Costa del Sol is the sunny coast of Spain. Which place to choose for a holiday on the Costa del Sol in Spain All about the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol... At the mere mention of this name, my soul immediately becomes warm and sunny pictures of the Mediterranean coast, serene relaxation and eternal holiday emerge in my memory! And everything is not accidental, because this is the southernmost, most warm region Spanish coast. The name Costa del Sol itself translates as Coast of the Sun and it is for this feature that it is so loved by numerous tourists who come to enjoy on sunny days, which is in abundance here, and the cleanest, many-kilometer-long beaches that this Spanish coast is so rich in.

The Costa del Sol resort area is located in one of the largest and southern autonomous communities Spain - Andalusia. I especially like this region because here you can feel the “real” Spain - sultry, hot, passionate. The heart of Spain is hidden in Andalusia. The mixture of European culture and the Arab East turns this place into a real treasure trove for the curious tourist and makes it so attractive and alluring.

Costa del Sol - resort area on the Mediterranean coast. It extends from Malaga west almost to Gibraltar and to east direction to Almeria. , Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona - each city is interesting in its own way, you can choose any one and you won’t be mistaken, everywhere there is a southern flavor and everything is conducive to have a nice holiday. The western part of the coast is more popular with tourists than the eastern part. In the recent past, these were simple fishing villages, which, thanks to their geographical location and excellent climate have turned into modern and fashionable resorts. The Sun Coast, like a magnet, attracts crowds of travelers from different countries, including from Russia.

When I’m on the Costa del Sol, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the edge of Europe, but that’s how it is: Africa is very close, across the road, or rather, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Majestic cathedrals, wine and vineyards, sandy beaches, palm trees, bullfighting, the famous national flamenco dance, orange and olive trees, sun, mountains and sea - this is what the South is rich in and for which it is worth coming to the very edge of Spain, on the Costa del Salt.

How to get there

The resorts of the Costa del Sol from Russia can be reached by different means of transport. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the trip. Train, car and plane are suitable for independently planned trips. Travel companies organize bus tours and sea cruises and these two types of transport can also be used to get to the South of Spain. If you prefer to travel with a travel agency, there are options to suit different tastes and budgets.

By plane

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the Costa del Sol is by air.

No matter where you're flying from, you can compare flight options for your dates.

From Moscow

There are direct regular daily flights from Aeroflot airlines from Moscow to Malaga. There are two flights on Saturdays and Sundays, and additional flights are organized during the high season. Flight time is about 5.5 hours. The price of a round trip ticket is about 320 EUR (approximately 20,000 RUB).

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct regular flights from St. Petersburg to Malaga. In my opinion, the most convenient way get from the northern capital by transit through Moscow. The flight to Moscow lasts no more than 1.5 hours, the connection between flights is from 3 hours, the price of a round-trip ticket is approximately 350 EUR (about 23,000 RUB). Flights are operated by Aeroflot airline.

Through Europe

Malaga can be reached through almost any European capital, as well as in transit through an airline Turkish Airlines.

Costa del Sol Airport

Planes arrive at home air harbor coast - to Malaga airport, named after the famous native of the city, Pablo Picasso. From the airport, getting to the tourist area is very easy. If you decide to stay in Malaga, the city is easily accessible from the airport in just 20 minutes.

By train

Another option for true travelers is to combine air travel and travel railway. You can take a direct flight from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona, and from there high-speed Ave trains (the name translates from Spanish as “bird”) run in the direction of Malaga. The journey will take 2.5–3 hours - the train rushes at a speed of about 350 km/h.

Trains arrive at main railway station Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano. Information on ticket prices and schedules can be found on the website of the Spanish National Railway Company (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), where they can also be booked and purchased.

Getting from Russia to the Costa del Sol by train is quite problematic. There is no direct train connection from Moscow, so you will have to make transfers through France or Italy. The method is not very convenient: you will spend a lot of time on the road, but it is expensive compared to air tickets.

By bus

Getting to the Costa del Sol by bus is not the best best idea: It will take a very long time to travel, unless these are special tours offered by agencies. As a rule, such routes cover several European capitals and are very often combined with air or rail travel.

By car

You can get to the resorts by car, but I don’t think this method will have many fans: it’s costly in both time and money. The journey will take about 44-45 hours from Moscow and the same from St. Petersburg, but this does not take into account traffic jams and overnight stays.

By ferry

The easiest way to get to the Costa del Sol by sea is to buy a special Mediterranean cruise from a travel agency. These cruises include visits to major European cities on the coast and day excursions in each city.

But this method is not very suitable for a complete holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Costa del Sol and the whole of Andalusia can easily be called an all-season tourist destination. The average annual temperature in cities on the coast is + 19 °C. The time of year to visit the Costa del Sol depends on what you plan to do during your trip.

If the purpose of your visit is to relax on the sea coast, then best time Summer is the best time to travel to the Costa del Sol. The season starts from the end of May and lasts until the end of September. If you have a desire to see as many sights as possible and visit different cities, perfect for spring and autumn. Winter is not the best choice for a trip: tourists come here for the sun and the sea, and in winter the sky is often overcast, so you can’t swim in the sea. Prices, of course, are lower in the off-season than at the height of summer - this can also be an additional incentive to travel in winter. But, in my opinion, it is better to start your very first trip and acquaintance with the Costa del Sol in the warm season, when the bright sun is shining, in order to feel the southern flavor and enjoy all the pleasures that this fertile region offers.

Costa del Sol in summer

An interesting feature of Spain is that the calendar summer here begins not on the first of June, as in Russia, but on the 21st of June. But despite this, wonderful summer weather sets in here even before June 1st. It is worth keeping in mind that the end of July and August are the hottest times: the air warms up to +40 °C. So, most likely, you will only have the energy to visit the beach, but not to explore the sights.

