Beautiful areas on the Costa del Sol
Welcome to the most beautiful area in southern Europe
The Costa del Sol is located in the southern part of Andalusia and covers a coastline of approx. 120 km from Malaga in the east to Gibraltar in the West.
The capital of Andalusia is Seville, Malaga is not the capital, but the largest city on the Costa del Sol with approx. 650,000 inhabitants and a popular tourist town. Malaga must be experienced and is an absolutely beautiful city.
There are many opportunities to find the most beautiful locations on the Costa del Sol, where we cover the stretch from Malaga in the East to Gibraltar in the west.
In addition to the many beautiful beaches and the beautiful mountains, we must remember to mention the many golf courses - Costa del Golf - where you will find approx. 60 lanes spread along the entire coast. An Eldorado for golfing enthusiasts.
We have listed some general questions you should consider when choosing an area:
How much does the Mediterranean location mean to you? Would you like to stay within walking distance to the beach and pay more for it… or would you rather stay a bit away from the beach (4-5 km) and enjoy the peace and views a bit up in the mountains?
Access to leisure activities, restaurants, shopping? What is important to you? Walking distance or is it ok to have to drive by car for 10 minutes?
How is the public transport in the area? Or is it necessary to have your own car?
Is it relatively close to the A7 motorway or the AP7 motorway so you can get from A to B quickly?
Keep in mind that wherever you choose to stay on the Costa del Sol, you live both near the beach and the mountains. The location of a purchase is the most important thing, after all, everything else can be changed and the salary is payable in Spain.
The possibilities are many and it starts with finding out where on the coast you want to settle down. Below we have briefly described some of the areas.
MALAGA BY
Have approx. 650,000 inhabitants, the capital of the Costa del Sol and is the 6th largest city in Spain. It is a historic city, with a history that can still be seen in many different places in the city center. Malaga is one of Spain's most visited cities, especially because of its climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine. Malaga has Spain's second largest port and Malaga's international airport is the country's third largest. The city is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The city also has a large university and not least the La Rosaleda football stadium, where Málaga CF plays its home matches. From Malaga there are also good transport options by fast train to a number of major cities in Spain. The housing market in Malaga continues to be in great development for both new projects and the used housing market (Resale)
There are a multitude of options, among others. Picasso's home and museum, Calle Larios with its shops and tapas bars, ants the fortress of Alcazaba and the impressive cathedral, which still has to be completed its one tower, when in time ran out of money for construction.
The city center of Malaga is today a shopping mecca with one charming pedestrian street after another. Malaga houses a number of different events, such as the summer market or the holiday, the fantastic Christmas lights at Christmas time, the religious procession in the traditional Easter week Semana Santa, etc.
TORREMOLINOS
Back in the 1960s the very big charter travel wave started, among other things, as the very big travel destination for sun-hungry Scandinavians, just as Irish and Englishmen caught their eye on the Costa del Sol. Torremolinos has about 70,000 inhabitants and is located as a suburb of Malaga - with only approx. 10 minutes drive from the airport. Over the past decade, the city has developed a lot with renovation of the city center, clean sandy beaches and a wide selection of restaurants, entertainment and activities for all tastes. Especially in the summer there is a lot of walking in the center of the city with the many pubs, discos and nightclubs.
BENALMADENA
Is geographically divided between Arroyo de la Miel (city center), Benalmadena Costa (coast) and Benalmadena Pueblo (village). Benalmadena Costa is famous for its Puerto Marina, a luxury marina with properties built on islands in the harbor itself. On each side of the marina there are a total of 8 km of sandy beaches. The city is a very popular area for Scandinavians.
There are also plenty to do for families with children. You can visit the theme park 'Tivoli World' or take the cable car to the top of the mountain where you will have the most remarkable views of the coast. The town's golf course Torrequebrada is a must play for the golf lover.
FUENGIROLA
One of the Costa del Sol's biggest tourist destinations with over 60,000 residents. This number almost tripled during the tourist season. Fuengirola is only 25 km from Malaga and the train from Malaga Airport ends here. The train connects all the cities between Malaga and Fuengirola. One of the most lively places in Fuengirola is the old town center with the 'Plaza de Constitucíon' square, where you will find plenty of shops and Spanish and international restaurants. From here you can walk down to the beach and along the path to the Fuengirola marina. When visiting Fuengirola, you should also visit the street market at the Feria Square, which is open in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Many concerts are held at the old castle, 'Castillo Sohail'.
MIJAS COSTA
The area extends from the idyllic mountain village of Mijas Pueblo down to Calahonda with 12 km of coastline. Mijas Costa is very popular with foreigners moving to the Costa del Sol.
