sotogrande which is the first port of call for many luxury yachts entering the Mediterranean. It is also home to two of Europe’s finest golf courses including Valderrama Golf Club which is considered one of Europe’s finest courses. The course hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup which was won by Europe under the captaincy of the great Seve Ballesteros.
This sophisticated resort town is centred around its marina which is lined with designer boutiques and gourmet restaurants. Other things to do in Sotogrande beyond the marina are centred on its beaches such as Playa de Torreguadiaro which are quieter and less commercialised than those in neighbouring resorts. Nightlife here tends to be understated, favouring stylish bars and elegant gatherings over bustling nightclubs.
Nerja
Nerja lies 70km east of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and is the most easterly of the Costa del Sol resorts. It’s a quieter alternative to the larger resorts to west of Málaga with a good selection of low rise accommodation, good beaches and excellent restaurants. One of Nerja’s most iconic features is the Balcón de Europa, a cliffside promenade offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and its rugged coastline.
The town’s beaches, such as Playa Burriana and Playa Calahonda, are ideal for both families and water sports enthusiasts. Some of the top things to do in Nerja beyond the main resort include short excursions to the Nerja Caves and nearby village of Frigiliana as well as taking a full-day trip to the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
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