Of course, on the Costa del Sol the heat is much easier to bear thanks to the sea breeze. But in the interior of the region, away from the coastline, the heat is simply unbearable. The famous city was even nicknamed the Spanish frying pan! Therefore, it is unlikely that you will want to explore the sights in such heat - only the beach and the sea will attract your attention.

If you like to swim in the warm sea, keep in mind one more feature of the Costa del Sol: although this is the hottest region of Spain, the sea, unfortunately, warms up no more than +24 °C - and only closer to August. This is due to the proximity Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents. There are the most tourists during this period, so you should take care of booking a hotel and purchasing air tickets in advance.

Costa del Sol in autumn

If you are more interested in sightseeing than a beach holiday, then the optimal time to visit is the off-season. In autumn it is not so hot, but comfortable, so excursion tours are especially popular at this time of year. But a beach holiday should not be discounted either. The sea in September becomes even warmer than in summer and warms up to 25°C. There are slightly fewer tourists on the coast than in the high season, although not significantly; autumn on the Costa del Sol is no less popular. To visit, it is better to choose the second half of September and the whole of October, but November will not be so sunny, rain is possible.

At the beginning of autumn, you can enjoy ripened berries and fruits, such as grapes.

Costa del Sol in spring

Spring is my favorite time of year to visit the Costa del Sol. It’s already warm, but not hot, the air temperature is about 20-23 °C. It’s too early to swim in the sea, especially in March and April, but you can sunbathe. An excellent time for excursions and walks around the city. In March, fruit trees begin to bloom, nature awakens after winter. It's worth coming in spring to see the orange trees blooming and, most importantly, to breathe in that sweet aroma!

Various festivals are also held in the spring. For example, La Semana Santa is Easter week, Feria de Abril is the April fair. A cheerful and festive atmosphere reigns in the cities, everyone dresses up in national costumes. Holidays are a great reason to come here in the spring!

Costa del Sol in winter

IN winter time The weather on the Costa del Sol is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +15-19°C. Mountains protect the coast from severe cold. However, there is a possibility of frequent rains.

In addition, in small resort towns it will be quite boring without beach holiday. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, especially the coastal area. Although you can come here for Christmas or New Year to take a little break from the Russian frosts. And if you manage to visit the Costa del Sol in February, you can see the carnivals that are held in different towns along the coast, including in the capital of the region - Malaga.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

Rest on south coast Spain, and in particular the Costa del Sol, has always been considered much more expensive than, for example, in the more democratic Catalonia.

Housing prices

In the 90s there were practically no people on the coast three star hotels, mainly four and five star ratings were offered. Now the situation has changed: you can find a good hotel with two or three stars. The average price of accommodation starts from 40 EUR per night; in a good four-star hotel the price per room will be from 100-150 EUR. The larger the city, the greater the choice of different categories of hotels. You can stay in some well-known global hotel chain or choose a mini-hotel or boarding house.

Prices for food and drinks

Breakfast - from 4 EUR.
Lunch at the bar - from 10 to 20 EUR.
Dinner - 30-40 EUR.
In expensive restaurants you can pay about 60 EUR per person.
A bottle of soda or beer will cost 1-1.5 EUR, a glass of wine - 2 EUR.

Entertainment

Visiting museums and some cathedrals will cost up to 10 EUR. A little tip: before going to the museum, you should go to the website and check the schedule and ticket prices. Very often, many museums have free admission on weekends - this is a great opportunity to save money. As a rule, this information is available on websites.
A ticket to a flamenco show in a special tablao, the price of which includes a drink, is quite expensive - from 50 EUR. But in fact, you shouldn’t waste money on flamenco: there will be a lot of impressions and just as much delight!

Transport prices

The price of a ticket depends on the distance of the trip, for example, from Malaga it takes twenty minutes to travel and the ticket will cost about 3 EUR. A bus from Malaga to Marbella takes an hour, the trip costs 8 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are many attractions on the Costa del Sol; in almost every seaside town you can find something interesting besides the beach. Of course, the leader in interesting places is the capital of the province of Malaga, but I will give a list of five attractions that are not in the capital, but in other cities. These places are definitely worth seeing.

Top 5

The list of top attractions on the Costa del Sol includes:

Beaches. Which ones are better

I consider the beaches of the Costa del Sol to be some of the most best beaches in Spain, and maybe even the best. Wide, sandy, well equipped, marked with a blue flag, environmentally friendly. Each city on the coast has several first-class beaches.

Most beaches are marked with a blue flag. This means that the beach is clean and meets all sanitary standards. East Coast The Costa del Sol is pebbly and rocky in places. Total length There are about 160 kilometers of beaches, the best sandy beaches are located west of Malaga.

Beaches of Torremolinos

The coast of Torremolinos consists of the following beaches:

The central beach of La Carihuela is covered with dark sand and is well equipped.

El Saltillo Beach is in the center of the tourist area, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Playamar Beach - suitable for surfers and volleyball players.

Montemar beach is quiet and calm, adjacent to the port of Benalmadena.

Los Alamos is a wide and calm beach..

Beaches of Fuengirola

Fuengirola is not far behind Torremolinos and boasts some cool beaches, including:

Los Boliches beach is very crowded and popular. There's an old-time seaside bar here.

Carvajal Beach is located far from the city center. This is the calmest of the local beaches.

Santa Amalia beach is marked with a blue flag and is adjacent to the landmark of Fuengirola - Sohail Castle.

The beach is perfect for families with children.

Fuengirola Beach is the central city beach.

Beaches of Malaga

There are about 15 beaches within Malaga. Of course, they are all better than the other! I'll tell you about some of them:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The most famous cathedral on the Costa del Sol is the Malaga Cathedral. A majestic building by the architect Diego de Siloe. The cathedral is unusual in that it has only one bell tower: the second one was not completed because there were not enough funds. People called him the “one-armed lady.” There is a museum of its history attached to the cathedral.
Also worthy of attention is the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart - Iglesia de Sagrado Corazon, built in the 20th century.

