Costa del Sol Guide
Things to Do in Costa del Sol
Discover beaches, whitewashed villages, family attractions and stylish seaside escapes with this practical guide for UK travellers planning a Costa del Sol holiday.
Plan a memorable Costa del Sol break
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Introduction
The Costa del Sol has long been one of the most popular sunshine escapes for UK travellers, and it is easy to see why. This stretch of southern Spain combines reliable warm weather, broad sandy beaches, lively resorts, elegant marinas, whitewashed villages and a strong food scene, all within easy reach of Malaga Airport. Whether you want a classic family beach holiday, a stylish adults-only break, a golf getaway or a trip packed with sightseeing, the region offers a huge variety of experiences. From glamorous Marbella and traditional Nerja to cultural Malaga and the mountain villages inland, there is far more here than simply sun loungers and seafront bars. This guide brings together the best attractions, hidden gems and practical tips to help you plan a Costa del Sol holiday that feels easy, enjoyable and worth booking.
Top 20 things to do
Use this shortlist to shape your holiday around beaches, culture, family fun, scenic drives and classic Andalusian experiences.
1 to 7
Coastal classics
1. Explore Malaga Old Town – Wander elegant streets lined with tapas bars, churches and museums. Why visit: it blends beach holiday ease with real city character. Who it suits: couples, culture lovers and first-time visitors. Best time: spring and autumn for sightseeing, though it works year-round. Visit duration: half a day to a full day. Tip: combine the cathedral area, Roman Theatre and Alcazaba in one walk.
2. Relax on Burriana Beach in Nerja – One of the coast’s best-known beaches, with a long sweep of sand and plenty of places to eat. Why visit: it is easy, scenic and family-friendly. Who it suits: beach lovers, families and couples. Best time: late spring to early autumn. Visit duration: two hours to a full beach day. Tip: arrive earlier in peak summer for the best spot.
3. Visit the Balcon de Europa – Nerja’s famous viewpoint offers sweeping Mediterranean views. Why visit: it is one of the region’s most photogenic and accessible landmarks. Who it suits: everyone. Best time: morning or sunset. Visit duration: 30 to 60 minutes. Tip: pair it with a stroll through Nerja’s old centre.
4. Spend a day in Marbella Old Town – Beyond the marina glamour, Marbella’s historic centre is full of orange trees, whitewashed lanes and small squares. Why visit: it shows a more traditional side of the resort. Who it suits: couples, adults and food lovers. Best time: spring, autumn and warm evenings in summer. Visit duration: half a day. Tip: wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
5. Walk around Puerto Banus – Expect luxury yachts, designer shops and lively waterfront dining. Why visit: it delivers the polished, glamorous Costa del Sol atmosphere many visitors want to sample. Who it suits: adults, groups and luxury travellers. Best time: late afternoon into evening. Visit duration: two to four hours. Tip: visit for people-watching rather than shopping if you are on a budget.
6. Discover the Alcazaba of Malaga – This hilltop Moorish fortress is one of the region’s standout historic sights. Why visit: it combines architecture, gardens and city views. Who it suits: history lovers and older families. Best time: cooler mornings. Visit duration: one to two hours. Tip: combine it with Gibralfaro if you do not mind an uphill walk.
7. Take in the views from Gibralfaro Castle – The panorama over Malaga, the port and the sea is excellent. Why visit: it gives context to the whole coastline. Who it suits: photographers, walkers and couples. Best time: clear mornings or golden hour. Visit duration: one to two hours. Tip: use transport uphill if visiting in high summer heat.
8 to 14
Family favourites and scenic highlights
8. Tour Nerja Caves – These dramatic caves are among the most memorable natural attractions in the area. Why visit: the scale is impressive and it adds variety to a beach holiday. Who it suits: families, couples and curious first-time visitors. Best time: year-round. Visit duration: one to two hours. Tip: combine with Nerja town or nearby beaches.
9. Ride the Benalmadena cable car – A scenic ascent into the hills with wide coastal views. Why visit: it is a simple way to enjoy the landscape without a long hike. Who it suits: families, couples and photographers. Best time: clear weather outside the hottest part of the day. Visit duration: two to three hours. Tip: check conditions locally before setting out.
