Costa del Sol

Overview of the coast

This "costa" refers to the coastal area around Malaga. It spans roughly 160 kilometres and is home to many of the most well-known or touristy seaside resorts, such as Marbella or Torremolinos. Crowded in peak season.

Key facts

• Tourist interest: ★ (worth a stop if you are in the area).

• Location: from Nerja (east) to Tarifa (west).

• Main towns:

• Length: 158 km.

• Population:

• Website: http://fr.visitcostadelsol.com

History of the Costa del Sol

Environment

Precautions

What to see

Among the many options the Costa del Sol offers, both along the coast and inland:

Algeciras ★
At the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, it has traditionally been a maritime gateway to Morocco. A few beaches in the surrounding area.

El Torcal de Antequera ★★
These are strange karst formations located in the municipality of Antequera, north of Malaga. They represent the main site of the "Antequera Dolmens" inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Short hikes can be done here.

Fuengirola ★
One of the Costa del Sol’s seaside resorts, with the added bonus of Roman ruins and a Moorish fortress.

Caves of Nerja ★★
This spectacular cave complex, near the town of the same name, is one of Spain’s most visited sites.

Caves of La Pileta ★
Decorated caves in the municipality of Benaojan, not far from Marbella.

Malaga ★★
This is the largest urban area on the Costa del Sol and the main air and sea gateway to Andalusia. Picasso’s city boasts several historical sites, numerous nearby beaches, as well as some hiking and climbing opportunities in the surrounding area.

Marbella ★★
Located between Gibraltar and Málaga, Marbella is the (ultra) chic seaside resort of the Costa del Sol. It offers a historic centre and a lovely waterfront.

Mijas ★★
A beautiful little "white" hilltop town with an old centre, near Málaga.

Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park ★★
This mid-mountain region in Malaga province, fairly wild, is popular with hikers and cavers.

White Villages Route ★★★
This tourist route lets you discover around twenty stunning "pueblos blancos" (white villages), with their distinctive appearance, in the Cádiz region.

Torremolinos ★
One of the best-known seaside resorts on the Costa del Sol, offering plenty of activities and entertainment, primarily aimed at a young audience.

more also...

Gibraltar
Between Spain and Morocco, on the edge of the strait of the same name, "The Rock"—as this British overseas territory is nicknamed—offers visitors a curious blend of cultures...

What to do

Beaches and water activities

Other activities

Bars and nightlife

Climate and weather

Generally, the Costa del Sol has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and mild winters (some rain in late autumn and spring). Thanks to the sea, the climate remains "livable" in summer, unlike inland areas where temperatures can become scorching in July and August.

Sea temperature throughout the year

Getting around

Getting there

Getting around

Where to stay

Where to eat

Further reading