Costa del Sol - The Spanish Sunshine Coast
Malaga • Benalmadena • Fuengirola • La Cala de Mijas • Marbella • Puerto Banús • Nueva Andalucia • San Pedro de Alcantara • Estepona • Nerja
Costa del Sol features 200 km of coastline and is located in the southern part of Spain. Costa del Sol stretches from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east. The region has Spain’s 3rd largest airport, which is located in Malaga.
More than 1 million people have chosen to live here, with almost 300,000 of them being of non-Spanish descent. With over 300 days of sun a year, Costa del Sol offers an outstanding climate consisting of mild winters and warm summers.
Costa del Sol is one of the foremost tourist destinations in Spain and attracts tourists from all over the world. The main city is Malaga, and the most important tourist destinations are Nerja, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, La Cala de Mijas, Estepona, San Pedro, Nueva Andalusia and Marbella with the well-known marina Puerto Banus, which has become known as ”a playground for the rich and famous”. But there are also many other fine places and locations in this area.
With more than 60 golf courses, it is hardly surprising that Costa del Sol is also referred to as Costa del Golf, the Golf Coast.
With sunshine all year round, beautiful sandy beaches, rich local culture and a wide range of activities, it is not hard to understand why millions of tourists visit Costa del Sol each year. The fantastic climate allows you to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities all year round, making the area an excellent holiday destination.
Here is a little more information about some of the places you will find in Costa del Sol.
Facts about Malaga
Malaga is a harbour city in Costa del Sol and is the main city in the province of Málaga in the region of Andalusia. In terms of size it is Spain’s sixth largest city, with more than 570,000 inhabitants. The city is located adjacent to the ocean and is surrounded by beaches. There are also natural beaches and small unspoiled coves for bathing. The wide sandy beach La Malagueta is located in the middle of the city. Malaga has a rich business culture, for example you will find the El Corte Inglés department store chain there. The city has two rivers: Guadalmedina divides the centre of the city in two, and in the western suburbs the province’s largest river, Guadalhorce, runs its course.
The more modern parts of the city are located on the right-hand side of the Guadalmedina river, while the city centre and historical parts of Málaga can be found on the left-hand side of the river. Vineyards are spread around the city and produce wines of a high quality.
Facts about Benalmadena
Benalmádena is located just 12 km from Malaga Airport. The city is positioned on the coast between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, two cities which are only 11 km away. Benalmádena has a population of around 53,000, although this number almost doubles during peak season when the tourists arrive. The average temperature is around 19 degrees. Benalmadena is divided up into three parts: ”Benalmadena Costa”, which is the costal strip with hotels; ”Benalmadena Pueblo”, which is the original village in the mountains; and ”Arroya del la Miel”, which is a lively suburb with bars and restaurants. By the beach there is also the Puerto Deportivo harbour, where thousands of boats can be viewed.
Benalmádena is a perfect place for a family holiday, although it also has plenty to offer those interested in a rich nightlife. In the evenings the city really springs into life. The marina has also been named the best marina in the world. This award is given out by specialised international magazines.
Down by the coast you will find the Sea Life aquarium and Selwo Marina, home to dolphins and seals. Further up you will come to Paloma Park, a large park with a small lake and a variety of animals. The coast’s oldest and largest amusement park, Tivoli World, is also located in Benalmadena. For those looking for a wonderful view, you can take the gondola 770 metres up to Calamorro Mountain, from where a panoramic view can be admired looking out over Sierra Nevada, Gibraltar and, on a clear day, even as far as Morocco and its Atlas Mountains.
Facts about Fuengirola
Welcome to Fuengirola, the “little big” city that has it all. Fuengirola is a modern, cosmopolitan city which also offers a very genuine Spanish feel. The city is located 30 km from Marbella and 18 km from Torremolinos. Malaga Airport is 31 km away to the east. Fuengirola has a population in excess of 65,500.
Fuengirola is a popular destination with Scandinavians and the city has a good number of Swedish establishments including, for example, Swedish dentists and the largest Swedish school abroad. Fuengirola is a lively city with a tremendous variety of facilities, both for tourists and those who live there permanently. There are many shops in the city centre, along with a shopping mall and two cinemas, and on Tuesdays the largest flea market in Costa del Sol is arranged here. Hungry travellers can choose from a wide selection of both Spanish and international restaurants, and the nightlife is well worth exploring.
