Stretching for over 150 kilometres along the Andalusian coast, there’s a lot to love about the Costa del Sol. Translating to ‘Coast of the Sun’, it ticks all the boxes for a getaway by the sea – pristine beaches, lively towns and villages, exciting attractions, breathtaking nature and sublime Mediterranean cuisine. But with such a large area, how do you decide where to stay? Strictly in the name of research, the travel gurus at Plum Guide have spent a lot of time here to put together this expert guide. Whatever you’re looking for from your vacation, here’s where to stay on the Costa del Sol.

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The capital of the province of Malaga, the city of Malaga, is the best place to stay if you want to be at the heart of the action. Most of this happens within the neighbourhood of El Centro, also known as the Old Town. With a history dating back to 770 BC, there’s a wealth of historical attractions to uncover all within easy walking distance. Fun fact for art lovers: Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, so be sure to add Casa Natal (Picasso’s birthplace) and the Picasso Museum to your itinerary. Continue along the old cobbled streets, and you’ll soon come across the 16th-century Catedral de la Encarnación de Malaga, Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba Fortress. When you get hungry, the old-school covered market of Mercado Central is a wonderful place to treat yourself to a Spanish lunch of tapas, grilled fish or a seafood platter.

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Known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol, the resort town of Estepona is one of the most beautiful spots on this stretch of coastline. Its Old Town area is its main attraction, a typically Andalusian place with its whitewashed buildings, colourful flowers, cobbled streets and buzzing squares. Wander around at your own pace, fitting in some retail therapy at Calle Terraza and Calle Real or admiring the orchids in the El Orquidario de Estepona botanical gardens before finding yourself on Plaza Las Flores. Take a break from sightseeing and relax to the trickling of the fountain, breathing in the fragrance of the orange trees. Estepona also benefits from a great selection of beaches, and Playa el Cristo is one of our favourites, tucked away in a cosy cove. You can easily spend the whole day here, with its location guaranteeing sunlight well into the evening.

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Often thought of as the ‘real’ Andalusia, the region of Axarquia is made up of towering mountains, lush valleys and coastal towns, one of which is Nerja. This seaside town has a friendly, laid-back vibe with a fantastic mix of sun-soaked beaches and independent shops and restaurants. It’s a great option for those who want a mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure, without the crowds of a city. It may be modest in size, but Nerja has plenty of things to keep you busy. One of the must-sees is the Caves of Nerja, a remarkable cave system which is home to the world’s largest stalagmite and other jaw-dropping rock formations. Those who are up for a challenge can take to Rio Chillar, the best walk around the area, which takes you along a river up into the hills for a swim in peaceful rock pools and waterfalls. On the flip side, if all you want to do is spend a lazy day on the beach, Playa Burriana is the place to be. However you choose to spend your day, don’t miss out on incredible sunset views from Balcon de Europa.

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Wondering where to stay on the Costa del Sol for a luxury experience? Fashionable Marbella is where the rich and famous come to stay, where exclusive golf courses, trendy beach clubs and high-end dining establishments are the places to see and be seen. If the glitz and glamour get too much, venture into Marbella’s Old Town, where the atmosphere is refreshingly down-to-earth. This historic Moorish centre is a step back in time with its traditional whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and bright blooms decorating the buildings. Alfresco lunches are a must in the sunny Costa del Sol, and they don’t get better than at Plaza de los Naranjos, with its blossoming orange trees and cafes spilling out into the square. When the sun starts to dip low, make your way down to the palm-lined promenade to soak up the atmosphere and watch the Sierra Blanca mountain range light up in an orange glow.

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One of the most popular holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos has (thankfully) outgrown its infamously bad reputation. Today, it’s one of the favourite options for families who are looking for an idyllic beach vacation. All 7 kilometres of it, in fact, as Los Alamos, Saltillo Beach and Costa Lago Beach all blend into one long stretch of golden sands. There are plenty of opportunities for watersports, and essentials like shops, bars and restaurants are all within easy reach of the beach. If you fancy a change from swimming and sunbathing, places like the lush Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca and Parque La Batería are ideal for picnics. For a spot of culture and history, Casa de los Navajas is a breathtaking mansion built in the neo-Mudéjar style. Spend some time admiring the intricate mosaics and the lavish interiors before heading to the second floor for superb coastal views.

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Just a half-hour drive down the coast from Malaga city, Fuengirola is another popular resort town. When it comes to beaches, you’re spoilt for choice here as there is not one, but three beaches to choose from: Playa de Fuengirola, the main beach that runs up to the marina, Boliches-Gaviotas, a quieter and slightly wider beach, and Torreblanca, which is even quieter and has a good balance between seclusion and facilities like water sports centres and food kiosks. On non-beach days, there is plenty to discover in Fuengirola itself. History buffs should start at Museo de Historia, which provides a fascinating look at the region’s intriguing past. Make your way to the Arab Castle at Sohail, built in the 10th century as a citadel with a watchtower. Today, it plays host to a number of events and concerts throughout the year, so don’t forget to check the calendar before you visit.

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Unlike other places mentioned in this guide to where to stay on the Costa del Sol, Mijas is not a single resort but a municipality located between Fuengirola and Marbella. It includes the village of Mijas Pueblo at the foot of the Sierra mountains, and Mijas Costa along the coast. Mijas Pueblo is the oldest part of the municipality, set on a lush mountainside where whitewashed houses contrast against the Mediterranean scrub. This traditional Andalusian village is a photographer’s dream, with cobbled alleyways and colourful potted plants brightening up the buildings. As you can imagine, the views from here are out of this world, and there are many vantage points like the old walls or the terracing at the Plaza de Toros. Meanwhile, Mijas Costa offers all the delights of the seaside with plenty of golden sands, beach facilities, bars and restaurants. At La Cala, one of the coastal areas, you can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, sunbathe on the Blue Flag beach, catch a summer concert by the 16th-century Torre Vieja watchtower and browse through local products at the El Baratillo street market every Wednesday and Saturday.

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If you’re the type of holiday-maker who prefers a mix of relaxed beach days and active days out and about, then the pretty village of Frigiliana is perfect for you. Perched on a mountainside 7 kilometres inland from Nerja, this village is often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Andalusia. The original part of the village sits higher up and still retains its Moorish influence with beautiful mosaics and ceramics decorating the buildings. Take a stroll up (the rather steep) El Fuerte hill to the ruins of an old Moorish fort – the views are worth the workout. If a workout doesn’t bother you, then there are plenty of mountain hiking trails in the area. But if all you feel like is sunbathing and indulging in fresh seafood (a good choice, in our opinion), then it’s a less than twenty-minute drive to the coast.

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If your holiday is centred around keeping the kids entertained, look no further than Benalmadena. This friendly resort town is split into three main areas: the town and the Old Town areas are known as Benalmadena Pueblo, set on the hillside with a maze of cobbled streets waiting to be explored. The beach area is Benalmadena Costa, where you’ll find a dozen or so (yes, you heard right) beaches stretching along the waterfront. The two most popular are Santa Ana beach and Torre Bermeja beach, which is the best place for watersports. With Moorish watchtowers and endless spots to swim in, you can be sure that even the hardest-to-please family members won’t ever get bored. However, if they do begin to get restless, then there’s always Tivoli World, one of Europe’s largest theme parks and a surefire way to distract them for a few hours.

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