In Marbella, in the Old Town there is an interesting church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion.

The outside of the church is not very decorated, the walls are painted white, and only the beautiful main portal attracts attention. But inside the church there is a magnificent altar. Free admission.

Among the Catholic churches on the Costa del Sol you can find a completely unexpected religious building. A Buddhist stupa (temple) was erected near Benalmadena! It immediately catches your eye thanks to its tall golden spire. There is a Buddha statue inside the stupa. The walls are decorated with paintings done by artists from Nepal.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are actually a lot of museums in the Costa del Sol! I will give a list of the most interesting in my opinion.

Museums of Malaga

The place where museums are concentrated, of course, is.

And in Malaga there are flamenco museums, a museum of religious art, a city museum of fine arts and many others.

Marbella Museums

Marbella also has several interesting museums that are worth visiting.

Museums of Torremolinos

In Torremolinos it is worth visiting the Tattoo Museum, where you can see how tattoos are made, read books on the history of tattoo creation, and see photographs and sketches.

Neighboring regions

For those who are tired of beach holidays and the sea, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a mini-trip deep into the region.

Food. What to try

On the Costa del Sol, as on any other popular international resort, there will be no problems with nutrition. Every coastal town has a huge number of restaurants, bars, snack bars with different dishes on the menu, the usual pizza and pasta, various salads, and meat dishes.

For fans of fast food, there will also be no problems with food: on the coast, in almost every resort town you can find global chains of fast eateries.

But I think it would be a real crime not to try at least a few dishes from traditional Spanish cuisine. The most iconic and favorite place among the Spaniards are tapas bars. Tapas are light snacks served with a drink - beer or wine. It can be:

small bouretbrodiki with jamon (Spanish ham);
seafood - for example, squid, mussels;
vegetable snacks;
olives, skewered, etc.

You can also try different types and it’s even very good to get enough - you won’t need a full lunch anymore. I was lucky enough to attend the Feria de Tapas, or Tapas Fair, held in Malaga. The feria was held in a bullring. By the way, not a single bull was harmed then. You buy special tokens and use them to try different kinds beer and snacks, and you can vote for your favorites.

And more about spanish food read in. Here I will list the most famous masterpieces of Spanish cuisine, characteristic of the South:

Also a popular soup famous throughout Spain, you can also try it on the Costa del Sol - Sopa de Ajo. It is a clear garlic soup with bread.

You can also taste different seafood and fish on the coast, thank you Mediterranean Sea:

anchovies, sardines - they are eaten fresh here, most often fried, and not in the form of canned food;
mussels;
lobsters;
sea bream;
One of the most popular types of fish here is bakalo, or cod.

Very tasty and expensive pastries are prepared by monks in Andalusian monasteries. I definitely recommend trying it, I really liked it!

Beverages

The south of Spain is a wine region, so tasting local wines is a must.

In Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, they produce sweet wine Dulce, somewhat similar to port.

The famous sherry is produced on the limestone soils near the city. The wine is aged in barrels. Young and mature wine are mixed periodically.

In extreme heat, the best drink is sangria. This is a light red summer wine with the addition of oranges, apples, sugar, a little liqueur, and ice. All this is served in glass jugs with a long wooden spoon for stirring.

Coffee is a very popular hot drink on the coast. Spaniards don’t drink tea, but I, as a special lover of this drink, always bought it in supermarkets. The choice, frankly speaking, is small. There is no such diversity as we have, but you will still be able to find something.

Where to buy food

Those who like to cook on their own while on vacation may find information about food supermarkets and markets useful.

My favorite is the supermarket at the famous El Corte Ingles department store. Each of them has a grocery store on the ground floor with a wide selection. For example, there are many types of jamon in vacuum packaging from different manufacturers, and the prices are very attractive: you can buy a package for 1 EUR. The store also has a large selection of olives, cheeses, vegetables and fruits.

You can also go to Mercadona for groceries. Or to the Super Sol supermarket - the store is considered inexpensive, people often go there Special offers for different product categories.

Don't forget an important detail: on Sundays all stores are closed, including grocery stores! Be prepared to buy anything you need in advance. Although there is a lifesaver in such situations - these are small shops owned by immigrants from China. You can buy everything there: from a toothbrush to a bottle of wine. And they work even on Sundays.

Vegetables and fruits need to be bought at markets. Wonderful indoor market called Atarasanas there is in Malaga. There is a very large selection here.

Holidays

Throughout the year, the Costa del Sol hosts many different festivals and fairs, during which you can get acquainted with the traditions of different cities in the province. Most of the holidays are related to history and traditional cuisine, so tourists have a great opportunity to learn folk culture region of the Costa del Sol. Here is a list of several holidays that are interesting in my opinion:

Safety. What to watch out for

Any place where it accumulates a large number of people, you need to remain vigilant and be very attentive, as thieves and pickpockets are attracted to such an environment. In general, security is the same as in the rest of Spain. It is better to store valuables in safes. There is no need to carry your passport with you to the beach and leave your things unattended. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and visa before your trip, just in case: using copies will make it easier to restore documents in the event of force majeure.

Things to do

Sport

The Sun Coast offers its guests different aquatic species sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Among other sports, golf is popular on the Costa del Sol.

Sunny Beach has to offer its active tourists about 30 equipped fields. Not every Mediterranean resort can boast such a developed golf infrastructure!

Mountains

In winter, the Soligneve ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, 150 kilometers from Malaga and not far from Granada, is a success. By the way, it is considered the southernmost ski resort Europe.

