The Costa del Sol is one of the most famous coastlines in Spain. It stretches over one hundred and fifty kilometers of the Málaga province. The Costa del Sol is so popular because visitors love to enjoy the sandy beaches and sparkling blue Mediterranean sea all year round. The coastline has a wonderful mix of traditional Andalucian villages and modern town centres, all with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to sample. However, there is more than just the sun to attract holidaymakers to the coast. The area boasts one of the highest collections of first class golf courses and walking trails for sports enthusiasts, family attractions, shopping promenades and an abundance of historical sights and museums so all ages can enjoy their time along the Costa del Sol.

To make the most of your stay in the Costa del Sol, take a look at our individual travel guides for the most popular towns along the coast:

Weather

A mild winter and spring and a gloriously sunny summer means that southern Spain is a popular tourist destination all year round, with the most popular destination being the Costa del Sol.

Transportation

All of the towns in the Costa del Sol are easily accessible from Malaga International Airport. The airport has regular flights to most key cities as it is one of the busiest airports in Spain. Conveniently, the airport is within half an hour by car from most popular resorts on the coast. The distance of the most popular towns from the airport is as follows:

Torremolinos – 6km                              Marbella – 50km

Malaga – 8km                                       Puerto Banus – 54km

Benálmadena – 12km                             Nerja – 56km

Mijas Costa – 22km                               Estepona – 80km   

Fuengirola – 24km                                 Ronda – 89km                           

Mijas – 30km

The Autopista del Sol or A-7 grants access from Malaga to Estepona and beyond to Gibraltar. Alternatively, there is the old N-340 coast road, which is a little slower but the road offers some gorgeous sea views as it snakes its way along the coastline.

Travelling by bus – there is an Airport bus service outside the main arrivals hall with direct routes to Malaga and Marbella. Further services are available to get to Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The coach station is also located outside of the main terminal building.

Travelling by taxi – outside of the airport one can always find plenty of taxis waiting to help.

Travelling by train – in front of the main terminal is the train station, with services to Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Malaga.

Travelling by car – there is an abundance of car hire companies based in the airport so it is very easy for you to pick up of your rental car.

Global visa requirements

A passport valid for the duration of the visit from the EU, Norway or Iceland is required to enter mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Citizens from these countries do not require visas.

Visitors from Canada, Japan and the USA do not require visas for visits of under 90 days but do require valid passports.  

Other nationals should contact the Spanish Consular authorities.

Currency

The currency used in Spain since 2002 is the euro. Each euro can be broken down into 100 cents with coins for 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents as well as €1 and €2. Note form of the currency is available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

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