12 Unique Things To Do In The Costa Del Sol

When you plan a holiday to Costa del Sol, you can expect the famous three S’s: sun, sea and sangria. But with a growing number of people seeking something more from their summer holidays, we’re all starting to discover that there’s more to Spain’s tourist hotspots than sand and sun loungers. There’s a wide array of things to do in the Costa del Sol away from your resort!

I’m all for a chilled-out all-inclusive holiday, but I also like to explore the area around my hotel and soak up some local culture when I’m in vaycay mode. If you do too, this guide to the best places to visit in Costa del Sol will help you plan your ideal holiday.

Located in Andalusia, the Costa del Sol stretches from Nerja to Manilva with Malaga at its centre. The Spanish destination offers year-round sunshine, making it popular with British tourists.

I flew to Malaga on a press trip with Jet2 to discover the best things to do on the Costa del Sol, Spain’s sunshine coast, that don’t always make it into the holiday brochures.

What To Do In The Costa Del Sol

I hope I can inspire you to explore some of the top places to go in Costa del Sol on your next holiday! Whether you book a long weekend in Spain or carve out a few weeks to really delve into this destination, you won’t be disappointed.

1. Walk El Caminito del Rey

El Caminito del Rey was once known as one of the most dangerous walks in the world and it’s still one of the most intriguing places to visit in Costa del Sol.

Pinned to the steep walls over the 100ft El Chorro gorge in Andalusia, the original path was just one metre wide and so old and crumbling that it was closed to the public a few years ago. The new boardwalks are much safer, but it’s still an awe-inspiring walk.

The great thing is that as you move, you can still see the old pathways beneath your feet – and the seriously scary bridges that replaced any fallen parts. Even today, a train trundles through the dramatic rock formations. Now that’s a train ride I’d like to take!

Book a trip to Caminito del Rey below.

2. Eat mouthwatering Spanish cuisine in local restaurants

Where do I even start? I’ve always been a little disappointed by food in Spain, but Costa del Sol’s culinary scene left my tastebuds very happy (and my belly a little bigger, but calories don’t count on holiday). Tasting the local gastronomy is one of the most memorable experiences to be had in Costa del Sol, so don’t stick your nose up at anything but chips.

From locally-caught fish so fresh it’s almost still writhing, salty Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham), platters of aubergine drizzled with molasses, local goats cheese to salchichón de Málaga (which, heads up, is served as a tartar), all of the food in Costa del Sol is tremendous.

Look out for ‘migas’, a dish I had never previously come across. It’s a cheap recipe created years ago to use up stale bread, but it’s pretty yummy.

Try a tapas tour in Marbella or a walking food tour in Málaga.

3. Get arty in Málaga

Since the opening of the Picasso Museum in 2003, the city of Málaga has heavily invested in reinventing itself into an arts and culture capital. Málaga now boasts over 30 museums, which provide ample diversion on a rare rainy day on Costa del Sol.

Aside from the famous artist’s collection, there’s also the Centre Pompidou, the first outside of Paris. The art centre, housed in a multicoloured glass cube on Málaga’s port, has a huge collection of contemporary art.

In addition to all of this, there’s a growing street art scene in the Soho area.

4. Visit Ronda, Andalusia’s white ‘City of Dreams’

I can’t believe Ronda isn’t splashed all over Instagram yet. This quietly magnificent city in Andalusia teeters in two halves high above a deep ravine, hiding whitewashed buildings and tranquil streets.

Ronda is also home to the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain. Whatever your feelings are about the Spanish tradition, it’s an interesting place to visit.

You can also go rock climbing on the deep gorge that divides the city – something for the bucket list! Ronda is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Costa del Sol and it’s a must-visit for photography lovers.

5. See animal conservation done right at the Bioparc in Fuengirola

It’s a zoo, but not as we know it. The Bioparc not only makes for a fun day out with kids in Costa del Sol where they can see and learn about lots of different animals, but the place works to protect the animals.

The focus is on sustainability, specialised animal care and natural landscapes – a stark contrast to the old zoo that once stood in Bioparc’s place.

They have crocodiles rescued from handbag and shoe factories, and chimpanzees rescued from the original, poorly run zoo which caged animals and didn’t look after them properly.

It’s slightly cheaper to buy your Bioparc ticket online.

6. Indulge in world-class shopping in Málaga

If you’ve come to Spain to shop, you won’t be disappointed. The main shopping destination in Costa del Sol is El Corte Inglis, a mammoth department store selling everything you can think of, from beauty products to sports equipment from over 1000 brands.

We visited the Málaga store and had a great evening browsing designer labels, getting hand massages at the Jo Malone counter and enjoying a quality meal at one the the store’s exclusive dining outlets.

If you’re shopping for souvenirs from Costa del Sol, you can pick those up at Malaga’s Soho Market, El Zoco de Muelle Uno market (second Sunday of each month) or head to the Tuesday and Sundays markets in Fuengirola.

