Costa del Sol, literally meaning 'coast of the sun', presents itself as the ultimate escapade this season.

Find endless shores to wander and pockets of coves to discover, as you write a new page of your voyages in Spain — this time, along the Mediterranean coastlines in the Andalusia region. 

Familiarise yourself with centuries-old culture and architecture that has stood the test of time, mirages reflecting white hinterland villages, local gastronomy, and so much more. 

Beaches for all occasions

From Manilva to Nerja, Costa del Sol presents a treasure trove of beaches. So, put on your sombrero and lather yourself in sunscreen, for we are about to head to the beach!

As its name suggests, Costa del Sol is dotted with picturesque beaches that echo with laughter and joy year-round. On the west coast, make your way to Malapesquera in Benalmádena, and Los Boliches in Fuengirola for the best of sun and sea.

The beaches in Málaga city are conveniently close to the city centre, whereas those on the east coast feel like a portal to a magical kingdom, with mountain ranges, rugged cliffs typical of this area, and beautiful coves.

Los Álamos

One of the liveliest areas in Torremolinos, Los Álamos has the beach at its very heart. Whether you are dancing to beachside beats or dining al fresco at a chiringuito (beachside food stall), Los Álamos is a must-visit.

Calahonda Beach

Take your time to soak in the cool blues from the Balcón de Europa, then turn left and descend the intricately decorated mosaic-tiled stairs of the Boquete de Calahonda to reach Calahonda Beach. 

Nestled in the heart of Nerja, Calahonda is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, exuding vintage charm with its whitewashed walls, blue-doored warehouses, and fishermen casting their nets along the shore.

Stroll across its soft, dark-hued sands and let the shimmering waves of the Mediterranean gently wash over your senses. If you walk along the coast, you will discover quiet little bays tucked between rocky outcrops, leading you all the way to the serene Carabeo Beach.

Pedregalejo - Las Acacias Beach

To saunter through Málaga city's oldest seaside promenades, make your way to Pedregalejo — Las Acacias Beach.

Between building sandcastles, brushing grains off your feet, and drifting into an afternoon siesta in a beachside hammock-lulled by the rhythm of the waves — be sure to savour Málaga's legendary fried fish, especially the famous espeto de sardinas (sardine skewers).

La Malagueta Beach

La Malagueta is a favourite destination for both locals and tourists, right next to the city's old quarter.

Located beside Spain's oldest yacht club, it also offers the perfect opportunity to go sailing with your loved ones.

Torrox

Seek out the coastal town of Torrox in the La Axarquía region to experience the magic of colour theory in real time. A Moorish town that still preserves its original layout and Roman roots, Torrox is a sun-drenched maze of whitewashed walls and winding lanes.

Let the golden light guide your steps toward the nearby beaches of Ferrara, Peñoncillo and El Morche, where soft waves meet dark sandy shores in idyllic harmony.

Explore art and cultural legacies

Royal Cavalry of Ronda

Originally created in 1573 to exercise cavalry for military purposes, the Royal Cavalry of Ronda is now considered a cradle for modern bullfighting. Today, it serves both a riding school, Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda, and an archival house, Plaza de Toros.

Walk through the almost 500-year-old national heritage site of Plaza Museo de Toros to marvel at all the tangible and intangible cultural expressions. 

Whether it is the sandstone and wood columns coupled with the world-famous Arabic tile roof or the centuries-old archives of bullfighting, horse riding, travel literature, heraldry, genealogy, and the history of Ronda — a visit to the Royal Cavalry of Ronda shares the story of a prized Spanish heritage.

Ronda Arab Baths

Located in the San Miguel neighborhood, Ronda Arab Baths is one of the best-preserved Arab baths in the Iberian peninsula.

Built by the Arab settlers of Al-Andalus, the iconic bathhouse features three distinct bathing rooms for different water temperatures — cold, warm, and hot. The baths are fed by water pouring down from the contiguous Las Culebras stream via a traditional Moorish water wheel.

The largest room is a wonder to behold, with its brick and stone horseshoe arches supporting barrel-vaulted ceilings leading to star-shaped skylights.

Teatro Romano de Málaga

What better place to visit to appreciate the enduring gifts of history than this holy space of art and culture? The Teatro Romano de Málaga, or the Málaga Roman Theatre, was excavated in the 1950s, and it dates back to the first century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

One of the most important pieces of evidence of Roman rule in Spain remained hidden for centuries, but now you can stand at the orchestra stage — just as the audience of the past had stood — and admire ancient Roman columns and sculptures that bear the marks of time.

