Costa del Sol overview
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean coats lies the Spanish region of Andalucia. It is an area of stark contrasts, from the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the low lying green plains and from the bright lights of the coastal resorts to the volcanic landscapes of the Tabernas Desert. Often referred to as 'the bridge between two continents', Andalucia, with a population of more than seven million, covers more than seventeen percent of Spanish territory, making it the largest single region in the whole country.
Home to a large number of towns and beaches, the Andalucian coast is almost 900km long. With the quality and warmth of the water plus 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, this coast has become a favourite spot for holidaymakers from all over the world. The region of Andalucia is divided into eight provinces and we are delighted to feature a selection of the very best hotels in our favourite coastal province of Malaga, on the Costa del Sol.
Golden beaches, beautiful mountain ranges with a wealth of flora and fauna, white-washed villages plus a host of cities to rival any in Europe, and with recently improved developments to the infrastructure, all are now easily accessible from the coast. Malaga, Seville, Granada and Cordoba are well worth a visit and provide a taste of real Spain.
Golf
Boasting the highest density of golf courses in Europe, with many designed by celebrities such as Severiano Ballesteros and Gary Player, there is without doubt a course to suit all levels of play. Golf however is not the only sporting activity on offer with an abundance of tennis clubs, equestrian centres and various water sports available up and down the coast.
Map
Climate
On the Costa del Sol hot sunshine and cloudless skies tend to be the rule. Summers are hot and at times humid, the afternoon heat is usually tempered by sea breezes.
Did you know?
The Costa del Sol has an average of 320 cloud-free days a year. Because the region is protected by an almost endless wall of mountains, the Sierra Nevada, it is spared the harsh, arid heat of the inland plateau.
Costa del Sol hotels
Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
In the heart of the golden mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, one of The Leading Hotels of the World
Beatriz Palace Hotel & Spa
Beside the sea and next to the 11th century Sohail Castle, the hotel is just a twenty minute walk along the beach promenade from the centre of Fuengirola
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Coral Beach
Close to the beach and ideally located between Marbella and Puerto Banus, this high quality 4 star hotel is set amidst lush tropical gardens
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Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa
A gentle stroll from the main building of the hotel through some 40,000 square metres of lush sub-tropical gardens will lead you down to the Beach Club
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Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa
Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa is an elegant and luxurious hotel
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Gran Melia Don Pepe
The Gran Melia Don Pepe has been one of Marbella’s best-loved hotels for more than 40 years.
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Hotel Balcon de Europa
In the heart of Nerja in a pedestrian area of the town is Hotel Balcon de Europa
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Hotel Finca Cortesin
Located between Marbella and Sotogrande, in the foothills of the tranquil Casares Mountains
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Hotel Fuerte Marbella
Occupying a prime beachfront setting just a short stroll from the considerable charm and appeal of Marbella’s old town
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Hotel Puente Romano
In a class of its very own, Hotel Puente Romano one of the Leading Hotels of the World
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Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona
Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona is renowned for providing exceptional service in luxurious surroundings
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Parador de Nerja
Parador de Nerja enjoys an enviable location above Burriana Beach, which can be accessed by a lift from the hotel garden
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Torrequebrada
A large modern hotel with a seafront position, Torrequebrada houses one of the largest Casinos in Europe
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Vincci Estrella del Mar
Marrying modern Mediterranean design with Moorish style elegance.
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Map
Climate
On the Costa del Sol hot sunshine and cloudless skies tend to be the rule. Summers are hot and at times humid, the afternoon heat is usually tempered by sea breezes.
Did you know?
The Costa del Sol has an average of 320 cloud-free days a year. Because the region is protected by an almost endless wall of mountains, the Sierra Nevada, it is spared the harsh, arid heat of the inland plateau.
Costa del Sol sightseeing
Cordoba
Up to the 10th century, Cordoba was one of the greatest cities in the Western World and a walk through the Jewish Quarter in the old town with its impressive mosque and cathedral gives the sensation that little has changed.
Gibraltar
The chief sights of this high rocky headland are those testifying to its strategic military importance over the centuries including The Keep and Siege Tunnels. For animal lovers, there are the apes at Apes' Den and dolphin trips. The Gibraltar Museum charts the colony's history and visitors can enjoy spectacular views by taking the cable car to the Top of the Rock.
Granada
In addition to the world-famous Alhambra and Generalife (the country estate of the Nasrid Kings), there's the historic old city housing many Moorish style buildings and monuments.
Jerez
Andalucia is famous for its fortified wine - visit Jerez to see how sherry is made and discover the delights of a chilled Tio Pepe as a great accompaniment to tapas. Also see the beautiful Andalucian dancing horses at the world-famous Spanish Riding School (Thursdays only).