The Moorish fortress by the beach offers fantastic views, and a number of festivals are arranged here throughout the year. The Roman baths are also an exciting attraction.
If you have the kids with you then Fuengirola Zoo is a must. It is one of the best zoos in the world, with amazingly creative environments inspired by Africa, Asia and Madagascar. The city also has a Skate park which is said to be one of the best in Europe. Fuengirola has an 8 km long sandy beach where you can take a dip or enjoy a cold drink in one of the beach bars. A stroll along the beach promenade is highly recommended, or why not visit the marina and enjoy the range of water activities on offer. Sports enthusiasts can choose from diving, sailing and golf. The international tourist destination Fuengirola gives you the best of both worlds – a large and vibrant city, and a relaxing beach resort.
It is very easy to make your way around Fuengirola, with excellent public transport in the city and to and from the airport. Living here without a car is no problem at all.
Facts about La Cala de Mijas
La Cala de Mijas is located 5 minutes from Fuengirola and only 28 minutes from Malaga Airport. It is also very close to the genuine and picturesque village of Mijas Pueblo, a visit to which is highly recommended. La Cala de Mijas was once a small fishing village and is now an extremely pleasant location with many restaurants and a fantastic beach in excellent condition. The beach has EU Blue Flag status, which reflects its high quality and environmental standards. This is also a very interesting destination for the golf enthusiast. Close to La Cala (within 5 minutes by car) there are no less than 6 golf courses, while those who are prepared to drive that little further (10 minutes!) will be rewarded with a visit to La Cala Golf, a veritable golfer’s paradise with a variety of high-class courses. It is thus not surprising that many golf enthusiasts choose to settle here, and on many occasions membership of a golf club is included in the price of a house.
Facts about Marbella
Marbella’s architecture reflects the city’s mix of new and old, combining Spanish traditions with the ultramodern, a fusion of white-washed exteriors and Moorish styles, all brought together with influences from every corner of the world. No less than 137 different nationalities live in Marbella, which means that no-one needs to feel like a “foreigner”.
Those interested in the culinary arts will not be disappointed, as Marbella offers more than 600 restaurants featuring a spectacular array of international cuisine and Spanish classics. No less than three of the city’s establishments have Michelin stars! Other than in Puerto Banús, excellent shopping is also available along Marbella’s main street, Ricardo Soriano, as well as in the old city district and at the La Cañada mall. Several charming markets are also arranged on a weekly basis.
Marbella is golf and glamour with a jet set lifestyle and celebrities from all over the world, and stretches for 27 km along the coast of the Mediterranean, between the city of Malaga in the east and Gibraltar in the west. Malaga’s international airport is 58 km away, which equates to around 40 minutes by car.
Marbella is the second largest city in the province and has over 130,000 inhabitants, made up of the aforementioned 137 different nationalities. The number of people living here is doubled during the summer months, when Marbella is transformed into a metropolis for the rich and famous. Marbella can boast to having the best climate in Europe, with an average temperature of around 16 to 30 degrees, and less than 50 days of rain per year.
Once a small fishing village, modern-day Marbella is now one of the most luxurious international tourist destinations in Europe.
The charm from its former days can still be experienced in the old city district with its narrow streets and historical buildings. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy tapas bars and a pulsating nightlife. Down by the water one can find tropical gardens and a long beach promenade built from marble, with a large selection of bars and luxurious restaurants. Marbella has two harbours.
16 golf courses mean that Marbella is the municipality in Spain with the most golf courses. Marbella also has some 30 km of beaches with several internationally renowned beach clubs and an endless number of classical Spanish "chiringuitos”. But the area also offers hiking trails and routes for mountain bike enthusiasts surrounded by the Sierra Blanca mountains with the emblematic La Concha as a famous landmark.
Facts about Puerto Banús
This well-known area and marina in Marbella is located 7 km to the west.
Puerto Banús is an absolute gem of a location, known for is luxury boats and cars, international restaurants and designer boutiques. The strip which connects Marbella’s city centre with Puerto Banús is known as the “Golden Mile”, an endless stretch of prestigious, exclusive villas providing homes for the rich and famous.
Puerto Banús attracts over 4 million visitors each year and is a highly renowned holiday destination. Enjoy the sun while taking a stroll, or sit in one of the many restaurants or cafés surrounding the marina and watch all the luxury boats and cars pass by. Most top designers have a boutique here, and there are also three malls, including El Corte Inglés, Spain’s best known department store.
