Gear up for summer in the sun on the Costa del Sol in Spain

The Costa del Sol is rightfully known as a great summer vacation destination. The coast is lined with Blue Flag beaches, backed by pretty promenades and beach restaurants and bars. But that’s not all - the many towns along the Sun Coast offer many other attractions for the perfect holiday. Let us briefly explore the most popular resorts along the coast.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos was originally a poor fishing village, but from the 1950s, the town gradually turned into a popular and attractive beach resort. The town has a choice of excellent restaurants and nightlife available for all ages.

The town itself is perched up on the cliffside above the beach and features the typical narrow and pretty streets of an Andalucian Pueblo Blanco (White Village). Strolling these streets reveals many shops, souvenir kiosks and tapas bars along the way.

The beach is accessed via the Cuesta del Tajo, where a steep flight of steps takes visitors down to the old fishing district of El Bajondillo. This picturesque spot is lined with restaurants and kiosks, as well as miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, backed by the proverbial waving palm trees. If you don’t fancy climbing the steps back to the town, fear not, as an elevator is available at a small fee!

Benalmadena

Benalmadena is actually three towns. The quaint, traditional Benalmedena Pueblo nestles on the hillside above the coast. This pretty pueblo is well worth a visit with its quaint buildings, cafes and tapas bars. Close to town is an amazing and beautiful Buddhist temple, the Benalmadena Stupa, which offers panoramic views across the coastline and the sea.

Heading down towards the beach, visitors can find Tivoli World Theme Park in Arroyo de la Miel, with plenty of fun rides for the whole family. Below this, Benalmadena Costa stretches along the coast with beautiful beaches, chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants along the way. A visit to the Puerto Marina reveals plenty of fancy yachts, as well as the Sea Life Benalmadena aquarium.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a sprawling town on the Costa del Sol, famous for its sandy beaches. Spreading for around 6 km, the beaches are lined with beach restaurants and bars, as well as many amenities for visitors. At one end of the beach, visitors can explore Sohail Castle from the Moorish era, which towers above the beach on a hillside. The castle regularly hosts concerts with big name music stars as well as festivals and a medieval market in the summer months.

In the town itself is Bioparc Fuengirola, which can’t really be considered a zoo. All the animals are homed in beautiful, natural enclosures, including those from Africa and Asia. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy African drumming and dancing in the jungle clearing.

La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas used to be a blip on the coastal highway, but this former fishing village has turned into a small and pleasant beach resort. The town has become renowned for its many great restaurants, which are a foodie’s delight with all types of local and international cuisine available.

The gorgeous beach runs for 6 km along a boardwalk to Cabopino, on the outskirts of Marbella. This is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy the sea and sun. On the beachfront in town, visitors can explore El Torreon, a Moorish defence tower that has been restored and contains a museum.

Marbella

Marbella is an upmarket city and coastal resort, offering 27 km of sandy beaches. The town is backed by the Sierra Blanca Mountains and is full of excellent restaurants, shops, high-end boutiques and tapas bars. West of the town, the Golden Mile of beaches features prestigious nightclubs, leading to the posh Puerto Banus marina with its luxury yachts, boutiques and bars. The marina is the perfect place for celebrity spotting, as many famous people love the town.

Estepona

A little further down the coast is the lovely, typically Spanish village and resort of Estepona. Again, the town spreads along kilometers of clean sandy beaches, backed by a beautiful promenade and many restaurants. At certain spots along the beach, The Rock of Gibraltar can clearly be seen on the horizon. The town's marina is split between a typical fishing port and a pleasure marina with yacht sails available and excellent restaurants to choose from.

The old town of Estepona is a worthy visit, with its winding narrow streets, lined with clean white houses. Each home is decorated with colourful bougainvillea and geraniums and gives the feel of days gone by.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of the lovely Costa del Sol and hope to welcome you as a visitor this summer!
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