We can see you scratching your heads but differentiating the Spanish Costas doesn’t have to be a baffling task. You’ll be King of the Costas (not literally) once we’ve filled your brains with all the knowledge and know-how to find the Spanish Costa for you. Costa confusion: be gone.
Join us on our adventure around the Spanish Coast (from north to south) to learn about our favourite Costas – and more importantly, what makes them unique…
Scroll to browse all the Costas or select one from the list below:
Costa Brava
Costa Dorada
Costa Blanca
Costa Calida
Costa Almeria
Costa Tropical
Costa Del Sol
Costa De La Luz
Costa Brava – the one with the dramatic coastline
What: Known as the UK’s first ever package holiday destination, Costa Brava remains one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations with a mix of modern developments and more traditional coastal towns.
Where: Lloret De Mar is one of Costa Brava’s largest and liveliest resorts boasting vibrant nightlife, mild climate and breathtaking surroundings. Barcelona is known for a lot of things but its mile long stretch of golden beaches is unknown to many, making them a peaceful haven for those looking to relax…
Why: Costa Brava translates as ‘Wild Coast‘ due to its dramatic coastline made up of quaint villages, hidden coves and small but beautiful beaches.
Who: Costa Brava is a favourite with a long list of big stars including Kylie Minogue, Eva Longoria and Shakira so make sure you’re camera ready at all times!
When: August is the best time to head to Costa Brava with temperatures reaching the high 20’s with January seeing lows of 13°C.
Top hotels: Hotel Florida Park, Rosamar Garden Resort
Costa Dorada – the one with golden sands
What: Just a 2 and a half hour flight away from the UK, Costa Dorada has a range of fine-dining restaurants, exciting bars and nightclubs and a host of beaches layered with golden sands…
Where: Salou has long been a favourite with UK holidaymakers due to its vibrant nightlife and host of sandy beaches and blue waters. If you’re travelling with little ones you have to visit PortAventura, a theme park filled with thrilling rides and amazing shows for the whole family. Sitges also boasts a large LGBT market and it’s annual Pride festival is simply unmissable…
Why: Known as the ‘Golden Coast‘ of Spain, Costa Dorada may not be as famous as it’s neighbours but it still offers everything you could need on your beach getaway whether you’re with family or on a mate’s escape…
Who: Sitges hosts an annual film festival which has been known to attract some big names such as Elijah Wood and Cameron Diaz.
When: If you’re looking to come back with a golden tan, visit Costa Dorada between June and August when temperatures reach around 29°C. Visiting in the Spring months is also a great option with temperatures still creeping into the low 20’s.
Top hotels: PortAventura Hotel El Paso, Salou Park Hotel
Costa Blanca – the one with the whitest beaches
What: Costa Blanca is arguably one of the most popular resort in Spain and with its sun, sand and sangria, it’s not difficult to see why.
Where: Probably the most famous resort in Costa Blanca is Benidorm. Famed for its lively atmosphere (and TV show) this is the place to come if you’re looking for a fun-filled and unforgettable holiday. If you’re looking for an escape, the quiet village of Albir is the perfect place to put your feet up…
Why: Known for its ‘white beaches’, you’ll not be disappointed with the choice of sunbathing spots here whether you opt for the Playa de Levante, known as Benidorm’s sunshine beach or Playa de la Albufereta which boasts an impressive 500m of soft sands…
Who: Celebrities such as Nigella Lawson and Michael Douglas own homes in the Costa Blanca…
When: July and August are the best months to visit with average highs of 28°C and between 9 and 12 hours of sunshine a day.
Top hotels: Sol Pelican Ocas, Albir Garden Aqua Park
Costa Calida – the one with the lagoon
What: This unspoiled piece of paradise is popular with families and couples alike with its shallow waters, cycle tracks and historic ruins…
Where: Beach lovers should head to Los Alcazares to enjoy the 7 (yes 7!) kilometers of golden sands. The region is also known for its love of water sports so if you fancy an afternoon of kayaking, this is the place to come.
Who: An annual gala dinner to support local football team Mazarron FC has attracted big names in the sporting world including ex-Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett and former Manchester United player Tony Currie.
Why: If you didn’t already know (how could you not?!) Costa Calida is home to the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. At its coolest temperature, the lagoon still reaches an impressive 18°C meaning you can go for a dip anytime of year.
