A guide to help you find the best things to do in Costa Del Sol
When you need a vacation that encompasses relaxing activities such as sunbathing, swimming and massages, as well as great nightlife and cultural visits, the things to do on the Costa del Sol are endless
The main towns include Marbella, Malaga, Torremolinos, Nerja, Estepona, Fuengirola and Benalmadena, so you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation and variety of experiences.
Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Malaga and have a great holiday in Costa del Sol.
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Overview: Our Favorite Things To Do In Costa Del Sol
- Head to a beach resort to enjoy the sea, sand, and watersports
- Enjoy the variety of traditional food and drinks in Andalusia
- Take a walk along the Caminito del Rey for a thrilling time
- Appreciate the historic Old Town of Malaga for a drink or food
1. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
Sun, sea and sand define Spain, and relaxing on the beach on vacation under the hot Spanish sun is one of the best things to do in Costa del Sol.
There are a few beaches near Malaga, but Playa de la Malagueta is a favorite for its central location and white sand.
Watersports in Malaga and Nerja beaches like Playa de Burriana are some of the best activities to do in Costa del Sol including jet ski rental and kayaking.
2. Discover Málaga’s Historic Old Town
There’s so much to discover in the Old Town of Malaga including visiting Málaga Cathedral with its stunning architecture.
The historic Roman Theater is always a good idea, and a visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without a photo opportunity at the Alcazaba to get the best views of the area.
It’s one of the best things to do on the Costa del Sol for free.
You can also go in the evening if you’re looking for things to do in Malaga at night as the skyline is lit up.
3. Experience the Glitz and Glamour of Marbella
With some of the finest restaurants in Costa del Sol, Marbella offers an exclusive vacation break to a high-end location.
It features a marina with million-dollar yachts lined up in Puerto Banus, shopping for luxury clothing items, and of course you’ll surely see a celebrity or two.
Resorts in Marbella can be pricey, but there are lots of 3 and 4 star hotels for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Explore the Whitewashed Villages (Pueblos Blancos)
Whitewashed villages sat on hillsides is what Costa del Sol is known for.
Whether you’re staying in Marbella, Nerja or Malaga, the white villages in Andalucia are a key part of your itinerary for your Costa del Sol travel guide.
There are various day trips to places like Mijas, Frigiliana, and Ronda which have traditional churches and quaint streets you can stroll down, maybe even buying some local fruit from the market.
5. Hike the Caminito del Rey
If you’re searching for fun things to do in Costa del Sol, heading inland from Malaga takes you to the Caminito del Rey, or ‘Pathway of the King’.
It’s one of the main Costa del Sol tourist attractions if you love high-wire thrills as you’ll be walking along a cliff edge and a wobbly rope bridge as part of the larger hike around this area of natural beauty complete with a river and pine forests.
6. Discover the Beauty of Sierra de las Nieves National Park
There are lots of family things to do in Costa del Sol if you have children of all ages as well as elderly family members.
Heading to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park is sure to please everyone.
It’s a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its natural environment.
If you don’t fancy hiking one of the many routes, you can enjoy some bird watching or go on a 4×4 adventure if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Costa del Sol.
7. Visit the Picasso Museum in Málaga
The Picasso Museum is perhaps one of the best museums in Malaga to visit whether you’re familiar with the works of this famous Spanish artist or not.
Featuring a range of paintings and sculptures, as well as charcoal drawings and even ceramic creations, it should be at the top of your things to do in Costa del Sol, Spain.
There are also other artists on display here too with frequent exhibitions.
8. Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife
Thousands of tourists from all over the world head to the Costa del Sol to party hard and enjoy the variety of evening entertainment.
Marbella is a hot spot for partygoers, and when the sun sets heading to a club or discoteca is one of the best things to do in Costa del Sol for the 18-30 crowd.
Also you can check where to stay in Marbella for nightlife to help you find the best type of accommodation for you.
9. Taste Traditional Andalusian Cuisine
If you go to Spain for only one thing, it has to be the food.
Andalusian cuisine is some of the best in the world, whether you’re enjoying the best tomato gazpacho on a warm day, a fishy paella for lunch, or a delicious caldereta de cordero to warm you up during a Winter in Malaga.
Plan your trip to coincide with the best festivals in Andalucia then you open the door to a whole new world of flavor.
Be sure to try out the local markets and traditional restaurants serving local fare.
10. Relax in Costa del Sol’s Luxury Spas and Hammams
Some of the best spas in Malaga offer a chance to relax from all of your cares.
If you want luxury treatments like facials and hot stone massages head to one of the most famous wellness retreats on the Costa del Sol including Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Finca Cortesin and Estepona Hotel& Spa.
One of the best things to do in Costa del Sol to relax and revitalize is the Hamman El Pacha featuring hot and cold baths and fantastic massages.
11. Play a Round of Golf
The golf courses in Andalucia are the highlight of any golfer’s vacation. The region is also known as ‘Costa del Golf’ as it boasts multiple high-quality golfing greens.
Places like Real Club Valderrama and Los Naranjos offer an amazing experience, and no matter what time of the year you visit, expect verdant courses lined with palm trees under blue skies.
It’s one of the best things to do in the Torremolinos area and in all Costa del Sol.
12. Take a Boat Trip for Dolphin and Whale Watching
The Costa del Sol is worth visiting for this reason alone, with pods of dolphins jumping in the blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
The best time of year to view them is from April to November, and tours last around 2-3 hours.
Whether you leave from Marbella, Fuengirola or Estepona, each of the harbors has a variety of trips you can take with a partner or with family.
13. Explore the Caves of Nerja
Formed over thousands of years, the caves of Nerja are truly a sight to behold.
With a variety of stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by colored lights, it’s like you’re stepping into another world.
The caves actually stretch for multiple kilometers under the surface of the earth, and the Cataclysmic Hall features the largest stalagmite in the world at over 30 meters in height.
14. Attend a Local Festival or Feria
Spain seems to have a festival or celebration every few weeks, so no matter what time of year you visit you’re likely to get caught up in the atmosphere of these full town celebrations.
The Feria de Malaga is particularly special with over 40,000 attendees. There’s fireworks, music, dancing, drinking and a fairground at night.
Semana Santa in Spain is celebrated across the Costa del Sol for Easter, and you can expect elaborate street processions and lots of local food.
Final thoughts on things to do in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is an excellent location to visit any time of the year.
When you want to go hiking and experience outdoor adventure, choose the cooler months, but if it’s sun and swimming that you crave, book May-September.
If your partying days are long behind you, then look for some where to stay in Costa del Sol near Benalmadena or Torremolinos in the center where there are lots of venues with live music and restaurants open until past midnight.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Marbella for swimming in the sea, choose somewhere close to Playa de Cabopino as it’s popular for snorkeling and kite surfing.
Plan your trip today and get excited about your Spanish adventure!
FAQ about activities to do in Costa del Sol
What is the nicest area of the Costa del Sol?
The nicest area of the Costa del Sol is Marbella.
Expect fancy restaurants, high-end fashion shopping and lots of bars and nightclubs around the famous marina.
Is it expensive in Costa del Sol?
Depending on the city you are visiting, Costa del Sol is not expensive.
If you choose an area in between the main towns of Marbella, Malaga and Nerja, you are still close to all the action but aren’t paying the higher prices associated with staying in towns.
Is Torremolinos or Benalmádena nicer?
If you want a more vibrant experience with lots of bars, restaurants and nightlife then Torremolinos is a great place to be.
Benalmádena is more laid back and offers greater variety.
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!