Best Things to Do on the Costa del Sol: Beaches, Towns & Day Trips

The Costa del Sol is far more than beaches and golf courses. Behind the coastline sits a string of white villages, dramatic gorges and historic old towns — all within an easy drive of each other. Here's where to start.

Marbella and Puerto Banús

Marbella's old town is easy to underestimate from the outside: narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and flower-covered balconies open onto Plaza de los Naranjos, one of the prettiest squares on the coast. A short drive away, Puerto Banús delivers the glamour — superyachts, designer boutiques and beachfront dining.

Ronda, the white village on a gorge

An hour inland from the coast, Ronda is one of Andalusia's most dramatic towns, split in two by a deep gorge and joined by the Puente Nuevo bridge. Add in a historic bullring and sweeping viewpoints, and it's worth a full day trip.

Nerja and Playa de Maro

Nerja is known for its cave system — a vast network with ancient rock art — and for the Balcón de Europa viewpoint over the Mediterranean. Just outside town, Playa de Maro is one of the coast's most beautiful beaches, with clear water that's excellent for snorkelling and kayaking around hidden coves.

Mijas Pueblo

Perched in the hills above Fuengirola, Mijas Pueblo is classic whitewashed Andalusia: artisan shops, quiet plazas and panoramic views back down to the coast. It gets busy with day-trippers, so an early visit is worth it.

Fuengirola and Benalmu00e1dena

These two neighbouring towns combine easy beach life with family-friendly attractions — Fuengirola's Bioparc is a well-regarded conservation zoo, while Benalmu00e1dena blends beach relaxation with a lively marina and cultural sights.

Day trip to Granada and the Alhambra

A little further afield, Granada's Alhambra is the region's headline cultural attraction — a UNESCO World Heritage Moorish palace complex with some of the finest gardens and architecture in Europe. It's a longer day trip from most of the coast, but worth planning for.

Thinking about a base for exploring all of this? See our Costa del Sol market report for where demand is strongest, or browse current properties for sale.