When you want a quick dose of sunshine, there's nothing better than Spain's Costa del Sol region. This popular destination is just a short flight from the UK, and it's packed with great beaches and dozens of things to see and do. There's a reason why this corner of Spain is always so popular, and it's time for you to see it for yourself. Check out our deals on package holidays and flights to Costa del Sol, and discover one of the most exciting destinations in Spain.
For decades, Costa del Sol has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. This long stretch of the Mediterranean coast runs through the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz, finishing close to Gibraltar. It's renowned for its picturesque beaches, swimmable seas and charming towns. Go in summer for long, hot days on the beach, or visit in winter for some much-needed Vitamin D.
Flight duration (from London to Málaga): Just under 3 hours
Main airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)
Population: Around 1,400,000
Language: Spanish, but English is commonly understood in resort areas
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: CET (GMT+1)
Sometimes, deciding where to stay in the Costa del Sol region can seem like a challenge. There are so many resort towns, each with its own unique character. Do you want the ritzy, upscale glamour of Marbella or the family-friendly vibes of Fuengirola? Are you looking for a relaxing beach holiday or something more cultural? Whatever you're looking for, there's a hotel in Costa del Sol that's right for you.
With sunshine and kid-friendly attractions just a short flight away, the Costa del Sol is a real hotspot for family holidays. Benalmadena has lots of playgrounds, child-friendly beaches and parks, making it a favourite for families. A real highlight is La Paloma Park, where wild rabbits can be seen hopping around. The flat streets of Fuengirola make it ideal for little legs, and the expat vibe ensures you'll always find something suitable for even the fussiest eaters.
For a romantic getaway, it's hard to beat Marbella. This is the most glamorous town on the Costa del Sol, known for Michelin-starred eateries and upscale nightlife. Want something a little more lowkey? The cliffside town of Nerja is a great choice for adventurous couples. Explore caves, caverns and waterfalls on an active, action-packed trip.
How do you want to spend your Costa del Sol holiday? For some people, just lounging on a sun-kissed beach is enough, but others want to do something more active. Indulge in the local cuisine, with specialities like barbecued sardines on the beach or thirst-quenching gazpacho. Explore the natural beauty and the white towns of Andalusia, or challenge yourself with daring hikes.
Dare yourself to tackle the Caminito del Rey, one of the most thrilling hikes in Spain. You'll follow a series of wooden platforms stuck on the sides of a steep gorge on this beautiful but adrenaline-pumping route.
Lose yourself in the Nerja Caves. Prepare yourself to climb over 400 steps as you enter an eerie, subterranean world.
Enjoy beaches like Burriana, Bil-Bil, Calaceite and Calahonda. Splash around in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, or try some thrilling watersports.
Have splashing good fun at a waterpark. Some resorts have their own water slides and wave pools, and there are also several dedicated aquaparks in Costa del Sol towns.
Have a picnic in Parque de la Paloma, known as one of the best parks in the area. Watch out for the wild bunnies that call this park home.
Visit attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola, Selwo Marina or the Benalmadena Butterfly Park, which are all great choices for nature-loving kids.
Grab your swimsuit and your sunscreen because it's time for the ultimate sunshine getaway! Feast your eyes on our offers and deals for flights and hotels in Costa del Sol, and start your next adventure now.
A: The temperatures are consistently high all along the Costa del Sol but, in general, the warmest town on the coast is Málaga city. If you'd rather look for a smaller place to stay with less of a big city vibe, try Rincón de la Victoria or Vélez-Málaga, which also record warm, pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
A: The coldest month on the Costa del Sol is January, but don't reach for your coat and gloves just yet. Average daytime temperatures hover around 17°C, and there's still plenty of winter sunshine. The temperature of the sea drops to 15°C, so don't plan for a midwinter swim.
A: The hottest months of the year are July and August, but Costa del Sol's popular resorts tend to be crowded at these times. In general, you can enjoy summer weather from May to September. The sea is swimmable from early June until early October. For a more active holiday, consider a trip to Costa del Sol in the spring or autumn, when the lower temperatures make it possible to enjoy scenic hiking.
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