Best Things to Do on Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is without a doubt the most popular among all coastal areas in Spain. With millions of tourists coming each year for a beach holiday or a city trip, this is also the most visited part of the Spanish coastline. Whether you are staying in one of the beach resorts, or renting an apartment for the summer, or city tripping, Costa del Sol has a lot to offer. Read further to find out what to do when visiting Costa del Sol. I have included the best of both worlds: Costa del Sol’s best attractions, like Nerja Caves or Mijas Pueblo, and some off-the-beaten path things do on Costa del Sol, like visiting the Roman baths in Casares or seeing an equestrian show.

You might ask why I am bothered about writing about Costa del Sol, as this blog is about Europe beyond the crowds. Well, normally I would not advocate for visiting an over-touristy place, but since the infrastructure in that part of Spain has been adjusted to reflect the influx of tourism and there are enough facilities, and provided that economically this area relies only on tourism, it would be just as bad for the local people not to visit Costa del Sol.

a coastline with beaches, a highway, some mountains and lots of high blocks; an aerial view of Costa del Sol by Benalmadena

I happened to stay on Costa del Sol off season and I was surprised to find out that the years of booming tourism couldn’t delete the charm of the places, and there are so many amazing things to see and do on Costa del Sol if you just get off the chaise-long by that swimming pool and head to the Old Town area of the place where you are staying on holiday.

Contents

Where is Costa del Sol?
What is Costa del Sol famous for?
How to get to Costa del Sol?
Top things to do on Costa del Sol

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Where is Costa del Sol?

Located between Costa Tropical (Granada) and Costa de la Luz (Cádiz and Huelva), Costa del Sol is basically the coastline of Málaga Province (Andalusia, Spain), stretching from Nerja all the way down to Gibraltar. Although very close to Málaga and the coastline, places like Ronda or Antequera are not considered to be on Costa del Sol.

a map of Spain showing the touristic names of all coastal areas.

What is Costa del Sol famous for?

The name Costa del Sol (the Sunny Coast) was coined in the 1960s and was a marketing trick to attract foreign tourists to Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Marbella was the first of the villages along the coast to start attracting tourists in the 1940s and 50s. First to come were the celebrities, which made out of Marbella an elite resort. Then it was Torremolinos that became a popular destination for the famous and the rich, and then it all exploded. Tourism boomed in the 1960s and 70s changing for good everything in that part of Andalusia.

Gone are today the fisherman villages and the white villages, highways cross the rugged coastline, golf courses dot the landscape, and gated communities offer a place under the sun for expats from all over the world. ‘Costa del Sol’ changed for good Spain’s sunniest coastline.

How to get to Costa del Sol?

Most likely you’ll be staying on Costa del Sol with a package deal, but if you want to organize everything yourself, you can fly directly to Spain’s most famous coastal area.

Getting to Costa del Sol from anywhere in Europe is super easy, as Málaga has its very own international airport – Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol). Some of the airlines that currently fly to Málaga include Air France, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ryanair, and Vueling. This is also the 3rd largest airport in the country.

Pro tip: Check out on Omio.com for all transportation options (flights, buses or trains) to and around in Costa del Sol.

a cypress tree in front of a building with 3 triangle glass roofs behind arches, a lot of taxis in front of the building, the Bus station in Malaga — Malaga Bus Station

Málaga is very well connected with other places along the coastline by public transportation. From the bus station in Málaga (Málaga Estación Autobuses) you can go anywhere.

It’s also very easy to rent a car at the airport of Málaga and drive by yourself. There’s the A-7 highway and also the more picturesque N-340 that follows the coastline closely.

4 pictures of places and activities in Costa del Sol with overlay text: Best things to do on Costa del Sol, Spain

Top things to do on Costa del Sol

Here are some of the best things you can do on Costa del Sol in Spain:

Uncover the layers of history in Málaga

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

Málaga is the star on Costa del Sol and it has it all, from the beaches to the historical heritage and the nightlife. If you are visiting Costa del Sol or vacationing there, most probably your trip will start and end in Málaga, as most likely you will be flying to the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Whatever your reasons are to spend time on Costa del Sol, you have to make time and visit Málaga. You can do a day trip from the place on Costa del Sol where you are staying, or stay in Málaga an extra day before you leave Spain or when you come to Spain, just the way I did it.

a cityscape of Malaga with the cathedral; is Malaga worth visiting — Málaga

When in Málaga make sure you visit the 11th-century Alcazaba Fortress and the 14th-century Castillo del Gibralfaro, reminiscences of the Moorish period in Andalusia. If you are a fine arts aficionado, you can’t miss Picasso’s Museum in Málaga (Museo Picasso Málaga) or Picasso’s birth house which has been turned into a museum.

