Costa del Sol Holidays 2026 / 2027 from £169

Basking in over 320 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is part of the aptly-named ‘Sunshine Coast’. Once famous for vibrant nightlife, Costa del Sol holidays can now be as up-tempo or as laid back as you want them to be. Family-friendly resorts, such as Benalmadena, offer everything you could possibly need if you’re taking a break with the kids, while couples might prefer the tranquillity of resorts such as Marbella and Pueblo Quinta.

There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a slice of old-school Spain, with a visit to the cobbled streets of Malaga’s Old Town and the Andalusian charms of Nerja. With almost 200 beaches to choose from, holidays to Costa del Sol are ideal for sun-worshippers, while those who’d like to get some sightseeing done will find plenty to see and do.

Things to do

Those with a head for heights will enjoy the awesome views from the cable car from Benalmadena town up to Monte Calamorro. Overlooking Benalmadena, the journey takes you up into the clouds, and on a clear day you can even see the coast of Africa! If you’d prefer something a little less vertigo-inducing, take a gentle walk along the promenade at Fuengirola, or relax in Marbella’s whitewashed old town before checking out the eye-wateringly expensive yachts in the marina.

Alternatively, head to the foothills of the Almijara mountain range to the neighbouring resorts of Nerja and Almuñécar, with their long beaches and palm-shaded promenades. After a day at the beach at Torremolinos, drive into the hills to visit some of the most picturesque "white towns".

Most famous for its beaches, Costa del Sol is home to the sun, sea and sand holiday. With a glass of refreshing sangria in hand, you can relax with a good book at Torremolinos, or splash in the crystal clear Mediterranean seas at the beaches in Fuengirola.

If you’re travelling with the kids, there are plenty of brilliant attractions to explore on your Spain holiday. From the Bioparc Zoo to the sea life centre in Benalmadena, there are endless possibilities for family fun on the Costa Del Sol. At Cocodrilos Park you can see all kinds of crocodiles in their large enclosures.

If you like to be active on holiday, take a scuba diving lesson, or go and see the world’s longest stalactite in the Nerja Caves. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to the coast to feast on freshly-cooked seafood at one of the wonderful family-run restaurants.

Places to stay

Head west of Málaga for some of the best-known resorts in Spain. Bustling Torremolinos and its family-friendly neighbour Benalmadena share some of the most exceptional beaches in the Costa del Sol. Further west is Fuengirola with its Blue Flag beaches and ancient castle. Chichi Marbella attracts the wealthy and famous to its beautiful beaches and upscale port.

Estepona combines fun on the beach with a delightful old town of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. The Costa del Sol’s capital, Málaga, has an elegant traffic-free old town and seafront lined with some of the Costa del Sol’s top restaurants.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Benalmadena | Fuengirola | Marbella | Nerja | Torremolinos

Map of Costa del Sol

17-31 ℃

While it’s warm and sunny for most of the year, the months between May and September have the highest temperatures.

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Roughly two hours 30 minutes

Flights to Costa del Sol land at Malaga airport, which is about an hour's drive from the centre of the resort.

Types of holidays in Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is best for...

Families: The Bioparc zoo at Fuengirola has faithfully recreated a series of environments, so wild animals can live in habitats that are as close to the originals as possible. Take the kids to see a wide variety of exotic beasties.

Golfers: Practice your swing at Valderrama, rated one of the best golf courses in the world.

Celebrity spotters: Be dazzled by the enormous yachts in Puerto Banús near Marbella. Celebs, such as Hugh Grant, Mel Gibson and Eva Longoria have all been spotted in the area.

Fast facts for Costa del Sol

Language: While the official language spoken here is Spanish, the locals have a good command of English. However, an attempt at the basics is always appreciated, so pack your phrasebook or download our useful language app and try out a few simple phrases for yourself.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your pounds and pence for Euros before heading off on your Costa del Sol holidays.

Local time: Costa del Sol is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Malaga Airport. Transfers to Torremolinos take 30 minutes, to Benalmadena it's 45 minutes, to Nerja and Fuengirola it's 1 hour, and it takes 1 hour 15 minutes to Marbella.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Costa del Sol is 2.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at www.visitcostadelsol.com

Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Costa del Sol.

Getting around Costa del Sol

By train/bus: Getting around is simple thanks to a network of trains and buses that connects Málaga with the main resorts.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged in the street. Just look out for the word “libre” or a green light.

By car hire: The most practical way of seeing the best places here, including the inland villages, is to hire a car.

Events in Costa del Sol

Carnival: With Lent on the horizon, the Andalusians like to cut loose with the biggest party in the country: Carnival! Depending on where you’ve booked your Costa del Sol holidays, the celebrations will last either for a weekend or an entire week! Expect colourful costumes, flamboyant floats and plenty of drinking and dancing.

Semana Santa: Easter’s traditional celebrations during “Semana Santa”, or Holy Week, fill the streets with parades and processions.

Santa's Day: Throughout the year, towns and villages honour their patron saint in typical Andalusian style. Marbella goes wild every June as it celebrates San Bernabe with a week of dancing and entertainment.

Flamenco: Fireworks herald the start of five days of feasting and flamenco during Málaga Feria every August. In September and October, it’s the turn of Fuengirola and Nerja to join the fiesta frenzy.

Costa del Sol safety and security

For up to date advice on travelling to the Costa Del Sol, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/safety-and-security

Costa del Sol weather

Temperatures: 17°C - 31°C

If you’re planning on hitting the beach and topping up your tan, book your holidays to Costa del Sol between May and September. During these months, the mercury hovers between the high twenties and the low thirties °C, with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day. Spring and autumn offer slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures in the low-to-mid-twenties. Even the winters are warm, with the temperatures only going as low as the mid-teens.