Forget the clichés — the Costa del Sol is way more than sunloungers and high-rises. Stretching from the yacht harbours of Sotogrande to the surf coves of Nerja, along the Mediterranean Coast, this is one of the most varied and vibey coastlines in Europe. You’ll find everything here: secret beaches, whitewashed mountain villages, beach towns with proper soul, and cities that buzz year-round.
This guide runs west to east, spotlighting the coolest places to swim, eat, wander, and stay — whether you’re chasing sunsets in Estepona, hiking above Marbella, or sipping sardines by the sea in Málaga. Dive in.
Sotogrande
📍 Eastern edge of Cádiz province
More private estate than beach town, Sotogrande is known for its luxury villas, polo fields, and yacht marina. The beaches here — like Playa de Sotogrande — are quiet and well-kept, with smooth pebbles, clean water, and a distinctly low-key, upscale vibe. Great if you’re after serenity, space, and the sound of sails clinking in the wind.
Manilva & Casares Costa
📍 Start of Málaga province
Manilva’s beaches are broad and uncrowded, ideal for relaxed days without the Costa del Sol buzz. Playa de Sabinillas has a local feel with a charming paseo, while nearby Playa de la Chullera has rockier edges and clearer water — good for snorkelling. Inland, the white village of Casares is one of the most photogenic in Andalusia, perched on a dramatic cliff with a crumbling castle at the top.
Estepona
📍 Western Costa del Sol
One of the rising stars of the coast, Estepona blends traditional charm with tasteful development. Its old town is full of flowerpots, tapas bars, and murals, while the seafront is home to long stretches of beach like Playa del Cristo — a horseshoe bay with shallow water and beach bars — and Playa de la Rada, more central and active. Estepona is a rare mix: stylish but not overhyped.
Benahavís (Inland)
📍 10 minutes inland from San Pedro de Alcántara
A mountain village with serious culinary chops. Benahavís is lined with restaurants, many with terraces overlooking the hills. The Guadalmina River gorge is great for wild swimming and canyoning in summer. It’s an ideal inland escape from the coast — especially for foodies and hikers.
San Pedro de Alcántara
📍 West of Puerto Banús
Often overlooked between Marbella and Estepona, San Pedro has a surprisingly authentic town centre and one of the best beach promenades on the coast. The beachfront is flat and walkable, with a wide, sandy beach and a laid-back vibe. It’s more residential than touristy, but that’s part of the charm — and it’s just minutes from the buzz of Puerto Banús.
Puerto Banús
📍 Marbella’s luxury marina
Built in the 1970s as a jet-set playground, Puerto Banús is flashy, crowded, and strangely irresistible. The beach itself — Playa de Puerto Banús — is calm and safe, but the real draw is the people-watching, designer boutiques, and rows of superyachts. For more space, head west to Playa Río Verde or east toward Mistral Beach.
Marbella
📍 Heart of the coast
A world of its own. Marbella mixes glitz and authenticity better than anywhere else on the Costa del Sol. From the narrow streets of the Casco Antiguo to the palm-lined Paseo Marítimo, it’s made for exploring. Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa Nagüeles near the Golden Mile offer smooth sand and good swimming, while Cabopino Beach, east of town, is a laid-back gem surrounded by dunes and naturist-friendly corners.
Istán (Inland)
📍 Sierra de las Nieves, north of Marbella
Just 20 minutes from Marbella but a world away in feel, Istán is a quiet mountain village surrounded by forest trails, natural springs, and views over the Embalse de la Concepción reservoir. It’s great for hiking, picnicking, and escaping the summer heat. Low-key and peaceful, with just enough to explore over a long lunch.
Ojén (Inland)
📍 Above Marbella
Hidden in the Sierra de las Nieves just behind Marbella, Ojén feels like a different world — quiet, cool, and whitewashed, with mountain air and views all the way to the sea. The town is small but authentic, with hiking trails, olive groves, and a low-key arts scene.
Fuengirola
📍 Central Costa del Sol
Fuengirola is big, beachy, and built-up — but if you know where to look, there’s charm. Playa de Carvajal on the Benalmádena border is one of the best city beaches, while the old quarter around Plaza de la Constitución still holds onto local life. There’s also a large marina and a long beachfront promenade good for walks and wheels.
Mijas & Mijas Costa
📍 Hills above Fuengirola
Mijas Pueblo is your classic white village with panoramic views, a bullring, and cobbled streets. Touristy, yes, but still charming. Down by the sea, Mijas Costa includes La Cala de Mijas — a lively beach town with a great weekly market and walkable coastline dotted with chiringuitos.
Benalmádena
📍 Between Fuengirola and Torremolinos
Benalmádena is split between the Pueblo (a hilltop white village), Arroyo de la Miel (residential), and Benalmádena Costa (beachfront). Playa de Bil Bil, with its Moorish-style red castle, is central and photogenic. Head west for quieter sands, or east toward Torremuelle for rocky coves.
Torremolinos
📍 Just west of Málaga city
One of the original package-holiday towns, Torremolinos has had a glow-up. Playa de la Carihuela is lively and lined with some of the coast’s best seafood restaurants, while Playa del Bajondillo is backed by a sweeping promenade and cliffs. There’s a retro charm here, and it’s surprisingly fun for a weekend dip into nostalgia.
Málaga
📍 Capital of the Costa del Sol
Urban beach life done right. Málaga’s coastline blends city energy with seaside ease. Playa de la Malagueta is the most central — busy, sociable, and full of life. For something a little more relaxed, head east to Pedregalejo Las Acacias Beach, where the old fishermen’s quarter meets rows of beachfront restaurants grilling sardines over open fires.
Rincón de la Victoria
📍 East of Málaga
Quieter than the western side of the coast, Rincón de la Victoria feels more local. Its beaches are long and sandy, with a breezy, relaxed feel. Great for families, sunset runners, and slow travel vibes. There’s even a Cueva del Tesoro seafront cave complex you can walk through at low tide.
Frigiliana (Inland)
📍 Above Nerja
Frigiliana is a postcard-perfect village in the hills just 15 minutes from the coast — a maze of whitewashed streets, painted doors, and flower-covered balconies. It’s often called one of the prettiest villages in Spain, and it lives up to the hype. Grab a table with a view, browse the artisan shops, and wander up into the hills.
Nerja
📍 Eastern tip of the Costa del Sol
Nerja is the Costa del Sol’s east coast jewel — beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, and the Balcón de Europa, a palm-lined viewpoint jutting out over the sea. Playa de Burriana is the most famous, with a broad bay, beach bars, and kayak rentals. Just west, Playa de Maro is a highlight — a wild cove backed by cliffs and sugarcane fields, perfect for snorkelling or exploring the nearby waterfall by kayak.