Marbella
Marbella is the most stylish resort on the Costa Del Sol. Its world-famous marina at Puerto Banus is where the expensive shops, restaurants and nightlife can be found reflecting the wealth of its clientele.
Ronda
Drive through the scenic Ronda mountains which were home to many famous bandits in previous centuries. Spectacularly situated on a massive rocky outcrop, Ronda, with its impressive 18th century bridge spanning the 100m deep Tajo gorge, provides examples of delightful Moorish architecture plus the oldest bullring in Spain.
Seville
A delightfully romantic city, not least because of its association with Bizet's opera, Carmen, and flamenco dancing. Visit the Cathedral, the maze of streets in the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, and the riverside district of El Arenal.
Tangier, Tetouan & Ceuta
Visit Morocco by ferry for the day and discover the delights of Tangier, Tetouan or Ceuta.
Map
Climate
On the Costa del Sol hot sunshine and cloudless skies tend to be the rule. Summers are hot and at times humid, the afternoon heat is usually tempered by sea breezes.
Did you know?
The Costa del Sol has an average of 320 cloud-free days a year. Because the region is protected by an almost endless wall of mountains, the Sierra Nevada, it is spared the harsh, arid heat of the inland plateau.
Costa del Sol cuisine
The Arab presence throughout the course of history has made a profound impression on the Andalucian gastronomy. Birthplace of tapas (small plates of deliciously tasty snacks traditionally served with a glass of wine or beer), these delicious titbits are varied and widely available throughout the region.
Probably the best known Andalucian dish, renowned for its nutritional value as well as its ease of preparation is gazpacho, a mouth-watering chilled soup of which tomatoes are the main ingredient.
An abundance of good restaurants lays testimony to the wealth of choice of recipes and, in general, Andalucian cookery can be divided in to two main categories; cuisine based on produce from the sea and recipes based on ingredients from the mountains. And, of course, one must not forget to mention the grapes!
Numerous wines are produced throughout the region; the most internationally celebrated being the sherry wines from Jerez, although, owing to the mild climate and long hours of sunshine, other areas produce excellent quality wines which are also widely available in cafes, bars and restaurants.
Map
Climate
On the Costa del Sol hot sunshine and cloudless skies tend to be the rule. Summers are hot and at times humid, the afternoon heat is usually tempered by sea breezes.
Did you know?
The Costa del Sol has an average of 320 cloud-free days a year. Because the region is protected by an almost endless wall of mountains, the Sierra Nevada, it is spared the harsh, arid heat of the inland plateau.
Costa del Sol offers
Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
In the heart of the golden mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus, the renowned Marbella Club Hotel, one of The Leading Hotels of the World
6 offers
Beatriz Palace Hotel & Spa
Beside the sea and next to the 11th century Sohail Castle, the hotel is just a twenty minute walk along the beach promenade from the centre of Fuengirola
8 offers
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-
Coral Beach
Close to the beach and ideally located between Marbella and Puerto Banus, this high quality 4 star hotel is set amidst lush tropical gardens
6 offers
-
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa
A gentle stroll from the main building of the hotel through some 40,000 square metres of lush sub-tropical gardens will lead you down to the Beach Club
10 offers
-
-
Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa
Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa is an elegant and luxurious hotel
12 offers
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Gran Melia Don Pepe
The Gran Melia Don Pepe has been one of Marbella’s best-loved hotels for more than 40 years.
4 offers
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Hotel Balcon de Europa
In the heart of Nerja in a pedestrian area of the town is Hotel Balcon de Europa
2 offers
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Hotel Finca Cortesin
Located between Marbella and Sotogrande, in the foothills of the tranquil Casares Mountains
4 offers
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Hotel Fuerte Marbella
Occupying a prime beachfront setting just a short stroll from the considerable charm and appeal of Marbella’s old town
3 offers
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Hotel Puente Romano
In a class of its very own, Hotel Puente Romano one of the Leading Hotels of the World
4 offers
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-
Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona
Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona is renowned for providing exceptional service in luxurious surroundings
8 offers
-
Parador de Nerja
Parador de Nerja enjoys an enviable location above Burriana Beach, which can be accessed by a lift from the hotel garden
3 offers
-
-
Torrequebrada
A large modern hotel with a seafront position, Torrequebrada houses one of the largest Casinos in Europe
7 offers
-
Vincci Estrella del Mar
Marrying modern Mediterranean design with Moorish style elegance.
4 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
On the Costa del Sol hot sunshine and cloudless skies tend to be the rule. Summers are hot and at times humid, the afternoon heat is usually tempered by sea breezes.
Did you know?
The Costa del Sol has an average of 320 cloud-free days a year. Because the region is protected by an almost endless wall of mountains, the Sierra Nevada, it is spared the harsh, arid heat of the inland plateau.