A guide to help you uncover Costa del Sol in October with all its beauty
Costa del Sol in Malaga is blessed with pristine beaches, perfect for a blissful holiday.
Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, it encompasses coastal towns with more than 150 kilometers of coastline.
While the summer season ends in September, Costa del Sol in October still gets plenty of sunshine for swimming and outdoor adventures.
October marks the beginning of autumn in Costa del Sol, with milder temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Think sunny days, but with fewer tourists than in summer.
Planning a trip to explore the best things to do in Malaga? Check out the weather in October, things to do, best places to visit, festivals/events, and tips on how to make the most of your time here.
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Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Costa del Sol? Have a look at my other posts:
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Overview: Our favorite Things to do in Costa del Sol in October
- Weather in Costa del Sol in October
- Best Places to Visit in Costa del Sol in Autumn
- Things to do in Costa del Sol Off-Season
- Events in Costa del Sol in October
1. Weather in Costa del Sol in October
Expect sunny days with occasional rain showers in Costa del Sol in October.
The weather in Costa del Sol in October is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 18°C (72–64°F).
At night, temperatures can drop to 14°C (57°F), especially in inland and high altitude areas.
Don’t forget a light jacket or sweater when going out in the evenings.
Costa del Sol in October tends to be warmer than Northern Spain because of its subtropical climate.
It’s situated in Andalucía, which is near the Mediterranean Sea, whereas Northern Spain is close to the Atlantic Ocean and colder in autumn.
Bring a mix of light and comfortable clothing for beach days and sandals for long walks. Don’t forget your sun protection (hat and sunscreen).
The weather in Andalucía in October is unpredictable. Be sure to wear a waterproof jacket or bring an umbrella in case it rains.
2. Best Places to Visit in Costa del Sol in Autumn
Besides beaches, there are plenty of the best places to visit in Costa del Sol in autumn.
With fewer crowds, you can easily explore these coastal towns and cities.
In Marbella’s historic Old Town, visit the vibrant Plaza de los Naranjos and the historic Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church.
See Salvador Dalí’s sculptures down Avenida del Mar.
For a full Marbella experience, join the four-day walking event through the city and the beaches on Oct 2-5, 2025.
Explore the ancient Nerja Caves or go kayaking at Burriana Beach.
Also known for its Moorish architecture, Nerja is home to the 17th-century church Iglesia El Salvador at the foot of the Balcón de Europa.
For an immersive cultural experience, attend the Feria de Nerja, featuring flamenco performances and concerts from Oct 9-13, 2025.
Embark on a cultural getaway in the medieval city of Málaga.
Among the places to visit are the Moorish fortress Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Renaissance-Baroque Málaga Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum.
In the evening, experience Málaga’s nightlife and hit up a tapas bar by the port, one of the best things to do in Malaga in October.
One of the prettiest places to visit in Costa del Sol in October is the charming white mountain village of Mijas Pueblo.
Don’t miss out on the nearby attractions such as the stone-built chapel of Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, the idyllic Plaza de la Constitución, and the lovely semi-urban La Cala de Mijas beach.
3. Things to Do in Costa del Sol Off-Season
Wondering what to do in Costa del Sol in October?
Costa del Sol is loved for its coastal charm. Most of its beautiful beaches, like La Malagueta and El Palo Beach, are in Málaga.
Besides swimming, water sports activities like paddleboarding and kayaking are among the things to do in Málaga for families.
Hike up Caminito del Rey for sandstone rocks and dramatic gorges, while one of the things to do in Marbella in October is hiking in the scenic Sierra Blanca mountains to soak up panoramic coastal vistas.
Costa del Sol in October is brimming with cultural festivals you can’t miss.
These are Feria de Fuengirola (horse carriages and carnival), Feria de San Pedro Alcántara (traditional music and dance performances), and Feria de Nerja (flamenco and concerts).
For art enthusiasts, the top museums to visit are Centre Pompidou Málaga, Museo Picasso Málaga, and Museo Carmen Thyssen, which feature famous Andalusian paintings.
Visit the nearby towns of Ronda, Nerja, Frigiliana, Marbella, and Granada on a day trip.
Just a short drive or bus trip, these towns are dotted with picturesque whitewashed villages in Ronda & Frigiliana, Sierra Nevada mountains in Nerja, impressive yachts in Marbella, and the historical palaces like the Alhambra in Granada.
You can dine on tapas and seafood in beachfront bars (chiringuitos).
In Málaga, you can enjoy aperitivos at rooftop bars like in AC Hotel Málaga Palacio.