10. Visit Bioparc Fuengirola – A well-known wildlife attraction designed around immersive habitats. Why visit: it is one of the strongest family activities on the coast. Who it suits: families with children. Best time: spring, autumn or early in the day in summer. Visit duration: half a day. Tip: bring water and sun protection.
11. Walk the Caminito del Rey area – This dramatic gorge route is one of Andalusia’s best-known adventure experiences. Why visit: it offers striking scenery and a sense of occasion. Who it suits: active adults and older teenagers. Best time: cooler months and shoulder season. Visit duration: half a day to most of the day including travel. Tip: plan ahead and follow official guidance for access arrangements.
12. Enjoy the seafront in Estepona – Estepona mixes a polished promenade with a charming old town. Why visit: it feels relaxed and attractive without losing local character. Who it suits: couples, families and repeat visitors. Best time: spring to autumn. Visit duration: half a day. Tip: combine beach time with an evening meal in the old centre.
13. Visit Mijas Pueblo – This whitewashed hill village offers classic Andalusian views and atmosphere. Why visit: it is ideal if you want a break from the coast. Who it suits: couples, day trippers and photographers. Best time: mornings or shoulder season. Visit duration: two to four hours. Tip: browse side streets rather than staying only in the busiest square.
14. Spend time at Selwo Aventura – A large wildlife park with safari-style appeal. Why visit: it is a strong option for families wanting a full day out. Who it suits: families and mixed-age groups. Best time: spring and autumn. Visit duration: most of the day. Tip: wear practical shoes and plan for shade breaks.
15 to 20
Food, beaches and local atmosphere
15. Taste tapas in Malaga’s food districts – From classic bars to modern dining rooms, Malaga is one of the best places on the coast to eat well. Why visit: it adds authentic local flavour to your trip. Who it suits: food lovers, couples and groups. Best time: lunch or evening year-round. Visit duration: two to three hours. Tip: try several smaller dishes rather than one large meal.
16. Beach-hop along the eastern Costa del Sol – Smaller coves and resort beaches give you plenty of choice. Why visit: you can match the beach to your mood, from lively to laid-back. Who it suits: everyone. Best time: late spring to early autumn. Visit duration: flexible. Tip: a hire car makes multi-stop beach days easier.
17. Visit a traditional market – Local markets are ideal for produce, snacks and a glimpse of everyday life. Why visit: they offer a more grounded experience than resort shopping strips. Who it suits: food lovers and bargain hunters. Best time: mornings. Visit duration: one to two hours. Tip: take cash and a reusable bag.
18. Enjoy a sunset paseo on the promenade – The Costa del Sol’s seafront walks are part of the holiday rhythm. Why visit: it is free, easy and atmospheric. Who it suits: couples, families and solo travellers. Best time: evening. Visit duration: 30 minutes to two hours. Tip: combine with dinner by the sea.
19. Play golf or visit a golf resort area – The region is famous for golf breaks. Why visit: even non-golfers often enjoy the landscaped resort setting. Who it suits: adults, groups and shoulder-season travellers. Best time: spring and autumn. Visit duration: half a day or more. Tip: book tee times and transport in advance if golf is central to your trip.
20. Take a boat trip from the coast – A coastal cruise or sea excursion gives you a different perspective on the shoreline. Why visit: it breaks up beach days and feels special without being overly complicated. Who it suits: couples, families and groups. Best time: calm weather from spring to autumn. Visit duration: one to three hours. Tip: choose morning sailings if you prefer gentler conditions.
Hidden gems, family ideas and free days out
Hidden Gems
1. Frigiliana – A beautiful village inland from Nerja with whitewashed streets and a slower pace.
2. Castillo de Colomares – An unusual monument in Benalmadena that many first-time visitors miss.
3. Pedregalejo – A more local-feeling Malaga beach district known for seafood and relaxed evenings.
4. El Palo – Great for a traditional chiringuito meal and a less resort-heavy atmosphere.
5. Casares – A striking hill village worth considering if you want a scenic inland day trip.
Family Activities
Families are spoiled for choice on the Costa del Sol. Good options include Bioparc Fuengirola, Selwo Aventura, beach days in Benalmadena or Nerja, promenade cycling, boat trips, cable car rides and easy old-town strolls with ice cream stops. Choose resorts with walkable centres and beach access to keep days simple.
