Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The area's mild climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.

Costa del Sol (West)
Costa del Sol is the most developed part of the Coast. The Mediterranean water is warm and safe.
Many towns have recently modernised 'paseo maritimos' (promenades). Most locations are backed by development. More jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe. No shortage of bars, restaurants and nightlife. Sand tends to be grey and coarse-grained.

• Playa El Cristo, Estepona
This beautiful cove has recently been improved with showers installed. Two beach bars, parking. Family atmosphere, sun trap. Walking distance from the marina and the town. One of the few beaches on this coast to face west ensuring maximum hours of sunshine.
• San Pedro
Long promenade makes it easy to find a space even on a summer Sunday. Numerous beach bars. Try Bora Bora at the west end.
• Playa Nueva Andalucia
Boasts a number of trendy beach clubs, including Mistral Beach. Beautiful setting. The palm trees look like they come from the South Pacific. Parking difficult at peak times.
• Puerto Banus
Without doubt the place to be seen. If you are famous then there is no risk of not getting caught by the paparazzi. Good beach just to the east of the marina protected by a jetty. If you feel like treating yourself spend a day relaxing in the Marbella Club beach club. Arrive early as the front-line sun loungers go fast. Parking difficult.
• La Carihuela, Torremolinos
So much has been said about Torremolinos that it is difficult to add more. Don't be prejudiced, head straight into the thick of it. The prom has been recently modernised. Arrive early (9am) and observe that there is still a 'village' here that slowly wakes up and carries out its chores. By 11am it's lost in the bustle.

Costa del Sol (East)
• Calahonda & Calas Ocidentales, Nerja
Playa Calahonda has a picture postcard setting. Very popular with the foreign tourists. Take a look from Balcon de Europa before going down. Follow the well-maintained but winding little path to explore the coves to the east.
• El Maro
At the eastern end of the Costa del Sol (Malaga Province) there are numerous large, isolated coves, some accessible by car, others only by path. Come here if you want to get away from it all.