Things to do in Costa del Sol

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Costa del Sol

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Where to stay

Costa del Sol travel guide

Nerja featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town

Nerja featuring general coastal views, a beach and boating

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Top places to visit

1. Port of Malaga

The Port of Málaga is one of the oldest seaports in Spain and the first stop for many visitors on a trip to the city. The port is both a transportation hub and a popular destination itself. Shop in chic malls, lounge on beaches and explore cutting-edge art galleries, all within the marina area.

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Port of Malaga showing night scenes and a city

2. Malagueta Beach

Malagueta Beach is an ideal place to escape the city and unwind by the sea. During the high season, waterfront food vendors and busy restaurants line the shore, parents and children use the playground facilities and visitors enjoy beach activities. Stretch out on a sun lounger, walk barefoot on the sands and cool off in the calm waters.

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Malagueta Beach which includes a coastal town, swimming and a sandy beach

3. Carihuela Beach

La Carihuela started out as a fishing village but, with the growth of Torremolinos as a coastal resort, it has become most popular for its huge, sandy beach. Visit to explore the last remnants of the old village or to simply enjoy swimming in the sheltered natural harbor. The area is also getting increasingly famous for its delicious fresh cuisine.

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La Carihuela which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

4. Los Boliches Beach

Join in the fun at one of the best-loved beaches on the Costa del Sol, Los Boliches Beach. This dark-sand stretch of coast is rarely quiet, and its dynamic atmosphere is typical of the lively, youthful spirit of Fuengirola. Enjoy the calm waters and take advantage of the excellent facilities as you spend a day basking in the sun here.

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Enjoy the spirit of Fuengirola at one of its most buzzing beaches, where the dark sand makes for a striking appearance and the facilities are excellent.

5. Puerto Banús Marina

Puerto Banús Marina is where the international jet-set moor their yachts. With berths for more than 900 boats, it is the main harbor for that playground of the rich and famous, Marbella. However, it’s more than just a place for vessels to dock. This luxury harbor is a destination in its own right, with upscale boutiques, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches. Come here to shop, party, sunbathe and gaze at multimillion-dollar yachts.

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Enjoy a daytrip or a vacation at one of the most prestigious ports in Spain, a seaside destination of upscale shops and restaurants and gorgeous beaches.

6. Cabopino Beach

Relax amid the attractive charms of the Costa del Sol at Cabopino Beach (Playa Cabopino). Set between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and rugged sand dunes, the beach lets you connect with nature away from Marbella’s tourism bustle. Visit Cabopino Beach throughout the year to benefit from mild temperatures and some 320 days of sunshine.

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Enjoy one of the finest beaches in Marbella. This tranquil spot has clear waters, striking dunes and a busy marina.

7. Puerto Banús Beach

Soft, golden sands, calm water, great views and a beautiful boardwalk draw visitors to Puerto Banús Beach. This sandy sanctuary is also known as the Playa de Levante and extends for approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) beneath the shadow of La Concha mountain. Spend a few hours or a whole day relaxing here by the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Laze on warm sands and go for long coastal walks at a popular beach in one of southern Spain’s most glamorous resort towns.

8. Carvajal Beach

Join the locals and tourists who regularly spend their sunny days here on the unusual Carvajal Beach, which has striking dark sand. Take advantage of the excellent facilities and enjoy the usually calm waters, which tend to be safe even for smaller children at most times of the day.

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Swim in the tranquil waters of this safe, clean and popular beach, known for its distinctive dark-coloured sand and pebbles.

9. Balcon de Europa

The Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe) is both one of Nerja’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular gathering place. Visit this terrace and observation deck to enjoy uninterrupted views of the town’s coastline, its mountain backdrop and picturesque sunsets. Spot statues and historical relics, be entertained by street performers and attend open-air live music performances.

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Balcon de Europa which includes street scenes and tropical scenes

What to do in Costa del Sol

Popular places to visit

Port of Malaga

One of Spain’s most popular cruise ports is a great place to experience the atmosphere and history of lively, welcoming Málaga.

Malagueta Beach

Laze under the Andalucían sun on this popular beach, which is just a short stroll from Malaga's historic city center.

Carihuela Beach

This historic Torremolinos fishing village is today famous for its delectable seafood and spacious Mediterranean beach, which has ideal swimming conditions.

Los Boliches Beach

Enjoy the spirit of Fuengirola at one of its most buzzing beaches, where the dark sand makes for a striking appearance and the facilities are excellent.

Puerto Banús Marina

Enjoy a daytrip or a vacation at one of the most prestigious ports in Spain, a seaside destination of upscale shops and restaurants and gorgeous beaches.

Cabopino Beach

Enjoy one of the finest beaches in Marbella. This tranquil spot has clear waters, striking dunes and a busy marina.

Puerto Banús Beach

Laze on warm sands and go for long coastal walks at a popular beach in one of southern Spain’s most glamorous resort towns.

Carvajal Beach

Swim in the tranquil waters of this safe, clean and popular beach, known for its distinctive dark-coloured sand and pebbles.

Balcon de Europa

Admire magnificent coastal and mountain views from this terrace set atop a headland. It was once part of a 9th-century fortress.

Areas of Costa del Sol

Port of Malaga featuring general coastal views, boating and a marina

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(807 area reviews)

Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are a few top attractions in Málaga Centro. Hop around the city on the metro at La Marina Station or La Malagueta Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning cathedral and captivating waterfront views.

Puerto Banús

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Stay in a fashionable resort town on Spain’s Mediterranean coast that is a favorite haunt of the rich and famous.

Marbella City Centre

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Marbella City Centre is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Orange Square and Venus Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Marbella.

Balcon de Europa showing general coastal views and views as well as a large group of people

Nerja City Centre

4.5/5(84 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Nerja City Centre. A stop by Calahonda Beach or Carabeo Beach might round out your trip.