Are you searching for top things to see and do in the city? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that Costa del Sol has to offer. Here are some of the major attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
Don't worry – all the lazing, dancing and sunbathing you're planning on doing in that Costa del Sol holiday cottage can easily be balanced out with something a little more active. With the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea on 1 side and the rising massifs of Andalusia on the other, there's always room for a little exploration. Pull on the walking boots and hit the dusty trails that weave into the Sierra de las Nieves. You'll spy gleaming pueblos blancos, rugged gorges and olive groves, as you go. Alternatively, there's adventure to be had in the water. Jet skiing and kitesurfing, scuba diving and sailing are ubiquitous pursuits, from Nerja to Estepona and beyond.
If warm-weather activities are high on your list, August, July, September and June are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 30°F.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Costa del Sol is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are a few of the area's most stunning natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
The nearest airport is in Malaga (AGP), located 5.3 mi (8.6 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Gibraltar (GIB), which is 55 mi (88.5 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, El Pinillo Station, Torremolinos Station and Fuengirola Boliches Station are the main stations in the area. You can see more of Costa del Sol by jumping on the metro at Palaciio de los Deportes Station, Puerta Blanca Station or La Luz - La Paz Station.
Car is the transport of choice for most travellers hitting the Costa del Sol. Not only are rental wheels easy to come by in the airports and resort towns that dot the coast, but they also offer oodles more freedom to break away from the more crowded beaches and head to secluded Costa del Sol villa rentals outside of the sleepless resorts. However, having a vehicle certainly isn't essential. Regular trains connect Malaga Airport directly to hotspots like Fuengirola and Benalmadena, while local buses and private transfer companies serve smaller destinations that don't have a rail station, from charming Estepona to cool and collected Nerja.
Costa del Sol holiday rentals have plenty up their sleeve for foodies, too. The resort towns that string along this section of Spain's coast are laden with places to try traditional Andalusian cuisine. That means a fusion of North African spices and rustic Iberian flavours. Tapas reigns supreme in the bars of Malaga's old town. Head there to order medleys of chorizo sausage, fried tortilla omelettes, marinated olives and chili-covered prawns. Talking of prawns, the seafood is also top-notch. Old fishing towns, like Nerja and Estepona, still have taverns where you can pick the catch of the day. Pair them with a dry Rioja Tempranillo or a local Spanish craft beer to get the authentic experience.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 18,537 vacation rentals near Costa del Sol. From 3,505 villas to 6,948 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Costa del Sol for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.