The popular Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast) is the cradle of beach holidays in Spain.
Due to its fabulous climate all year round, more than 320 sunny days a year and a non-existent winter, this coastal stretch of the province of Malaga receives every year a large influx of sun-seeking holiday makers.
In 2023 Malaga Airport-Costa del Sol received the historic number of 20 million passengers.
Once a little villages reliant on fishing, the whole length of the coastline has changed over many years to become the ultimate European holiday paradise.
Thus, you will be able to find excellent tourist infrastructures
- International Airport just 5 km from Malaga city centre
- Railway Station
- Maritime Cruise port
- Motorway connecting all mayor tourist resorts
- Large offer of Hotels or self-catering apartments
- Leisure and activities for all ages and interests
- More than 70 excellent golf courses
- Historic attractions and monuments
- White villages
- Superb beaches
- Great nightlife
- Excellent shopping
Cities
From east to west, the list of cities and towns being part of the Costa del Sol are:
Nerja, Torrox, Algarrobo, Velez-Malaga, Torre del Mar, Rincón de la Victoria, Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Benahavis, Estepona, Casares, and finally, Manilva, that borders to the west by Cadiz province.
These cities are very well connected via the Mediterranean Motorway. On the eastern part of Malaga the motorway is toll-free. On the western part of Malaga (where the majority of the most popular resorts are) large strechtes of the motorway are toll road.
There is also the possibility to drive along the old national road N-340 which runs directly along the coast, passing through all Costa del Sol cities. This road has no cost but is not advisable in the high season months given that it supports a very high volume of cars and it´s quite stressful to drive there.
Public transport
Another important detail to bear in mind when heading for your holiday resort in Nerja or the eastern Costa del Sol: Public transport options are limited to busses.
So, if you don´t want to add to your journey several hours more taking busses, we strongly recommend you book an airport transfer for peace of mind. Or you book a rental car at Malaga airport if you want to drive yourself and safe some money.
The same applies of you are heading towards Marbella or Estepona, as the only options to get there are by car or public bus.
The Malaga commuter train C-1 connects Malaga city centre and main railway station with Malaga Airport in 11 minutes.
Further stops on this route are:
- Plaza Mayor Shopping centre just 3 km from the Airport
- Torremolinos (5 Stops)
- Benalmadena (3 Stops)
- Fuengirola (3 Stops)
MALAGA AIRPORT
Services
Malaga guide