Costa del Sol... At the mere mention of this name, my soul immediately becomes warm and sunny pictures of the Mediterranean coast, serene relaxation and eternal holiday emerge in my memory! And it’s no coincidence, because this is the southernmost, warmest region of the Spanish coast. The name Costa del Sol itself translates as Coast of the Sun, and it is for this feature that it is so loved by numerous tourists who come to enjoy sunny days, which are in abundance here, and the cleanest, many kilometers of beaches that this Spanish coast is so rich in.

The Costa del Sol resort area is located in one of the largest and southern autonomous communities of Spain - Andalusia. I especially like this region because here you can feel the “real” Spain - sultry, hot, passionate. The heart of Spain is hidden in Andalusia. The mixture of European culture and the Arab East turns this place into a real treasure trove for the curious tourist and makes it so attractive and alluring.

Costa del Sol is a resort area on the Mediterranean coast. It extends from Malaga west almost to Gibraltar and east to Almeria. , Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona - each city is interesting in its own way, you can choose any one and you won’t be mistaken, everywhere there is a southern flavor and everything is conducive to a pleasant holiday. The western part of the coast is more popular with tourists than the eastern part. In the recent past, these were simple fishing villages, which, thanks to their geographical location and excellent climate, have turned into modern and fashionable resorts. The Sun Coast, like a magnet, attracts crowds of travelers from different countries, including Russia.

When I’m on the Costa del Sol, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the edge of Europe, but that’s how it is: Africa is very close, across the road, or rather, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

How to get there

The resorts of the Costa del Sol from Russia can be reached by different means of transport. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the trip. Train, car and plane are suitable for self-planned travel. Travel companies organize bus tours and sea cruises and these two modes of transport can also be used to get to the South of Spain. If you prefer to travel with a travel agency, there are options to suit different tastes and budgets.

By plane

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the Costa del Sol is by air.

No matter where you're flying from, you can compare flight options for your dates.

From Moscow

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct regular flights from St. Petersburg to Malaga. In my opinion, the most convenient way to get from the northern capital is by transit through Moscow. The flight to Moscow lasts no more than 1.5 hours, the connection between flights is from 3 hours, the price of a round-trip ticket is approximately 350 EUR (about 23,000 RUB). Flights are operated by Aeroflot airline.

Through Europe

Malaga can be reached through almost any European capital, as well as in transit via Turkish Airlines.

Costa del Sol Airport

Planes fly to the main air harbor of the coast - Malaga Airport, named after the famous native of the city, Pablo Picasso. From the airport, getting to the tourist area is very easy. If you decide to stay in Malaga, the city is easily accessible from the airport in just 20 minutes.

By train

Another option for true travelers is to combine air travel and rail travel. You can take a direct flight from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona, and from there high-speed Ave trains (the name translates from Spanish as “bird”) run in the direction of Malaga. The journey will take 2.5–3 hours - the train rushes at a speed of about 350 km/h.

Trains arrive at the main railway station of the city, Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano. Information on ticket prices and schedules can be found on the website of the Spanish National Railway Company (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), where they can also be booked and purchased.

By bus

Getting to the Costa del Sol by bus is not the best idea: it will take a very long time to travel, unless these are special tours offered by agencies. As a rule, such routes cover several European capitals and are very often combined with air travel or rail travel.

By car

By ferry

But this method is not very suitable for a complete holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

If the purpose of your visit is to relax on the sea coast, then the best time to travel to the Costa del Sol is summer. The season starts from the end of May and lasts until the end of September. If you want to see as many sights as possible and visit different cities, spring and autumn are perfect. Winter is not the best choice for a trip: tourists come here for the sun and sea, and in winter the sky is often overcast and there is no way to swim in the sea. Prices, of course, are lower in the off-season than at the height of summer - this can also be an additional incentive to travel in winter. But, in my opinion, it is better to start your very first trip and acquaintance with the Costa del Sol in the warm season, when the bright sun is shining, in order to feel the southern flavor and enjoy all the pleasures that this fertile region offers.

Costa del Sol in summer

If you like to swim in the warm sea, keep in mind one more feature of the Costa del Sol: although this is the hottest region of Spain, the sea, unfortunately, warms up no more than +24 °C - and only closer to August. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents. There are the most tourists during this period, so you should take care of booking a hotel and purchasing air tickets in advance.

Costa del Sol in autumn

At the beginning of autumn, you can enjoy ripened berries and fruits, such as grapes.

Costa del Sol in spring

Costa del Sol in winter

In winter, the weather on the Costa del Sol is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +15-19°C. Mountains protect the coast from severe cold. However, there is a possibility of frequent rains.

In addition, small resort towns will be quite boring without a beach holiday. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, especially the coastal area. Although you can come here for Christmas or New Year to take a little break from the Russian frosts. And if you manage to visit the Costa del Sol in February, you can see the carnivals that are held in different towns along the coast, including in the capital of the region - Malaga.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

Holidays on the southern coast of Spain and in particular on the Costa del Sol have always been considered much more expensive than, for example, in the more democratic Catalonia.

Housing prices

In the 90s, there were practically no three-star hotels on the coast; mainly four and five-star hotels were offered. Now the situation has changed: you can find a good hotel with two or three stars. The average price of accommodation starts from 40 EUR per night; in a good four-star hotel the price per room will be from 100-150 EUR. The larger the city, the greater the choice of different categories of hotels. You can stay in some well-known global hotel chain or choose a mini-hotel or boarding house.

Prices for food and drinks

Breakfast - from 4 EUR.
Lunch at the bar - from 10 to 20 EUR.
Dinner - 30-40 EUR.
In expensive restaurants you can pay about 60 EUR per person.
A bottle of soda or beer will cost 1-1.5 EUR, a glass of wine - 2 EUR.

