Comprising the entire coastline of Malaga province, this once stretch of tiny fishing villages is now a collection of holiday resort towns that welcomes millions of tourists to its golden sandy beaches each summer.
Synonymous with being a family holiday destination the Costa del Sol is hard to beat when it comes to attractions with historic castles and white washed Bougainvillea-clad villages just a few kilometres inland from the beaches.
Shopping and nightlife go hand in hand with a multitude of dining options that feature cuisines from around the globe, while the avid golfer can play a host of challenging courses all designed by top professionals.
If it is celebrity glitz and glamour you are after, visit Marbella and the town of Puerto Banus where the jet-setters come to play aboard their million-dollar mega yachts and park their flame red ferraris.
Whatever you are looking for in a beach holiday you will find it and more on the Costa del Sol. If you need some more convincing here are our top reasons why the Costa del Sol should be your next destination...
1. Weather
Southern Spain has without question the best year round weather in Europe with over 320 days of sunshine making it a top holiday destination.
It was once coined that Torrox on the Costa del Sol holds the title for 'best climate in Europe' with a famous sign post to announce it further.
Whether true or not, visiting or living somewhere like Malaga province to get more Vitamin D has been recommended by not just a few physicians in the UK.
2. Easy to Get to & Around
Malaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol and Malaga Airport is a modern facility that last year handled more than 16 million passengers.
Several low cost airlines fly to the Costa del Sol from the UK and other European destinations and prices are very cheap. To get the best deals on flights to Malaga we recommend booking in advance and use Skyscanner which is one of the best comparison websites.
When you arrive transfers from the airport can be easily arranged or even booked in advance. There is also an onsite railway station and frequent buses to all the popular Costa del Sol destinations. The whole region is easy to get around even if you do not want to hire a car.
3. Accommodation for all Budgets
There are lots of options when it comes to where to stay in the Costa del Sol including hotels, resorts, guest houses, hostels, apartments and AirBnB.
Rates are very cheap especially compared to other destinations in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona. Even in the busy summer season you can get greal value on hotels and all-inclusive packages.
If you are looking for somewhere cheap to stay in the Costa del Sol, use Booking.com to search for budget accommodation and book well in advance to get the best prices.
4. Beaches
The Costa del Sol has some of the best blue flagged beaches in Spain with beautiful promenades providing a backdrop to the warm Mediterranean Sea, such as the gorgeous Playa de Maro beach in Nerja.
Whether it is water sports you are looking for or a quiet secluded cove the Costa del Sol has you covered with its approximately 90 kilometres of coastline and some of the best sandy beaches in Spain.
If you’re willing to search for a quiet and more secluded beach, you’ll soon discover that there’s a another side to the Costa Del Sol with tranquil hidden coves across the area.
There are also local organisations which offer the chance to volunteer in Spain and help conservation efforts including beach cleans and helping animals which might appeal if you are looking for a rewarding holiday doing more than just sunbathing.
5. Shopping
From Spain’s famous Corte Ingles department store to chic designer boutiques you will find all the latest must-have fashions and accessories all for sale at reasonable prices.
Most towns have market days where you can pick up local handmade goods such as leather bags, pretty pottery, clothing, shoes, souvenirs, tasty olives and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Be prepared to barter and haggle to get the best deals, an essential spanish phrase is ‘Cuanto es?’ or how much is it?
6. Food & Drink
Where else can you go in the world and get a tasty snack with each beer you order? On the Costa del Sol it is natural to be served a small tapa with your wine or beer.
Fresh seafood is a speciality on the Costa del Sol with plenty of beachside eateries serving up the daily catch. Enjoy the regions delicious dish of Paella, complete with a glass of Sangria.
7. Fiestas
The Spanish love to party as is evident by their many fiestas that seem to go on from one village to the next all summer long. Even as a foreigner you are expected to join in the festivities and have a good time. A number of fiestas even provide free food and drink to their visitors!
8. Attractions
With so many people choosing to vacation on the Costa del Sol it will come as no surprise to learn that there are countless attractions that will appeal to the entire family.
There are lots of things to do in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol, and waterparks are of course top of the list with kids but there are several animal parks, gardens, and even a cable car ride to the top of a mountain where you can see the coast of Africa on offer.
Bioparc fuengirola is an unmissable treat for the whole family, with a great variety of animals and all in a very close to natural environment. The welfare of the 200 species of animal is evident here and such a pleasant experience to observe. It’s hard to believe that this incredible tropical ‘zoo’ is in the middle of a busy town.
9. Sports
You name it; the Costa del Sol has every sport covered, from championship golf courses and world-class tennis facilities to sailing, quad biking, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, water skiing and parasailing.
There are so many leisure activities in Spain and some companies offer package tours of Spain which visit the Costa del Sol region and include activities and sightseeing in the price.
Kayaking on the Mediterranean with its crystal clear blue waters and stunning mountain backdrops is another popular leisure activity that the whole family can be involved in.
This is also one of the best places to go scuba diving in Spain with lots of operators offering beginners and advanced courses. Or if you are planning a visit during winter for real thrill seekers skiing is available in the Sierra Nevada with its powdery white snow and scenic slopes.
Whatever floats your boat, you will find a place to do it and enjoy the outdoor life and unique experiences in the Costa del Sol. If you would like to stay longer than your average holiday check out our seasonal work in Spain.
10. History
With a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians, the Costa del Sol is a treasure trove of historic sites that include a Roman amphitheatre, Moorish castles and towers built to warn people of Barbary pirate raids.
For those willing to travel a little further afield, the Alhambra Palace located in Granada is a spectacular example of Moorish and Christian architecture.
The Pompidou Centre in Malaga is home to some of the most famous pieces of contemporary art in the world. Being the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga also boasts a museum that contains not only his art but other artist’s work that inspired him.
Plan a Holiday to the Costa del Sol
These are just a few of the reasons we love the Costa del Sol and are sure that if you give it a try for your next trip you will be hooked just like the rest of us.
