Costa del Sol

Travel Guide

Nerja showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town
Ronda
Ronda
El Tajo Gorge featuring farmland
Nerja showing general coastal views, a beach and boating

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(151 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(2 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(26 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(5 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(9 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

5/5(5 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 CA $228 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $228
CA $251 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (799 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on Jun. 22, 2025

Senator Marbella Hotel
tent Torremolinos
tent Torremolinos
3 out of 5
Hoyo 28, Torremolinos, Malaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $157 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $157
CA $173 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Torremolinos. Enjoy free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (788 reviews)
"Limpiado y limpid Los empleados son simpaticos y competentes La habitación e especial Muchas gracias. Castanets y bananas. Me gusta y me encantaría volver la próxima vez"

Reviewed on Jun. 29, 2025

tent Torremolinos
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 CA $547 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $547
CA $601 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (754 reviews)
"This hotel is very vibrant with people…"

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
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 Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort
4 out of 5
Calle Flaminio 2, Urbanización Valle Romano, Estepona, Malaga
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Estepona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (574 reviews)
"Great stay as usual! Stayed here many times"

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2025

Ona Valle Romano Golf & Resort
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! (258 reviews)
"Great area, 2 mins from the boardwalk and marina, many shops within 10 min radius walking. Hotel is aging, and there aren’t modern amenities like usb plug ins, or in room coffee, but the staff are friendly, the pool is clean, and the price was right."

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Hotel El Faro Marbella
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! (1,038 reviews)
"Nice hotel very quiet , apartments pool area super nice and very close to main little cities like marbella and malaga."

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 2025

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham 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