The Costa del Sol is a coastal region in southern Spain, in the province of Malaga, known for its warm climate, golden sand beaches and sun and beach tourism. It is one of the most popular tourist areas in Spain.
The 20 most touristic cities on the Costa del Sol are:
- Malaga – Main city of the region, known for its culture, history and gastronomy.
- Marbella – Luxury destination, with elegant hotels, golf courses and boutiques.
- Torremolinos – Traditional tourist destination, with a lively nightlife and popular beaches.
- Estepona – Charming coastal town, with quiet beaches and a well-preserved old town.
- Benalmádena – Family destination with theme parks and a marina.
- Fuengirola – Lively coastal city with a wide range of leisure activities and beaches.
- Nerja – Coastal town with beautiful coves and sea caves.
- Mijas – Charming white mountain town with panoramic views.
- Ronda – Historic city located in a spectacular gorge.
- Puerto Banús – Luxury marina with yachts and designer shops.
- Torrox – Coastal town with an exceptionally mild climate.
- Benahavís – Quiet town in the hills, known for its gastronomy.
- Manilva – Fishing town with quiet beaches and good restaurants.
- Coín – Traditional town in the interior, known for its ceramics.
- Antequera – Historic city with important megalithic monuments.
- Alhaurín el Grande – Town in the hills with panoramic views.
- Almuñécar – Coastal city with Roman history and pleasant beaches.
- Casares – White town in the mountains with spectacular views.
- Elviria – Residential area with family beaches and golf courses.
- San Pedro de Alcántara – Quiet coastal town with beaches and restaurants.
Each town on the Costa del Sol is famous for different reasons, whether for its history, its gastronomy, its beaches or its nightlife. In general, all these cities are well known and visited by tourists from all over the world who seek to enjoy the sun, the beach and Spanish culture.
What to do on the Costa del Sol
If you visit Marbella, Estepona, Malaga, Torrox or Nerja. Some of the towns in the province of Malaga, here you have a list of places and monuments that are the most visited on the Costa del Sol.
Alcazaba of Malaga: The Alcazaba is an 11th century Muslim fortress located in the heart of Malaga. The ticket can be purchased at the entrance to the monument or on the official website of the Malaga City Council. The price of general admission is €3.50. It is located at Alcazaba s/n, 29015 Málaga.
Malaga Cathedral: The Cathedral of Malaga, also known as La Manquita, is a majestic Renaissance temple located in the historic center of the city. Tickets can be purchased at the cathedral box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €6. It is located at Calle Molina Lario, s/n, 29015 Málaga.
Gibralfaro Castle: Gibralfaro Castle is a 14th century Moorish fortification that offers stunning views of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. Tickets can be purchased at the castle entrance or on the official website of the Malaga City Council. The price of general admission is €3.50. It is located at Camino Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga.
Picasso Museum of Malaga: This museum houses an extensive collection of works by the famous painter Pablo Picasso, born in Malaga. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €8. It is located at Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga.
Roman Theater of Malaga: The Roman Theater is an ancient theater from Roman times that was discovered in 1951 and has become one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Tickets can be purchased at the monument’s box office or on the official website of the Malaga City Council. The price of general admission is €2.20. It is located at Calle Alcazabilla, s/n, 29015 Málaga.
Ronda Bullring: The Ronda Bullring is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and is characterized by its neoclassical architecture. Tickets can be purchased at the bullring box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €7. It is located at Calle Virgen de la Paz, 15, 29400 Ronda, Málaga.
Puente Nuevo de Ronda: The Puente Nuevo is one of the most emblematic monuments in Ronda and offers spectacular views of the Tajo canyon. Admission to the bridge is free and can be accessed from Calle Arminán, s/n, 29400 Ronda, Málaga.
Basilica of Santa María la Mayor de Antequera: This Renaissance basilica is one of the main religious temples in Antequera and stands out for its impressive façade and its baroque main altar. Admission to the basilica is free and is located in Plaza de Santa María, s/n, 29200 Antequera, Málaga.
Colomares Castle: Colomares Castle is a monument that pays tribute to Christopher Columbus and is known for being the largest neo-Gothic style castle in the world. Tickets can be purchased at the castle entrance or on its official website. The price of general admission is €2.50. It is located at Carretera del Sol, s/n, 29620 Benalmádena, Málaga.
Thyssen Museum in Malaga: This museum is part of the Thyssen museum network and houses a collection of contemporary art and works by artists such as Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €8. It is located at Calle Compañía, 10, 29008 Málaga.
Sohail Castle in Fuengirola: Sohail Castle is a 10th century Arab fortress located on the coast of Fuengirola and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Entry to the castle is free and is located at Calle Castillo, s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga.
Benalmádena Butterfly Park: This butterfly park is the largest in Europe and houses more than 1,500 butterflies of 150 different species. Tickets can be purchased at the butterfly house box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €10. It is located at Calle Muerde la Luna, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga.
Malaga Automobile Museum: This museum houses a collection of more than 90 classic and luxury automobiles, as well as period accessories. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €9. It is located at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15, 29003 Málaga.
Selwo Aventura: This theme park offers the opportunity to see wild animals in a natural environment and has attractions for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at the park’s ticket office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €25. It is located on the A-7 Highway, Km 162.5, 29680 Estepona, Málaga.
Parque de la Paloma: This urban park is one of the largest on the Costa del Sol and has green areas, lakes, exotic animals and leisure areas. Admission to the park is free and is located at Avenida Federico García Lorca, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga.
Museo Carmen Thyssen de Málaga: This museum houses a collection of 19th century Spanish paintings, including works by artists such as Sorolla and Zuloaga. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €8. It is located at Calle Compañía, 10, 29008 Málaga.
La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden has more than 50,000 plants from all over the world and a 19th century mansion. Tickets can be purchased at the botanical garden box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €5. It is located at Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3, 29014 Málaga.
Picasso Foundation-Casa Natal de Málaga: This foundation is located in Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and houses a collection of the artist’s personal objects. Tickets can be purchased at the foundation’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €3. It is located at Plaza de la Merced, 15, 29012 Málaga.
Benalmádena Stupa: The Stupa is a Buddhist monument more than 30 meters high and is the largest in Europe. Entry to the venue is free and is located on Highway A-7, Km 222.3, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga.
Museo de Arte Flamenco de Málaga: This museum offers an insight into the history and evolution of flamenco art, as well as live shows. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s box office or on its official website. The price of general admission is €5. It is located at Calle Ramón Franquelo, 4, 29008 Málaga.