Among the leading tourist areas of the Mediterranean, it is difficult not to mention the famous Costa del Sol in Spain. Stretching over 150 km of coastline and bordered by iconic cities such as Marbella, Málaga, and Estepona, this Andalusian coastline attracts millions of holidaymakers every year in search of paradisiacal beaches, fascinating cultural visits, and, above all, sunshine all day long! Here are all the must-see places to visit on the Costa del Sol.
The must-sees in Marbella
A world-renowned destination, known for its festive atmosphere, dreamy beaches, and high-end services that delight the most demanding vacationers, Marbella attracts several million tourists from all over the world every year. But despite its reputation as a festive seaside resort, this chic destination has managed to preserve its authenticity with its typical narrow streets, lined with flowery whitewashed houses. Here are the must-sees in Marbella.
The old city of Marbella
If you want to see the picturesque face of Marbella, the old town is the place to be! Stroll through the charming alleys with your camera in hand and capture every corner of this photogenic place: between the Orange Tree Square, the splendid Town Hall, the authentic traditional houses and the typical cafes, a huge palette of colors awaits you!
Alameda Park
A true “green lung” of the city, Alameda Park is a large area of lush vegetation in the heart of Marbella. When the sun gets heavy during the hottest hours, between noon and 2 pm, it is a real oasis of tranquility with its shady areas particularly pleasant for picnics. Lose yourself in the park, stroll the marble walkways and enjoy the refreshing breeze from the magnificent Virgen del Rocio fountain.
The wild coast of the Dunes of Artola
If you want to get away from the most touristy areas and isolate yourself in more solitary corners, head for the wild coast of the Dunes of Artola. Between land and sea, you will enjoy the invigorating sea air and the beauty of this preserved nature, dazzling at sunset.
On the beach of Cabopino, you will have the feeling of being alone in the world, and many consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia.
Puerto Banus Marina
The Puerto Banus marina is a landmark for millionaires’ yachts and an iconic place in Marbella. Its trendy atmosphere and posh reputation have attracted the international jet set year after year, as well as the most affluent vacationers: the streets are indeed lined with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving
If you are a lover of engravings, it is very likely that you will fall under the spell of the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving in Marbella. In this historic Renaissance, the building exhibited various engravings, many of which were made by Picasso. The museum also organizes workshops and conferences to deepen the experience in this temple of engraving, a true national reference in this field.
Arabian fortress of Marbella
If you thought there were no historical monuments in Marbella, think again! The Arab fortress and its medieval walls are a perfect example of this, and a good example of the Muslim influence on the city’s architectural identity. It is possible to visit them with a guide and learn more about this little-known facet of one of Spain’s most famous seaside resorts.
Must-see places in Malaga
The birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, the port city of Malaga is inseparable from the Costa del Sol. So much so that it is for many its emblem, with its coveted urban beaches, its precious historical monuments, and its mythical medieval walls. There is so much to discover in this famous Andalusian city: here are the main places you must visit during your stay.
Málaga’s Alcazaba Citadel
History buffs will be thrilled to see the iconic Alcazaba citadel in Málaga. This fortress was built during the Islamic era in Spain and features elements typical of the Arab architecture that is widespread in this region of Spain. You can visit it from the inside, and appreciate the remarkable preservation of its foundations, but also walk through the beautiful gardens that border the building. Finally, you’ll find the remains of a Roman amphitheater at the foot of the citadel, as well as several fascinating historical museums in the surrounding area. Add to this an overlooking view of the city, and you have one of the most visited places in Malaga!
Malaga Cathedral
This is another emblematic monument of Malaga. The city’s great cathedral was built in the 16th century, and its construction is said to have taken more than 250 years! When you arrive in front of this stone giant, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the majesty of this building with its atypical and refined architecture!
At the heart of the building, you can observe the magnificent Renaissance ornaments, before reaching the roof and enjoying the spectacular view of Málaga, and then take your camera to immortalize the moment.
Finally, to conclude your visit, take a detour to the cathedral’s gardens, which are accessible free of charge. An enchanting stroll to contemplate the building from all angles.
Picasso Museum in Malaga
This is one of those places that you would dedicate a whole day to visit, because it is so fascinating! The Picasso Museum in Malaga traces the career of the famous Spanish painter, known worldwide for his paintings such as Guernica and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Located in the heart of the magnificent Buenavista Palace, a historic building built in the 16th century, this museum exhibits more than 200 works by the artist in 11 different rooms. Here you can see the first childhood works of the man who was nicknamed “Little Goya”, and understand the evolution of his style over the years.
Atarazanas Market
If you want to meet the local producers of Malaga, what better way than to go to the famous Atarazanas market? Located in the heart of the city, in an old shipyard building with magnificent glass roofs, it is a friendly and popular place where locals gather in search of fresh products and good deals.
Malaga’s beaches
Malaga’s coastline is a true paradise for vacationers seeking relaxation and for lovers of water sports. Between the pebbled and fine sandy beaches, the popular beaches, and the more discreet coves, it is impossible not to find the ideal place to lay down your towel. For example, you can rest on the soft sand of the Penon del Cuervo cove, recognizable by its famous “crow’s rock” that seems to attract sand like a magnet or have fun with the kids on the Burriana playa, one of the most famous in Andalusia. Near the beach, there are rental services (kayaks, jet skis…), showers, toilets, and traditional beach restaurants.
Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art of Malaga
If the weather turns bad, a visit to the Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art in Malaga could be a good alternative to the beach. This fascinating place gathers a large collection of contemporary works, which you can discover with your family. An original and entertaining visit!
