Summary
Let’s be candid: The predominant reason visitors flock to the Costa del Sol in Spain is for its beaches and golf courses.
Undoubtedly, these attractions exceed those found in nearly any other holiday destination in Europe.
However, for the inquisitive traveler, the province of Málaga offers numerous opportunities for exploration and activities.
You can navigate through monumental caves that lay hidden for millennia, ascend into the mountains to marvel at extraordinary karst rock formations, and traverse the Puente Nuevo into the enchanting city of Ronda, perched over a 150-meter-deep canyon.
Here are the top activities to enjoy in Costa del Sol:
1. Beaches
In 2016, 22 of the Costa del Sol’s beaches received the prestigious Blue Flag award.
This esteemed recognition reflects exceptional hygiene and public facilities, ensuring that visitors will always be near a top-tier beach.
The climate contributes positively as well, with the Costa del Sol boasting the longest beach season in Iberian Spain, offering consistent warmth from April through late October.
Even during the off-season, sunny days prevail, with daily high temperatures typically reaching the high teens.
For optimal beach experiences, consider the secluded pebble cove at Playa del Cañuelo nearby Nerja if you prefer tranquility.
In contrast, if you desire a livelier atmosphere, Torremolinos remains as vibrant today as it was when the first tourists arrived in the 1950s.
2. Water Sports and Cruises
Numerous holidaymakers find themselves irresistibly drawn to the Mediterranean, eager to paddle, windsurf, and dive to their heart’s content.
Fortunately, every resort within the Costa del Sol features a water sports center adjacent to the beach.
These centers provide instruction and necessary equipment for a plethora of activities, ranging from jet skiing to parasailing.
Coastal tourist ports are conveniently located, serving as launching points for exhilarating powerboat rides or memorable whale and dolphin watching cruises.
Diving enthusiasts are also catered to, with PADI-licensed centers available in Torremolinos and Marbella.
3. Golf
The Costa del Sol is home to over 70 golf courses, justifiably earning the title “Costa del Golf.” This region boasts more golf courses per square mile than any other area in mainland Europe.
Almost all of these establishments are situated alongside the coast, affording stunning views of the crystal-blue Mediterranean to the south and the coastal mountains to the north.
Moreover, contemporary courses emphasize sustainability, utilizing water judiciously and incorporating native plants and trees into their designs.
If you wish to refine your approach, there are 13 pitch and putt facilities available that welcome beginners taking their first swings.
4. Culture in Málaga
A key aspect of the Costa del Sol’s allure is its proximity to Málaga, a cultural hub in Andalusia, offering not only sun, sand, and sea in abundance but also vibrant cultural experiences.
In fact, you may need more than just a day to fully appreciate all that the city has to offer.
To immerse yourself in the local history, visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace characterized by imposing outer walls that enclose a serene upper courtyard.
Additionally, Picasso’s birthplace, Málaga, hosts two museums dedicated to this illustrious artist. Don’t miss the Automobile and Fashion Museum, a crowd favorite that showcases exquisite 20th-century fashion alongside classic automobiles.
5. Ronda
In this inland town, expect to capture some of your most breathtaking photographs.
Ronda is perched atop a steep escarpment, characterized by vertiginous rock walls.
This setting leads to remarkable sights such as the iconic Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge.
The bridge drops 120 meters to the floor of the ravine below.
While you’re in Ronda, be sure to explore “La Ciudad,” the city’s historic quarter, featuring medieval churches, palaces, and the Alminar de San Sebastián, the last remaining minaret from the city’s mosque during the Moorish era.
6. Espetos
Many assert that you have not truly experienced life on the Costa del Sol until you indulge in this local specialty.
Almost every beach in the region features chiringuitos, casual beach bars that serve traditional fried seafood dishes from Andalusia.
However, the highlight is the grilling pits set up along the beach, where sardines are skewered on canes and roasted to perfection over crackling wood fires.
These delicious sardines pair beautifully with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of local white wine from the Ronda region.
Espetos symbolize regional pride and stand as the most iconic dish within the province of Málaga.
7. Teleférico Benalmádena
This cable car can be found adjacent to the Tivoli World theme park, approximately 20 minutes south of Málaga.
On a 15-minute ascent, you will reach the summit of Mount Calahorro.
The views along the way are some of the most breathtaking on the Costa del Sol, and once at the top, a scenic lookout provides information on visible landmarks.
On clear days, you can see Gibraltar, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and even the coast of Africa.
Your ticket also includes a falconry demonstration, and during summer evenings, stargazing opportunities are available at this elevated location.
You can opt for a one-way ticket, allowing you to explore the mountain trails on your descent.