For the most amazing views of the city get a tour of Málaga’s Cathedral roof. The Cathedral itself is also worth visiting.

And if you are into beaches pop at Playa de la Malagueta (Málaga’s city beach) or at Playa de la Caleta for a more relaxed vibe.

Stroll the streets of Marbella

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

If you want to do something different on Costa del Sol than enjoying the sun, swimming in the sea or sipping on a cocktail in your chaise-longue, then you can visit the lovely Marbella. Popular only with the beaches and the high-end resorts, Marbella will surprise you with what it has to offer.

a large square packed with restaurant tables and people and large umbrellas; Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella — Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella

Marbella’s Old Town is a real hidden gem with the tiny streets and the blue-colored flower pots hanging on the walls and the cute restaurants on the busy small squares. Make sure you have a drink at Plaza de los Naranjos – the heart of Marbella, and walk around to the ruins of Marbella Castle.

Some of the best things that you can do in Marbella without a doubt are connected with water. An affordable option is a group sailboat cruise with drinks, or you can charter a private sailing cruise with drinks if you are not on budget. Other options include a kayak tour in Marbella or a catamaran cruise with dolphin watching. Would there be anything more romantic than a stand-up paddleboarding at sunset?

Marvel the white-washed Mijas Pueblo

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

You can’t visit Andalusia without visiting at least one of the emblematic white villages – pueblos blancos. Located just a short drive from both Marbella and Málaga, Mijas Pueblo is a must-do excursion if you are vacationing on Costa del Sol. Does it live to the hype? Yes! Absolutely!

When planning your trip to Mijas, you should be careful that there are actually 3 places that share the same name: Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa and La Cala de Mijas. To avoid any confusion, you need Mijas Pueblo.

a narrow street along white houses with blue flower pots hanging on the walls with geraniums in bloom and other flowers; the White village of Mijas in Spain — Mijas White village in Spain

When in Mijas, enjoy the beautiful views from the El Compás viewpoint and visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of the Rock (la Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña). Walk around the tiny cobbled streets and enjoy the flowers hanging on the walls in blue flower pots. If you want to learn how life was like in this area before the tourists came, visit the Ethnographic Museum of Mijas (Museo Histórico Etnológico de Mijas).

If you don’t want to bother with driving to Mijas or taking the bus, the best way to visit Mijas from Costa del Sol is with an organized day trip. There are various private or (small) group tours offered from Málaga and other places on Costa del Sol. Here’s a small selection:

You can also check on Expedia, Viator, or GetYourGuide for more trip ideas to Mijas.

Enjoy the old equestrian traditions

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

Another cool thing to do on Costa del Sol is to visit a cortijo and enjoy an equestrian show followed up by a flamenco show. Cortijos are the typical farmhouses in Southern Spain, which sometimes would even have a chapel on the grounds.

an equestrian show with four horses; at the background palm trees; Equestrian show in Marbella — Cortijo De Cortés

When I was visiting Marbella I had the chance to marvel the horses dancing at Cortijo De Cortés and enjoy a delicious dinner with local produce, followed by a show with flamenco music and dancers. It was an absolutely amazing experience that I can highly recommend!

The show I visited at the Cortijo was a private one, but you can book a similar experience in Torremolinos. The best part about it is that there’s a pick up by bus from Marbella and Puerto Banús, so you don’t need to worry about transportation or driving yourself and ultimately enjoy the show and dinner experience with a glass of tinto de verano or cava.

Do a wine testing tour

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

Andalusia is famous for its wine production and one of the best things to do on Costa del Sol is visiting a winery (bodega). On the hills around Malaga you will find vineyards with the varieties Muscatel, or Pedro Ximénez. Along the Ronda Wine Route you can expect to see a lot of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

four glass with wine - one with white and 3 with read on a sheet with explanation about the wines; wine tasting near Ronda, Costa del Sol — Bodega Joaquín Fernández

When I stayed on Costa del Sol, I visited the organic winery at Bodega Joaquín Fernández. The lovely views to the vineyards were paired with wine tasting of their most finest wines, and of course with a tasteful lunch of locally sourced products.

You can do a similar tour of what I did with this visit to Ronda combined with a winery tour. Picking up is in Marbella. Also from Marbella you can do an Antequera wine tour with tastings and lunch, or a Manilva sunset wine tasting tour with tapas.

There’s also a trip from Marbella to the vineyards of Cómpeta with a visit to the village. Read further to find out more about this lovely mountainous village.

