Holiday in the Costa del Sol

Beach in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸

Country

Spain

Type

Beach

Best time to travel

Year-round, ideal April–June, September–November

Budget/day

70–130 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flights to Málaga take about 2.5–3 hours. All Costa del Sol locations are accessible by coastal train or bus from Málaga.

What makes Costa del Sol special as a destination?

The Costa del Sol, Spain's sunny coast on the southern Mediterranean flank of Andalusia, delights with over 320 sunny days a year and a perfect mix of beach life, white villages, and an astonishingly diverse cultural landscape. Malaga, the capital of the region and Picasso's birthplace, has transformed from a mere airport town into one of Spain's most exciting cultural destinations — featuring the Museo Picasso, the Centre Pompidou, the Russian Museum, and a vibrant tapas scene in the old town. Marbella combines glamour and Andalusian charm: Puerto Banus attracts yacht owners and luxury lovers, while the old town (Casco Antiguo) with its whitewashed alleys, orange trees, and the Plaza de los Naranjos appears surprisingly tranquil. Nerja on the eastern Costa del Sol enchants with the Balcon de Europa, a viewpoint high above the sea, and the massive caves where concerts are held in summer. The white mountain village of Frigiliana, regularly awarded the title of the most beautiful village in Andalusia, overlooks the coast with its Moorish streets and breathtaking views. The entire coast offers excellent golf courses (over 70 in total), which is why it is also known as the "Costa del Golf." Chiringuitos, the typical beach restaurants, serve freshly grilled fish and Espetos (sardines on skewers over open charcoal fire). The Costa del Sol is suitable as a travel destination year-round: in winter, long-term vacationers enjoy temperatures around 17°C, while in summer, the Mediterranean refreshes at a pleasant 24°C. Day trips to Granada (Alhambra), Ronda (spectacular gorge town), or Cordoba (Mezquita) expand the program. The region is a classic — and has much more to offer than just package hotels.

Beach
90
Safety
85
Relaxation
82
Families
82
Food
80

What are the top highlights in the Costa del Sol?

The top highlights in the Costa del Sol include Marbella & Puerto Banús, Nerja & Caves of Nerja, Frigiliana, Caminito del Rey, Ronda.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Marbella & Puerto Banús

The luxury destination with its old town, the Golden Mile beach section, and the glamorous marina Puerto Banús is a meeting point for the beautiful and the wealthy.

2

Nerja & Caves of Nerja

The 'Balcón de Europa' offers spectacular sea views, and the cave with the largest stalagmite in the world is a natural wonder.

3

Frigiliana

The white mountain village awarded as the most beautiful in Andalusia above Nerja offers narrow streets and breathtaking views.

4

Caminito del Rey

Once known as the 'most dangerous hiking trail in the world,' the climbing path through the El-Chorro gorge is now safe and spectacular.

5

Ronda

The city on the rock with the iconic Puente Nuevo over the 100 m deep Tajo gorge is an unforgettable day trip.

Hotels in Costa del Sol

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit the Costa del Sol?

The best time to visit the Costa del Sol is Year-round, ideal April–June, September–November. Hot, 28–35 °C, practically no rain In winter: Mild, 12–18 °C, over 300 sunny days

Recommended travel time

Year-round, ideal April–June, September–November

Summer

Hot, 28–35 °C, practically no rain

Winter

Mild, 12–18 °C, over 300 sunny days

How much does a holiday in the Costa del Sol cost?

Budget travellers: 35–55 €/day, mid-range: 70–130 €/day, luxury: 200–600 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

35–55 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

70–130 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

200–600 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to the Costa del Sol?

Direct flights to Málaga take about 2.5–3 hours. All Costa del Sol locations are accessible by coastal train or bus from Málaga.

Book a package holiday to the Costa del Sol

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What travel tips are there for the Costa del Sol?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Marbella has two faces: the luxury mile and the charming old town – the latter is much more interesting.

The Caminito del Rey is free, but tickets must be reserved online months in advance.

Chiringuitos (beach bars) with Espetos de Sardinas on the beach are the most authentic Costa del Sol experience.

Golf is a highlight – over 70 courses make the Costa del Sol the 'Costa del Golf.'

Nerja and Frigiliana in the east are significantly quieter and more authentic than the western part around Torremolinos.

What should you eat in the Costa del Sol?

Typical specialities in the Costa del Sol: Espetos de Sardinas, Fritura Malagüña, Ajoblanco, Porra Antequerana, Gambas al Pil-Pil, Tinto de Verano.

These specialties you must try!

Espetos de Sardinas
Fritura Malagüña
Ajoblanco
Porra Antequerana
Gambas al Pil-Pil
Tinto de Verano
Suitable for:Sunny daysBeachGolfMarbellaYear-roundNightlifeLuxuryAndalusia

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