8. Atarazanas Market
Central markets such as this charming iron and glass structure in Málaga play a vital role in the daily lives of many Spaniards, often preferred over supermarkets for grocery shopping.
The exquisite stained-glass window above the entrance gives it a somewhat sacred atmosphere, and for gastronomy enthusiasts, it truly is a place of reverence.
Even those not particularly interested in culinary delights will be impressed by the stalls filled with fresh produce, especially the seafood and olive sections.
If you feel peckish while exploring, a cold beer and tapa are readily available from one of the vendors on the market’s periphery.
Notably, Atarazanas occupies the historical site of Málaga’s Moorish shipyard, and the Puerta Nazarí is the last remaining of the seven original horseshoe arches dating back to the 14th century.
9. El Torcal Natural Park
Surprisingly, relatively few visitors venture to this enchanting area in the mountains north of Málaga.
El Torcal features a unique karst landscape, unmatched in Spain for its surreal beauty.
Park at the visitor center, where you can select from three different trails, the longest of which meanders through the mountainous terrain for three hours.
The vistas are astonishing, showcasing stone columns and spires, alongside valleys that appear as giant stadiums, featuring extensive limestone ridges effortlessly traversed by the Iberian ibex.
At this altitude of 1200 meters, one will encounter varied hardwood vegetation, including four different species of oak.
10. Cueva de Nerja
It is fascinating to consider that these majestic caves remained undiscovered until 1959, when a group of young bat-catchers stumbled upon them, only to be startled by the discovery of skeletons alongside ancient ceramic bowls.
The human remains found dated back to the Bronze Age.
During your tour, you will encounter various archaeological artifacts displayed in glass cases, alongside an array of otherworldly stalagmites, stalactites, and prehistoric cave paintings.
Electronic guides provide informative commentary on the geology and human history of these incredible chambers.
Once back outdoors, enjoy sweeping vistas over the Mediterranean and gain complimentary access to the museum in Nerja.
11. Bioparc Fuengirola
If you have reservations about visiting a traditional zoo, rest assured that this establishment prioritizes ethical practices.
Bioparc strives to replicate natural habitats as closely as possible across four distinct global regions: Equatorial Africa, Indo-Pacific, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.
Water features prominently as you traverse through simulated tropical forests rich in biodiversity.
Unlike conventional attractions, there are no cages here; instead, animals such as Himalayan tapirs, Sumatran tigers, pygmy hippos, and orangutans are separated from the public by ditches or elevated pathways.
Reinforced glass windows provide close-up views of crocodiles and gorillas, enriching the visitor experience.
12. Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
Nestled against the arid foothills on the western edge of Torremolinos, this tranquil garden complex is situated at the source of natural springs.
The water nourishes the garden’s fountains and ornamental streams.
During the Moorish period, this area housed Torremolinos’ flour mills, powered by water wheels.
Upon its opening, an old mill and wheel were restored, allowing visitors to witness the traditional wheat milling process.
The gardens feature an array of 300 trees and 400 shrubs, the most remarkable being a 50-meter-high Norfolk Pine situated around a fountain in the center of a small maze.
13. Alcazaba de Antequera
This historic fortress, dating back to the 1000s, possesses a fascinating narrative: it was expanded in the 1300s to accommodate a medina, a small walled district for Muslims expelled during the Christian re-conquest in the 1200s.
Utilize the available audio guide to truly appreciate the walls and towers of this expansive complex.
The prominent Torre de Papabellotas features a distinctive cupola, added in the 16th century after Antequera became a Christian town, containing the bell that remains visible today.
The Alcazaba, elevated above the town, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding whitewashed architecture.
14. Alameda Park, Marbella
Alameda Park in Marbella is a favored social gathering location, combining elements of both a botanical garden and a plaza.
One certainty is that it provides a pleasant environment.
Notice the benches adorned with traditional Andalusian “azulejos”, hand-painted tiles depicting the resort’s history.
The central fountain, along with the lush tropical greenery, offers refreshing relief during the sweltering summer months, making it ideal for enjoying coffee and a newspaper in the shade before the heat intensifies.
15. Winery Tours
Ronda, situated at an elevation of 740 meters, is surrounded by even taller peaks.
This unique setting creates a microclimate ideal for viticulture, so if you are seeking excursion ideas, consider visiting the Serranía de Ronda D.O., which is home to 17 wineries.
Wine tasting in Andalusia is always a notable experience, particularly as wines are served with tapas such as manchego cheese and jamón ibérico that complement Crianza and Tinto Joven reds, as well as seafood dishes like chipirones (baby squid) for Crianza and Blanca Joven whites.
The surrounding landscape is equally breathtaking, located on the edge of the Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema biosphere reserves.
