Costa del Sol Travelers Recommend

Spain’s southernmost coastline, the Costa del Sol unfurls golden sands, glam marinas, and classic seaside resorts along around 100 miles (160 kilometers) of Mediterranean coast. It’s also a gateway to Andalucia’s whitewashed villages, mountains, and guidebook-worthy cities. Here are our tips for three days along the Costa del Sol.

Day 1: Sands, Sights, and Local Specialities

Most Costa del Sol visitors make straight for its beaches. From Mijas and Malaga to Nerja, you’ll find golden sweeps lined with shops, restaurants, whitewashed old towns, and yacht-filled marinas. Lounge on the sands, swim in the Mediterranean, or take a boat trip. In the afternoon, board a Malaga hop-on hop-off bus to see landmarks such as Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba, and the Picasso Museum. Alternatively, join a Segway, bike, or walking tour or sample the city’s rich culinary scene with a tapas-tasting stroll. In the evening, take in a flamenco show, dive into one of the Costa’s chic bars or dance spots, or stroll along a palm-lined promenade.

Day 2: Cuisine, Culture, and Countryside

Today is perfect for delving deeper into the Costa del Sol’s culture, cuisine, and countryside. Chart the life of Malaga’s most celebrated son, Pablo Picasso, on a Picasso walking tour in the city. Foodies will enjoy a paella cooking class or tour of the wineries nestled in Andalucia’s hills, while spa lovers can indulge at Malaga’s opulent Arab baths. If you’re in the mood for something more active, take an off-road buggy ride or hike along the King’s Walkway (Caminito del Rey)—a spectacular cliffside path high above the Gaitanes Gorge near Malaga. Visit the pretty villages of Frigiliana and Nerja, the latter famous for its prehistoric caves; or explore Ronda, perched above a soaring gorge. Cap your day by enjoying a live show or some of the Costa’s legendary nightlife at its glitzy clubs and pubs. 

Day 3: Day Trips

Devote your last day to a day trip deeper into Andalucia or even farther afield. In Andalucia, visit Granada to see the exquisite Alhambra palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; head for Cordoba to admire its UNESCO-listed Great Mosque; or take in the delights of Seville, Cadiz, or the sherry-making town and region of Jerez de la Frontera. Bring your passport for a day trip to Morocco, or cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier and absorb the North African atmosphere of its old souk. Alternatively, travel to the British territory of Gibraltar to climb its Rock, meet its Barbary monkeys, and enjoy its duty-free bargains and British-style pubs.

With two days in Marbella, you’ve got enough time to enjoy palm-lined beaches and chic bars, and explore the Old Town; you can also take a day trip to the historical cities of inland Andalucia. To get the most from your short stay on the Costa del Sol, here are our top tips.

Day 1: City Sights and Beaches

**Morning:**The best way to tick off Marbella’s highlights is on a sightseeing tour, which typically cover Alameda Park, the sculpture-lined Avenida del Mar, and the Old Town’s plazas and chapels. Or, opt for a Marbella and Puerto Banus tour to discover old Marbella, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banus’ marina, home to expensive yachts and swanky restaurants.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, hit Marbella’s beaches, which are scattered along its 16-mile (27-kilometer) coastline. Alternatively, explore Andalucia’s rugged countryside and White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) on an electric mountain bike tour that focuses on tapas and wine. Or, take a hiking excursion into the hills to discover Roman ruins and prehistoric caves.

**Night:**Marbella’s locals and party crowds play hard at night, so follow their cue and enjoy some high-octane nightlife. Glam up with a makeup masterclass from professional makeup artists and enjoy a decadent night out in Marbella’s bars and clubs. 

Day 2: Explore Wider Andalucia

**Morning:**Granada’s Alhambra is within day-tripping distance of Marbella, making it a must-visit. Book a private trip to this UNESCO-listed palace for undivided attention, or visit Cordoba to experience its old-world streets and UNESCO-protected Mezquita Cathedral-Mosque.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon exploring your chosen destination. At the Alhambra, admire the elaborately carved stonework, patios, and gardens as your guide chronicles the palace’s Moorish rulers. In Cordoba, view the multi-arched Mezquita and explore historical enclaves such as the Jewish Quarter.

**Night:**After a busy day’s sightseeing, ease back into Marbella’s nightlife scene. Sip a cocktail overlooking the yachts at Marbella’s marina (Puerto Deportivo), stroll the promenade for pre-dinner tapas, and then hit the Old Town’s cobbled plazas for dinner. 

From Blue Flag beaches to glitzy marinas, Marbella has plenty to keep you busy over three days. Lounge on the sands; explore the orange-scented Old Town; discover star Andalucia attractions such as Granada’s Alhambra; and enjoy high-octane bars and nightclubs. Here’s how to plan the perfect 3-day break.

Day 1: Classic Marbella

Today, get acquainted with Marbella’s key sights and Andalucia’s countryside. Take a walking tour of landmarks such as the 9th-century castle, Alameda Park, and the Old Town, where cobbled plazas are framed by orange trees, whitewashed churches, and balconied townhouses.

