Costa del Sol – The Coast of the Sun
Costa del Sol, which translates to “Coast of the Sun,” is one of Spain’s most iconic coastal regions. Located in the Andalusian province of Málaga, this stretch of coastline is renowned for its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, diverse culture, and growing property market.
Whether you’re looking to invest in property, retire in a peaceful coastal town, or simply enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle, Costa del Sol offers something for everyone.
Why Choose Costa del Sol?
A Lifestyle Like No Other
Living on the Costa del Sol means more than just sunny days—it’s about enjoying a laid-back, vibrant lifestyle. With over 320 days of sunshine per year, it’s ideal for outdoor activities, beachfront dining, and exploring traditional Spanish culture.
World-Class Beaches & Resorts
From the luxury shores of Marbella to the family-friendly beaches of Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Costa del Sol’s coastline is varied and spectacular. Properties close to the beach are always in high demand—both for buyers and holiday rentals.
Top Towns and Cities in Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol stretches across over 150 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, and each town along the coast offers its own unique atmosphere, community, and property opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a luxury villa, a seafront apartment, or a tranquil countryside escape, there’s a place here for every lifestyle and budget.
Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular areas—ideal for both homebuyers and investors.
Málaga – Urban Culture Meets the Sea
As the capital of the province, Málaga is more than just a travel hub. It’s a vibrant city full of history, modern conveniences, and cultural attractions. The city has seen a real renaissance in recent years, with renovated ports, a buzzing food scene, and a fast-growing tech industry.
Málaga offers the perfect blend of history, nightlife, and modern living. With a growing tech scene and excellent infrastructure, it’s attracting more expats and digital nomads every year.
- Popular with: Professionals, expats, and digital nomads
- Property tip: Apartments in Málaga’s old town or near the beach offer great rental potential
Marbella – Glamour and High-End Real Estate
Known globally for its luxury lifestyle, Marbella is home to some of the most exclusive properties in Spain. From elegant beachfront penthouses in Puerto Banús to secluded hillside villas in Sierra Blanca, Marbella continues to attract affluent buyers from the UK, Sweden, and beyond.
- Popular with: High-net-worth individuals, retirees, international investors
- Property tip: Marbella real estate is a solid long-term investment with strong demand
Fuengirola – Family-Friendly and Convenient
Fuengirola offers a blend of affordability, excellent infrastructure, and a welcoming international community. With a long promenade, excellent schools, and plenty of shops and restaurants, it’s a top choice for families and retirees alike.
- Popular with: Swedish and British families, retirees, long-term renters
- Property tip: Look for properties in Fuengirola near the sea for great value
Estepona – Charm, Growth, and Sea Views
Once a quiet fishing village, Estepona has transformed into a beautiful resort town while retaining much of its traditional Andalusian charm. Its growing infrastructure, beachside developments, and lush golf courses have made it a hotspot for real estate.
- Property tip: Estepona villas and new builds are in high demand among northern Europeans
- Popular with: Lifestyle buyers, nature lovers, remote workers
Nerja – Breathtaking Scenery and Authentic Vibes
Located on the eastern edge of the Costa del Sol, Nerja is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more traditional Spanish setting. With its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the famous Balcón de Europa viewpoint, Nerja offers both beauty and value.
- Property tip: Properties in Nerja offer excellent value compared to western Costa del Sol
- Popular with: Nature seekers, retirees, artists
Other Notable Mentions
- Benalmádena: Known for its marina, butterfly park, and proximity to Málaga.
- Torre del Mar: A growing area east of Málaga with wide beaches and modern developments.
- Mijas: Includes the coastal Mijas Costa and the charming hillside village Mijas Pueblo.
Each of these towns has a growing market for both residential homes and holiday rentals. From seafront properties in Benalmádena to rustic villas in Mijas, there are countless options to suit every taste.
Finding Your Ideal Property
Whether you’re looking for a lock-and-leave apartment or a spacious family home, the Costa del Sol has an abundance of choices. Be sure to explore:
- Apartments in Fuengirola and Málaga for urban convenience
- Luxury villas in Marbella and Estepona
- Affordable homes in Nerja or inland villages
Living in Costa del Sol
Moving to the Costa del Sol means embracing a lifestyle centered around sunshine, relaxation, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. Whether you’re relocating permanently, buying a second home, or investing in a holiday rental, living on this iconic coastline offers countless advantages beyond just beautiful beaches.
Climate and Outdoor Living
One of the biggest draws of the Costa del Sol is its exceptional climate, with over 320 days of sunshine per year. Winters are mild and pleasant, while summers are long, dry, and perfect for beach life.
This favorable weather supports a healthy, active lifestyle—ideal for retirees looking to enjoy the outdoors, families seeking safe environments for children, or digital nomads who want to work remotely in paradise.
