You would like to make the Costa del Sol your second home, so that you can enjoy the warm climate, the beautiful beaches and the nice cities that can be found there. But where on the Costa del Sol would you really feel at home? Which areas would best suit your needs? Whether we are talking about good restaurants and golf courses or nature and culture, the Costa del Sol has it all! However, due to the great diversity between the regions, it is not always clear where to invest. That is why we list all the areas on the Costa del Sol for you. Read more and find your perfect home!
- Gibraltar
- Sotogrande
- La Alcaidesa
- Manilva
- Casares
- Estepona
- Cancelada
- Benahavís
- San Pedro de Alcántara
- Nueva Andalucía
- Puerto Banús
- Marbella
- Ojén
- Calahonda
- Cabopino
- La Cala de Mijas
- Fuengirola
- Mijas
- Benalmádena
- Málaga
1. Gibraltar
When you think of vacations on the Costa del Sol, you often think of the beautiful view of the rock of Gibraltar. This British overseas area is of course not part of the Costa del Sol, but it also enjoys the warm climate and southern atmosphere that are present there. Because Gibraltar is only a few kilometers large, it has a very high population density. If you are looking for a lot of space, you’d better settle down in another region. However, if you like more interculturality, this is the place to be. The people themselves live in a mix of both Spanish and British culture and have also developed their own language, the so-called Llanito. This is a form of Spanish that is imbued with English words. Anyone who has not yet mastered Spanish very well can certainly continue here in English. Read more about Gibraltar.
Gibraltar video
2. Sotogrande
Sotogrande is definitely a must for those who like to stay in a green environment. This great area is located in the southernmost part of the Costa del Sol and offers tourists a wide range of facilities, just think of the world-class golf clubs and the many water sports that can be done there. Especially around the harbor there is a lot to do all year round. The port of Sotogrande is one of the most vibrant harbors of the Costa del Sol, and certainly the sailing enthusiasts can enjoy the present Atlantic influences. Just as much facilities and glamour can be found here, as present in Marbella, but here you find a quieter and more private atmosphere. Those who want to invest in peace and nature, but at the same time want to be surrounded by luxury, will certainly feel at home in Sotogrande. Read more about Sotogrande.
3. La Alcaidesa
La Alcaidesa is a small town where sport and tranquility are central. It is a community that originated in the 90’s and therefore does not have a long history. However, it is a very interesting place for golf lovers and it is very well located to Gibraltar and other cities on the Costa del Sol such as Marbella. Read more about La Alcaidesa.
4. Manilva
Vacations on the Costa del Sol also include white authentic Andalusian villages. Manilva is one of them and can certainly not be missing in the list of nicest areas on the Costa del Sol. Who goes from Marbella to Sotogrande dares to skip Manilva, but misses the cozy atmosphere and traditional activities that take place there. For example, every year la fiesta de la Vendimia is organized to celebrate the end of the grape harvest. And in the bustling Puerto de la Duquesa you can fully enjoy the wines that come from the fields around Manilva. This place is perfect for anyone who wants to take advantage of the beauty of the Costa del Sol while being surrounded by a pleasant community. Read more about Manilva.
5. Casares
One of the most important areas on the Costa del Sol for golf lovers is Casares. Golfers looking for a place to stay around Estepona often go there because of the famous Finca Cortesin. Casares village itself is still predominantly Spanish with about 4000 inhabitants, while the majority of foreign investors can be found in the surrounding modern developments of nearby Casares Costa. In short, you could say that Casares encompasses everything the Costa del Sol has to offer, from the white authentic village to the modern golf courses and beaches that offer many facilities. Read more about Casares.
6. Estepona
Estepona is part of the so-called “Golden triangle” on the Costa del Sol, which also includes the beautiful Benahavís and the glamorous Marbella. This city has grown tremendously in recent years, without losing its charm! Walk through the white streets and discover how much greenery and nature there is, Estepona is not just called “el jardín de la Costa del Sol”. With its 23 kilometers of coastline, its extensive gastronomy and vibrant port, there is always something to do. Read more about Estepona.
7. Cancelada
Centrally located between Estepona and Nueva Andalucía we find Cancelada. In recent years many new projects have been built here with a refined appearance. The choice was mainly made for low-rise buildings, which makes the demand very high. In Cancelada family life is more central, and this makes it a quieter area. Here we also find many excellent golf courses and very refined restaurants, which are definitely worth a visit. Read more about Cancelada.
8. Benahavís
About 7 kilometers inland, located between Marbella and Estepona, we find Benahavís. An idyllic place that has attracted a lot of interest in recent years. This is mainly because it is home to many golf courses, luxurious accommodations and an excellent gastronomy. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy luxury as you would find in Marbella, but in a quiet and green environment where you can practice many sports. Of the 9000 inhabitants, about 70% are foreign, which makes this place an international attraction for investors looking for a property on the Costa del Sol. Read more about Benahavís.
9. San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro de Alcántara, or locally also called San Pedro, is a highly urbanised town about 10 km from Marbella. Along the beach you will find many “chiringuitos” or beach bars where you can enjoy excellent dishes. The gastronomy here is very extensive, and is not limited to southern menus, but also Belgian beers can be found here in the famous Café Belga. La Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara also carries a blue flag, which shows that it is one of the best beaches in the E.U.. San Pedro is home to many foreign residents who enjoy the pleasant beaches, the many restaurants and the southern culture. Read more about San Pedro.
