9 Top Reasons the Costa del Sol is Still Worth Visiting
Is the Costa del Sol worth visiting? My short answer is yes.
Many travellers see it as a touristy, overcrowded destination with prices rising every year.
The truth is that yes, it’s touristy, and while that might have some bad connotations, I don’t think it has to be that way.
I might be biased, as a native of this beautiful region, but I do believe that there are many reasons you might want to add the Costa del Sol to your list, from its idyllic beaches with crystal-clear water to lesser-known historic buildings and delicious gastronomy.
I hope I will convince you to visit the Costa del Sol after reading the article.
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Reasons to Visit the Costa del Sol
1. Its beautiful beaches
As much as I love my region, Malaga, I’ll be honest with you: you’ll likely find better beaches in other Andalusian provinces. For example, in Cadiz. I love the Tarifa area.
Nevertheless, the Costa del Sol still has beautiful beaches, from the small coves in Nerja, perfect for kayaking and snorkelling, to golden sand beaches in Puerto Banús.
Most beaches might not be picturesque because of their dark sand, but they have great facilities and are accessible for everyone, including travellers with mobility problems.
I’ve written a full guide with the best beaches on the Costa del Sol here.
2. Its rich gastronomy
One of the reasons why I think every traveller should come to the Costa del Sol is the gastronomy.
Similar to the rest of Andalucía, you can enjoy mouthwatering dishes, and you’ll be very happy if you love fish and seafood; it’s the highlight. You can imagine how fresh the produce is when we have a long coastline.
I think every traveller should try espetos, grilled sardines, fritura malagueña, fried fish and seafood, and gazpachuelo, a stew made with fish, potatoes and mayonnaise.
There are plenty of good and authentic bars and taverns, but if you’re looking for an upscale experience, you’re spoilt for choice, especially in Marbella.
Also, you can join amazing food experiences like farm-to-table dinners, olive oil tastings at La Almazara, and wine tastings.
3. Its fantastic location
When you stay on the Costa del Sol, you have endless possibilities to explore the beauty of the Andalusian region.
You’re a drive away from the Cadiz coastline, the picturesque white-painted villages, breathtaking hiking trails and Gibraltar, if you fancy a trip to somewhere different.
It’s a good base for a road trip, as you can fly into Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and head to Granada or Cordoba.
As much as I love travelling abroad, I spend many of my weekends exploring small towns near the Costa del Sol; it’s one of my favourite things to do.
4. Its weather
With 320 days of sunshine, the weather is one of the factors that make travellers come to the Costa del Sol.
Summers are very hot, but the rest of the year, the weather is beautiful. If you don’t like the rain and cold, you’ll definitely love the mild temperatures and clear skies.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t rain on the Costa del Sol, but the weather tends to be better than in other European destinations during the off-season.
The weather has become more unpredictable due to climate change, but generally, avoid November and February as these are the rainiest months.
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5. Its picturesque old towns
The historic centres across the Costa del Sol are completely underrated. You might ask, “What’s special about them?” and if you’ve already seen one, “Aren’t all the same?”
Answering the first question, these towns are special because of their narrow cobblestone streets, white-painted buildings, and houses hanging down with flower pots and other plants, which make them very aesthetically pleasing.
These streets also have a history behind them, many dating back to the Moorish period in Andalusia.
While they’re beautiful to photograph, it’s also worth booking a tour or downloading a self-guided walking tour to learn why they are special.
Out of all the old towns on the Costa del Sol, Estepona is a must-see; not only is it the biggest, but it’s also among the most beautiful.
My favourite? Marbella old town. It’s smaller than the one in Estepona, but I like the cosy atmosphere and its beautiful corners.
6. Its wide range of accommodation
It’s true that prices have ramped up in the last couple of years, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable accommodation.
Along the coast, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation to suit every traveller, from hostels and guesthouses to family-friendly apartments and exclusive 5-star hotels with everything you need and more.
I’d say that if you’re flexible with accommodation and the time of the year you come to the Costa del Sol, you’ll find good deals.
If you’re on a budget, come off-season. It might not be beach weather, but you can sightsee and still enjoy the sunshine. Plus, you’ll get your money’s worth.
7. Its natural surroundings
The coast is the first thing that comes to mind, but let me tell you that any nature lover will also love exploring the Costa del Sol.
We have beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers a short drive from the coastal towns.
Besides the famous Caminito del Rey with its impressive gorge and cliffs, there are other fantastic hiking trails, which are also less crowded.
One of my favourite walks, in both winter and summer, is in Benahavis. In the summer, you can swim and walk on the river, while in the winter, you can do the trail next to it.
Other great mountain walks are El Saltillo and La Concha. And I can’t forget to mention the Senda Litoral, where you walk along the coast.
8. Its festivals and celebrations
Another thing to love about the Costa del Sol is its festivals and celebrations, from the big celebrations like Christmas to small fairs in each town.
There’s something going on almost every month, although the best season to come to the Costa del Sol for fairs is from April to October. September is actually one of the best months.
Malaga Fair is the biggest on the Costa del Sol, but you don’t want to miss smaller ones like San Bernabé in Marbella or the one in Mijas Pueblo.
We also have many food-related festivals, so if you’re a foodie like me, it’s worth checking out the calendar. The Burger Cup is a must for meat lovers, but there are other events that are more traditional, such as the raisin festival or Sopa Perota Day in Álora.
9. Its museums and historic buildings
Malaga is the go-to place for sightseeing. The cathedral, castles, and Roman theatre should be on everyone’s itinerary, but the city also has numerous museums, over 40 in total, including the well-known Picasso museum!
However, you’ll find more niche and unique museums across the Costa del Sol. For example, the Pre-Columbian Museum in Benalmadena Pueblo and the Spanish Engraving Museum in Marbella Old Town.
I also like to mention unique attractions such as Cueva del Tesoro (Treasure Cave) in Rincón de la Victoria, Castillo de Colomares in Benalmadena, and the Orchidarium in Estepona.
So, yes, the Costa del Sol can be a good place for sightseeing too!
Conclusion
I totally think that the Costa del Sol is still worth visiting! Not only for some of its beaches but also for its cultural activities and events.
If you’d like to connect with me and other travellers, my Facebook group is the best place to do so.
Enjoy your time on the Costa del Sol!
Cristina
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