Healthcare and Safety
Spain’s healthcare system is among the best in Europe, and the Costa del Sol is home to several modern hospitals and clinics. There are also numerous private medical centers, many with English-speaking staff, which is especially valued by expats.
Popular hospitals and clinics:
- Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella)
- Vithas Xanit International (Benalmádena)
- Clinica Santa Elena (Torremolinos)
The area is also considered very safe, with low crime rates and strong community policing.
Education Options
Families relocating with children will find a wide range of international schools in Costa del Sol, offering British, Swedish, German, and other curriculums. Some of the most respected include:
- Sotogrande International School
- The British School of Marbella
- Swedish School in Fuengirola (Svenska Skolan)
These schools offer high educational standards and strong integration into local and expat communities.
Cost of Living
While property prices vary across the region, the general cost of living in Costa del Sol is lower than in Northern Europe. Groceries, transport, eating out, and even healthcare are more affordable, especially outside tourist hotspots.
- A couple can comfortably live on €2,000–€2,500/month, including rent.
- Public transport is efficient and inexpensive.
- Local markets and small shops offer fresh produce at great prices.
Tip: Supermarkets like Mercadona and Lidl are popular for everyday groceries, while weekly markets in towns like Estepona, Fuengirola, and Nerja offer fresh local produce.
Lifestyle and Community
From vibrant cities like Málaga and Marbella to charming villages like Mijas Pueblo or Frigiliana, Costa del Sol offers a lifestyle for everyone. You’ll find:
- A thriving international community with Swedes, Brits, Dutch, Germans, and Belgians
- Dozens of sports clubs, golf courses, hiking groups, and yoga studios
- Cultural activities, museums, music festivals, and traditional fiestas year-round
Many towns also have dedicated expat services, Facebook groups, and language exchanges, making it easy to settle in and meet new people.
Why so many are moving to Costa del Sol
Whether it’s for the excellent infrastructure, the easy access to Málaga Airport, or the booming real estate market, more people are choosing Costa del Sol for full-time living than ever before. With properties in Marbella, Fuengirola, Málaga, and Estepona seeing consistent interest, it’s clear this region isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a thriving place to call home.
Things to do in Costa del Sol
- Explore Picasso’s birthplace in Málaga
- Visit the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Andalusia
- Enjoy hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains
- Go golfing—Costa del Sol is often dubbed the “Costa del Golf”
Málaga Airport: The Costa del Sol airport
One of the key advantages of buying property or vacationing on the Costa del Sol is its excellent accessibility, thanks to Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). As the fourth busiest airport in Spain, it serves as a major international hub and is the main entry point for millions of visitors heading to the region each year.
Whether you’re flying in for a weekend getaway or relocating permanently, the convenience of Málaga Airport significantly enhances the area’s appeal.
Airport Overview
Located just 8 kilometers from Málaga city center and well-connected to the rest of the coast via the A-7 motorway and public transport, the airport provides smooth access to nearby hotspots like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and even Marbella.
- Want to check flight activity or see live conditions before your trip? The webcam at Málaga Airport is a handy tool used by frequent travelers.
- First-time visitors will find the Málaga Airport map especially helpful for navigating terminals and amenities.
Amenities and Services
The airport is modern, efficient, and equipped with everything travelers might need:
- Málaga Airport lounges offer a relaxing environment with Wi-Fi, snacks, and workspaces—perfect if you’re arriving early or need a quiet moment before departure.
- For early or late flights, staying at a Málaga Airport hotel can be a smart choice. Some top-rated options include:
- Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport (just 2 minutes from the terminal)
- Hotel Campanile Málaga Airport
- Several hotels near Málaga Airport also provide shuttle service and long-term parking deals.
Tip: Booking a Málaga Airport hotel ahead of time can save money and reduce travel stress, especially during high season.
Departures and Connectivity
Checking your flight has never been easier. Travelers often use the live departures Málaga Airport page to monitor boarding gates and times. The airport serves major airlines flying to and from Sweden, the UK, Germany, and across Europe—making it a top choice for both tourists and second-home buyers.
Why It Matters for Buyers
Whether you’re relocating, investing in a holiday rental, or planning extended stays, Málaga Airport’s connectivity is a key benefit. It ensures:
- Fast access for guests and renters, boosting rental income potential
- Easy travel for weekend trips, especially for owners living elsewhere in Europe
- Increased property value due to the region’s excellent infrastructure
Final Thoughts
Costa del Sol is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a lifestyle choice. With its perfect blend of climate, culture, and investment opportunity, it continues to attract buyers from Sweden, the UK, and beyond.
Thinking about buying property in Costa del Sol? Explore our listings now or Contact our local experts.
