How big is it?
The Costa del Sol stretches for 150km along the Mediterranean coast, although it isn’t very wide. High mountain ranges along most of the coast have limited development further inland.
What’s the weather like in the Costa del Sol?
The weather on the Costa del Sol is one of its biggest attractions. It enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year, low rainfall and pleasant temperatures all year round. It can be hot in the summer when the thermometer can easily top 30 degrees, but winter temperatures are mild and rarely drop below 16 degrees during the day.
How far is it to Malaga Airport from the Costa del Sol?
Benalmadena - Malaga Airport: 10km, 15 minutes by car.
Fuengirola - Malaga Airport: 24km, 20 minutes by car.
Marbella - Malaga Airport: 50km, 40 minutes by car.
Estepona - Malaga Airport: 80km, 55 minutes by car.
Manilva - Malaga Airport: 90km, 65 minutes by car.
Torrox - Malaga Airport: 65km, 45 minutes by car.
Nerja - Malaga Airport: 70km, 50 minutes by car.
How far is it to Gibraltar Airport from the Costa del Sol?
Gibraltar Airport is around 30km from Manilva, 48km from Estepona and 76km from Marbella. Add at least 30 minutes to your journey time to allow for crossing the border between Gibraltar and Spain.
What are the main attractions in the Costa del Sol?
The beaches on the Mediterranean are one of the main draws and resorts on the Costa del Sol offers a range of beaches to suit everyone.
Sports enthusiasts can choose from over 60 golf courses, blue-flag marinas and tennis and racquet clubs as well as countless opportunities to practise outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, canyoning
Family activities on the Costa del Sol range from safari excursions to visiting one of the world’s top zoos in Fuengirola; from water park fun in Torremolinos and Mijas to riding a cable car up to the top of a mountain in Benalmadena. Not to mention Tivoli World theme park, Sealife, Butterfly Park, Music Museum and dolphin spotting.
Resorts have excellent health facilities, amenities and schools including many international schools giving children the chance to experience education in another language as well as Spanish.
What are the beaches like on the Costa del Sol?
The 150km of coastline lend themselves to lots of different types of beaches. Along the Costa del Sol you’ll find long sands, pebbled bays, naturalist spots, family-friendly beaches, happening beach clubs and secluded coves that you’ll probably have all to yourself.
What cultural activities are there in the Costa del Sol?
Most resorts have a year-round cultural programme offering theatre, music, art and dance. Malaga stands out as a cultural centre in southern Spain with over 35 museums including the world-class Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre. The city is also home to a Philharmonic Orchestra, several theatres and concert halls.
And true to Spanish tradition, fairs and festivals form an essential part of life on the Costa del Sol. Every resort, town and village celebrates at least one big event a year in honour of the local patron saint.
What about eating out in the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is something of a foodie paradise with venues and cuisine to suit all tastes (and wallet sizes!). There are literally thousands of restaurants on the Costa del Sol to choose from ranging from humble bars serving traditional tapas to gourmet dining experiences on a par with the best in New York or London.
Reflecting its large foreign population, the Costa del Sol offers cuisine from the world over. Spanish cooking takes pride of place and includes local dishes like fried fish and gazpacho as well as Mediterranean staples such as paella and fresh fish. Just about all European gastronomy is represented up and down the Costa del Sol where you’ll find plenty of English-style pubs, Italian eateries, French bistros, Swedish restaurants… Food from further afield also has a big part to play on the Costa del Sol where you’ll find restaurants serving Indian, Thai, Mexican, Persian, Chinese or Japanese food.
How about shopping in the Costa del Sol?
La Cañada in Marbella – one of the largest shopping centres in southern Spain and home to most high-street brands as well as stores such as Apple, FNAC, Guess and Habitat.
Miramar in Fuengirola – one of the most popular shopping centres on the Costa del Sol with a good choice of well-known brand stores plus a selection of smaller shops.
Centro Larios in Malaga – a favourite with locals and tourists, this shopping centre includes Primark and Dunnes Stores, and has the added advantage of being next to Vialia, another large shopping centre.
El Ingenio in Velez-Malaga – the best shopping centre on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol with a good choice of shops, a hypermarket and cinema.
El Corte Inglés – the flagship Spanish department store has several large shops on the Costa del Sol including two in Malaga city, one in Fuengirola and two in Marbella.Best high-street shopping on the Costa del Sol
Calle Larios in Malaga – the city’s central street plus the adjacent Calle Nueva are packed with well-known stores and brands.
Avenida Ricardo Soriano in Marbella – the main street is home to big-name Spanish stores such as Zara, Massimo Dutti and Mango, and near the old quarter packed with little unusual shops.Best luxury shopping on the Costa del Sol
Puerto Banus – second only to Madrid and Barcelona for luxury shopping in Spain, Puerto Banus is home to the world’s best-known fashion and accessory brands. Italian, French and American fashion houses all have boutiques here and even if you’re just window shopping, this is a great shopping destination.
El Corte Inglés – the Puerto Banus branch of this department store specialises in luxury brands throughout the shop from the supermarket to the furniture department.
For general information or inquiries about buying property on the Costa del Sol or anywhere in Andalucia, please contact Harry: Phone (UK): +44 739 44444 80 / Email: costadelsolpropertysales@gmail.com