Where to Stay in The Costa del Sol By a Local

“What’s the best place to stay in Costa del Sol?” It’s a question I get all the time, and if this is your first time around here, I completely understand that it isn’t easy to pick a place. 

They all look good, have beaches and interesting attractions. However, depending on your travel style, budget and who you are travelling with, some towns are better than others.

I know all of these places like the palm of my hand, I’m from Costa del Sol, I grew up here and spend a lot of my time travelling between these towns for work, family, friends and leisure.

In this guide, I’ll give you my honest opinion about the pros and cons of staying in each destination, what to do, and hotel recommendations based on research and personal stays.

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Torremolinos

⭐ Best option for solo, LGBT+ and family travellers who want a well-connected beach town

Do you want to stay closest to the airport? I recommend staying in Torremolinos. It’s a short drive and train ride from the airport, so it’s definitely the most convenient location if you aren’t interested in city life or prefer somewhere quieter.

However, there are other reasons to pick Torremolinos! One of these is the beach. You have plenty of beaches to choose from with good facilities, restaurants and beach clubs that won’t break your bank.

Whilst Torremolinos’ old town isn’t my favourite, as I think some areas are a bit outdated, some nearby places are worth visiting. For example, Casa de los Navajas, a stunning Moorish palace, Parque de la Batería, one of the best parks on the Costa del Sol, and Molino de Inca, a hidden gem botanical garden.

If you visit Torremolinos with kids, there are popular family attractions, such as Aqualand and the Crocodile Park. 

📍Best areas in Torremolinos: Los Álamos, La Carihuela and the old town.

Benalmadena

⭐ Best option for: couples and families looking for a mix of beaches and attractions

If I had to pick one place with a mix of attractions and beaches, plus well connected to Malaga and other Costa del Sol towns, I would pick Benalmadena.

Benalmadena is a relatively large town and is divided into three areas: Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo, and Arroyo de la Miel.

If you want a holiday by the beach, Benalmadena Costa is best for you. This often refers to the area near Puerto Marina, Benalmadena’s main port; however, I prefer the Torrequebrada area. 

Benalmadena Pueblo is a must-see regardless of where you stay. Here, in my opinion, you have the best of Benalmadena attractions: Colomares Castle and the Stupa of Enlightenment of Benalmadena. The old town is also a lovely place to wander, stop by La Niña Square and enjoy a refreshing drink with tapas.

Overall, Benalmadena is quite diverse and targets different types of travellers, but I do think it is the best place to visit for travellers with children and teens. Some popular family attractions include: the Butterfly Park, Parque de la Paloma, Selwo Marina, and Benalmadena Cable Car.

📍Best areas in Benalmadena: Bil-Bil beach area, Torrequebrada and Benalmadena Pueblo for a quieter experience.

Fuengirola

⭐ Best option for: families

Located next to Benalmadena, Fuengirola is another Costa del Sol town that many travellers keep coming back to. 

Whilst it isn’t my preferred town, it’s in a good location to travel along the coast and offers some great activities, such as visiting the Sohail Castle and exploring street art.

If you travel with kids, some fun things to do in Fuengirola include visiting Bioparc, where children can see and learn about various animals, and spending the day at the Aquamijas waterpark. 

In addition to this, you also have plenty of beaches to relax on.

📍Best areas in Fuengirola: the centre and the Sohail castle area.

Marbella

⭐ Best option for: couples who want an upscale experience 

Marbella is renowned for its luxury hotels, boutiques and restaurants. It’s the perfect coastal town to treat yourself and splurge a little bit to stay in a 5-star resort like Puente Romano and eat in Michelin-starred restaurants like Messina and Skina.

It’s the perfect romantic getaway, but it can also be a fantastic girls’ holiday to celebrate birthdays, hen dos or any other special occasion.

Nevertheless, if you aren’t into the lavish atmosphere, you can also experience a more charming and authentic side of Marbella in its old town. This is, in fact, my favourite part of Marbella. I’m obsessed with it!

I always tell travellers that you need to know the place well to find those local gems because even the most popular places have them.

Within the old town, I recommend activities such as taking a walking tour to learn about the city, indulging in tapas at taverns like La Niña del Pisto and simply relaxing at one of Marbella’s squares.

Although it’s possible to enjoy Marbella with kids, I think that other towns offer more activities for children of all ages.

📍Best areas in Marbella: the Old Town and Nueva Andalucía for a luxury experience.

Estepona

⭐ Best option for: couples and families

A few years ago, you’d hear about Estepona, but not as much as now. It’s become a more popular option for travellers coming to the Costa del Sol. 

By staying in Estepona, you’ll be a stone’s throw from splendid beaches and attractions.

The historic centre of Estepona, often referred to as the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’, offers a lovely experience. See houses painted in white with flower pots, pretty doorways and facades, sculptures and impressive murals. 

I also love the orchidarium and Selwo Aventura, a safari and lodge that is ideal for visiting with kids, or simply anyone who loves animals. 

📍The best area in Estepona: the old town.

Nerja

⭐ Best option for: solo and couple travellers looking for the best beaches

Nerja is the most popular town on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol, which is less frequented than the west.

While you can go to Nerja all year round, the best time to visit it is early and late summer because you’ll enjoy its stunning beaches without the crowds.

The beaches are definitely the top highlight of Nerja. It’s the ideal place if you love water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. 

Summers in Nerja are lively, while the off-season is quieter and more suitable for hiking and exploring the area. 

Regardless of the season, don’t miss Cuevas de Nerja, which are one of the most impressive caves in Spain.

📍Best areas in Nerja: old town, La Torrecilla and Burriana.

Map with all the destinations

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you pick your Costa del Sol destination. If you want more guidance and personal advice, check out my discovery calls and itinerary services.

Enjoy your time on the Costa del Sol!

Cristina 

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