Driving through the South of Spain, between Costa de la Luz and the Costa Tropical, you will find yourself within the breathtaking region of Costa Del Sol – which translates to be “Coast of the Sun”. This coast consists of the city of Malaga (the Gateway to Costa Del Sol), Torremolinos, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella, and many other small towns along the way.
The entire coast deserves exploration and Voyalific wants to help you!
We will take you through each town of Costa Del Sol, to show you why each stop along the way is a worthy destination.
Let’s begin with the Gateway – Màlaga – Birthplace of Picasso and so much more..
Màlaga, Spain
This city was nominated in 2016 to be a candidate for the European Capital of Culture, much due to it’s cultural infrastructure and artistic heritage. Its so-called ‘mile of art’ has been compared to the likes of Madrid, and the fine dining compared to Barcelona.
The city’s port had previously been rundown, but since it’s grand rebuilding it has been modernized to capture the essence of Málaga’s culture and heritage. The port now welcomes droves of cruise-line passengers, strongly contributing to the city’s increase in tourism.
Parque De Huelin – Paseo Antonio Machado 50-54, 29002 Malaga, Spain
In this little park within the suburbs, you can find dog walkers, people drinking wine, trees, a small playground, and a lake. It is best known for it’s replica lighthouse in the parks centre, and the colourful display of umbrellas hanging above.
Museo Picasso Málaga – Calle San Agustin 8, 29015 Malaga, Spain
If you are a Picasso fan, this museum is a must. You’ll be able to see drawings, paintings, and a few sculptures. The museum provides audio guides in most languages, providing insight on the history of Picasso and his pieces. In the basement underneath the museum, there is an old Roman Ruin which is free to visit.
Ps. You are not allowed to take any pictures inside.
Some take time to appreciate the brilliance of Picasso…
While others…have yet to fully grasp it…
Casa Aranda – Calle Herreria del Rey 1 | Malaga, Spain, 29005 Malaga, Spain
ÓLEO Restaurante – Calle Alemania S/N | Edifico del CAC, 29001 Malaga, Spain
Torremolinos
This modern city is part of the reason Costa del Sol has it’s name – enjoying more than 300 sunny days every year, a comfortable average temperature of 19ºC, and 7km of beaches. It preserves the charm of Andalusion traditions, while offering hundreds of restaurants and bars.
Here is some of what Torremolinos has to offer:
Plaza De La Nogalera – 29620 Torremolinos, Spain
Calle San Miguel – Calle San Miguel, Torremolinos, Spain
This is a street lined with endless bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and shops. It makes for a lovely stroll between the city centre and the beach. Bars and shops are open late to grab a quick bite to eat or to have another round of drinks to fuel your walk home. It is quite touristy, but you’d be able to find some local gems within.
Playa La Carihuela – Torremolinos, Spain
Mijas
This town also sports much of the Mediterranean sunshine, with beautiful beaches on it’s 12 km coastline. When you’re not seaside, you can venture into the white-washed village of Mijas Pueblo located mountainside. From the top, you can catch a glimpse of Gibraltar, the Atlas Mountains over the African coastline, across from Costa del Sol. Mijas offers the best of beaches, mountains, and scenic city strolls.
Centro Historico de Mijas (Mijas Pueblo) – Calle de la Virgen de la Pena con Avenida del Compas y C/. Malaga, 29650 Mijas Pueblo, Mijas, Spain
Museo del Vino de Mijas – Calle San Sebastian 14, 29650, Mijas, Spain
The city offers stunning views from just about every balcony or rooftop. Look over the hills in the distance, glance to the Mediterranean beside you, and gawk at the city underneath you.
Fuengirola
This city offers the best of water sports, golf courses, and resort life. If culture is what you’re looking for, visit the History museum to learn about the Cathaginians, Moors, and Visigoths. With a resort styled city like this, you can expect to see a buzzing nightlife worth staying out for.
Sohail Castle – Calle Mijas, 29649 Fuengirola, Spain
This castle on a hill overlooks the sea, hosting concerts and music festivals in the summer months. It recently featured The Beach Boys, a Blues Festivals, and Sting. It was restored in 1989, and visitors are allowed within the castle walls to provide a fantastic view of the Sun Coast.
Munchies Smokehouse and Bar – Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana 43, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain
Marknad i Fuengirola/Fuengirola Street Market – Calle Recento Farial, Fuengirola, Spain
This is a very large market – walk all the way through and haggle as you go to get the best deal. The market offers hand bags, shoes, clothes, vintage goods, jewelry, and fresh local produce. It is one of the biggest markets in the Costa Del Sol region; worth the visit to buy a quick lunch or try your luck antiquing.
Marbella
This city is recognized to be chic and sun-drenched. It is trendy with it’s modern resort amenities and white washed buildings, while also preserving the Andalusian history. When visiting, one could spend endless days on La Fontanilla Beach; but with the area’s family oriented activity parks, it provides a fun alternative to frying in the sun. Finish off your days amongst the fragrant orange trees and enjoy some of the regions famous dessert wine.
Paseo de la Alameda – Avenida de la Constitucion, 11380 Tarifa, Spain
This green space faces the harbour, allowing one to watch the big ships pass through, and stretch the eyes a bit further to see the Atlas mountain range in Morocco. The stunning sunsets cast a pink shade on the distant mountains, just at the horizon of the sea. It is a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere to sip on wine and soak in the surroundings.
La Concha – Marbella, Spain
This one is for the outdoor adventure enthusiasts looking to get a step above the crowd. This hike is about 7.5km with a view of the southern coast – ranging from Fuengirola, Eliviria, Marbella, Porto Banus, to Estopona. It is ranked as a moderate to difficult hike, with approximately 2 1/2 hour ascent and about 3-4 hours for descent (which is said to be more challenging with sheer drops and loose rocks).
Wear good shoes, bring plenty of water, pick up a hiking stick, have food and first aid on hand. If you aren’t quite at this fitness level, there are many flatter walks within the National Park.
The view will be your reward.
ASTRAL Cocktail Bar – Muelle de Levante s/n, 29660 Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain
Some have named this Cocktail Bar to have the best ones in all of Puerto Banus. It is right on the beach, with amazing views and a lively atmosphere. The drinks are big, beautiful, delicious, and oh so photogenic – lots of options and a helpful staff to aid in your decision
Now that you’ve made it from Màlaga –> Marbella…
… Grab your glass of dessert wine, work your toes into the sand, listen to the sound of the waves and let the memories made in Spain wash over you.
The sun has to set, even in Costa del Sol.
Tell us your favourite stop along the way! We welcome recommendations, tips, and photos from your travels.
Written by: Nicole Roach
Featured Photo by: @amandasascha