Costa del Sol City Guide

 About Costa del Sol

Some names are synonymous with holiday fun. Costa del Sol is definitely one of them. It’s a vacationers’ paradise with 150 km of beaches to die for, lined with resorts offering entertainment for virtually every taste and budget under the sun. For a truly unforgettable stay, rent you own Costa del Sol vacation apartment.

With over 300 days of sun, miles of golden beaches, a scenic town, and the most golf courses anywhere in Europe, it’s no wonder Spain’s Costa del Sol is a popular getaway! Immerse yourself in nature, food, or art and history… there’s something here for everyone.

Part of the southern region of Andalusia, the Costa del Sol, literally translated as the “Coast of the Sun” or “Sun Coast,” encompasses the towns and communities along the provincial Malaga coast. The largest city on the Costa del Sol is the city of Malaga, though there are dozens of smaller towns and villages at which to base your vacation and explore further. 

First settled by the Bastuli, a Celtic-Iberian tribe, the region bears the marks of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Germanic tribes, and Arabs, all who ruled here before the region was claimed under Spanish rule during the Reconquista in 1437. Travelers to the Costa del Sol will find traces and influences throughout the history, music, architecture and food they experience during their visit.

What to do

With over 784 cultural interest sites, be they museums, art, monuments, archeological sites or relics, the Costa del Sol is a magnet for lovers of culture. If you launch your exploration in Malaga, be sure to visit the Gothic Cathedral, the symbolic heart of the city, located in the historic city center. Another sightseeing opportunity is the 11th-century Gibralfaro castle that keeps watch over the city, and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside vistas. 

Unearthed in 1951, the Roman Theatre in Malaga is home to many local theater productions, entertaining visitors and locals. Check to see if there are any performances scheduled during your trip. Museums for everything from ancient artifacts to religious art, contemporary art to bonsai plants, are scattered throughout the Costa del Sol; these are a great way to spend some time out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

With over 160 kilometers of coastline and the famous mild, warm waters, many tourists can’t wait to head to the beach. Boat rentals are available for private charter, or consider taking a parasailing class. Scuba diving is a popular choice, or you can just frolic in the waves, followed by a relaxing rest on the sandy shore.

If you want to be outdoors, but away from the beaches, head to the hills. Take the Malagra GR Footpath, a hiking trail through the hills and mountains overlooking the Costa del Sol, and get lost in cool, green forests. Reservoirs, lagoons, mountain peaks and waterfalls all await you on the interior of the Costa del Sol.

And for the golfing enthusiast, courses abound. Get 9 or 18 holes in while overlooking green hills, city vistas, and sublime sea views. 

What to eat and drink

Not sure where to start with all of the rich flavors of Andalusia? Eat like the locals do, and order tapas— small plates of food, often shared between friends. Stop in at a café or bar and order two or three to get a sampling of the local offerings; it’s easy on the budget too. 

On a hot day, a bowl of cold gazpacho, a zesty tomato based soup is another budget friendly, local option. While there are many fine dining establishments throughout the area, many visitors enjoy patronizing the small, local establishments and making new friends with the residents.

If you plan on spending all day at the beach, stop by a chiringuitos (a beach bar) and try some pescaito frito, or deep fried fish, or a sardine skewer. Wash it all down with the drink that is synonymous with the Spanish coast— cold and refreshing Sangria. 

What about the kids?

If your kids are tired of playing at the beach or going to cultural sites, try taking them to the amusement park at Tivoli World, or the waterslides at Aqualand Torremolinos. For teenagers, sign them up for a day of paintball in the Serrania de Ronda, leaving you time to shop, explore, swim or play golf. Animal lovers will delight in visiting the donkey sanctuary at Fuente de Piedra. 

Where to stay

Finding a suitable place to stay in the Costa del Sol isn’t difficult as there are plenty of accommodations. From luxury apartments or hotels, to cheap sleeps in hostels and everything in between, there is something for every budget. Perhaps an apartment rental to make your home away from home while you explore the delights of southern Spain is your idea of perfect. Or maybe a bed and breakfast? Whatever you are looking for, World Escape can help you find your perfect holiday base.

Costa del Sol Vacation Rentals

Whatever summer experiences you crave for, you can get them in Costa del Sol. Beaches, water sports, nightlife and festivals, cultural and natural attractions, shopping and kids-friendly activities – this part of Spain has more than you can see or do in one holiday. To make your stay absolutely hassle-free, rent your own home away from home.

Take your pick from a wide choice of Costa del Sol vacation rentals, serviced and self-catering apartments in different areas and resorts. Rent a modern apartment with seaside views or a picturesque white-washed Spanish house. Choose from spacious properties that can accommodate all of your friends and family members. Select from luxury or budget-friendly offers to match your lifestyle.

For a perfect family holiday visit Benalmadena which offers bountiful amusement for both old and young visitors. La Paloma park offers green spaces for picnics and games while Tivoli World is a much-loved amusement park.  Kids will also enjoy getting close to the dolphins, seals and other marine inhabitants of the Sea Life Aquarium or the Sol Marina.

To indulge in all the finer things, rent your own luxury holiday apartment in cosmopolitan Marbella. Besides 70 km of fantastic beaches, Marbella has golf courses, marinas for mooring yachts and plenty more of outdoor offers. Designer boutiques lure you in at daytime, while the numerous tapas bars invite you after dusk. A wide array of summer festivals offer entertainment for all tastes – from flamenco extravaganzas to food treats and children’s activities.

Our collection of modern and beautiful apartments are situated all along the coast of Costa del Sol. You can choose from contemporary flats or traditional houses in picturesque Andalucían villages. Take a look at all the homey holiday apartments and get the summer fun started.