Immerse in a local feria

Contributed by Daniela, author of this blog

Ferias in Andalusia are an institution and an amazing way to dip your toes into local traditions. Ferias originated from the livestock shows or are connected with the religious celebration of the patron saint of a given place. Today, the ferias are a colorful explosion of music, dances, food and those amazing flamenco dresses.

a large street with lots of people partying; the street is overhang with white shades and triangle banner in purple, red, pink an white colors; Avenida del Mar during the San Bernabe Feria in Marbella — Feria de San Bernabé in Marbella

So, when you are staying on Costa del Sol, check whether there are ferias held in the neighbourhood and you won’t be disappointed. I was so lucky that when I was staying in Marbella it happened to be during the Feria de San Bernabé. The town was living in an elevated state. There were lots of shows and the Alameda Park together with the Avenida del Mar were transformed into a giant outdoor party area with lots of flamenco dancers from various local schools, bands playing at every corner and DJs, and people dancing and enjoying themselves.

The atmosphere is absolutely captivating and you’ll find yourself walking from one caseta (marquee tent) to the other, dancing to the tunes of the music they are playing at the moment. During the ferias there are also fun fairs and lots of performances and concerts.

The best part about the ferias on Costa del Sol, is that some places have more than one festival per year. So, whenever you are visiting Costa del Sol, there will be always a feria close by so that you can take part in.

Visit the lovely Estepona

Contributed by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

There are many reasons to visit Estepona, and its historic centre is one. Exploring the old town is one of the best things to do in Estepona. It is known as the Garden of Costa del Sol because it is home to many beautiful cobblestone streets with whitewashed buildings and flower pots.

a small square at dusk with fountain in the middle surrounded by flowers, and white building on the sides of the square; Estepona in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Estepona, photo by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

As you explore its picturesque streets, you will come across historic buildings, like Casa de las Tejerinas and Estepona Castle walls. Although you can explore it at your own pace, you can also visit the tourist office and grab a map to go on a self-guided tour to see impressive street art or statues across the old town. Another unmissable place is the Orchid House (El Orquidario de Estepona), a beautiful botanical garden home to various orchids and a waterfall.

If you visit Estepona in summer, you will love spending time on its beaches. Playa de la Cala and Playa de la Rada are the closest beaches to the historical centre and have good facilities.

No matter what time of the year you visit Estepona, there are plenty of activities to do. In the summer you can do a dolphin watching sailboat cruise with drinks or a sunset sailboat cruise with drinks. If you are a bit adventurous you can do Vía Ferrata de Casares climbing tour or a mountain biking tour in Sierra Bermeja.

Discover the quaint Cómpeta

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Cómpetais a picturesque mountain town in the Axarquía region of southern Spain. Known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Costa del Sol.

One of the most special things about Cómpeta is its charming and authentic atmosphere. Unlike some of the more touristy towns in the area, Cómpeta has managed to preserve its traditional Andalusian character while still offering visitors all the amenities they need for a comfortable stay. There are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine, as well as shops selling everything from handmade ceramics to locally produced olive oil.

a hilltop village with white houses against rugged mountains; Competa in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Cómpeta

In addition to its cultural offerings, Cómpeta is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the Sierra de Almijara Natural Park, home to various hiking trails and wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Hiking is a must-do here and you’ll love the trails to Casa la Mina, Fabrica de la Luz or the lost village of Acebuchal in the mountains.

If you’re planning a visit to Cómpeta, the best time to go is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During the summer, the town can get quite busy with tourists, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance if you’re planning a trip during this time.

Visit Nerja and the famous Nerja Caves

Contributed by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

Nerja is one of the most popular towns in Costa del Sol, Spain. If you are looking for an authentic Spanish feel with the historic centre and lovely neighbourhood, Nerja should be on your places to visit list.

Although there are countless reasons why one should visit Nerja, one of the top reasons is its beaches. Nerja’s beaches are said to be some of the cleanest beaches in Cost del Sol. If you visit Burriana Beach, which is voted one of the best beaches in Costa del Sol, you’ll find relaxing sun loungers and beach bars. Not just this, Nerja has a whole list of beaches with bustling to quiet scenes.

a cave with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated with colorful lights and a path leading through the cave; the Nerja Caves in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Nerja Caves

Do not miss out on the Balcon de Europa, which makes this town special. A walk along the palm trees lined by a long promenade leading to the Mediterranean Sea will make your evening. You’ll find many other things to do in Nerja like visiting the famous Nerja caves, exploring the nearby town of Frigiliana, viewing the Aqueduct Eagle, and hiking along Pico del Cielo.

If you are staying in Málaga or Marbella there are day tours to Nerja that include a visit to the town and the caves. Some tours combine a trip to Nerja and Frigiliana in one:

Relax in Fuengirola

Contributed by Joanna from Andalucia in My Pocket

Fuengirola is a charming town on Costa del Sol, with a nice mix of locals and expats which makes it unique in this area full of beach resorts. Because it is a town, Fuengirola has something for everyone and is active year-round, compared to other places in this part of Spain.