Entertainment

Visiting museums and some cathedrals will cost up to 10 EUR. A little tip: before going to the museum, you should go to the website and check the schedule and ticket prices. Very often, many museums have free admission on weekends - this is a great opportunity to save money. As a rule, this information is available on websites.
A ticket to a flamenco show in a special tablao, the price of which includes a drink, is quite expensive - from 50 EUR. But in fact, you shouldn’t waste money on flamenco: there will be a lot of impressions and just as much delight!

Transport prices

Main attractions. What to see

There are many attractions on the Costa del Sol; in almost every seaside town you can find something interesting besides the beach. Of course, the leader in interesting places is the provincial capital of Malaga, but I will give a list of five attractions that are not in the capital, but in other cities. These places are definitely worth seeing.

Top 5

The list of top attractions on the Costa del Sol includes:

Beaches. Which ones are better

I consider the beaches of the Costa del Sol to be some of the best beaches in Spain, maybe even the best. Wide, sandy, well equipped, marked with a blue flag, environmentally friendly. Each city on the coast has several first-class beaches.

Most beaches are marked with a blue flag. This means that the beach is clean and meets all sanitary standards. The eastern coast of the Costa del Sol is pebbly and rocky in places. The total length of the beaches is about 160 kilometers, the best sandy beaches are located to the west of Malaga.

Beaches of Torremolinos

The coast of Torremolinos consists of the following beaches:

The central beach of La Carihuela is covered with dark sand and is well equipped.

El Saltillo Beach is in the center of the tourist area, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Playamar Beach - suitable for surfers and volleyball players.

Montemar beach is quiet and calm, adjacent to the port of Benalmadena.

Los Alamos is a wide and calm beach..

Beaches of Fuengirola

Fuengirola is not far behind Torremolinos and boasts some cool beaches, including:

Los Boliches beach is very crowded and popular. There's an old-time seaside bar here.

Carvajal Beach is located far from the city center. This is the calmest of the local beaches.

Santa Amalia beach is marked with a blue flag and is adjacent to the landmark of Fuengirola - Sohail Castle.

The beach is perfect for families with children.

Fuengirola Beach is the central city beach.

Beaches of Malaga

There are about 15 beaches within Malaga. Of course, they are all better than the other! I'll tell you about some of them:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

In Marbella, in the Old Town there is an interesting church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are actually a lot of museums in the Costa del Sol! I will give a list of the most interesting in my opinion.

Museums of Malaga

The place where museums are concentrated, of course, is.

And in Malaga there are flamenco museums, a museum of religious art, a city museum of fine arts and many others.

Marbella Museums

Marbella also has several interesting museums that are worth visiting.

Museums of Torremolinos

In Torremolinos it is worth visiting the Tattoo Museum, where you can see how tattoos are made, read books on the history of tattoo creation, and see photographs and sketches.

Neighboring regions

For those who are tired of beach holidays and the sea, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a mini-trip deep into the region.

Food. What to try

On the Costa del Sol, as on any other popular international resort, there will be no problems with food. Every coastal town has a huge number of restaurants, bars, snack bars with different dishes on the menu, the usual pizza and pasta, various salads, and meat dishes.

For fans of fast food, there will also be no problems with food: on the coast, in almost every resort town you can find global chains of fast eateries.

small bouretbrodiki with jamon (Spanish ham);
seafood - for example, squid, mussels;
vegetable snacks;
olives, skewered, etc.

You can try different types and even get your fill very well - you won’t need a full lunch anymore. I was lucky enough to attend the Feria de Tapas, or Tapas Fair, held in Malaga. The feria was held in a bullring. By the way, not a single bull was harmed then. You buy special tokens, and you can use them to try different types of beer and snacks, and you can vote for your favorite ones.

Read more about Spanish food in. Here I will list the most famous masterpieces of Spanish cuisine, characteristic of the South:

Also a popular soup famous throughout Spain, you can also try it on the Costa del Sol - Sopa de Ajo. It is a clear garlic soup with bread.

Also on the coast you can taste different seafood and fish, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea:

anchovies, sardines - they are eaten fresh here, most often fried, and not in the form of canned food;
mussels;
lobsters;
sea bream;
One of the most popular types of fish here is bakalo, or cod.

Very tasty and expensive pastries are prepared by monks in Andalusian monasteries. I definitely recommend trying it, I really liked it!

Beverages

The south of Spain is a wine region, so tasting local wines is a must.

In Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, they produce sweet wine Dulce, somewhat similar to port.

The famous sherry is produced on the limestone soils near the city. The wine is aged in barrels. Young and mature wine are mixed periodically.

Where to buy food

Those who like to cook on their own while on vacation may find information about food supermarkets and markets useful.

You can also go to Mercadona for groceries. Or go to the Super Sol supermarket - the store is considered inexpensive and often has special offers for different categories of goods.

Vegetables and fruits need to be bought at markets. There is a wonderful indoor market called Atarasanas in Malaga. There is a very large selection here.

Holidays

Throughout the year, the Costa del Sol hosts many different festivals and fairs, during which you can get acquainted with the traditions of different cities in the province. Most of the holidays are related to history and traditional cuisine, so tourists have a great opportunity to learn about the folk culture of the Costa del Sol region. Here is a list of several holidays that are interesting in my opinion:

Safety. What to watch out for

In any place where a large number of people gather, you need to remain vigilant and be very attentive, as thieves and pickpockets are attracted to such an environment. In general, security is the same as in the rest of Spain. It is better to store valuables in safes. There is no need to carry your passport with you to the beach and leave your things unattended. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and visa before your trip, just in case: using copies will make it easier to restore documents in the event of force majeure.

Things to do

Sport

The Sun Coast offers its guests a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Among other sports, golf is popular on the Costa del Sol.

Sunny Beach can offer its active tourists about 30 equipped fields. Not every Mediterranean resort can boast such a developed golf infrastructure!

