Costa Del Sol

Costa del Sol – The Spanish sunshine coast that never disappoints

There is something about the Costa del Sol that keeps people coming back. Year after year. With family, with friends, or just two people with a bottle of good wine and no special plans. The Spanish Costa del Sol stretches over 150 kilometres along Andalusia's southern coast, from the bustling city of Málaga in the east to the quiet white villages west towards Gibraltar, and it offers far more than most people associate with package tours and all-inclusive holidays.

More than sunshine and beaches

The Costa del Sol literally means 'the sun coast', and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's easy to see why the area has been luring tourists since the 1950s. But it's the combination of the informal and the sophisticated that really sets this coastal strip apart from so many other places in Europe. Here, you can eat tapas in a narrow alley in the morning and sit at a table in one of Marbella's best restaurants the same evening.

Here, you will find cities like Málaga, Pablo Picasso's birthplace, with a thriving art scene, exciting restaurants and a historic old town that is well worth getting lost in. A little further west is Marbella, known for its old town of Casco Antiguo, the exclusive marina of Puerto Banús and a culinary scene that holds a high international standard. And if you have not yet visited Mijas Pueblo, the whitewashed mountain town that looks out over the sea from a mountain plateau, it should be high on your list.

Torremolinos is perhaps the place that put the Costa del Sol on the map for most Norwegians, and not without good reason. There are nice beaches, a lively nightlife and good infrastructure. Benalmádena Costa is one of the more underrated options along the coast, with its charming marina, aquarium and the whitewashed hillside village of Benalmádena Pueblo, which feels genuinely Andalusian and which many coastal tourists never get to discover.

Fuengirola is a great choice for families with children, with long beaches, a wide variety of restaurants and a tranquil atmosphere suitable for those who want a relaxed holiday without major surprises to their budget.

Further west, you'll find Estepona, known as the flower city of the Costa del Sol, where the streets of Casco Antiguo abound with colourful flowers and whitewashed houses. The city is quieter and more authentic than neighbouring Marbella, and is also home to El Orquidario, a spectacular orchid park with over 8,000 species of flowers under a glass dome.

On the opposite side of Málaga, east of the city, Nerja is for those who want to get further away from the crowds. Narrow streets, the spectacular Balcón de Europa and some of the coast's most beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Burriana, make it a destination that deserves more attention than it usually gets.

Food, wine and good experiences

The Costa del Sol is not just beaches and pools. It is also a region with a proud culinary culture. Andalucia is the land of fresh seafood, tapas and the local white wine variety fino. In the Málaga area, it is worth tasting the sweet Málaga wine, and in the small tapas bars in the old town, a single evening can become one of the better dining experiences you take home from your holiday.

For those who want something unexpected, it is worth exploring the restaurants hidden away in the old fishing quarters. In Marbella, for example, you will find small gems that serve food made with as much love as expertise, often in unpretentious premises where the scent draws you in before you have time to read the menu.

The Costa del Sol has a surprisingly varied range of restaurants on offer, and not everything is about Spanish food. Davero in Marbella is a good example. This family-run Italian restaurant in the old fishing port serves pasta and pizza made from ingredients shipped directly from Italy.

Nature and culture

The inland is often underestimated. From the Costa del Sol, it's just a short drive to El Torcal de Antequera, a surreal nature reserve with limestone formations that look like something from another planet. The white villages, pueblos blancos, such as Ronda with its dramatic bridge over the gorge, are another side of Andalucia that gives your trip another dimension.

Practical information

Best time to travel: April to June and September to October are ideal. Warm enough for the beach, but without the August heat and summer rush. Winter is mild and perfect for culture and hiking.

Getting there: Málaga Airport (AGP) is one of Spain's busiest airports, with direct departures from most European cities.

Getting around: Car rental is the best option if you want to explore more than one city. The coast is well connected by motorway, and most towns are easily accessible.

Accommodation: Everything from affordable apartments to luxury boutique hotels are available. Marbella and Málaga city centre are natural bases, but also check out the smaller towns for a more authentic experience.

The Costa del Sol is suitable for everyone

That is precisely what is fascinating about the Costa del Sol. It contains an enormous amount in a small geographical area. Families with children, couples on a weekend trip, groups of friends looking for good food and sun, and travellers who want more than just beaches, such as the Picasso Museum in Málaga or a real flamenco show. Everyone can find their own version of the Costa del Sol.

And maybe that's exactly what makes you always want to go back!