Fuengirola has lovely beaches, as well as a medieval castle which can be visited free of charge. Often the Sohail castle is the location for different events and festivals, as well as concerts. In the evening, on the beach in front of the castle, you can meet many locals firing up the barbecues and enjoying time with friends.

a promenade and beachfront with palm trees and hotels on the left side and some mountain hilltops at the background; Fuengirola in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Fuengirola

One of the best things to do in Fuengirola is go on a dolphin spotting cruise. There are many boats offering excursions searching for these beautiful creatures who like to hang around not far from the shore. Some of the boats also have a see-through floor, through which you can observe the marine life through the clear waters of the Alboran Sea.

Another great place to visit in Fuengirola is the BioParc, an eco parc that took over the old zoo in Fuengirola and is now focusing on breeding programs for endangered species such as the Komodo Dragon, the Sumatran Tiger, and the Sri Lankan leopard. When the weather gets really hot, locals like to cool down at Aqua Mijas, a fun water park that caters both for adults and children.

Enjoy another white-washed village: Frigiliana

Contributed by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

Frigiliana is definitely one of the best places to visit on the Costa del Sol, as it is one of the most charming white villages (pueblos blancos) in southern Spain. This little white village is close to the sea but isn’t quite on the sea, and there are multiple viewpoints throughout town where you can see the white buildings in town, the countryside, and the sea all from one vantage point – a stunning view. The village of Frigiliana itself is just immaculate – the walls are pristine white, there are potted plants and flowers out everywhere, and the cobblestone streets even have designs and swirls placed in them.

a tiny street lined up with white houses with blue doors and window frames; Frigiliana in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Frigiliana, photo by Stephanie Rytting

In Frigiliana, an old palace is now a mill that makes the only sugar cane honey produced in Europe. While the palace turned mill is closed to visitors, you can still buy this local specialty in the city.

Make sure you hike or drive up to the Castle of Frigiliana Viewpoint, located at the top of a tall nearby hill. The castle is long gone, but looking down at the entire village from above is a beautiful sight.

If you visit in August, you can enjoy the Festival of Three Cultures, where parades, concerts, light projections, and craft fairs take place celebrating the 3 cultures of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism that have resided in the region throughout history.

If you are staying in Málaga or Marbella there are day tours to Frigilian in a combination with a visit to Nerja and the caves:

Dip your toes in the Baños de La Hedionda

Contributed by Linn Haglund of Amused by Andalucia

One of the best spots on Costa del Sol to visit is the underrated Baños de La Hedionda in Casares, Málaga. Situated by a river under the canopies of trees giving shade on a hot day, the baths have been used since the Romans occupied the area. Legend says that Julius Caesar himself bathed in the sulfur water and got cured of a skin disease. Because of this, he made Casares a town and they could mint their own coins.

The natural baths are completely free to visit. They are only reached by car, which makes them less touristy. From the parking, you must walk on dirt road for 10-15 minutes to reach the baths.

a ruin of a Roman bath with blue water; Banos de la Hedionda in Casares, Adalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Baños de la Hedionda Casares, photo by Linn Haglund

In the summer months, you will find a lot of locals and expats by the bath. If you decide to go off season, the water will be body temperature, so on a sunny day, you can easily go for a dip and dry off under the warmth of Costa del Sol’s winter sun. In the area, there are also beautiful hiking routes you can combine with a swim in the ancient Roman baths, besides visiting the beautiful town.

If you are staying in Málaga, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, or Ronda, you can book a half day tour to Casares with a pick-up from your hotel.

Follow the steps of Cervantes in Vélez-Málaga

Contributed by Anya from Road is Calling

There is one place on Costa del Sol that not many people know about, even though it offers some of the most interesting and unique Spain experiences. And this place is called Vélez-Málaga located between Málaga city and Nerja, which was inspiring Cervantes during his long stay and continues to inspire many others who pay it a visit today.

a hill-top village with white houses with a castle tower on the top of the hill and a church tower at the bottom left corner; Velez-Malaga in Andalusia, Spain (Costa del Sol) — Vélez-Málaga

Vélez-Málaga is ages old town with huge historical and cultural significance. Besides having a big number of traditional Andalusian white homes together with many historic buildings, it is also famous for its traditional ceramics industry, for its sweet wine, known as Málaga wine, and its countless number of avocado farms thanks to the mild, subtropical climate and fertile soil of the region.

One of the special things to do when coming there is to visit the house where Cervantes stayed during a few months, try avocados from one of the local farms, participate in a ceramic workshop, and of course go for a walk to the most remarkable architectural marvels such as the Fortress of Vélez-Málaga, the Church of Santa Maria, and the Convent of San Francisco. They not only hold a prominent place in the town’s history and cultural ethos but also provide breathtaking panoramic vistas of the adjacent countryside.