Mountains

In winter, the Soligneve ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, 150 kilometers from Malaga and not far from Granada, is a success. By the way, it is considered the southernmost ski resort in Europe.

"Coast of the Sun" in the Mediterranean Sea

The Spanish coast of Costa del Sol is not yet as popular as or, and tourists from Moscow and other Russian cities are just beginning to get acquainted with it amazing place. However, tours to the Costa del Sol are consistently sold out by tourists from all over the world all year round. The resort is the southernmost Mediterranean coast, where, thanks to the mild climate, the bright sun shines almost all 365 days a year.

The main attractions of the resort

Of course, for most tourists, trips to the Costa del Sol mean relaxing on luxurious beaches, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and visiting numerous shops and restaurants. However, tours to the Costa del Sol island are also exciting excursions to the main attractions of the Spanish coast. And there will really be something to look at here. Just look at the trips to coastal cities, which reveal to tourists a new Spain, temperamental and capricious: , which has become the muse of poets, former capital of the Arab Caliphate, the capital of wine production is Jerez de la Fronteroi and, of course, the capital of the resort.

Malaga is a large city, which, however, is not a tourist center. Residents of the capital are friendly and enjoy communicating with tourists walking around the city. In Malaga, everyone can visit the house where Picasso himself was once born and climb to the top of the Gibralfaro castle-lighthouse, in the neighboring building of which there is a comfortable hotel.

Anyone who chooses last minute or traditional tours to the Costa del Sol (if we take into account the reviews of tourists who have already visited the island) is recommended to also visit such resort towns, like Benalbadena Costa, famous for its beaches with gray sand, Torremolinos with a chic range of all kinds of entertainment, Fuengirola, where guests will be greeted by comfortable hotels, bars, many kilometers of beaches, discos and many others.

Note to tourists

Tourists from Moscow and beyond are in a hurry to travel to Andulusia, the city where the Spanish language comes from. All fans of spectacular performances will be able to attend bullfights with a bull; reviews of such performances are usually off the charts with emotions! And, of course, what would Spain be without Flamenco! Spanish dances to the sounds of flamenco can be seen right here in Andalusia at festivals and holidays, without which a holiday on the Costa del Sol would not be complete!

Active holidays on the Costa del Sol include diving and golf (the quality of the courses is no worse than the fields), water parks and tennis - everyone can find entertainment to their taste. During the day, you can stroll through local markets and shops, buying gifts for family and friends, and in the evening, for example, have a belly celebration at a local fish restaurant, where you can have a hearty dinner with freshly fried fish right in front of visitors!

That is why among vacationers you can often see famous athletes, show business stars, actors, aristocrats, and owners of multimillion-dollar accounts.

What is the appeal of this sunny spot in the Mediterranean? Only here the cleanest beaches stretch for tens of kilometers. The region is famous for its vibrant, memorable landscapes. This part of Spain is considered to be autonomous in some way. Thanks to this, the Costa Del Sol has preserved its cultural and historical characteristics. That is why the resort conveys a striking mood, is especially charming and individual. Traditions and customs that can still be observed in this paradise, have passed through the centuries.

When is the best time to go on holiday to the Costa Del Sol?

The Costa Del Sol has a typical Mediterranean climate. Dry, warm summers and winters with moderate temperatures are the key properties of the climate prevailing in this corner. A holiday at this resort will give you pleasure in any month. This is due to the fact that sun and warmth reign here more than 330 days a year.

As for precipitation, the region is not rich in it. The season from October to early March is the most generous with moisture. March is the rainiest. As for the temperature, it is amazingly comfortable. Already April-May allows you to see approximately +15-23 degrees on the thermometer. In summer, the average daily temperature reaches +25°C. It is during the summer months that the peak of seasonal holidays begins.

Prices for tours to Costa Del Sol

The cost of tours to the Costa Del Sol depends primarily on time. The most attractive season is September. Just during this period, thousands of tourists from all over the world leave the coast. This is why it is recommended not to wait until the last day to purchase tickets. The most profitable solution is early booking. This method will allow you to buy a ticket at a profit. The period will be perfect not only for a relaxing beach holiday, when the heat subsides, but also for hiking and sightseeing tours that the resort is rich in. Book a room in hotel complex possible at a very reasonable price.

Types of recreation. What to do in Costa Del Sol?

Costa Del Sol will appeal to a variety of categories of tourists. An extravaganza of holidays, a triumph of colors, the flavor of traditions, fiery dances, golden sands, a gentle sea with its various entertainments, excursion tours rich in impressions - this is exactly what this corner is famous for and what is confirmed by thousands of reviews.

The wonderful resort town of Estepona is located on the Costa Del Sol. It is in its vicinity that the safari park was founded. This is a very large object, which is known among tourists as Selwo. This park is rightly considered the best European safari club. In natural natural conditions here you can see with your own eyes a wide variety of, often very rare, representatives of the fauna. Animals in Selwo are brought from various continents.

Water activities

A huge number of tourists cannot deny themselves the pleasure of plunging into the world of entertainment by going to the Aqualand water park. He receives guests every day, all year round. There are a huge number of attractions on the territory of the complex. Among them, extreme slides occupy a special place.

The sun coast attracts numerous tourists not only with its amazingly colorful photos. History buffs will discover new, ancient Spain at this resort. Holidays on the Costa Del Sol require the following: excursion tours. The views of both natural attractions and architectural and historical beauties created by hands will be colorful different people many centuries ago. For example, the caves of Nerja are an amazing ancient complex. The numbers themselves are impressive. It turns out that human ancestors lived here 20 thousand years ago.

Beaches and their types

The Costa Del Sol has only the best beaches. Most of them boast yellow sand, the hue of which resembles real gold.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the Torremolinos area. This coastal area is conventionally divided into 2 parts - the beaches of Carihuela and Bajondillo. The first of them is represented by a wide strip of sand. It is very clean and the infrastructure is well developed. Shops, cafes, and free showers go well with the promenade that runs along the entire recreation area.

