Compare Costa del Sol holidays

Looking for something more laidback? East of Malaga are more chilled out, natural resorts of Torrox and Nerja. Both are great for families.

Of course, the Costa del Sol’s beaches are the main draw for holidaymakers and this region has some of the best in Spain. Many are Blue Flag recognised for their high environmental and quality standards. Flop on a beach near most resorts and you’ll see why.

When you need a change from sun-lounger lazing, trek inland to find some of its true treasures, such as the quaint Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), natural parks ideal for hiking and historic towns like Ronda with its dramatic mountainous location.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

If you’re looking for a cheaper Costa del Sol holiday, winter is a good bet, with pleasant temperatures around 17C. But if spending time on the beach, sunbathing and swimming is high on your to do list, you may want to avoid this season.

When to go for the best of both

For great weather and better deals on accommodation, consider visiting during the shoulder season months of May, September and October, where temperatures hover around the mid to high 20Cs. This could be a great time for couples to visit, outside of school holidays.

Easter is a popular time to visit, with average temperatures in the low 20s, but prices can be higher than in other times during the shoulder season.

Malaga’s most impressive sight is the Alcazaba de Malaga, a palatial fortress built by the Moors between 1057 and 1063. Ornate archways lead you through a series of lush gardens and fountain-filled courtyards.

Sitting on top of a hill in the centre of the city, it offers spectacular views over the city and out to the Mediterranean. Down below, you can also visit the remains of Malaga’s ancient Roman amphitheatre.

Museo Picasso Malaga

Picasso was one of the 20th century’s most famous and influential artists, and Malaga’s most famous son. His museum, set right in the heart of the city, features over 280 works donated by members of his family.

Combine your visit with the nearby Picasso Birthplace Museum. It’s set in the house where Picasso was born and lived in as a child, with exhibitions that dive deeper into the artist, his family and his early life. Both museums offer free admission on Sunday afternoons (check websites for specific times).

Aquamijas

The Costa del Sol is home to several waterparks, but one of the best is Aquamijas, located in the town of Fuengirola. It offers everything you’d expect from a great waterpark, including lazy river adventures and crazy slides to wave pools and kids’ play pools. There are also hot tubs and lakes for parents to relax in and picnic areas to enjoy.

Aquamijas’ opening times vary throughout spring and summer. To save a few euros on entry, purchase your tickets online the day before rather than at the counter.

Bioparc Fuengirola

A popular family day out, the Bioparc is a wildlife and safari park located on the outskirts of Fuengirola. The park is divided into zones, each one representing different regions across the world, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Home to everything from chimpanzees and meerkats to flamingos and lemurs, it offers fun for the whole family.

Beaches

No Costa del Sol holiday would be complete without some serious sand time – and this sunny region has them in spades. Its coastline is fringed with sweeping gold-sand stretches and punctuated by cute coves. For the former, Playa del Bajondillo in Torremolinos and the unspoilt Playa del Real de Zaragoza near Marbella are hard to beat.

Near Nerja, smaller coves such as Playa Carabeillo and Playa de Maro are hard to beat.

For travellers on a budget

If you’re looking for great budget resorts, plenty of nightlife options and lots of bargain activities on your cheap Costa del Sol holiday, then book a place in Fuengirola or Torremolinos. For a more local vibe and more culture, Nerja or Malaga also have some great money-saving options.

For food and drink

You can’t beat the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga, for its superb array of restaurants and tapas bars. The ingredients are as local as you can get, and seafood is eaten right on the beachfront. For something a little more upper class and gourmet, base yourself in Marbella, where you’ll find a range of stellar restaurants and Michelin-starred joints.

For nightlife

The Costa del Sol is of course one of Spain’s hottest nightlife destinations, so you’ll have a wide pick of towns to choose from, but for the best clubs and bars and parties that go on until dawn, stay in Benalmádena, or Torremolinos.

For culture

Malaga is by far one of the best places on the Costa del Sol for culture lovers. It’s filled with many art museums and has a fascinating history, which can be seen from its ancient Moorish fortress and Roman ruins. For somewhere a little quainter and quieter, head to Marbella Old Town or Estepona, where you’ll find tangles of narrow streets and picturesque whitewashed houses.