Mijas Costa offers many different activities. There are 8 golf courses, various riding schools, several tennis clubs and plenty of water sports facilities in the area called La Cala de Mijas
MIJAS PUEBLO
Very famous and breathtakingly beautiful white village, situated high up on the mountainside with a magnificent view of the coast and is the most famous village in the area. Thousands of tourists visit the village every week to take a stroll through the city's historic center or take a tour of the famous 'donkey taxi'. The city must be described as rather touristy.
EL FARO
An idyllic and charming area known for its iconic lighthouse from which it takes its name. El Faro, located in the municipality of Mijas, is located on a peninsula a few kilometers west of Fuengirola, El Faro can boast some of the finest views of the Mediterranean. This is the area where the coastal road gets very twisted because the road follows the coastline very closely and leads to some rather distracting views of the clear blue Mediterranean horizon.
LA CALA DE MIJAS
The city appears charming and authentic. The city center has fountains in the roundabouts, all with manicured trees, - The city is a multinational gathering of families and couples that gives La Cala an intoxicating atmosphere. There are a multitude of restaurants. The area north of the A7 is rapidly developing with a lot of new buildings under construction. Here are also some wonderful golf courses, all worth a visit for the golf lover.
RIVERA DEL SOL
Located about 35 km from Malaga Airport. You can reach the area in 20 minutes by taking the AP-7 toll road or off the A7 coastal road. Riviera del Sol is a mixed residential and holiday area. It has its own 18 hole golf course Miraflores golf and all the facilities you may need are within easy reach. There are several small malls with shops, bars and restaurants. With less than 10 minutes drive you can find major shopping malls like Miramar in Fuengirola and La Cañada in Marbella. The largest hospital in the Costa del Sol is about 10 minutes away.
CALAHONDA
Situated spread over 300 hectares from the Mediterranean and 3 kilometers up the hill to almost 300 meters above sea level, where you can visit the sanctuary “La Ermita de Calahonda” with its magnificent views. Its high location also means that many of the properties here have panoramic sea views and views across the Mediterranean to Gibraltar and all the way to Africa's mainland. Calahonda has evolved into a modern residential area with plenty of amenities, supermarkets, a myriad of restaurants and bars, butcher shops, pharmacies, internet cafes, bakeries, banks, beautifully located beach restaurants along the boardwalk. Here's everything the heart desires.
Cabopino
It has one of Spain's most beautiful marinas with several Spanish and international restaurants, but is not so well known by the public because it cannot be seen from the road. The marina is not very deep and is therefore only intended for motor yachts. The beach in Cabopino is arguably one of the best sandy beaches in the area. There are no rocks on the beach and there is shallow water, making it ideal for families with young children.
ELVIRIA
Located 45 km from Malaga International Airport and 10 km east of Marbella. Elviria has long been a popular resort, and here is the five-star Don Carlos Hotel and the world-famous Nikki Beach Club. Santa Maria Golf & Country Club is also here. The village itself has a charming center with associated town hall, post office, school, bars, restaurants and shopping facilities. Elviria houses many high-quality residential buildings and urbanizaciones, most of which offer a high location overlooking the sea. It is a great place for families, and has become an increasingly popular place with holiday homes for the many visitors.
EL ROSARIO
Is a small residential area located on the beach just outside Marbella. This laid-back area has a mix of luxury villas and residential complexes, all a short walk from the beautiful beach. El Rosario is an excellent area for couples and families who would like to stay a little quieter, yet close to all of Marbella's amenities and leisure activities, which are literally 10 minutes away by car. El Rosario is not a city, but there are bars, restaurants and a supermarket in the area. For more amenities, the larger resort, Elviria, is only five minutes away by car, and Marbella about 10 minutes drive away. El Rosario has a lovely golden sandy beach that is part of the beach in East Marbella, considered one of the best on the Costa del Sol. There is a large selection of bars and beach restaurants and water sports.
MARBELLA
The most famous coastal city and Costa del Sol's response to Saint-Tropez in France and Miami in Florida. The city is a preferred resort for the rich and famous when visiting Spain.
Over the past decades, Marbella has grown from a fishing village to a cosmopolitan city. Currently, over 135,000 people live in Marbella. There is no better place on the Costa del Sol for gastronomy, celebration and colors than Marbella. There are hundreds of world-class restaurants in the city center “The Old Town” around the main square “Plaza los Naranjos” and the small streets around and along the beach. Marbella is also the ideal place for shopping. Whether you are looking to buy new clothes, there are designer stores, or you are looking to buy art or jewelry, Marbella is the place for you!