Balcón de Europa

Balcón de Europa, or the Balcony of Europe, sits perched upon a cliff overlooking the duo of beaches it connects — Calahonda and La Caletilla. Once used for military defence purposes, the Balcony was transformed into the inviting promenade everyone knows now under King Alfonso XII's reign.

Strolling down the promenade, visitors can revel in the warm, salty breeze of the aquamarine sea and watch as the sun dips gently in the horizon.

Real Collegiata de Santa María la Mayor

One of Antequera's many important historical and cultural landmarks is the Real Collegiata de Santa María la Mayor or the Royal Collegiate Church of the Great St. Mary. It depicts a fusion of various architectural styles, including Gothic and Mannerist.

Moreover, constructed in the early 1500s, it is considered one of Andalusia's first Renaissance churches.

Museo Picasso Málaga

It's not every day you get to experience a historic town through the eyes of an icon. The Museo Picasso Málaga is the crown jewel of a destination for anyone seeking to pay respect to the great artist.

Housed at the Palacio de Buenavista, this museum offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the genius of Pablo Picasso, as it honors the artist's wish for his works to be exhibited in his hometown.

Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda de Málaga

Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda de Málaga, or Málaga Automobile and Fashion Museum, is a unique museum that showcases a thoroughly exclusive private collection of luxury cars. 

Each vehicle is adorned with opulent details such as ostrich and mink fur, a mother-of-pearl dashboard, ivory and silver handles, and more.

Residing alongside the fancy cars are seven exhibitions that showcase the evolution of haute couture all year around.

Treat yourself to luxe retail bliss

Can you even say you've visited Spain, especially Costa del Sol, if you have not indulged in a little bit of high-end retail therapy?

La Botavara Tienda Marinera

Add a touch of nautical chic to your life by visiting La Botavara Tienda Marinera in Marbella. Discover clothing, accessories, and home decor in classic navy style from renowned names like Saint James, Henri Lloyd, and Marine Business, among many others.

Segunda Época

If you want to take home a bit of English-style crockery or are seeking inspiration for a home renovation, Segunda Época is the ideal place to go to in Málaga to bring a piece of Costa del Sol home.

Ángel Palazuelos Alta Costura

Whether you're preparing for your own wedding, attending a loved one's, or in need of a show-stopping gown for a black-tie affair, a visit to Ángel Palazuelos Alta Costura promises an unforgettable haute couture experience.

El Corte Ingles Costa Marbella

Just by the side of Puerto Banús Marina, El Corte Ingles Costa Marbella hosts some exclusive retail experiences like no other. 

Start the day at El Corte Ingles with a welcome drink and tapas, before browsing for exclusive deals from brands like Isabel Marant, Atelier Versace, Alexander McQueen, Dior, Chanel, Elie Saab, Fendi, Issey Miyake, just to name a few.

Try the Xquisite Suite facility, a personal shopping experience tailored just for you, complete with stylists, concierges, and interpreters. Don the latest runway trends or add some Charlotte Tilbury Beauty makeup and skincare to your collection, curated by fashion and image experts.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Málaga

How wonderful would it be to enjoy generous discounts on exclusive products all year round? Well, when in Costa del Sol, make your way to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Málaga — connected to the Malaga Costa del Sol airport — to experience just that.

With a membership to their Privilege Club, you can enjoy a premium shopping experience, giving you access to over one hundred carefully selected luxury and premium fashion, sportswear, homeware, and beauty brands.

Members enjoy year-round discounts of up to 70 per cent off on brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach Outlet, Claudie Pierlot, Gant, Columbia, Karl Lagerfeld, Levi's, and L'OCCITANE en Provence, among others.

There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants like Sabor a España, Santo Cielo, Lindt, and La Pecera located within the heart of the outlet to fuel your break.

Seek thrilling adventures

Monumento Natural Cañón de las Buitreras

Cañón de las Buitreras, or the Buitreras Canyon Natural Monument, is a canyon with a gorge that cuts through the postcard-esque quaint towns of Benalauría, Benarrabá and Cortes de Frontera.

Located on the eastern outskirts of the Alcornocales Natural Park, visiting the national monument will give you a peek at 2 m-long fan palm trees and various colonies of birds, including Bonelli's eagles, kestrels, doves, swifts and bats.

Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes y Caminito del Rey

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Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, or the Gaitanes Gorge, is a spectacle to behold. The gorge runs for a couple of miles, with walls reaching up to 300 meters high. The Caminito del Rey trail is intertwined with the gorge's wall, offering panoramic views from its narrow elevated walkway.

There are twenty caves in this area with cave art dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic era.

El Torcal de Antequera

El Torcal de Antequera, or Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, is a Unesco World Heritage Site that offers a magical world of nature at your beck and call. The area has been shaped for epochs by esoteric rocks formed due to carbonate sedimentation.

El Tornillo de El Torcal, a rock formation resembling a screw, is one of the most famous torcals in the area. Torcal de Antequera also shelters 116 species of vertebrates, including foxes, rabbits, black-eared wheatears, and eagle owls.

Cueva de Nerja

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A visit to the Cueva de Nerja or the Nerja Caves will allow you to admire nature's artistry, formed over 800,000 years ago. In the Torca Chamber, you will also be accompanied by the flair of our distant ancestors up to the Neolithic era.

Hailed as a Spanish Historical Heritage and Cultural Interest Site, the Nerja Cave features in its lists of stranger things — the Chamber of Ghosts featuring animal representations, the Lobby that reminds you just how far we have come with regards to human remains, ceramics and tools, the Bethlem Burial chamber from 6300 BC, and more.

Indulge in the tastiest gastronomy

The gastronomy of the Costa del Sol is as diverse and rich as its culture and landscapes.

With the arrival of summer, fresh and light dishes become the protagonists, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy authentic Malaga flavours under the warm sun of the Costa del Sol.

Main typical Malaga dishes for the summer

From the iconic sardine skewer to the refreshing Malaga salad, these dishes are perfect to enjoy on hot days, whether in a beach bar or in a traditional restaurant.

So take note of all the summer meal ideas and try them on your next visit!

Sardine skewer

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One of the icons of Malaga's gastronomy is, without a doubt, the sardine skewer. This dish is prepared by threading the sardines on a reed and grilling them over olive wood, usually on the beach.

The result is a juicy fish full of sea flavour, perfect to enjoy by the water.

Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco is a cold soup that is made with almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar and water. This dish is especially refreshing and nutritious, ideal for hot summer days.

It is usually served with fresh grapes or melon, providing a contrast of flavours that makes it even more delicious.

Malaga salad

Malaga salad is one of the cold summer dishes par excellence, combining fresh and local ingredients.

This salad is prepared with boiled potatoes, shredded cod, oranges, spring onions, olives, and a dressing of extra-virgin olive oil. The mix of sweet and savoury flavours, along with the freshness of the oranges, makes this salad a perfect choice to beat the summer heat.

Gazpachuelo

Gazpachuelo is a traditional soup from Malaga that is served cold in summer. Unlike gazpacho, gazpachuelo is made from fish broth, potatoes and mayonnaise, creating a creamy texture and a mild flavour.

White fish and seafood can be added to enrich the dish.

Anchovies in vinegar

Anchovies in vinegar are a classic tapa in the bars and beach bars of Malaga. This dish consists of fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, garlic and parsley, served cold.

The vinegar lightly cooks the fish, giving it a tangy, fresh flavour.

Malaga frying

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The fritura malagueña is a dish that combines various fish and seafood, fried in olive oil, and is usually served with lemon.

This dish is a perfect display of the abundance of fresh seafood, including calamari, anchovies, prawns, and rosada. Malaga's fried food is crispy and delicious, perfect for sharing with friends and family by the sea.

Dried cod in pipirrana

Dried cod in pipirrana is a fresh and crunchy salad made with tomatoes, peppers, onion, cucumber and the special touch of cod, all finely chopped and seasoned with olive oil, vinegar and salt. In some variants, tuna or hard-boiled egg is added. Enjoy the typical dishes of the province of Malaga in summer

The gastronomy of the Costa del Sol in summer offers a rich variety of dishes that combine freshness, flavour and tradition.

The Costa del Sol is a paradise not only for its beaches and climate, but also for its culinary offerings that delight all visitors.

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Michelin Star Restaurants

The Costa del Sol offers a vast array of wonders, including its exceptional cuisine. Traditional and avant-garde restaurants offer a veritable culinary cornucopia that is bound to tantalize the taste buds of any food connoisseur, as will the restaurants singled out by the prestigious Michelin guide: ten in total, which make the province of Malaga an absolute haven for foodies.

