Costa del Sol

Why the Costa del Sol is special
The Costa del Sol is one of Europe's top playlands for the rich and famous. Its sandy beaches and sunny, warm climate are enticing and its coast is garnished with luxuriant yachts, lavish villas, fancy resorts, chic boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and pulsating late-night clubs.

Costa del Sol tips and insights
When to come
The two best months for visiting the Costa del Sol are May and September. In summer, temperatures are not as comfortable, and tourist crowds are thicker.

Costa del Sol tourism towns

• Marbella
  It's the best known resort town. It's stylish and upscale.
• Puerto Banus
  It has expensive boutiques and an eye-catching yacht marina. At night, the young and classy pack the clubs.
• Also popular
  The towns of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola attract a more mass-market crowd, but still possess the Costa del Sol flair.

Geography
The Costa del Sol stretches for 250 kilometers (150 miles) along Spain's southern coast.

Costa del Sol vs Costa Brava
During the peak summer season, the Costa del Sol falls victim to tourist crush. The same is true for the Costa Brava, Spain's other internationally famous beach resort area, which lies in northeastern Spain. 

However, the Costa del Sol is far more sophisticated than the Costa Brava. The latter can be somewhat tacky, rowdy and boorish.

Daytrips
Rushed for time? The Costa del Sol is strategically located for day tripping. Local tour organizations can dash you to established travel destinations like Cordoba, Gibraltar, Granada, Seville, and even Tangiers, Morocco.

Location in Spain