Stretching nearly 160 kilometres along the southern Spanish coastline, the Costa del Sol is a hotspot for visitors who flock from across Europe to bathe upon its golden shores. It is, however, not only the beach resorts which are a magnet of attraction to the masses, as this area is a haven of Spanish culture, from its beautiful basilicas, countless tapas bars and a Pablo Picasso museum, the Costa del Sol brings out the epitome of this country into one place. There are a million reasons why you should holiday in this Spanish Southern Belle so secure your dream holiday apartment or villa in Spaintoday.
Find and book the perfect holiday apartment or villa by the sea on the Costa del Sol
This vibrant Andalusian jewel is one of the most diverse places in Europe, with the colourful city of Malaga, the verdant mountains of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, and of course its vast collection of beaches. The variety of this location is not limited to its attractions, as there is a wide range of accommodation to also be explored. Among a selection of apartments, bed and breakfasts and holiday villas; you can also choose a holiday home to suit your holiday needs. Whether you crave a house with a private pool, garden, or a tantalising sea view, you can reserve your space via TripAdvisor or Airbnb and rest assured that you will have your own sanctuary in this eternally vibrant region.
When to go to Costa Del Sol
Though the deep southern Spanish climate ensures your trip to the Costa Del Sol will almost certainly be blessed with the sun at any point in the year, the best of these temperatures can be enjoyed between March and late May. This is when the climate becomes even warmer, but the mass summer crowds are still yet to descend.
What types of holiday rentals are available in Costa del Sol?
With beaches renowned for their tranquil water and Tivoli World theme park, a holiday villa with a private pool or a chalet with a garden in one of the numerous family-friendly resorts is ideal for visitors with young children who can enjoy a slice of peace in this popular waterfront hub. For a retreat in the Spanish mountains or overlooking a quaint harbour, choose an equally traditional rental by securing a whitewashed villa or a restored cottage to ensure your time in Costa del Sol will bring you nothing but endless rest and rejuvenation.
How to get there?
Located on the southern coast of Spain, Costa del Sol is a favourite among Brits who want to escape to the sunny shores in minimal travel time. Because of this, budget airlines offer affordable flights direct from an extensive range of airports across the UK. Carriers such as Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI fly from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and East Midlands daily into Malaga Airport. The airport is five miles northeast of Malaga, with the favourite destination of Torremolinos just three miles away. Connections to the city and other seaside resorts are available by jumping on the train outside the terminal building, connecting you to a range of different bus routes. With such frequent flights at a modest cost and a variety of holiday lettings for every budget, Costa del Sol is more accessible than you might have ever imagined.
Getting around
Spanning from the beating city of Malaga, over one hundred kilometres west to Estepona, Costa del Sol is undeniably a far-reaching region, with each resort all boasting a range of unmissable qualities. Costa del Sol is one of the most popular areas in Andalusia, so if you are looking for an apartment in Andalusia, there is no better place to begin. Hiring a car is an excellent way of exploring beyond your holiday home at your own pace, but there are still public transport options available. Taking the bus is an excellent way to relax and let the scenery pass you by, as is the train, which is however more limited, as it only travels from Malaga to Fuengirola.
Where to stay
Málaga
Book an apartment in Málaga to understand why this sought after city is also known as the gateway to Andalucía. In Málaga, your biggest worry will only be how to preserve your energy during the day to make the most of the bars and clubs in the Plaza de Uncibay which stay open until dawn, but really the answer is simple… bathe your days away on the city's beach and fuel up on espresso's in one of the harbourside cafes, then rely on the enticing spirit of the town to see you through the night.
Benalmádena
Boasting a golden stretch of sand, safe waters to paddle in and one of the biggest theme parks in the country, a holiday home in Benalmádena is ideal for families visiting Costa del Sol. Securing accommodation in this all age paradise will place you in the very heart of the action, with a butterfly house, Paloma Park and Selwo Marina.
Marbella
Marbella is no stranger to the rich and famous, who bathe upon this regions white sands and party until the sun rises above the Mediterranean Sea. Pre-booking a luxury apartment rental or exclusive villa in Marbella in this glamorous district is the easiest way for couples and young friends to get a taste of this lifestyle, all at a fraction of a hotel room price tag.
Torremolinos
You will never be short of things to do in this tourist favourite resort, which has transformed from a fishing village into a hive of restaurants, bars and shops along the waterfront, meaning holiday apartments in Torremolinos are unsurprisingly popular throughout the entire year.
Nerja
At the eastern point of Costa Del Sol lays Nerja, a region which boasts a cocktail of both a mountainous retreat and a beach escape, into one. A room with a view in Nerja from one of the penthouse villa's is the easiest way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery Nerja has to offer.
What to do in Costa Del Sol?
Bathe on the shores of Puerto Banús
Though there are endless beaches to choose from, nowhere is quite as perfect as Puerto Banús Beach for a day of soaking up the southern sun and lazing in the calm waters, all under the impressive mountainous backdrop, which squeezes the best of the Costa Del Sol into one.
Take in the views from the Colomares Monument
Constructed as a monument to the adventures of Christopher Colombus, this architectural wonder is the most impressive structure in the Costa Del Sol. With castle-like features and panoramic views across the Benalmadena coastline, the monument cannot be missed.
Hike in Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park
There is no better way to experience the extent of Andalucia's beauty than from the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. With the Mount Torrecilla peak reaching over 1900m and the chance to witness rare wildlife, this scenery is one of Costa Del Sol's best-kept secrets.
Visit Tivoli World
Whether you are visiting with someone young, or you are just young at heart, the Tivoli World theme park is the dreamiest destination in the Costa Del Sol, with a giant ferris wheel, carousel rides and countless sweet treats, this is the Spanish answer to a coastal fairytale.
Watch Flamenco Dancing in Plaza de la Constitucion
Nothing showcases quintessential Spanish culture quite like Flamenco dancing, and the Plaza de la Constitucion happens to be one of the best places to witness this tradition. Spend your afternoon enjoying this age-old practise, and the best part, it is completely free!
Come face to face with the animals in Selwo Aventura
A spacious animal park which counts flamingos, zebras and lions among its residents is the ideal way to spend an afternoon away from the waves while learning about some of the worlds most magnificent creatures.