The southern province of Malaga and the Costa del Sol are among the most attractive destinations in Spain, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday.
The area offers fabulous beaches, a pleasant climate all year round, picturesque whitewashed hilltop villages like Mijas andCasares, spas and wellness centres, marinas, great nightlife and a cuisine which reflects the best of the Mediterranean diet.
The Costa del Sol is also full of great shops of every kind.
The best-known towns include the city of Malaga itself, Ronda, Benalmádena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Nerja, and of course, Marbella.
Marbella
Marbella is unrivalled in its tourist attractions, with 16 golf courses, 4 marinas, 25 beaches, around 20 spas and thalassotherapy centres, a traditional Andalusian old town centre, and festivals throughout the year, but it’s probably most famous for its marina Puerto Banús, where you will always see some of the world’s most luxurious yachts, surrounded by a glamorous district of haute cuisine restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques, and grand houses such as King Fahd’s mansion, the summer residence of the Saudi royal family. Malaga airport is the nearest major airport to Marbella, serving millions of passengers every year.
Don’t miss
Iconic locations on the Costa del Sol:Essential spots include the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba in Malaga, the cliffs and bridge over the Tagus in Ronda, and the caves and Balcón de Europa viewing point in Nerja.Exclusive marinas: leisure craft of every kind gather in places like Puerto Banús and the marinas of Benalmádena, where a wide range of leisure facilities and restaurants provide endless ways to relax by the sea.
The golfer’s paradise: Did you know this area is also called the “Golf Coast”? Both skilled players and raw beginners will find something to suit them here, among some of Spain’s finest golf courses.
Nightlife: as well as the areas along the seafront, such as the marinas at Benalmádena and Puerto Banús, where there are beach clubs with VIP areas and sessions by famous DJs, Marbella’s old town centre is also home to the best bars and restaurants for a great night out.
With children
Options for families on the Costa del Sol include amusement parks like Tívoli World, and animal reserves like Selwo Aventura, Selwo Marina, or Bioparc Fuengirola, as well as other activities such as the Benalmádena cable car, where the ticket includes the opportunity to see an exhibition of birds of prey at the end of the route. More information
Shopping
Luxury shopping: Shops offering top brands, for example at Puerto Banús in Marbella. More information
Exclusive Marbella glamour: Beauty centres, luxury spas, golf courses, riding schools, luxury apartments, cruises, beaches with VIP services, and sports cars. More information
Mosques
Marbella mosque is in the residential area of Las Lomas de Marbella Club.
Fuengirola mosque is on Avenida de Santa Amalia.
