Fuengirola & Mijas Costas: For the quintessential Andalucian town experience
Nestled between the hotspots of Malaga and Marbella, these two tourist towns both offer a range of exceptional yet affordable resorts, plus beautiful lesser-known beaches. Fuengirola was once a small fishing village, but is now a vibrant cosmopolitan town filled with Costa del Sol attractions, including chic boutiques ideal for treating yourself, seven kilometres of sandy coastline and several diving schools. Meanwhile, in Mijas Costas, you’ll find postcard-perfect Andalucian beauty in the form of sugar-cube houses gently climbing up the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range. Feeling adventurous? Hike up the Pico de Mijas route to reach the highest point of Sierra de Mijas and enjoy astounding 360º views – on a clear winter’s day you can see across to North Africa.
If you need a family-friendly place to stay while here, try the Club La Costa World resort, promising a mind-blowing 21 pools, a mouth-watering selection of national and international cuisine at its Safari restaurant, nightly entertainment, a kids’ club little ones will love, an on-site mini-market, and even a little train to transport you around. CLC World is a property ownership resort, meaning the Costa del Sol is a real home away from home for many of its guests, who’ll be more than happy to share their local knowledge. However, you can also book directly if you just want to stay for a week or two.
Marbella: For unadulterated glamour and luxury
For an upscale experience on the Costa del Sol, look no further than Marbella. In the Old Town, flower-filled plazas and narrow cobbled streets give way to eclectic shops and art galleries, while in Puerto Banus you’ll find contemporary fashion shops selling designer labels. This is all topped off by Marbella’s sophisticated nightlife, which is revered the world over. For a relaxing day out, this dreamy town also offers countless beaches with iconic beach clubs, extensive golf courses (try Marbella Golf Country Club), and impressive fine dining, making it truly one of the best places to visit on the Costa Del Sol. Don’t leave without spending an indulgent afternoon at the Marbella Club, an iconic beach club where old-world glamour and Andalusian tradition meet.
Malaga: For culture, history, and being in the centre of it all
You can’t go to the Southern Spanish coastline without at least stopping in Malaga – home to many of the best Costa del Sol attractions and beaches. History buffs will love the Alcazaba de Málaga, a Roman amphitheatre combined with an 11th-century Moorish fortress, and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which will take you back to the times of Malaga’s Islamic civilization and offers stunning views over the city. Art lovers will be delighted to visit Picasso’s birthplace, before heading to the Picasso Museum, hosting a selection of his greatest pieces. And amongst all this, there are many bustling bars and restaurants, ideal for sampling the freshest local ingredients and wines. There’s no questioning that this is one of the best places to visit on the Costa Del Sol.