Botanical garden “La Concepcion”
La Concepcion Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, covering almost 3 hectares. It is inspired by ancient times and has more than 2,000 different varieties of plants from all over the world. This landscaped park has also been declared a historical and artistic garden since 1934: one thing is sure, you won’t be disappointed with your visit!
The must-sees in Ronda
Proudly standing atop a mountain, the small town of Ronda is one of the most authentic on the Costa del Sol. Relatively far from the coast, people come here mainly to enjoy the calm of the interior and the preservation of mass tourism. The cultural visits to Ronda can be done in one day.
The New Bridge
A great symbol of the city of Ronda, the New Bridge was built in the eighteenth century and required more than 40 years of work. It is a privileged point of passage to the new town from the old town, and is almost 100 meters high, offering a dazzling view of the Tajo Valley. To take perfect shots of this grandiose structure, you will find many viewpoints at the foot of the New Bridge.
Moorish King’s Palace
Superbly located in the middle of the peaceful countryside of Ronda, the Moorish King’s Palace is a sumptuous eighteenth-century residence surrounded by magnificent hanging gardens. The interior of the palace cannot be visited, but the green space that surrounds this monument is worth the detour alone: it includes the Mina de Agua, an avant-garde water pumping system that once drew its source from the River Guadalevin. The park, designed by the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Forestier, is an invitation to stroll and relax.
Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
It is impossible to pass by the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent without stopping by when visiting Ronda. You are bound to fall in love with its unique charm and its fabulous monuments, including the town hall and the church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The latter building, of Gothic and Renaissance style, took more than 200 years to be built and is a must-see when you come here.
Mondragon Palace
A former royal residence built in the fourteenth century, the Mondragon Palace is a marvelous monument of Renaissance and Moorish style. Inside, you will find a museum with exhibits that trace the history of the town of Ronda. Afterward, stroll through the gardens of Mondragon, and enjoy the privileged view of the old city.
Ronda bullring
Emblematic of the city’s bullfighting culture, the Ronda bullring was built in 1785 and is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. With a total capacity of 5,000 spectators, these stands are now open to visitors who can visit the central sandy ring and the bullring’s historical firearms museum.
The must-sees in Benalmadena
Benalmadena, the last town in our selection, has everything you could wish for when you go on vacation to the Costa del Sol. No doubt that its paradisiacal beaches, its fascinating cultural visits, and the comfort of its tourist infrastructures will make you fall under its charm!
Benalmadena cable car
To climb the 780-meter-high Calamorro mountain, the cable car of Benalmadena is certainly the most comfortable and practical solution. During the 15-minute ride, you will enjoy an incredible view of the city and the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean under the sun. On a clear, sunny day, you can even see the Moroccan coast!
Once you have reached the highest point, go to the Valley of the Eagles to watch the birds of prey shows. An activity that will surely delight young and old!
Colomares Castle
It is one of the most refined monuments in the city of Benalmadena. Built in 1987, in honor of the famous navigator Christopher Columbus, the Colomares Castle has an unusual architectural structure and elements of Byzantine, Gothic, neo-Mudejar, and Renaissance styles. A monument like no other!
Bil-Bil Castle
A surprising red residence in the middle of palm trees… No doubt about it, you are in the Bil-Bil castle. Built at the end of the 1920s for a French bourgeois family, it now serves as a municipal cultural center and wedding reception venue. Once inside, you’ll be amazed!
Benalmadena Pueblo
An enchanted interlude a few kilometers from downtown, Benalmadena Pueblo reveals to curious visitors the more picturesque face of this large seaside resort. We like to lose ourselves in its charming and poetic streets and contemplate the traditional houses with their whitewashed walls. A perfect place to take unforgettable pictures of your vacation!
If you pass by the Plaza de Espana, you will probably notice this statue of a little girl holding a shell in her hands. It is the Nina de Benalmadena, a bronze sculpture symbolizing the friendly and benevolent look that the locals have towards the tourists. Here, conviviality is the rule, and you will be welcomed as if you were at home!
Mariposario Butterfly Park
To conclude your stay with unusual activity, take a detour to the Mariposario Butterfly Park in Benalmadena. This large tropical aviary of 900 m2, located right next to a Buddhist temple, is home to more than 1,500 butterflies of 150 different varieties from around the world. In Europe, you will not find such a concentration of lepidopterans: it is a unique terrarium by its size, a must-visit!
Practical information for a dream stay on the Costa del Sol
How to get around the Costa del Sol?
Once there, you will have the choice between the car and public transport. If you are traveling alone and light, you should take the bus because it will be cheaper than renting a car.
If you are coming with your family, then it is better to rent a car. You will have a lot of freedom in your travels, and the prices will be proportionally lower than those of public transport if you are numerous (about 6 € per day). Moreover, it is much more practical to transport bulky things easily, and it allows you to spend more time on site because you will not have to comply with the schedules of passage. Finally, parking spaces are not expensive, and sometimes even free.
When is the best time to visit the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and an average of 320 days of sunshine per year. Between June and September, temperatures can vary between 25 and 30°C. The mercury rises to 22°C in the water from July onwards and usually remains at this level until September. If you want to relax on your deck chair and have a good time at the beach, this is the ideal season for you. However, beware of the month of August, when the tourist numbers reach their absolute peak.
The climate in May and October is still good, with an average of 22°C, and the influx of holidaymakers is much lower than in the summer season. At the same time, you will benefit from the low flight and hotel rates. If you like hiking, this is certainly the best time to go to the Costa del Sol: the climate is mild and allows you to practice this physical activity in complete safety, without suffering from the sometimes overwhelming heat of the summer season. You will also be able to visit many cultural sites in complete tranquility. However, don’t expect the water to be very warm if you go swimming: its temperature rarely exceeds 20°C at these times.
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