Where to stay in Costa del Sol – Best places to stay by the beach and inland

Deciding where to stay in Costa del Sol is not an easy task. I still remember my first trip there, totally panicking in front of a map and over 150km of coastline.

Honestly, I can count at least 10 destinations I would suggest, all different in style and in what they offer. It really depends on the type of trip you have in mind.

My favourite summer resort town is Estepona and Malaga works so well in winter. I have organised this post to talk more about all the possibilities with a quick comparison table and full descriptions of all these destinations.

On my last trip, I also did a video that you can check out later in the post

But let’s jump straightaway to the key points.

10 Best places to stay in Costa del Sol – Key Points

In this table, I have summarized the best 10 destinations on the Costa del Sol. They are all slightly different and they cater to different kinds of travellers.

You can click on the town name for more information or just keep reading for my favourites. Swipe left or right to see the entire table on the mobile.

Area/Town/City	Best for	Avg. Cost	Best Costa del Sol Hotels	Bars and Restaurants	Transportation	Area Character	Beach Quality	Visitors Age	Nightlife
Malaga	Sightseeing, History, Culture	Moderate	El Museo	Excellent, diverse	Good public transport, airport nearby	Historic, vibrant	Good sandy beaches	All ages	Lively
Marbella	Luxury, High-end tourism	Expensive	La Fonda Heritage	High-end, diverse	Accessible by car, public transport	Luxurious, stylish	Excellent	Young to middle-aged	Vibrant
Benalmadena	Family holidays	Moderate	SF Carihuela 2BR	Family-friendly, varied	Good public transport, close to Malaga Airport	Family-oriented, lively	Good sandy beaches	Families	Moderate
Estepona	Beach lovers, Quieter stays	Moderate to High	Apartamento en Playa del Cristo	Good selection, seafood focus	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, relaxed	Excellent	Mature, families	Varied, quieter
Nerja	Scuba divers, Snorkelers, Hikers	Moderate	Villa Carmen	Local and authentic	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, scenic	Rocky, scenic	Mature, outdoor enthusiasts	Quiet
Torremolinos	All-round family fun	Moderate	Ideal apartamento	Varied, international	Excellent, close to Malaga Airport	Touristy, lively, 70s/80s	Excellent sandy beaches	All ages	Lively
Fuengirola	Cosmopolitan, family-friendly, golf	Moderate	De La Playa 1BR	International	Good public transport, near airport	Cosmopolitan, vibrant	Good sandy beaches	All ages	Moderate to lively
Mijas	Mature couples, older families	Moderate	Sea to Sky Suites	Local, traditional	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, picturesque	Go to Mijas Costa or La Cala de Mijas	Mature, families	None
Casares	Romantic, Secluded Views	Moderate	La casita de Lú	Limited but charming local options	Car recommended for exploration	Hilltop, picturesque	Inland N/A	Mature, couples	None
Puerto Banús	Luxury, High-End Shopping	Expensive	Marina Banus	High-end, trendy	Accessible by car, public transport	Luxurious, stylish	Excellent	Young to middle-aged	Vibrant

My 3 suggested Hotels in Costa del Sol

Malaga – Best place to stay in Costa del Sol for a short visit

Malaga City has undergone a vibrant transformation since the early 2000s, emerging as a beacon of cultural heritage and modernity.

Your visit will be marked by the awe-inspiring sight of historical monuments like the imposing Malaga Cathedral and the majestic Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. The opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003 was a testament to the city’s dedication to celebrating its artistic roots, offering a deep dive into the life and works of Pablo Picasso.

Just one simple tip here, buy your tickets for the Picasso Museum in advance otherwise get ready to queue up for 1-2 hours or more. As annoying as that.

Start your city exploration from the Plaza de la Constitución, the main square of Malaga, surely the most beautiful square on the coast where you can experience a blend of architectural styles, from Moorish to Gothic and Baroque.

The city’s old town, with its lively atmosphere and bustling markets, is a delight to explore, offering delicious local cuisine. I particularly love the Mercado Central. I can literally spend entire afternoons there with long lunches and drinks.

There is such a cool vibe, easy to meet other travellers and locals. I may also add that both food and drinks come at bargain prices.

It would be a pity if you make it to Malaga without visiting Soho, the arty district with plenty of street art all around, more serene and local energy and some great tapas bars.

One thing I am not truly inspired by in Malaga is the beach, next to the port. The water is not amazing and the sand is more often than not dirty. Take a bus or drive north 5km and go instead to the small town of El Palo, so much better.

Malaga is the best place to be on the Costa del Sol for a short stay, 2-3 days, followed by a pleasure week by the beach in any of the towns I have mentioned in this post. I would not suggest staying longer than that, it’s a city after all.

There is one exception though, if you visit Costa del Sol in winter, then stay in Malaga for the entire holiday. The city offers so much more than anywhere else. Besides, the weather is usually so mild, with an average of 320 days of sunshine, that you will not miss the cold winter back home.

Despite the challenges of navigating through crowded streets and the occasional noisy night, the city’s blend of historical charm makes Malaga an unforgettable destination, perfect for those who appreciate a mix of cultural richness and vibrant city life.

I have written a specific guide to the best areas to stay in Malaga. Below are 3 of the best hotels in the centre of town

Estepona – A charming stay on Costa del Sol 

Estepona, with its delightful blend of authentic Andalusian charm and modern comforts, instantly captivated me on my first trip. Wandering through the old town, I was immersed in a world of quaint, narrow streets lined with brightly painted houses adorned with pots of vibrant flowers.

The Historical Centre suddenly becomes alive after sunset with all the outdoor tables of the restaurants and bars busy with locals and travellers alike.

The beaches here are truly exceptional, stretching along the coast with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. One thing has to be said, the water gets deep in a matter of metres.