Many visitors opt for tours that focus not just on Marbella but nearby Puerto Banus. Take a private excursion to discover Puerto’s upscale marina while also checking out Marbella’s traditional quarters and Golden Mile—a coastal strip of lavish villas and estates.

Later, chill out on Marbella’s Blue Flag beaches and perhaps set off into the nearby hills, home to the White Villages (Pueblos Blancos)  on an electric mountain bike tour. With power-assisted pedals to help conquer the steep trails, you’ll explore with ease before cruising back down to town to refuel with tapas and drinks.

Day 2: UNESCO-listed Sights

Moorish rulers once held sway over southern Spain, and some of their most beautiful palaces are easily accessible from Marbella. For the best experience of Moorish masterworks, opt for a private day trip to Cordoba to see its Jewish Quarter and Mezquita Cathedral-Mosque. This UNESCO World Heritage Site centers on a a prayer hall filled with red-and-white arches built on columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite—its an extraordinary sight.

Closer to Marbella is Granada—home to The Alhambra, another of Andalucia’s UNESCO-protected highlights. Largely built by the Moorish Nasrid dynasty in the 13th-century, the palace comprises richly-decorated halls and gardens on a hilltop above the city. Private day trips from Marbella promise full appreciation of the site with the benefit of a personal guide and round-trip transport.

Day 3: Coast, Countryside, and Clubs

Now you’ve ticked off Marbella and Andalucia’s big-hitters, use your last day for a final out of-town trip. Spend the best part of the day in Ronda, a medieval town that straddles a gorge in the Serrania de Ronda mountains. Explore the Old and New Towns, and soak up views from Puente Nuevo bridge. Malaga is another popular day trip destination; visit on a tour to discover its Roman theater, Alcazaba Citadel, and Renaissance-style Cathedral without having to worry about car hire. 

Dedicate your final evening to Marbella’s nightlife. Book a professional makeup class accompanied by Cava to create the perfect party look, and make for the bars of the Old Town before hitting the fast-paced clubs at the Marina (Puerto Deportivo) and Puerto Banus.

All the mystique of Morocco is just a short trip away from the Costa del Sol. You can be there on a short flight from Malaga, or by water on a one-hour catamaran ferry. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience this nearby gem of North Africa.

Day Trips

Those with limited time on their itinerary can get a taste of Morocco on a day trip from Malaga or the Costa del Sol to Tangier. Cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar, kicking off your day with a panoramic view of the city. Follow your tour guide through the busy old medina (walled city) and souks, see the casbah (citadel), watch a traditional Berber performance, feast on an authentic Moroccan lunch, and be back in Spain by bedtime.

Multi-Day Tours

A country as vibrant and diverse as Morocco deserves as much time as you can give it, and an excellent way to experience the depth and breadth of its history and culture is on a multi-day tour through the country. Itineraries range from three to seven days, taking you to some of Morocco’s most popular destinations—tour ancient imperial Fez, stroll the gardens of Meknes, take a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains, observe fortune tellers and snake charmers in Marrakech’s El Fna Square, feel the pulse of cosmopolitan Casablanca, or bask on the Mediterranean beaches of Rabat.

Things to Know

• Day trips to Morocco can last upwards of 15 hours, so be prepared for a long day.

• Tours generally include round-trip transportation to Morocco by ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from either Algeciras or Tarifa.

• Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• The official currency of Morocco is the dirham, but euros are also widely accepted.

• On multi-day trips, you can typically choose between standard and superior-grade accommodations.

Stretching from Nerja in the east to Estepona in the west, Spain’s Costa del Sol offers more than beaches. Historical towns, shimmering yacht ports, and striking villages frame the sand, while beyond lie Andalucia and other Mediterranean gems. Here are your options for a week on the Costa del Sol. 

Days 1 to 3: Málaga

The Costa del Sol’s centerpiece and main town, Málaga has enough beaches and attractions to make a perfect base for three days. Start by savoring the Costa del Sol’s legendary sunshine on Málaga’s beaches, then maximize your time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. If you prefer, zip around key landmarks such as Málaga Cathedral on a Segway or bike, or delve deeper on a guided walk. Food aficionados may fancy a tapas-themed tour around the city, while some may prefer to sink into the thermal waters of its restored Arabic baths. Take advantage of Málaga’s easy access to other Costa del Sol hot spots. Stroll the ancient caves and Balcón de Europa promenade in Nerja, and amble the picture-postcard hillside village of Frigiliana. Come evening, enjoy a flamenco show or take an early evening cruise to admire the view from the water.

Day 4: Ronda

Straddling a deep gorge with its two halves linked by a high bridge, inland Ronda merits a day’s visit or overnight stay. Roam its handsome streets to admire its central square and bullring, and gaze down into the El Tajo gorge from the arched Puente Nuevo bridge. Pause for a wine tasting at an old-town bodega, or up the adventure by riding a buggy through El Tajo, admiring its sheer walls from below rather than above.