7. See Costa del Sol’s blue Smurf village!

It’s technically no longer allowed to call itself the Smurf village, but that’s probably how Juzcar will always be known.

This little village was once indistinguishable from the area’s many white-washed towns. In 2011 however, all 250 residents were paid to temporarily paint their homes blue to promote the Smurfs movie.

The town was chosen because they grow an abundance of mushrooms, Smurfs’ favourite treat. Juzcar subsequently enjoyed an influx of Smurf-loving tourists (I didn’t realise there were such die-hard fans!) and began to make money off their unique affiliation, so voted to keep the blue. Smart move.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to visit, but it’s now firmly on my bucket list. Check out more of the most beautiful villages to see in Costa del Sol below.

8. Party in Marbella

Home to the iconic Nikki Beach and Ocean Club, Marbella is the best place to go in Costa del Sol if you’re looking for glamour.

Book a spot at one of the uber lux beach bars if you’re heading to Marbella with friends, but prepare to pay for it! This is the expensive part of Costa del Sol.

The cosmopolitan destination also has picturesque cobbled streets adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and lined with luxury boutiques and art galleries.

9. Have a beach day in Nerja

There is 161 km of coastline to choose from when you’re looking for a spot to lay your towel in Costa del Sol, but Nerja is home to some of the locals’ favourite beaches. Playa de Burriana offers clean sand and good facilities.

Want to do some watersports? Playa de Maro is great for kayaking. And don’t miss Nerja Caves!

Playa de Calahonda is another lovely beach in Costa del Sol’s Nerja. As the sun sets, head up to Balcón de Europa for stunning golden hour views.

10. Set sail on a yacht from Puerto Banús

East of Marbella, Puerto Banús is Costa del Sol’s most luxurious destination. With Michelin star restaurants, streets busy with flashy cars and a marina full of gleaming super yachts, the area could easily be confused for the French Riviera.

Dress your best and hit the town, or book a sailing day to experience how the 1% live. This is a great place for people watching – and even celebrity spotting. Puerto Banús is where the wealthy go in Costa del Sol.

11. Experience rural Spanish life in Mijas Pueblo and Benalmádena Pueblo

In the moorish town of Mijas Pueblo, you’ll find whitewashed houses clinging to the cliffside and pretty views out to sea. Yes, this is the real Andalusia. There’s a Mayan Monkey chocolate factory near here that’s a fun place to go with kids in Costa del Sol.

Benalmádena is a similarly aesthetically pleasing village that sits at the foot of Mount Calamorro. An afternoon exploring its gleaming streets is bound to charm.

Down by the sea, crawl the chiringuitos, beach bars that line the golden sand of Benalmádena Costa and serve local fish and cold beer.

11. Do Costa del Sol on the cheap in Torremolinos

Torremolinos is the best place to stay in Costa del Sol if you’re on a tight budget. You’ll find great beaches and plenty of family attractions like Aqualand in this part of Costa del Sol. There are cheap bars, restaurants and accommodation in the area, especially around Calle San Miguel.

There are six beaches in the area but the two most popular beaches in Torremolinos are El Bajondillo and La Carihuela. One of the must-sees is Casa de los Navajas, a beautiful small palace overlooking the sea.

Golf lovers looking for a Costa del Sol golf course will enjoy this area too!

12. Hike to a waterfall in the hills

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Costa del Sol, this stunning natural attraction will please you.

Near the village of Istan in the valley of Río Verde, Charca del Canalón is a hidden gem. It’s one of the most magical attractions in Costa del Sol with waterfalls, natural pools and crystal clear waters where you can enjoy Spain’s natural beauty after a hike under the sun.

Pack water shoes – you’ll get your feet wet!

Where to stay in Costa del Sol

There are so many hotels around Costa del Sol for every budget. What you get in terms of value for money varies by resort.

Those staying in glam Marbella will love Nobu.

If you’re basing yourself in Málaga during your Costa del Sol holiday, I recommend Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio. This avant-garde style hotel in the city centre has beautiful, modern rooms, a fantastic breakfast buffet and rooftop pool.

If you’re holidaying in Torremolinos, Sol House Costa del Sol is right on the beachfront and has excellent facilities with an Ibiza vibe.

Search for accommodation in Costa del Sol using the map below.

Booking.com

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How to get to Costa del Sol

The main airport in Costa del Sol is Malaga Airport. You can fly there direct from London, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands in the UK.

How to get around Costa del Sol

There are bus, trains and metros for tourists to make use of in the region. Hire a car to get around Costa del Sol’s tourist attractions.

Travelling around Spain? I recommend the Lonely Planet guide books.

Check out the Costa del Sol tourism website for more inspiration for what do in Costa del Sol.

Aside from all of these wonderful attractions and things to do in and around Costa del Sol, one of the things that struck me most about my visit was how warm and welcoming the locals were. Every single person we spoke to, from small restaurant owners to museum tour guides, were so passionate about the place they lived. It’s often the people that make a destination, and the people of Costa del Sol make it amazing.

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This is a sponsored post but love for Costa del Sol is all mine.

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