10. Nueva Andalucía
Nueva Andalucía is a true paradise on the Costa del Sol. While Puerto Banús is always in the spotlight, Nueva Andalucía offers more peace and privacy to its inhabitants. Many gated communities and apartment complexes have been built here, creating a community that enjoys the benefits of a relaxed life on the Costa del Sol, but which is close enough to the tourist attractions. In addition to the many clubs, restaurants and stores in Puerto Banús, there are also world-class golf courses. In short, the ultimate place for those who like to be surrounded by many facilities. Read more about Nueva Andalucía.
11. Puerto Banús
With the opening of the port in 1970, Puerto Banús immediately became the most famous and luxurious port on the Costa del Sol. When it was built, a clear choice was made to preserve the Andalusian style, with the main goal of combining luxury and charm. This place of course ensures that Marbella is located in a glamorous setting. In addition, there is no shortage of facilities, as the most chic boutiques and restaurants of the Costa del Sol can be found here. Please note, this exclusive location has a hefty price tag. Learn more about Puerto Banús.
12. Marbella
Marbella is one of the first places one thinks of when talking about the warm climate and luxurious lifestyle that are present on the Costa del Sol. Here not only luxury is central, but also a healthy lifestyle. And besides the restaurants, stores and golf clubs that are always mentioned, Marbella also has a lot of culture to offer. This lively city therefore encourages people to stay active, because there is always something to do here. Anyone who thinks they can’t afford the luxury that Marbella has to offer is wrong. After all, projects along the coast and the mountainous area have very different price ranges. Read more about Marbella.
13. Ojén
The village of Ojén may not sound familiar to you, but it is one of the 50 best places to live according to the British newspaper The Times. It is not very surprising when you look at the climate, nature and tranquility that can be found there. Also Ojén is a white authentic mountain village that has a lot to offer. If you travel to the Costa del Sol and pass by Marbella, you will find Ojén about 10 kilometers inland. This location is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, who afterwards can recover their strength in one of the traditional tapas bars. Although it is an authentic village, you will also find modern urbanization on a small scale. One of the most interesting projects in Ojén that combines sports, gastronomy and luxury is Palo Alto. Read more about Ojén.
14. Calahonda
Centrally located between Marbella and Fuengirola we find Calahonda. Here on the longest beach of the Costa del Sol you can let yourself be treated to delicious dishes in the nearby restaurants. Also here you will find a rustic atmosphere, this is mainly due to the fact that on the coast only low-rise buildings have been placed. Calahonda, like other cities, offers many facilities such as golf courses, beach bars, restaurants and so on. The good connection with Marbella and Fuengirola, makes this location interesting for both young families and the elderly. Read more about Calahonda.
15. Cabopino
In Cabopino there is an exclusive atmosphere, without being ostentatious. Here you can enjoy the greenery and the golf courses, as well as the cozy port of Cabopino. The harbor is very interesting for boat lovers, as well as the restaurants present that are definitely worth a visit. Families also feel at home here very quickly because Cabopino is perfectly located for young people. There are many schools all around, beach volley, soccer and tennis can be played, and it is just 15 minutes from Marbella. Read more about Cabopino.
16. La Cala de Mijas
What was once a small fishing village has become a highly modernized seaside resort with the rise of tourism. This modernization makes La Cala de Mijas an attractive place for families who like to go to the coast to relax on the promenade in one of the restaurants or for shopping. In addition, during the summer months, the promenade turns into a cultural festival of classical music and flamenco. But for those who still like to spend some more time in larger international places, Marbella and Fuengirola are just 15 minutes away. Read more about La Cala de Mijas.
17. Fuengirola
Fuengirola is known as a cosmopolitan city that has been greatly modernized since the 1960s, with the rise of tourism. Despite the modernization and high-rise buildings on the coast, the typical Spanish elements are certainly still present. Along the promenade there is a tourist atmosphere where one can enjoy the stores, restaurants and chiringuitos specializing in seafood. After all these years, the port of Fuengirola is still the main supplier of fresh fish on the spot. Those who feel less at home in the glamorous Marbella can equally enjoy Fuengirola’s commercial and cultural diversity. Read more about Fuengirola.
18. Mijas
If you are looking for white Andalusian houses and beautiful views over the Costa del Sol, you should definitely go to Mijas. This city is located about 8 kilometers inland and therefore also enjoys a slightly milder climate. Despite the fact that Mijas is a bit further from the coastline, it is very easy to reach. There are daily bus lines to Fuengirola and in less than 20 minutes you can reach the airport of Malaga. Mijas is located at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas, a small mountain range where hikers and cyclists enjoy themselves daily. Mijas Pueblo is also bustling with tapas bars and cultural activities. Read more about Mijas.
19. Benalmádena
Benalmádena offers a variety of lifestyles because it consists of both the coastal area and Benalmádena pueblo that lies more inland. This makes it a very quiet place to live, with the necessary facilities just around the corner. The coast is best known for its port, which has been awarded several times as the best in the world. Here it bursts with energy because of the many restaurants and bars, while in Benalmádena pueblo you can find peace and quiet in a cozy restaurant in one of the white narrow streets. Despite the flood of tourists, this location has managed to keep its charm and traditional sides. Read more about Benalmádena.
20. Málaga
Those who land at the airport of Malaga often immediately move on to one of the nearby areas of the Costa del Sol. You would almost forget how richly this city is filled with history and culture, as well as modern stores and restaurants serving some of the best dishes in the world. If you want to stay here, you will find many apartments in the city center and some bigger houses in the suburbs. Malaga is a place where modernization and tradition completely merge. This makes the city a cosmopolitan place where young and old feel at home. Read more about Malaga.