PUERTO BANUS
Marbella's luxury marina was established in 1970 by Jose Banus. The stretch between Marbella and Puerto Banus is called “The golden mile”, where you will find homes on the expensive end. Inside the harbor you will experience the largest luxury yachts and a myriad of well-known exclusive car brands. There are numerous restaurants and bars, as well as most of all the well-known designer shops located here. Every year, Puerto Banus attracts over thousands of visitors a year! On both sides of the marina are several luxurious beach clubs and five-star hotels. Puerto Banus is today one of the most popular destinations for tourists who come to enjoy a beach holiday or just come to enjoy a long weekend of playing golf at some of the area's golf courses. There is a wild nightlife that may not be suitable for children everywhere.
A day in Puerto Banus will always leave you full of the impression of lavish luxury, even if you just enjoyed a pizza while enjoying the views of the Mediterranean. But be prepared for prices to go up a notch.
NUEVA ANDALUCIA
A luxurious residential area, located just minutes from downtown Marbella and Puerto Banus. Due to the height of the area above sea level, most properties, with their manicured gardens and greenery, have magnificent views of the Mediterranean or the iconic mountain, La Concha, which crises to a height of more than 1,200 meters above sea level. Nueva Andalucia is often called Marbella's Golf Valley. With four sublime but relatively expensive golf courses, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha and La Quinta, this is arguably one of the best destinations for golf enthusiasts in Europe. Marbella Casino is also located in Nueva Andalucia, along the A7 motorway in the direction of Estepona.
SAN PEDRO de ALCANTARA
Located 8 km. west of Marbella and only 5 min drive from Puerto Banus. Here you will find what is probably the most typical Spanish city on the Costa del Sol. The town is very Andalusian with narrow, small streets and a central shopping area. The city is still under development and in recent years has become increasingly popular for both holidaymakers and foreign migrants. One part of the city consists mainly of the old quarter with small, narrow cobbled streets and small local shops. The second part of the city consists of long stretches of beach, a charming promenade and a lot of delicious beach restaurants. Today it is possible to walk all the way along the beach to Marbella.
BENAHAVIS
Located in the most affluent municipality on the Costa del Sol.
The village itself is a picturesque whitewashed Andalusian mountain village overlooking the Guadalmina River. Along its narrow cobblestone streets, still as the old Moors laid them, there are beautiful houses, shops and an incredible selection of restaurants. Among the locals it is called the 'Rincón de la Gastronomía' or the 'gastronomic corner' of the Costa del Sol. Benahavis is in many ways one of Andalucia's most well-kept secrets. It is located just 7 km inland from the coastal road, beautifully surrounded by the green mountains and the river Guadalmina a short distance from San Pedro de Alcántara and only a few minutes drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus. For the golfer, Benahavis offers a huge selection of golf courses within a short distance.
Cancelada
A lovely old village, where now a whole new neighborhood is popping up on "The New Golden Mile". Here you can combine the old town with new construction and a location quite near the coast.
ESTEPONA
Is the largest city west of Marbella. It stretches over 22 km of coastline and has about 60,000 residents. 'The New Golden Mile' is an area of rapid development that is expected to become one of the most exclusive areas east of Estepona with luxury properties on both sides of the highway. There is a very nice and wide beach with a wonderful promenade. A must visit is the Old Town, which offers one charming narrow street after the ornate flower pots (macetas de flores) mounted on the white walls. Here you will also find plenty of nice eateries.
CASARES
Located 40 km west of Marbella.The very pretty town with its beautiful white houses is located up the mountainside with a medieval castle on top. The town is 15 km inland from the coast, and with its only 3,000 residents, it provides the peace and quiet of the bustling tourist life of the coastal cities, even if you are only a 15 minute drive away.
The town offers beautiful views, hiking in the hilly countryside, beautiful ruins and here you can enjoy the sight of the big eagles orbiting high up. A good tip - when you arrive in town, follow the signs for Parking. Park your car and take the elevator up to the city, 7 floors. And then otherwise go and enjoy the views.
CASARES PLAYA
Is located below Casares and offers sun and beach. Here you will find many good properties to reasonable prices.
PUERTO DE LA DUQUESA
Nice small marina and completely without comparison to the famous Puerto Banus. There are not many smart and expensive fashion shops. But in return plenty of restaurants for all price levels and flavors. Tranquility, sun, the sound of water and boats quietly rocking the harbor. And if the beach draws, then it lies next door to the harbor with the finest beach, as far as the eye can see. From Duquesa there are plenty of activities available. From here there are approx. 30 km. to Gibraltar, the opportunity to rent your own motorboat and explore the coast at sea.