When: The World Health Organisation has suggested that the best climate in Europe belongs to Costa Calida as the weather here is smoother, warmer and drier than anywhere else in Europe. Expect highs of 18°C in winter and 28°C in July and August.
Top hotels: Pierre & Vacances La Manga Apartments, Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel
Costa Almeria – the traditional one
What: Forever popular with families and couples, Costa Almeria is scattered with golden sands lined with restaurants and bars. Great weather and a lively atmosphere are also reasons why this resort is a beach holiday favourite.
Where: Mojacar’s amazing architecture, row upon row of white houses and narrow streets make it one of the most memorable towns in Spain. Don’t forget to check out the remains of the ancient Puerta de la Ciudad…
Who: You may just be lucky enough to bump into Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias in your visit to Costa Almeria as the singer has long owned a large property in the region. Who knows, son Enrique may even pop round…
Why: Costa Almeria is everything a traditional holiday resort should be. Beaches, theme parks, watersports – all of your needs will be met with open arms in this beautiful resort…
When: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, temperatures in Costa Almeria really get going in April when you’ll bask in the mid 20’s. October offers a milder alternative and you’ll still come back with a glorious tan…
Top hotels: Playaluna, Neptuno
Costa Tropical – the one to chill out
What: Lying across the southern coast of the province of Granada, Costa Tropical is the perfect place escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax on this tranquil stretch of Spanish coastline…
Where: Granada is unique in that it is home to 3 World Heritage Sites; Alhambra, the Generalife gardens and the Albaicin. You’ve also got the chance to ski here as the region boasts not only great weather but snow capped mountains…
Why: Get a true glimpse into the Spanish way of life while still enjoying the perks of being a tourist. Rich in culture and heritage Costa Tropical offers a fascinating insight into its Roman past with castles, ruins and landmarks making this resort the perfect place to take it easy.
Who: Big rock fan? You’re in luck… Paul Weller often pays visit to his holiday home here so if you’re heading to Granada anytime soon, we’d suggest taking your guitar…
When: Lying on the most southern part of Spain, you’re bound to catch a tan whatever time of year you visit. You can also enjoy a refreshing sea breeze to keep you cool when temperatures are in the high 20’s in August.
Top hotels: Nazaries Business & Spa, Hotel M.A. Nazaries
Costa Del Sol – the one with the most sunshine
What: With over 150km of coastline, it’s beautiful beaches and glorious sunshine, the Costa Del Sol is the perfect escape for a week or two of summer tanning…
Where: Torremolinos is the ideal place to head if you’re looking for a lively resort that promises late night dancing and entertainment throughout the day. For a more chic holiday, head to Marbella where you’ll rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
Why: Costa Del Sol translates as ‘the Sunshine Coast‘ and we’re sure you can guess why? Boasting 325 sunny days a year there really isn’t a bad time to visit…
Who: Marbella has long been a top holiday destination for the rich and famous. Simon Cowell owns a large villa here and more recently the cast of ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ have been making Marbella their second home.
When: It’s best to visit Costa Del Sol between June and August where temperatures reach the high 20’s and rainfall is low.
Top hotels: Los Patos Park, Marconfort Beach Club Hotel
Costa De La Luz – the up and coming one
What: Costa De La Luz continues to grow in popularity and it’s not hard to see why. The resort is the perfect family holiday destination with a mix of natural beauty and recently developed tourist areas.
Where: The town of Puerto De Santa Maria comes to life with it’s whitewashed walls, glorious beaches and a beautiful natural park that acts as a backdrop for this small yet exciting Spanish resort…
Why: If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to the more popular Costa, this is the place to visit. Amazing local culture, unspoiled beauty spots and enough restaurants to feed the family twice over, you won’t regret your trip to Costa De La Luz…
Who: Although this resort may not be on everyone’s radar, Bodegas Tio Pepe, the resort’s famous wine cellar has attracted some big names (including the Royal family) who even sign the historic barrels…
When: Are you one of those people who doesn’t believe in it ever being too hot? Try Costa De La Luz in July or August when temperatures can reach 36°C. For those who enjoy milder temperatures, May is the perfect time to come and you can still enjoy a warm 25°C…
Top hotels: Hipotel Barrosa Palace, Melia Atlantico Isla Canela