Days 5 to 7: Marbella or Málaga

Spend your last 48 hours back in Málaga or its glitzy sister, Marbella. Laze on Marbella’s sands and stroll its marinas—including glamorous Puerto Banus—to admire million-dollar yachts and trip through classy boutiques and eateries. If you’re in Málaga, learn to prepare Spanish cuisine in a cooking class, or follow in the steps of artist Pablo Picasso, born here in 1881. Otherwise, strike out to Andalucia’s major sights. Cordoba boasts a UNESCO-listed Great Mosque, Jewish Quarter, and Roman ruins, while Granada’s medieval Alhambra is a vision of fountains, patios, and archways. If history alone isn’t enough, venture to Seville or discover sherry-producing Jerez, the port of Cadiz, and a classic Andalucian horse show. Alternatively, travel to Gibraltar and its world-famous rock or to Tangier, across the Strait of Gibraltar, with its walled medina and French-colonial architecture.

Backed by the rocky Sierra Blanca mountains of Andalucia, Marbella’s sandy beaches, glittering marinas, Old Town, and beach clubs make it one of the most exclusive resorts on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Here are some ideas for how to spend a day in the sophisticated city.

Morning: Get to Know Marbella

While Marbella flaunts its beaches and marinas, the more traditional districts tend to stay in the shadows. Stray from the beaten path on a walking tour that focuses on the Old Town, which is characterized by whitewashed houses and cobbled plazas. Chart Marbella’s history at the Plaza of the Orange Trees (Plaza de los Naranjos) and City Hall; explore Alameda Park; and admire the Salvador Dali sculptures. 

Alternatively, book a hike into the Andalucian hills or choose a tour that covers both Marbella and neighboring Puerto Banus—a jet-setters’ playground centered on a glittering, yacht-filled marina.

Afternoon: Beaches, Mountains, and Wines

Most visitors flock to Marbella for its beaches, so spend the afternoon enjoying a slice of Marbella’s ultra-cool beach life. The town boasts 23 different stretches, with highlights including Bounty Beach and Playa Nagueles, where the water’s edge is hemmed by plush beach clubs and restaurants. 

After a spell on the sands, head for the cool of the Sierra Blanca mountains on a late-afternoon electric bike and wine tour, which typically follow trails through Andalucia’s White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) before descending to the coast for tapas and wine.

Evening: Sunsets, Cava, and Nightlife

Kick-start the evening with a makeup masterclass, during which you’ll receive professional tips on how to create your sultriest look while sipping on Cava. Alternatively, join the locals on a sunset stroll along Marbella’s palm-dotted seafront promenade (Paseo Maritimo), enjoying tapas and drinks at the sidewalk cafes. 

After dinner at a beachfront restaurant, head for glitzy Puerto Banus or Marbella Port (Puerto Deportivo), to sip cocktails and dance the night away with glitzy party crowds. 

Granada, a multicultural and energetic city at the base of the Sierra Nevada, is home to two of Spain’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage sites: the gardens of the Generalife and the Moorish Alhambra palace. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Granada from the Costa del Sol.

Highlights

• Marvel at the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra palace.

• Learn about the 1,000-year history of Granada, including Moorish occupation from the eighth to 11th centuries.

• Stroll through the gardens of Generalife, once the summer palace for the Moorish sultan.

• Explore the streets of Central Granada with plenty of free time for a meal at one of the many tapas bars.

Things to Know

• Day trips to Granada from Málaga or Marbella last anywhere from seven to 10 hours, depending on the option chosen.

• Granada is located 78 miles (126 kilometers) from Málaga and 111 miles (179 kilometers) from Marbella on the Costa del Sol.

• Tickets to the Alhambra can sell out early, so book your day trip ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

• Most tours include pickup and drop-off from hotels on the Costa del Sol.

Spain is covered in vineyards, with wine production stretching to all corners of the country, including the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol. Take advantage of your proximity to so much delicious vino with these top wine varietals and wine tasting experiences.

Must-Try Varietals

Like much of Europe, Spain’s wines are distinguished by their Denominaciones de Origen (DO) rather than by type of grape. Andalucia and the Costa del Sol are home to several noteworthy DOs. Málaga, with grapes grown throughout the region but aged in the city, is famous for its sweet wines made from Moscatel or Pedro Ximenez grapes. Just inland from the Costa del Sol sits the wine-producing region of Montilla-Moriles, famous for its dry fortified fino white wine, similar to the sherry of Jerez, Andalucia’s most famous wine region.

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit a boutique winery in the Ronda hills to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy an alfresco white wine tasting.

• Travel through the Malagan countryside, stopping to tour local vineyards and wine cellars to meet the winemakers and taste the region’s best varietals.

• Quench your thirst for adventure with a 4WD off-road adventure through the spectacular scenery of the Andalusian countryside.

• Embark on a self-driving tour of the Ronda Valley with visits to two family-owned wineries.

• Learn about the history of wine production in Andalusia during a food and wine tasting tour of Ronda, with a stop at the Ronda Wine Museum.