Back Restaurante * (Marbella)

Back Restaurante, located in Marbella, recently earned its first star in November 2023, making its debut in the Michelin Guide 2024.

David Olivas, its chef, is committed to giving a contemporary interpretation of traditional Andalusian cuisine, focusing on the use of local products from Andalusia, with subtle influences from other culinary cultures.

It's a unique experience!

Restaurante Skina ** (Marbella)

After receiving its second Michelin star in 2020, Skina, which also boasts two Repsol Suns, is one of the top restaurants in Marbella.

Its creator, Marcos Granda, together with his team, led by head chef Mario Cachinero, has developed an original proposal of Mediterranean cuisine based on the highest-quality seasonal produce, with subtle avant-garde touches. An exquisite blend that honours traditional Andalusian flavours.

Messina * (Marbella)

Headed up by Argentine chef Mauricio Giovanini, Restaurante Messina has one Michelin Star and one Repsol Sun.

It is a small, but very cosy place with an exquisite tasting menu as its star product. They offer fresh dishes and an abundance of overwhelming positive energy that customers cannot help but be moved by the whole experience.

Nintai * (Marbella)

With clean lines and large picture windows, Nintai, in Marbella, owned by Marcos Granda and led by head chef Manuel de Bedoya, has several private spaces and a sushi bar with a small number of seats for greater exclusivity.

Sitting around this bar, you can see the chef at work, creating and improvising like an "itamae" master sushi chef (literally means 'in front of the board'). 

Here, everything creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity, the ideal state to savour the dishes served here, based on two tasting menus of different lengths, which vary according to the best seasonal produce available: Omakase (lunch only) and Nintai.

Restaurante Bardal ** (Ronda)

In a very short space of time, chef Benito Gómez and his team have achieved no fewer than two Michelin stars.

The cuisine applies avant-garde techniques to the purest foundations of local cuisine. Bardal uses local, seasonal products, especially from the area of Ronda, promoting the wonderful cuisine produced by the province of Malaga.

Restaurante Jose Carlos García * (Málaga)

The restaurant Jose Carlos Garcia won the first Michelin star in the city of Malaga.

Located on the bustling Muelle Uno, in the heart of the Port of Malaga, the chef, considered the "haute cuisine genius of Malaga", offers a fusion of local products with the most avant-garde techniques.

The restaurant has just a few tables to guarantee diners a unique, intimate and highly personalised experience. Also, as an interesting feature, the kitchen is behind glass walls, allowing customers to see the food being prepared at all times.

Kaleja * (Málaga)

Located in the centre of Malaga, Kaleja received its first Michelin star in 2022.

The first thing you will notice here is the subtle smell of smoke, an essential element in the restaurant's distinctive proposal, since its chef, Dani Carnero, gives us a contemporary take on traditional culinary techniques, working directly over the flames with slow cooking methods (what he refers to as "candle cooking") to bring back the flavours of his childhood.

The restaurant serves two tasting menus (Memoria and Gran Menú Memoria). As the Michelin Guide inspectors themselves note, in Kaleja "all the dishes have potency, flavour and a great story".

Blossom Restaurant * (Málaga)

In November 2024, Blossom Restaurant was awarded its first Michelin Star. Located in the heart of Málaga's historic centre, in the pedestrian area near the Cathedral, Blossom is an excellent choice if you're looking for a unique culinary experience.

Chef Emi Schobert offers a modern fusion cuisine, blending techniques and flavours from diverse cultures. The tasting menu stands out for its use of high-quality Mediterranean ingredients, and the dishes are renowned for their creativity, design, and strong personality.

Sollo Restaurante * (Fuengirola)

Known as "The Caviar Chef", Diego Gallegos, chef at Sollo Restaurante, also heads up the kitchen at this restaurant in Fuengirola. This gastronomic investigator has achieved the prestigious Michelin star, a Green Star and a Repsol Sun.

His cuisine is based on the choice of raw ingredients, governed by a strict awareness of the environment and aquaculture.

The star ingredient at Sollo is caviar and, in fact, the restaurant organises tastings of its three Riofrío caviars: Russian, Iranian and organic.

As if this were not enough, during the summer months, they regularly run guided tours of their fish farm in Riofrío by appointment only.

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