An idyllic beach in Spain whilst people are sunbathing overlooking the crystal-blue water

Holidays to Costa Del Sol

Get ready for siestas and fiestas on a Costa del Sol holiday, because a classic getaway on the sunshine coast is all about snoozing by the sea and dancing all night.

Classic summer beach break

Blazing sunshine, soft sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts delivering a brilliant hassle-free experience, it’s easy to see why this beautiful stretch of Spanish coastline has long been the go-to destination for a classic summer beach break! There are plenty of resort towns to choose from too. With the family? Make it Benalmádena. With friends? Marbella, done. With the other half? Mijas and Nerja have you covered.

Costa del golf

There’s golf and then there’s Costa del Sol golf. Think sunshine on your back, spectacular scenery and upmarket courses. There are loads of places to tee off, too, with over 70 courses dotted about the region (especially in Marbella, Estepona and Mijas). They include La Quinta Golf & Country Club – a renowned 27-hole course in Marbella’s ‘golf valley’ – and the 18-hole Calanova Golf Club, located in the Mijas Valley, just five minutes from the sea.

Shopaholic central

You’re going to want to pack relatively light ahead of your Costa del Sol holiday because you might just find yourself on a shopping spree or two while you’re over there. From the Saturday flea market in Fuengirola to the designer boutiques by the marina in Puerto Banus, there’s something for every budget. Buy Gucci in Marbella, artisan jewellery in Torremolinos and snap up high-street favourites in Malaga’s Plaza Mayor.

For the day trips: Viva España

You absolutely have to sack off the beach for at least a day and visit some of southern Spain's must-see attractions. Within a two-hour drive from Marbella, you can explore the ornate arches and glorious gardens of the Alhambra palace in Granada. In Malaga, which is very well connected to the rest of the coast by train, you can get up close to modern masterpieces at the Picasso Museum. Or go underground like a human mole at the otherworldly caves of Nerja.

Sneak Peek

Best for... Family beach days, luxurious holidays and non-stop nightlife for all ⛱️ 🎉

Go... In summer for blissful swims in the warm sea 🌊

You have to... Visit Marbella to shop until you drop 🤑

Costa del Sol holiday deals

MedPlaya Hotel Alba Beach

Very Good

Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol, Spain

4 May 2026
7 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Manchester

Prices from

£481 pp

Monarque Sultán Aparthotel

Marbella, Costa Del Sol, Spain

14 Apr 2026
7 nights
Self-catering
From Manchester

Prices from

£909 pp

ILUNION Miramar

4.2

Very Good

Fuengirola, Costa Del Sol, Spain

9 Jan 2026
7 nights
Self-catering
From Manchester

Prices from

£376 pp

Sol Torremolinos Don Pablo

4.4

Excellent

Torremolinos, Costa Del Sol, Spain

4 May 2026
7 nights
Bed & breakfast
From Manchester

Prices from

£866 pp

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Details

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT +1

Cost of a beer

Around €2.50

3-course meal

€24 - €29

Flight time

3-3.5 hrs

Best beaches: Dazzling sands

Beaches? The Costa del Sol has gazillions of them. For golden sands (and glam surrounds), head to Marbella and pick a spot on Puerto Banus Beach or Artola Cabopino Beach. If you’re with the mob (aka your kids), consider the family-friendly Playa del Cristo in Estepona. Want to get that adrenaline pumping? Hit the waters on a jet ski or banana boat from Playa de los Álamos in Torremolinos, or take your pick from several watersports on offer at Playa de Benagalbón in Rincón de la Victoria.

Family-friendly: Palm trees and playgrounds

Kid-friendly beaches, kid-friendly resorts and kid-friendly attractions (you see where we’re going with this), Costa del Sol holidays are oh so very kid-friendly. Highlights include Estepona, where you can paddle, snorkel and chill; Torremolinos, where you’ll find Aqualand and Crocodile Park; and Benalmadena, which is home to plenty of beaches, a Sea Life aquarium and an amusement park (Parquelândia).

Nightlife: Hey macarena, ay!

When the sun sinks behind the horizon, the pubs, bars and clubs of the Costa del Sol light up. There’s always Marbella Town and Puerto Banus for big all-nighters (expect sparklers in bottles as standard), but Nerja, especially its buzzing square Plaza Tutti Frutti, and the LGBTQ-friendly Torremolinos, also pack a party punch. If your idea of an evening out involves plenty of tapas and sangria, spend your nights in Estepona or Mijas.

When to go to the Costa del Sol

Pack your flip-flops and book yourself a Costa del Sol holiday in the summer months because it’s the best time for blue skies, warm sea and melting ice-creams. July has average temperatures of 28C and no rain!

For cheap holidays on the Costa del Sol, visit in June or September when there’s still plenty of sunshine. October isn’t too bad either – it’s milder and there’s more chance of rain, but hey, you’re in Spain and on holiday!

You could also go in winter. It’s around 14C but there are festive markets in Marbella, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, and spectacular Christmas lights in Malaga, to keep you entertained. Sunbathing weather it ain’t!