Adults Only Experiences
Adults often enjoy Marbella Old Town, Puerto Banus, rooftop drinks in Malaga, spa hotels, golf breaks, wine-focused meals, sunset cruises and village day trips. Travellers looking for a more polished atmosphere may prefer Marbella, Estepona or selected parts of Malaga over busier family resort strips.
Free Things To Do
Some of the best Costa del Sol experiences cost little or nothing. Walk the promenades, browse old towns, enjoy public beaches, watch sunset from the Balcon de Europa, explore local markets, visit scenic viewpoints and spend time in places such as Marbella Old Town, Estepona Old Town and Mijas Pueblo. Free time here often feels just as rewarding as paid attractions.
Best Beaches
Top beach choices include Burriana Beach in Nerja, Playa de la Malagueta in Malaga for city convenience, Cabopino Beach for a softer natural feel, Playa de Bil Bil in Benalmadena, and beaches around Estepona for a more relaxed atmosphere. Families often like broad, serviced beaches, while couples may prefer quieter stretches outside the busiest resort centres.
Food & Drink Experiences
The Costa del Sol is a strong destination for grilled sardines, seafood rice dishes, fried fish, tapas and chilled local wines. Malaga is especially good for food-focused evenings, while beachside chiringuitos are ideal for long lunches. Look out for produce markets, old-town tapas bars and waterfront restaurants where you can sample regional dishes without overcomplicating your plans.
Shopping
For shopping, Malaga offers the broadest mix of high-street brands, department stores and independent streets. Marbella and Puerto Banus suit luxury browsing, while weekly markets across the coast are useful for souvenirs, clothing and casual holiday shopping.
Nightlife
Nightlife varies by resort. Puerto Banus is known for glamorous late nights, Malaga has stylish bars and a more urban feel, Benalmadena and Torremolinos offer lively holiday entertainment, and smaller towns such as Nerja are better for relaxed drinks and dinners than all-night scenes.
Day Trips
Strong day trip ideas include Ronda for dramatic scenery, Granada for culture, Seville for a longer but rewarding city visit, Gibraltar for something different, and inland villages such as Frigiliana or Casares for a slower Andalusian feel.
Mini itinerary
Suggested 3-day Costa del Sol plan
Day 1 – Morning in Malaga Old Town and the Alcazaba, afternoon at La Malagueta or the port area, evening tapas and a waterfront walk.
Day 2 – Head east to Nerja for the Balcon de Europa, lunch by the sea and an afternoon on Burriana Beach or at Nerja Caves. Finish with a relaxed dinner in town.
Day 3 – Choose between Marbella and Puerto Banus for glamour and shopping, or Mijas Pueblo and Fuengirola for a mix of mountain village charm and family-friendly coast. End with sunset drinks or a final promenade stroll.
Money Saving Tips
Travel outside peak school holiday dates if you can, mix beach days with paid attractions, use local buses or trains on suitable routes, stay slightly outside the most premium hotspots, book accommodation early for the best choice, and compare hotel options carefully rather than choosing the first beachfront property you see.
The Costa del Sol works best when you mix easy beach time with one or two cultural or scenic outings.
BFM Travels
To plan the rest of your trip, explore our Costa del Sol Holidays guide for a wider destination overview, compare areas in Best Hotels in Costa del Sol, and map out a longer stay with 7 Days in Costa del Sol. If you are travelling with children, our Family Holidays page is useful for choosing resorts and activity ideas, while Luxury Holidays highlights more stylish options for couples and premium breaks. For more coastal inspiration, read the Beach Holiday Guide, and when you are ready to shortlist resorts, use the BFM Travel Planner to compare hotels and organise your holiday plans.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common planning questions from UK travellers.