Dreaming of endless sunshine, stunning beaches, and all the tapas? Costa del Sol’s got you, serving up chill beach days, lively nights, and Spanish charm from dawn till dusk.

Destination Highlights

• ☀️ Sun-Drenched Paradise – with over 300 days of sunshine, Costa del Sol is the go-to spot for a hit of vit-D.

• 🍤 Tapas & Culture Galore – this coast is brimming with rich history and enough tapas to sink a ship.

• 🏖️ Versatile Playground – think glamorous resorts to clifftop villages, for a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Fun Facts About Costa del Sol 😎

• ☀️ World’s Most Sunny Days? Almost! Costa del Sol rivals anywhere else in Europe with its 300+ days of sun per year.

• 🎬 Hollywood Approved – Clint Eastwood starred in “A Fistful of Dollars” here, sparking an era of Spaghetti Westerns filmed in Spain.

• 🍺 Beer, please! – A pint ranges from €2 to €3.50 – it’s so cheap, the flight practically pays for itself!

Learn Some Local Lingo 🗣️

Want to charm the locals and sound like you’ve lived in Costa del Sol your whole life? Here’s your cheat sheet to sounding suave and getting all the essentials – from hellos to “another round!”

• Hola (Oh-lah) – Hello

• Gracias (Grah-thi-ahs) – Thank you (with the authentic Spanish lisp for extra flair)

• La cuenta, por favor (Lah coo-en-tah por fah-vor) – The bill, please (handy for tapas crawls)

• Otra ronda (O-tra ron-da) – Another round!

Getting Around Costa del Sol

• Taxis 🚖
  Taxis are convenient and easy to find, especially in busy spots and at the airport (look for white cars with a green stripe). They’re metered, but fares may rise a bit at night or at peak times

• Trains 🚆
  The RENFE Cercanías train is perfect for beach-hopping along the coast, connecting Malaga with towns like Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and Fuengirola every 20 minutes. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at stations, or get a travel pass for multiple trips.

• Buses 🚌
  Costa del Sol’s buses are budget-friendly and cover both local routes and longer journeys via Alsa to cities like Marbella and Nerja. Local buses in Malaga are efficient, while tourist buses offer scenic routes – ideal for exploring the coast without the hassle of parking!

Where to Stay on your Costa Del Sol Holidays 2025 🏨

Whether you’re here for a romantic couples holiday, a family fun holiday, or a big group holiday, Costa del Sol has an area that fits:

• For Couples 💑: Marbella – Swanky and stylish, Marbella is your spot for boujee beach clubs, chic boutiques, and romantic walks along the marina.

• For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦: Fuengirola – Known for its long beaches and family-friendly activities like zoos and water parks, Fuengirola has everything for a fun and relaxed family trip.

• For Groups 👯‍♂️: Benalmadena – Lively bars, clubs, and an iconic marina make Benalmadena perfect for groups who want both sun and nightlife.

The top beaches to lounge on on your holidays to Costa del Sol

A beach day is just what the doctor ordered, and with the sun shining down nearly year-round, we thought it'd be cruel of us not to give you the lowdown on all of the best sandy spots to set up shop on whether it's a summer holiday or a super swanky winter sun break, keep reading for our faves:

• Playa de la Malagueta (Malaga) – Practically in Malaga’s city centre, this beach is perfect for when you want a dip without the trek. Food trucks and beachside bars (chiringuitos if you’re feeling fancy) line the sand, so grab a cocktail, a snack, and get your toes in that golden sand pronto.

• Playa de Burriana (Nerja) – If laid-back vibes and postcard-worthy views are your thing, Burriana’s the place. This beach is basically a daytime lounge – snorkel, snooze, or wander along the promenade. And don’t leave without trying the paella; trust us, it’s iconic.

• Playa de Cabopino (Marbella) – Tucked away from the masses, Cabopino is all about sand dunes, a charming harbour, and a total vibe of “please don’t disturb.” Ideal for that perfect beach escape with soft sands and killer views.

• Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos) – Known for its bustling promenade stuffed with seafood joints, Carihuela is where you can go from beach bum to seafood connoisseur in minutes. Bring an appetite because the seafood here is seriously good.

• Playa del Cristo (Estepona) – This one’s got shallow, calm waters and major chill factor, perfect for families or anyone who just wants a beach day without the waves.
  

Our top picks for the best hotels to stay at on your Costa Del Sol holidays

Whether you're looking for a cheap holiday on a budget, an all inclusive holiday that dreams are made of or something totally last-minute, Costa Del Sol has got the goods when it comes to finding the perfect hotel to bunk down in, here's some of our top picks:

• El Fuerte Marbella – Eco-friendly vibes meet beachside luxury at this Marbella gem, where you can go from pool to ocean in about 10 steps. Plus, you’re right next to Marbella’s Old Town for endless shopping and tapas-hopping. Gardens, views, and sustainability – a feel-good luxury holiday at its finest.

• Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio – This one’s for the classy crowd! With a rooftop pool that’s pure Instagram gold and a location near Picasso’s birthplace, it’s perfect for mixing a bit of culture with cocktails. Chic décor, sleek vibes, and a dash of arty edge – what’s not to love?

• Sunset Beach Club – Parents, rejoice! This place has kids’ clubs and daily activities to keep the little ones busy while you grab a cheeky sangria. It’s basically family holiday paradise, with an onsite supermarket to make your life that much easier.

• H10 Estepona Palace – This hotel practically whispers, “relax.” Stylish, spacious, and smack on the beach, it’s perfect for sunning, spa-ing, and living that high life. Also, it’s got nightly entertainment, so you can party without even leaving the hotel.

• Melia Costa Del Sol – Classic, comfy, and right by the buzzing Playa de la Carihuela. Ideal for beach-lovers who want sun, sea, and sangria – in that order.

Activities for Everyone 🎉

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Bioparc Fuengirola – Forget traditional zoos; Bioparc Fuengirola recreates natural habitats so animals roam as they would in the wild. Kids will be amazed by gorillas, tigers, and lemurs while learning about conservation efforts. It’s an eco-friendly adventure that lets you see exotic animals up close and personal, with special feeding times and interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained, the perfect day out on your Costa Del Sol holidays.

• Aqualand Torremolinos – Costa del Sol’s largest water park, Aqualand is a must for any family looking to cool off and have some fun. With adrenaline-pumping slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated kids’ splash zone, there’s something for every age. Parents can chill by the pools while the kids race down slides like “Kamikaze” and “Twister.”

• Sealife Benalmadena – This interactive aquarium is perfect for curious little minds. Explore underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and vibrant fish. There are also touch pools for hands-on encounters with starfish and sea urchins. It’s educational, fascinating, and just the right size for a few hours of sea-life wonder!

For Couples 💖

• Walk the Marbella Promenade – Nothing says romance like a sunset stroll along the Marbella Promenade. Hand-in-hand, you’ll pass sculptures, charming cafes, and, of course, mesmerising sea views. Stop for a coffee, gelato, or just a quiet moment to take in the coastal beauty.

• Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle (Malaga) – If you’re after history with a view on your holidays to Costa Del Sol, these ancient fortresses in Malaga are a must. Roam the castle walls, explore the lush gardens, and take in panoramic views of the city and sea. It’s a stunning way to spend an afternoon soaking up Andalusian history.

• Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Kick back on a catamaran with a glass of cava as the sun dips below the horizon. Many cruises offer soft music, comfy lounges, and uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. A perfect blend of romance and relaxation that’ll leave you both starry-eyed.

For Groups 🥂

• Benalmadena Marina – This lively marina has everything: buzzing bars, trendy shops, and restaurants to kick off a night of fun. It’s ideal for a bit of pre-party shopping or cocktails by the water before heading out on the town.

• Tivoli World (Benalmadena) – For groups looking to let loose, Tivoli World is a classic amusement park with thrill rides, bumper cars, and live shows. It’s a bit of retro fun, with attractions for everyone and plenty of carnival-style food to fuel the excitement.

• Malaga Nightlife Crawl – Dive into Malaga’s old town, where tapas bars, clubs, and pubs are open till the early hours. Start with a round of tapas and sangria, then make your way through the narrow streets packed with lively locals and travellers alike. Perfect for groups ready to party!

For Foodies 🍤

• Tapas Tour in Malaga – Tapas hopping is a rite of passage here. Join a tour, or DIY, sampling a mix of jamón, patatas bravas, and fresh seafood with each drink. Expect generous portions, authentic flavours, and a side of sangria or beer to wash it down.

• Visit a Bodega in Ronda – For wine lovers, Ronda’s vineyards are paradise. Take a tour of a traditional bodega, sip on local wines, and pair them with Spanish cheeses while enjoying sweeping vineyard views. It’s the ultimate treat for the senses, and you’ll even learn a bit about winemaking along the way.

• Cooking Class in Marbella – Channel your inner chef and learn to cook Spanish staples like paella and tortilla Española. These hands-on classes teach traditional techniques, with plenty of tasting along the way. By the end, you’ll be equipped to recreate your favourite Spanish dishes at

Other Places to visit in Costa Del Sol:

• Malaga

• Marbella

• Benalmadena

• Torremolinos