The Benalmadena Costa beach deserves special attention. This is a wonderful area, which is distinguished by the presence of warm, coarse yellow sand with a rich honey hue. Small cozy bays and magnificent rocks give the place its charm.

Long and wide sandy beaches are found in Fuengirola and Marbella. Luxurious vegetation, variety of colors and smells are the distinctive features of these places. The beach with unusual gray sand is located in Estepona.

Attractions in Costa Del Sol

The color of the Costa Del Sol is created not only by the local beaches. The resort will forever be remembered for its picturesque sea views, cozy, even somewhat secluded beaches, luxurious cliffs, and emerald Andalusian greenery. As many reviews note, you should definitely witness the bullfights held in Ronda and the flamenco shows.

Malaga

The Montes de Malaga Park, located near famous Spanish nature reserves, deserves special attention. On the vast territory there was a place for many species of birds, mammals, and amphibians. In the park you can see about 400 different plants. The park is also unique as a landscape object. Streams, hills and picturesque valleys coexist here in a quaint and beautiful way.

Cable car

For extreme sports enthusiasts there is a special attraction. This is the Benalmadena cable car. Using it, you can climb the peak of Monte Calamorro. From the top of this beautiful mountain A colorful view of the shore opens up. When the weather is ideal, people with excellent eyesight can see Gibraltar and the African coast.

Capital of bullfighting

There are many beautiful cities in Andalusia. However, the special pride of the Costa Del Sol is Ronda. It amazes many tourists not only with its luxurious landscapes. The location of the city itself is amazing. He is literally one step away from the terrible gorge. It is separated from Tahoe by just over 100 meters. The rich history, as well as the title of the capital of bullfighting, attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers to this cozy place with a population of no more than 35 thousand people every year.

The resort coast of the Costa del Sol is the most expensive and fashionable holiday destination in Spain, where many people choose to spend their holidays every year Foreign tourists, including famous politicians, athletes, show business stars and Hollywood actors.
At the height of the holiday season, it is more lively and cheerful than ever: during the day, the beaches are crowded with noisy vacationers, and at night, rousing music in clubs and discos does not stop until dawn.
What makes this region especially attractive is the hot mixture of European and Arab cultures, allowing the traveler to feel the real Spain - hot, temperamental and passionate.

Costa del Sol on the map

Translated from Spanish, the name of the region sounds like “Sunny Beach”, and this is quite justified - it is the southernmost Mediterranean resort in the country.
The Coast of the Sun is located in Andalusia between the coasts of Campo di Gibraltar and Costa Tropical. The region includes such famous tourist cities, like Malaga, Nerja, Marbella, Torrox, Torremolinos, Manilva, Mijas, Benalmadan and others.
Stretching 300 kilometers from Almeria in the east to Algeciras in the west, the Coast of the Sun is a series of picturesque sandy beaches, along which numerous hotels and all the necessary amenities are built tourism infrastructure.

How to get to Costa del Sol

As throughout Spain, on Sunny Beach transport connection perfectly developed. The most convenient and in a fast way to get there is a flight to Malaga, where a large international Airport, and then transfer to the final destination on the coast by land transport. For example, you can get from the airport to the center of Malaga by train or regular bus.
Other available options that foreign tourists can take advantage of are air travel to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville or Alicante. Then to the desired Mediterranean resort You can get there by intercity bus, high-speed train, taxi or rented car.

Climate and weather

For 11 months of the year the sun shines over the Costa del Sol, and foreigners come here to relax even in winter. The region owes this feature to the warm and mild Mediterranean climate, which provides a long beach season and mostly sunny weather.
Thanks to the cool Atlantic current and the mountains bordering the coast, the resorts of Sunny Beach do not have the sweltering summer heat. Even in August average temperature air rarely exceeds +30°C during the day and +24°C at night.
The swimming season at the local resorts begins in June, when the Mediterranean Sea warms up to +19°C, and lasts until the end of October. The warmest water is from July to September - on average +23°C. And although this figure is slightly lower than on others sea resorts In Spain, this temperature prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the water, as a result of which the local beaches are considered as safe as possible in terms of microbiological indicators.
In spring and in the second half of autumn, when it is time for excursion tourism, travelers can count on +19...+23°C during the day and +12...+15°C at night. The sea during this period is not comfortable for swimming - the water temperature ranges from +15°C to +18°C.

Beaches

The coast from Malaga to Gibraltar is occupied by sandy and small pebble beaches, alternating with picturesque rocky lagoons. It is difficult to say which section of the coast can claim to be the best, but the most popular among tourists are:

Burriana

The largest beach in Nerja with golden and light gray sand. The coastal zone, stretching along the resort embankment for 800 meters, is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Burriana is a favorite holiday destination for European youth.

Carvajal

A long and wide, but at the same time cozy beach with developed infrastructure. Located in Benalmadena. The entrance to the sea is covered with soft, fine sand, and the water is surprisingly clean and calm. Winds are extremely rare, and there are practically no waves. The beach is great for relaxing with the whole family.

Playa la Rada

A long, wide, clean beach in Estepona, famous for its bustling resort life and annual Blue Flag award. For its cleanliness, safety and comfort, this beach is loved by tourists with children, pensioners and people with disabilities, who have excellent conditions for unhindered recreation in Playa la Rada.

La Malagueta

A popular equipped beach in Malaga with a promenade, souvenir shops and a picturesque green area. The length of the beach is 1200 meters, the sand is soft and clean, the color of the water is deep azure, and the depth increases gradually. Families with small children, active youth and older tourists spend their holidays here.
Los Boliches – marked Blue flag a well-maintained beach with fine gray-white sand in Fuengirola, characterized by first-class service and perfectly clean coastline, stretching for more than a kilometer. A little noisy, but not boring, crowded, but perfectly conveying the atmosphere of a summer holiday.

