Costa Del Sol Holidays

Destination highlights

Blessed with the best climate in Spain

Over 159km of coastline

More golf courses than anywhere else in Europe

Picasso’s birthplace

Jump to...

Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

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What are the best beaches in Costa del Sol?

Costa del Sol is known as Spain’s ‘sunshine coast,’ so it makes sense to soak up as much of the lovely coastline as possible, whether that’s with non-stop sports or a lazy beach day. When in Nerja, it has to be Playa Burriana - an 800m stretch of Blue Flag beach with a shop-lined promenade and plenty of sports, or - if you prefer a quieter setting - Playa de Maro’s charming pebbled cove is just the ticket. Looking for a family-friendly beach spot? Playa del Padron and Playa del Cristo in Estepona both offer shallow waters, a range of local dining venues and entertainment facilities to keep both you and the kids occupied.

Other sand spots to keep on your radar include Playa Malapesquera - Benalmadena’s largest and most popular beach, and the protected dunes of Cabopino Beach in Marbella, with a boardwalk leading to a dedicated nudist area if you’re intent on avoiding those tan lines!

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What are the top hotels in Costa del Sol?

Costa del Sol’s hotel menu has something for every holidaymaker. If you’re looking for a laidback luxury holiday in the beautiful Puerto Banús region, then it has to be Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach. With a beachfront location, relaxing spa facilities and a gorgeous pool complex, this hotel could be just the break you’re craving. Travelling with the kids? Globales Los Patos is the perfect hotel to keep the whole clan entertained - from its fabulous waterpark and lagoon-style pool, to the games room and kids club for the youngest members of the family.

Prefer a kid-free zone? We’re not judging! Amare Marbella Beach Hotel is the ideal setting for your adults-only break. This hotel oozes elegance, located just steps from the powder-soft beach in Marbella with stylish guestrooms and an outdoor pool area that you won’t want to leave. Your dream getaway doesn’t have to cost the earth, either. Why not jet off on a budget-friendly holiday to Fuengirola Beach? You can spend your days lazing by the pool, surrounded by swaying palms and lush gardens, or - if you prefer a beach day - you’ll find the sandy coast just a five-minute walk away.

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What's the food like in Costa del Sol?

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As a bustling coastal resort, visitors flock to Costa del Sol year after year, and we all know that the food can really make or break a holiday. Luckily, you’ve got nothing to worry about here. From typical Mediterranean meals bursting with flavour to Spanish tapas – there’s certainly something on offer for every taste bud. A chilled soup is the perfect way to cool down when temperatures are soaring (we know what you’re thinking, it’s much nicer than it sounds). Keep it classic with a nice bowl of gazpacho - a refreshing blend of cucumber, onions, peppers, tomatoes and plenty of garlic, often topped with crisp croutons and a drizzle of oil, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, treat yourself to some ajoblanco, which combines bread, crushed almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and water, usually paired with fresh grapes or melon. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

If you’re craving something more filling, then Gambas al Pil-Pil is a signature dish for Andalusians. This dish is essentially prawns tossed in a spicy salsa sauce with paprika, garlic and chillies, served sizzling at your table. A trip to the sunshine coast wouldn’t be complete without some tasty seafood, so if you’re still wanting more, you won’t be disappointed. Espeto - sardine skewers - are big over here, particularly in Malaga, so you won’t have to search for long to get your hands on one of these grilled kebabs. And of course, would it even be a trip to Spain without sangria? Lili’s bar in Benahavis is well-known for serving up the perfect glass of this fruity goodness, alongside delicious local dishes to keep you satisfied.

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Where’s the best nightlife in Costa del Sol?

Costa del Sol might be famed for its coastline and golf courses, but the locals here know how to party hard. Bars and clubs don’t typically open until around 11pm, and most don’t close their doors until 6 or 7 in the morning, so you’re in for a long night! Malaga and Marbella are two of the party hotspots along this stretch of coast, packed with lively nightclubs and beach parties. Whilst Marbella is home to the ‘Golden Mile’ - a glamorous strip lined with swanky lounges and clubs, Malaga is where you’ll find Sala Gold - an action-packed nightclub with LED screens, VIP areas and themed events. You might also want to stop by Torremolinos - known for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere, or Benalmadena’s 24-hour square, which - yep, you guessed it - is open at all hours! If you prefer more of a laidback night scene, then Fuengirola’s British-style pubs and live music venues with jazz bands and DJs might be more up your alley.

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Things to do in Costa del Sol

Take a swing at one of the golf courses

With over 70 golf courses, you'll have plenty of choice when it comes to taking your clubs for a day out in Costa del Sol. Most of the courses are nestled near the coast too, so you can enjoy relaxing views of the Mediterranean while you play.
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Take a walk through Paloma Park

This scenic park in Benalmadena is the perfect place to take a wander, with plenty of greenery to admire, a children's play area, a cafeteria and a large lake where you might spot some natural wildlife.
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Admire the view from The Balcony of Europe

A breathtaking lookout point nestled on a clifftop in pretty Nerja, serving the best views of the Mediterranean Sea that the region has to offer.
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Walk the fine line at Caminito del Rey

This unique pathway is suspended 100m into the air, following the sheer cliff face of the surrounding canyon. The route has been fully restored to make it safe, and it takes around 3-4 hours in total to complete, but it's more than worth it for the sweeping views along the way. Keep in mind that the trail is one way, so you'll need to plan your route back.
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Spot the animals at Bioparc in Fuengirola

This animal park challenges the norms of zoos as we know it. With sustainability at its heart, rescued animals here live side by side in an atmosphere that replicates their natural habitat, making for the perfect day out with the kids.
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Shop 'til you drop in Malaga

Grab your euros and head for El Corte Ingles - a giant department store with over 1000 brands to choose from, so whether you're on the hunt for gifts for loved ones or some treats for yourself, you'll be sure to find it here.

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What's the weather like in Costa del Sol?

Known as the sunshine coast for a reason, Costa del Sol more than delivers when it comes to sun, with warm, dry summers and mild autumn months that make for a relaxing swim whatever time of year you travel.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	12 °c	16 °c	5 h
Feb	13 °c	15 °c	7 h
Mar	14 °c	15 °c	8 h
Apr	16 °c	16 °c	9 h
May	19 °c	17 °c	8 h
Jun	22 °c	20 °c	10 h
Jul	25 °c	22 °c	11 h
Aug	26 °c	23 °c	10 h
Sep	23 °c	22 °c	8 h
Oct	19 °c	20 °c	7 h
Nov	15 °c	18 °c	6 h
Dec	13 °c	16 °c	5 h

Click here to book your Costa del Sol beach break »

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Important Information about travelling to Costa del Sol

How long does it take to fly to Costa del Sol?

It takes about 3 hours to fly from the UK to Costa del Sol.
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What currency do they use in Costa del Sol?

The local currency in Costa del Sol is the Euro.

What's the time difference between the UK and Costa del Sol?

The time in Costa del Sol is one hour ahead of the UK.
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What language do they speak in Costa del Sol?

The official language spoken in Costa del Sol is Spanish.
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Do I need any vaccinations to visit Costa del Sol?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
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Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Costa del Sol?

There is currently no tourist tax in Costa del Sol.
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Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Costa del Sol?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Spain on the FCDO website.
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Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Costa del Sol for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.