Costa del Sol

Travel Guide

Nerja featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town
Ronda
Ronda
El Tajo Gorge featuring farmland
Nerja which includes boating, general coastal views and a 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 which includes general coastal views, boating and a marina

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(518 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
Puerto Banus which includes landscape views and a small town or village

Puerto Banús

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

Luxury marina and shopping complex, Puerto Banús boasts high-end boutiques like Gucci and Versace, upscale dining, and a beach on each side. Admire Salvador Dalí's rhinoceros statue and enjoy the vibrant marina atmosphere.

Puerto Banús
Orange Square showing a fountain

Marbella City Centre

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Marbella City Centre is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Orange Square and Venus Beach.

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

Nerja City Centre

5/5(16 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 showing street scenes

Carihuela

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Carihuela is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Carihuela Beach and Los Alamos Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Torremolinos.

Carihuela
Fuengirola City Centre

Fuengirola City Centre

4.5/5(14 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 ¥25,202 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
¥25,202
¥27,723 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
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! (831 reviews)
"Really impressed by the location, friendly staff and quality of the room. When we had a problem with the TV it was promptly sorted out."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Senator Marbella Hotel
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 ¥29,152 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥29,152
¥32,067 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (798 reviews)
"Great customer service and the staff was kind overall. Good food and great pool! I would come to stay again when I come back to Marbella."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Senator Banus Hotel

Senator Banus Hotel

5 out of 5
Urb. Benamara, Avda. Dos Hermanas, Ctra. N340, km 168, Estepona, Malaga
The price is ¥20,634 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
¥20,634
¥22,698 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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! (497 reviews)
"Been staying here for a long time and it's by far the best in the area! It's good to know the location beforehand as alot of hidden gems about and benehavis is a must for dining options! The staff here are excellent!"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Senator Banus Hotel
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.
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! (1,077 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
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! (278 reviews)
Good location
"The hotel is well located. Close to the beach and the old town. It has parking and a pool and bar. The rooms are large but very dated and the bathroom is tiny. The location and parking suited our purpose on this trip."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Hotel El Faro Marbella
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (487 reviews)
"Love the holiday and apartment was great. Fun around the pool for the kids and plenty do do nearby if you need to get out."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 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

Things to do

Cities near Costa del Sol