Puerto Banús comes to life in the evenings when every street, bar, club, casino and cinema is filled with a mixture of local residents and tourists out to enjoy all the luxury and glamour which Puerto Banus’ nightlife has to offer. For entertainment during the daytime there are the trendy beach clubs on the beaches which offer everything one could possibly want for a bit of luxurious relaxation, such as extra large loungers, chill-out music, cocktails and much more.
If luxury and glamour is what you are looking for then Marbella is an excellent choice for your future property.
Facts about Nueva Andalucía
Nueva Andalucía is a district in the municipality of Marbella. It is a large residential area located just to the north of Puerto Banús on the Spanish sunshine coast. Nueva Andalucía stretches all the way up to the mountains and has beautiful settlements which contribute with their height to wonderful views and lovely properties. The area is best known for its many golf courses, and Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf and La Dama de Noche are just a few of the fantastic courses to be found here. The area also features international schools, shops for interior design, golf, antiques, a bullfighting arena and a casino.
Many Swedes live here all year round, and there is a selection of Swedish food stores and restaurants in the area. There are even places to buy the classic Swedish candy on a Saturday, just like at home. A natural gathering point is Centro Plaza with its numerous restaurants, small cafés, gym, dance studios, supermarket and hairdressers.
Facts about San Pedro de Alcantara
San Pedro de Alcantara is a wonderful little village adjacent to Puerto Banus and just 10 km from Marbella. Here in San Pedro it is possible to wander around and still experience that which is genuinely Spanish.
A beautiful beach promenade with small restaurants and a pedestrian street for shopping in the village centre are complemented with larger food stores, and everything is available at lower prices than is the case for the neighbours to the east. This is an opportunity to experience the genuine Spanish lifestyle up close, and frequent visits to this area are highly recommended. Stroll around the surrounding small streets and you will find a tremendous selection of Spanish restaurants that serve tapas with a joy that is matched only by the music playing in the background, and there are also many small and charming Spanish stores selling, for example, flamenco clothes.
The true feel of Spain has been preserved here, and it is mostly Spaniards who live in San Pedro, although new areas have been developed in recent times. At the beginning of the 21st century a new area in San Pedro, called Nueva Alcantara, began to spring forth. The entire area between the ocean and the boulevard is counted as Nueva Alcantara. Here you will find a large number of newly built residential properties, a Padel tennis club, a gym and an international school. Many of those who have bought properties in this area want to have them as holiday accommodation, which means that the percentage of non-Spaniards is high here. It is also a popular area for Swedes on the lookout for properties.
Facts about Estepona
Estepona still retains its Andalusian charm and has not yet been affected by tourism. The traditional south-Spanish environment is what you will find in this area. Rather than changing to accommodate increasing tourism, the people who live here have instead chosen to live side-by-side with tourism.
There are many vehicle-free streets and narrow and cosy alleys with white-washed houses. The old fishing village has a long and wonderful beach which meets the needs of even the most fervent sun worshipper. This area also offers excellent facilities to golf enthusiasts, with many high-quality golf courses and priceworthy accommodation nearby.
Facts about Nerja
Nerja is a charming and genuine city with 22,000 inhabitants and is located about 50 km east of Malaga. The city is adjacent to the coast and is beautifully surrounded by the imposing Almijara mountains. Nerja experiences a microclimate thanks to its sheltered location between the mountains. For the most part it is around 1-2 degrees warmer in Nerja than it is in Malaga.
The city is alive all year round thanks to its location and the constant flow of tourists who want to discover this hidden gem. There is also a large number of permanent residents living here, which makes this an equally pleasant destination regardless of the time of year.
Nerja has plenty of pedestrian streets, making the city ideal for those who enjoy excursions on foot. Just beyond the largest beach, Burriana Beach, a pedestrian street called Calle Hernando de Carabeo begins. This pedestrian street weaves its way along its course, and now and then it is possible to glimpse the ocean in the gaps between the low buildings. This street is mainly lined with residential properties, although there are also a number of restaurants, greengrocers and clothing stores. At the end of the street you arrive at the heart of Nerja – Balcón de Europa.
The hub of Nerja’s city centre, Balcon de Europa is a beautiful palm tree-lined boardwalk on a protruding cliff ledge. From here you are treated to a fantastic and seemingly never-ending view out over the Mediterranean and the beaches below.
Some other interesting locations in Costa del Sol include:
Benahavis
Elviria
Los Monteros
Santa Clara
Cabopino
Calahonda