If travelling with kids, I suggest checking out Playa de Cristo, on the southern end of town. This beach is so lovely, in a small bay, with shallow transparent water and white sand. Add also that parking is free and plentiful.

Dining in Estepona is a joy, with an abundance of seafood restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced dishes. The historical centre tends to be more expensive than the modern town where you can find some hidden gems like my local favourite, El Tejar.

While the nightlife may not be as extensive as in some other Costa del Sol towns, the evenings in Estepona have a charming, laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Estepona is a gem for those seeking a more authentic, serene Spanish coastal experience.

Marbella – A great stay for nightlife and luxury

Visiting Marbella is like stepping into a world where luxury meets tradition. The town’s unique microclimate, shielded by the Sierra Blanca mountains, provides a comfortable haven irrespective of the season.

Marbella’s dual nature is fascinating – on one hand, it caters to the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous, with Puerto Banus displaying an array of luxurious yachts and high-end cars. On the other hand, it retains a charm that appeals to regular holidaymakers.

The contrast is most evident when you stroll from the opulent marina to the quaint, peaceful old town. The narrow, winding streets, lined with traditional Andalusian houses, offer a serene retreat from the glitzy parts of town.

Although Marbella’s upmarket vibe and bustling beaches might not be for everyone, its blend of modern luxury with historical charm makes it a uniquely enticing destination on the Costa del Sol.

Marbella is the place to stay in Costa del Sol for a luxurious time and a unique experience, certainly an expensive one, but so exclusive that you will remember it for a long time, if not forever.

Torremolinos – LGBTI friendly

This town has become synonymous with inclusivity, proudly standing as one of Spain’s most LGBTI-friendly destinations. Each visit reveals the town’s vibrant and diverse spirit, particularly evident in the central area bustling with LGBTI-friendly bars, nightclubs, and events.

The seven kilometres of golden beaches offer a bustling seaside atmosphere, perfect for a variety of activities, from sunbathing to water sports. For families, attractions like the Aqua Park and Crocodile Park provide endless entertainment.

Despite its evolution into a more modern, tourist-centric town, with high-rise buildings dominating the skyline, Torremolinos maintains its appeal with its lively nightlife and welcoming attitude towards all visitors.

Torremolinos is widely known as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, being so close to Malaga Airport.

It’s a great destination for a week giving you the possibility to cut down on transportation time and just focus on your holiday on the Costa del Sol. You will miss out on the historical architecture and Spanish charm but everything else is there.

Fuengirola – The destination on the Costa del Sol for a beach stay

Costa del Sol is one of the best destinations in Europe for its combination of amazing weather and lovely beaches.

Of all the towns in this post, Fuengirola has the most extensive beachfront, 7km long, a haven for beach lovers, offering everything from lazy sunbathing to exciting water sports like scuba diving.

But it’s not all about sand and sun, you can, for example, explore the historical gem of Sohail Castle, perched majestically on a hill, providing a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past. A little tip here, download the free audio guide on the website before visiting the place. It will help you understand the incredible past of the castle.

Fuengirola’s cosmopolitan nature is also evident in its diverse culinary scene, with an array of international restaurants lining the streets. The town buzzes with energy, especially in the evenings when the bars and restaurants come alive.

South of Fuengiorl, towards Marbella, you will find a plethora of golf courses of which Chaparral is probably the most popular of all. The route is highly rated as one of the most beautiful and scenic in Spain.

Despite its popularity, leading to crowded beaches in summer, Fuengirola still manages to maintain a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

It’s a place where every day offers a mix of seaside relaxation and the lively allure of a modern town, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy the best of both worlds. You will miss out on the Spanish charm but everything else is here.

Casares – Best area for A relaxing holiday

This picturesque village, clinging to a hillside, is not just a unique charming destination but also a place steeped in significant history.

It’s fascinating to walk the same grounds that are said to have cured Julius Caesar with the sulphurous waters of a local spring. The deep connection to Caesar, who allegedly built a villa here and gave the rare privilege to Casares of minting its own coins, adds a layer of intrigue to the town.

I personally love the tranquil streets, far from the coastal hustle, and the breathtaking views that span across the rugged landscape. A little tip here. The town develops between two hills. Take the lane going up to the castle for the best views, down to the coastline.

While there is basically no nightlife to talk of, and overall the amenities are sort of modest, the charm of Casares lies in its serene, historically rich character.

Casares is a great place to stay to relax and recharge from the busy life, still one of the Costa del Sol’s little gems not discovered by mass tourism.

I highly suggest hiring a car once in Spain because public transportation options from/to Casares are limited. Without your own vehicle, getting around can be quite challenging, and you might find yourself feeling a bit stranded in this picturesque but somewhat remote location.

Nerja – Lovely part of the Costa del Sol for a scenic stay

The resort town of Nerja is located at the northeast end of the Costa del Sol near Costa Tropical. It has been a favourite since the 1880s and cherished by King Alfonso XII himself, captivates with its unique blend of historical significance and natural splendour.

Each visit to the Balcón de Europa reaffirms its status as not just a spectacular viewing point but also a portal to the past, offering panoramic views that span across the Mediterranean.

The rugged cliffs and rocky shores of Nerja, while less conventional for sunbathing, are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly scuba divers and hikers. For this reason, I do not suggest families with small kids staying here, you would be very limited with beach activities.

While the town’s nightlife might be subdued, it only adds to its charm, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach resorts of the Costa del Sol.

I personally suggest renting a car in Malaga to travel to Nerja and from there visit other gems of Andalusia like Granada, just over one hour away, Cordoba or Caminito del Rey, 1h30m to 2 hours away, and Torre del Mar for one of the best beaches in the area in just 10 minutes.