Lecture time: 3 minutes
The Costa del Sol is part of Andalusia and is a true paradise for lovers of golf and the Mediterranean coast. With lots of hours of sunshine and a Mediterranean climate, those visiting Malaga, Marbella and other cities in the province are sure to fall in love with the place. The Costa del Sol is perfect for people who love both beaches and cities. Discover the must-see cities.
Málaga is the largest city on the Costa del Sol and the sixth largest in Spain with more than 570,000 inhabitants. The city offers countless art galleries, museums, shopping centres, shops and a wide range of leisure activities. Málaga is home to two of the most famous museums in Spain: the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the Picasso Museum, this city being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro castle are two of Malaga’s main historical monuments. Baroque cathedrals and Moorish castles are part of the city’s characteristic landscape, with the sea, the mountains and Málaga’s port in the background. A must-see in the heart of the Costa del Sol!
Marbella is one of the largest cities on the Costa del Sol and a true multicultural metropolis. It offers endless shopping opportunities in the most luxurious shops, excellent restaurants to enjoy Malaga’s gastronomy and bustling nightlife with a variety of bars, pubs and nightclubs. Marbella’s luxurious and exclusive lifestyle make this city one of the most renowned abroad. Its promenade is one of the most famous in Spain with sculptures by Salvador Dalí. It is also a paradise for golf lovers, with countless golf courses around the city. A must for luxury lovers on the Costa del Sol!
Between Marbella and Sotogrande, Estepona is home to approximately 70,000 inhabitants and boasts a 17-kilometre stretch of coastline. There are several beaches along its coast as well as Estepona’s sailing port, which has many restaurants, shops and bars. Estepona’s old town boasts historic buildings, Malaga’s typical cobbled squares and narrow streets. And for golf lovers, Estepona is surrounded by several golf courses. Estepona is a vibrant town whose tranquil streets adorned with flowers cater to the diverse cultural interests of its visitors.
Nerja is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra mountain range. With just 20,000 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest cities in the east of Malaga province. This paradise is home to small coves with turquoise waters, one of the most famous being Barranco de Maro cove. Balcón de Europa viewpoint is a place of unparalleled beauty that offers magnificent views of the sea. The Nerja Cave is a Historical-Artistic Monument and a “Place of Spanish Geological Interest of International Relevance.” It is known as the “Natural Cathedral of the Costa del Sol” and spans an area of approximately 35,000 square metres, with a maximum horizontal length of 700 metres. It is a very popular tourist destination that you simply have to visit!
Home to around 3,000 inhabitants, Frigiliana is located between the towns of Cómpeta and Nerja, standing out due to its Moorish architecture, tight cobbled streets and white houses. Although it has no coastline, it is one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa del Sol. The village has a wide variety of museums, hiking trails, shops and restaurants. It is a good place to try dishes like gazpacho and fried fish. Several cultural festivals for art lovers also take place throughout the year. Fall in love with Frigiliana, one of the most charming white villages in Malaga!
Fuengirola is home to around 76,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its spectacular beaches. Fuengirola beach is the heart of the city and boasts a promenade stretching more than seven kilometres. There are theme parks and water parks in the surrounding area, such as Bioparc Fuengirola and Selwo Marina Adventure Park. Plaza de la Constitución square has numerous bars, restaurants and pedestrian streets with a variety of shops.
Benalmádena has about 75,000 inhabitants and is divided into two regions: the coast and the mountains. Beaches and marinas combine with the inland village of cobbled streets and old buildings. This city is the perfect tourist destination for those looking for water activities, golf courses or theme parks. It also has a historic centre with Moorish architecture and archaeological sites to be explored. A city that visitors fall in love with!
Mijas is one of the most historic cities on the Costa del Sol. This picturesque and historic city at an altitude of approximately 430 metres is home to about 85,000 inhabitants. Mijas offers, without a doubt, the most spectacular viewpoint on the south coast of Spain while its old town, with its cobbled streets and magnificent buildings, is sure to delight visitors. Its narrow streets are home to a variety of artisanal and traditional products from the area. The surrounding mountains are perfect for a hiking excursion.
Torre del Mar is a small coastal town with 20,000 inhabitants. It is very popular with families and offers a wide cultural programme, with leisure activities and a variety of spas. Its promenade and museums with numerous works of art delight anyone who visits it. If you plan on going with your family, Aquavelis Water Park is the perfect place to spend a summer day.