For tapas evenings, visit Granada for a free tapa that comes with your drink.
4. Events in Costa del Sol in October
The local festivals in Costa del Sol are held to celebrate their patron saints.
In the 2nd week of October, Feria de Fuengirola hosts a horse parade as an integral part of the Andalusian culture.
From October 9-13, flamenco dancing and concerts happen during the Feria de Nerja.
While Feria de San Pedro Alcántara takes place in Marbella on October 19, and features traditional music performances.
Between September and October, the grape harvest season happens in Costa del Sol. Go on a winery tour, one of the underrated things to do in Costa Del Sol.
Enjoy wine tastings when you tour around vineyards and cellar doors.
Some of the wine routes to try: Condado de Huelva, Sherry and Jerez Brandy, and Montilla-Moriles Wine Route.
By the end of October, Andalusians celebrate harvest festivals as well, to showcase their diverse food and drink.
The Chestnut and Wine Festival in Malaga (Festival de la Castaña y el Vino) offers a chance to savor roasted chestnuts and different wines.
You’ll find several art galleries throughout Andalucía. These museums feature traditional crafts, flamenco, and Moorish influences in their local culture.
Upcoming exhibitions in October:
- Flemish painter Rembrandt at Museo Carmen Thyssen (Oct 23, 2025 to Jan 18, 2026)
- The Alchemy of Light at Isolina Arbulu in Marbella (Oct 4 to Nov 21, 2025)
Discover the magic of jazz and flamenco in the Costa del Sol in October.
Bookmark the following shows for your trip:
- Jazz Nights at Lola Restaurant, Malaga (Oct 23, 2025 – 7:00 to 9:30 PM)
- Swing Fest Malaga 2025 (Oct 23 to 26, 2025)
- Live Flamenco Show in El Gallo Ronco (Oct 1 – 9:00 PM)
- Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Alegria (Oct 2 – 8:00 PM)
5. Where to Stay in Costa del Sol in October
If you’re looking for where to stay in Costa del Sol, we’ve listed some suggestions.
For budget-friendly stays, consider Fuengirola or the more traditional town of Torremolinos as your base.
The Higuerón Hotel Malaga offers views of the Carvajal Beach. You can also rent small apartments or Airbnbs in Malaga for a cheaper rate.
Where to stay in Costa del Sol in October? The best locations are Málaga for culture and Marbella for relaxation.
To experience authentic Andalusian hospitality, book a stay at Parador de Antequera, a charming hotel in Antequera.
Where to stay near Malaga? Consider Linda Boutique Hotel, with a charming rooftop bar in Marbella Old Town.
One of the best resorts in Malaga is La Zambra Hotel, a five-star luxury resort formerly Byblos.
The best spas in Malaga are Hammam Al Ándalus, Gran Hotel Miramar, and Hotel ILUNION.
For adults-only hotels in Costa del Sol, the top choices are Hotel Malaga Vibes, Amare Beach Hotel Marbella, and Senator Banús Hotel.
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Costa del Sol in October
Make the most of your trip with our Costa del Sol October travel tips below.
Renting a car provides flexibility for families and groups, but public transport is a cheaper option if you’re going solo or just exploring major towns such as Malaga and Fuengirola.
For day trips, consider car rentals so you can explore beyond the cities if you want to reach remote villages.
With fewer tourists, Costa del Sol in October offers lower, off-season prices with savings up to 40% on flights and accommodations.
However, expect shorter daylight hours by the end of October as the season shifts to winter.
The opening and closing times of the attractions and restaurants in Costa del Sol may vary, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Bottom line on visiting Costa del Sol in October
Costa del Sol is a great fall destination for good reason.
Unlike summer, the temperatures are milder plus fewer crowds, perfect for relaxed day trips and beach walks.
In autumn, you’ll enjoy a perfect blend of beach time, hiking, and sightseeing.
The off-season offers a more flexible itinerary so you can avoid long lines at attractions and restaurants.
From museum-hopping to tapas evenings, you’ll never run out of things to do in Costa del Sol in October.
What are you waiting for? Book your Costa del Sol October holidays before winter sets in.
FAQ about Costa del Sol in October
Is October a good time to visit Malaga?
Yes, October is a good time to visit Malaga because the Costa del Sol beach weather in October is warm and pleasant.
What’s on in Costa del Sol in October?
In Costa del Sol in October, you will find the Chestnut and Wine Festival in Malaga, jazz and flamenco nights, as well as art exhibitions and local fairs.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!