Malapesquera

A popular Blue Flag beach destination in Benalmadena. The beach is bordered by a picturesque green area with palm trees and flowering shrubs. It reaches 700 meters in length and almost 50 meters in width. The sand here is golden and very fine, the entrance to the sea is smooth, and there are many sports grounds and entertainment venues on the shore.

Faro

A small (only 200 meters long), cozy and very picturesque beach in Marbella, where all the delights of beach tourism are available in summer, and where surfers hone their skills in winter. The beach is perfect for lovers of a calm, peaceful holiday, as well as for lovers of dizzying panoramic views– the mountain landscapes combined with the colorful vegetation of the Mediterranean are beautiful at any time of the year.

Playa del Cristo

A miniature but very popular equipped beach near Estepona, where tourists of all ages will not get bored. With a width of 50 meters, the beach has a length of 700 meters and is cleared of debris daily. The coastal area has cafes, shops, restaurants and boat rentals.

Benajarafe

A picturesque and uncrowded coast, stretching for 1200 meters, perfect for a secluded or family vacation. The shore is strewn with small pebbles and shells, and the sea has a turquoise hue and warms up well in the summer. Beach infrastructure includes rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, snack bars, bars, restaurants, parking, showers, toilets, rescue service, children's and sports grounds.

Las Viborillas

Recognized as the most famous nudist beach in Benalmadena. The shore is covered with fine dark sand and pebbles. The length of the beach is 350 meters, the depth increases slowly, the color of the water is turquoise, the sea is clear, the waves are moderate. The beach is surrounded by bizarre cliffs and boasts photogenic views picturesque bay. This coastline is preferred by divers, as well as lovers of snorkeling and sea fishing.

Resorts and activities Costa del Sol

Developed tourist infrastructure, well-groomed resort towns, variety of attractions and high level services are present throughout the Costa del Sol. The choice of one resort or another comes down only to the personal preferences of the tourist, since in any of the cities in the region he will have a first-class beach and excursion holiday and will have an excellent opportunity to join gastronomic tourism.

IN largest city and the port of the Coast of the Sun - it’s worth soaking in the charm historical center, stroll along the colorful city streets, check out local museums and go shopping. As active entertainment In Malaga, tourists have access to diving, beach holidays and active nightlife.

Being the most refined and fashionable resort Sunny Beach, boasts luxurious beaches surrounded by picturesque palm trees and well-groomed flower beds, an excellent promenade, modern shopping centers and luxurious villas on the beach. Moored in the marina expensive yachts, prices for hotel accommodation break all records, and on the streets and beaches you can unexpectedly meet a world celebrity.

Estepona

The town of Estepona, located at the foot of the Sierra Bermea Estepona, is perhaps the only Sunny Beach resort that has managed to preserve its authentic flavor and truly Spanish charm. Here, in the most picturesque corner of the Costa del Sol, you can not only enjoy a beach holiday, but also get acquainted with the arts and crafts of local craftsmen in one of the many art salons and souvenir shops, as well as in the market that takes place every Wednesday directly on the city square.

Fuengirola

The city of the best beaches on the coast, as well as a place where walkers can enjoy the provincial streets, fountains, parks and architectural monuments. The busiest place in the city is the Paseo Maritimo promenade, along which there are cafes, clubs, shops and other entertainment venues for every taste.

ABOUT Benalmadena, located on the hills of Cerro Castillejo and Cerro Moro, is commonly referred to as the “English zone” of Sunny Beach. The British here are the most numerous foreign tourists who come to this town all year round. While vacationing in Benalmadena, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Tiwoli World amusement park, visit Sea aquarium Life and marine park Selwo-marina, climb up cable car to the mountains and learn to drive sailing yacht in Puerto Marina.
Many interesting sights and various excursions await travelers in Torremolinos, a holiday town where every month there is some kind of cultural event or noisy festival. Local beaches are highly respected by surfers, and central square cities - among representatives of non-traditional orientation. Torremolinos is considered one of the most party and noisy youth resorts in Sunny Beach.

Main differences from Costa Dorada and Costa Brava

The Costa del Sol is the only Mediterranean region of Spain where the amazing symbiosis of European culture and distinctive Arab heritage is so colorfully manifested. Even the sights here are completely different - entirely monument cities and ancient fortresses.
Unlike the Costa Dorada and Costa Brava - classic resorts for family and children's recreation– it will be fun and interesting for young people, as well as for tourists traveling alone. And although the sand on the beaches of Sunny Beach is not so soft and golden, and the sea is much cooler, the heart of Spain beats in Andalusia, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
If we talk about the financial aspect, the Spanish Costa Brava is considered the most budget destination for a beach holiday, but Sunny Beach cannot boast low prices on tourist services. However, recently there has been a tendency to smooth out the price discrimination of Spanish resorts. Every year more and more budget hotels are opening here, and not only celebrities, but also average tourists can afford a holiday in Malaga or Mijas.

What to do for tourists in the resorts of the Costa del Sol

Foreigners come here to feel the contrasting combination of sultry sun rays and the refreshing sea, see fabulously expensive yachts at the pier and feel the atmosphere of medieval streets. Young people are flocking to the resorts of Sunny Beach in search of noisy beach activities and music festivals, and families with children - for a quality holiday surrounded by luxury and picturesque landscapes.
Supporters of gastronomic tourism in coastal towns will find amazing dishes of Mediterranean and classic Spanish cuisine, as well as a wide variety of local wines and drinks based on them.
The list of available entertainment is so large that there is no shortage of tourists in Sunny Beach even in winter - the resort atmosphere does not leave this hot corner of Spain all year round.