Costa Del Sol Quick Guide

Welcome to our Costa del Sol Quick Guide, designed to provide travellers with all the essential information they need for a memorable visit to this stunning region we love so much. From the majestic mountains to the serene Mediterranean shore, we try to cover everything from our local point of view, from attractions and activities to shopping and holiday healthcare.

Unexpected discoveries

We really believe that there is something for everyone on the Costa del Sol. Many of our friends who have come to visit us since we moved here, have come back year after year as they liked it so much… It really wasn’t what they expected – but in a good way! This region blends traditional Spain with modern amenities. There are so many things you can do, see and experience here that go far beyond the typical tourist experience.

What and where is the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol is a scenic region in the South of Spain, renowned for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline. It stretches approximately 160 kilometers, from the town of Nerja in the east to Manilva in the west. It gets its name from its sunny climate (Costa del Sol = The Sunny Coast) which makes it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.

Mountains and Sea

The Costa Del Sol has a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery on the Mediterranean Sea. When you look out to the sea from a lookout point high in the mountains, you’re offered a stunning panorama view of the Rock of Gibraltar, the coast of Northern Africa and the snow on the Sierra Nevada Mountains above Granada.

What’s on offer on the Costa Del Sol

Depending on what you enjoy, you can drive for 10 minutes inland from the Costa del Sol and find typical white Andalucian Villages, visit designer shops in Puerto Banus, enjoy a meal surrounded by the scent of orange blossom in Marbella Old Town or choose from 40 Golf courses on the Costa Del Sol.

Sunshine and Leisure

There are on average 320 days of sun on this coast so there is plenty of opportunities to visit the numerous beaches, walk in the mountains, swim or water ski on the lakes, visit a theme park or shop at a flea or street market.

Exploring Nearby Gems

Please take time to plan your break, it is well worth visiting Marbella Old Town, Estepona, Ojen, historic Ronda and Istan. Granada is only 1.5 hours away and Cordoba 2 hours. Malaga itself is a beautiful city – one of Europe’s most underrated with its cathedral, museums and port area with the Pompidou Centre, the only one outside Paris! You can stroll around the port with its luxurious yachts and people-watch in Puerto Banus or Benalmadena. Sit on a Costa Del Sol beach on a clear day, squinting to see Gibraltar with Africa in the distance.

Unique Travel Experiences

During most of the year (weather permitting) there is a catamaran ferry from Marbella Marina to Puerto Banus which takes about 30 minutes and is a great way to travel. Or, why not do something really different and fly into Malaga, drive to Seville and on to the Algarve and then fly home from Faro Airport in Portugal.

Holiday Planning Tips

Make an effort, get as much information about Malaga and the Costa Del Sol life as you can and you will be rewarded with a wonderful holiday. Why do you think we have all moved here?

Malaga Airport & Transport on the Costa Del Sol & Transport

Most of the Costa Del Sol is less than an hour’s transfer from Malaga Airport and you can fly to the Costa del Sol from over 30 countries and 118 Airports. Terminal 3 at Malaga Airport with its transportation hub contains a railway station, bus station, taxis, car hire and long-term parking. Flights to Spain are available from over 30 UK, European and international airports. The choice and frequency of cheap flights to Malaga are why so many people choose to spend time on the Costa del Sol.

Amusement Parks on the Costa Del Sol

For kids, there are several Costa Del Sol Theme Parks including a water park and zoo in Fuengirola, Selwo Safari Park in Estepona, Selwo Marina in Benalmadena, Crocodile Park in Torremolinos and Tivoli World in Benalmadena. You can even visit the Andaluz Donkeys in Estepona on a Sunday morning – if you can manage to drag the children out of the pool!

Shopping on the Costa del Sol

We have written information on Plaza Mayor Leisure Park just outside Malaga, and the Miramar Centre in Fuengirola. There’s also La Cañada shopping in Marbella, The Vialia Centre in Malaga, and Marina Banus in Puerto Banus. Of course, there’s also the famous El Corte Ingles department store in Malaga and Puerto Banus, plus an El Corte Ingles Outlet store in Mijas Costa, very near Fuengirola. You can also find details on all the Costa del Sol markets here. We have also drawn up a list of public holidays in Spain and Andalucia so you can see when the shops are closed.

Costa Del Sol Beaches, Weather & Temperatures

We have a detailed page with information about the Costa del Sol Beaches and if you would like to check out the weather or are wondering what clothes to pack then we give advice in our Malaga weather and Costa Del Sol Temperatures sections.

Health Cover on the Costa del Sol

If you are concerned about the health cover and the Spanish Health Service, don’t be. The Spanish healthcare system is excellent, and highly rated by the World Health Organization. For European Community travellers, you can access the free national healthcare here with your European Health card, issued by your country. For non-EU travellers, all you need to do is invest in good travel insurance and you’ll have access to excellent private clinics all along the Coast.

Other Places to Visit from the Costa Del Sol

There is so much to explore around the Costa Del Sol other than the usual haunts of Marbella and Puerto Banus. We love driving around and visiting different towns, villages and cities. Some of the scenery in Spain is amazing and the roads are just a dream to drive on. Malaga is one city that is definitely underrated and we recommend you try to visit there if you can.

Property on the Costa Del Sol

If you are interested in buying a property to either live here or use for holiday rentals, come and chat with us directly in our Facebook group The Costa Del Sol Travel Forum. Our members are always happy to give tips and detail their experiences when buying property in Spain.

Come Chat With Us In Our Facebook Group

If you have questions about the Costa del Sol, join our Facebook Group The Costa Del Sol Travel Forum. We’re always happy to help you with questions and queries. You can also follow our Facebook page for updates about Malaga Airport and the Costa del Sol.