Discover the Costa del Sol’s Best Sites and Attractions

Sun, sea, sand, and sangria? The Costa del Sol may well have a well-deserved reputation for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, but it is also a region with so much more to offer.

From ancient architecture to famous artists, water sports and even skiing you’ll be amazed at the awe-inspiring activities you can enjoy in this traditional Spanish holiday destination.

Here are some of the best sites and attractions that you can find on the Costa del Sol, sure to make you want to book the next available flight to the region!

Skiing in Spain?

You might not immediately associate Spain with Skiing, but actually Andalucia offers a world-class ski resort, as well as a host of world-class beaches! The ski season in the region extends from December to May, and the resort is the most southerly one in Europe. Here you’ll find 12 different ski runs and incredible views over the historic city of Granada as you ski. There are a variety of funs suitable for skiers of all abilities, with a host of runs for beginners and intermediates, as well as some more challenging runs for pro skiers. It might not be the biggest ski resort, but it does offer everything you need!

When you’re not in the Sierra Nevada Mountains enjoying the apres-ski, you can head down the fantastic beaches that are just a couple of hours away from the slopes: in fact, on a clear day you can see the sea as you’re skiing.

Superior Sporting Opportunities

If you’re passionate about sport then there’s no better place to be than the Costa del Sol. One of the sports that the region is most famous for is golf, offering more than 35 different 18-hole golf courses to choose from. The officially European PGA course is in the Costa Del Sol, and a range of high-profile tournaments are held here every year. But it’s not just tennis you can enjoy on the Costa del Sol; there are nine tennis clubs, mountain biking and hiking are prolific in the region thanks to the incredible trails available in the many foothills and mountains, and to target active tourists, there are also a host of companies offering horse riding, quad biking, and other active tours across the Costa del Sol.

If you’re more interested in water sports then the vast miles of coastline lend themselves perfectly to these kinds of activities. You can enjoy sea-kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing and diving in the Med. If you’d rather stay dry then there are also plenty of opportunities for sailing or fishing: and water front nature spotting is also a huge draw in the Costa del Sol.

Fun for Families

You can’t talk about the Costa Del Sol without mentioning what a great place it is to visit with the whole family: Spanish people are well known for their love of children, and families with kids of all ages are welcome almost everywhere. Obviously, the main draw of the Costa del Sol for families are the miles of beautiful beaches, but when you’ve had enough of the sea and sand, you’ll find plenty of other activities to entertain you. Why not try out the amusements at the Funny Beach, or head to the cinema? Many cinemas in the region show films in English. If you’re looking for more active fun then there is a water park in Mijas-Costa, a zoo in Fuengirola or the Tivoli World Amusement Park in Benalmadena. You could also try your hand at scuba diving, quad-biking, or visit one of the beautiful National Parks to get closer to nature and explore the local wildlife.

Perfectly Picturesque Towns and Villages

When you think of the Costa del Sol you may think of purpose-built hotels and concrete tower blocks: whilst both of these things do exist here, the region has so much more to offer. Think famous, picturesque white villages, cities and towns with ancient old quarters, and stunning architecture that you have to see to believe. So, where do you start? If you’re looking for an authentic town with a Spanish population and plenty of original charm then Marbella or Puerto Banus are both great places to start. Marbella’s Old Town attracts visitors from all over the world, and it is considered one of the region’s hidden gems; narrow cobbled streets wind around traditional architecture that remains unchanged after hundreds of years. Take time to stop and smell the oranges, and watch the laid back way of life in the Orange Square.

If you’re more interested in those postcard-perfect ‘white villages’ then you need to head to Pueblo Blancos, where you’ll find plenty of these laid back and unexplored little villages that still enjoy a typically Andalucian way of life. Hiring a car is the best way to access these villages, and will enable you to enjoy a wealth of different towns and villages in the same day, if you’re short on time. Many of these villages have been unspoiled by tourism, so be sure to be considerate as you explore.

A Rich Cultural Heritage

The Costa del Sol might not be your first choice when thinking of destinations for cultural getaways, but perhaps it should be! Andalucia is packed full of amazing cities, cultural attractions, and boasts a rich ancient history. You can either travel just a couple of hours away and experience the architecture of Seville, the stunning Alhambra, or head to Cadiz where the cathedral is renowned all around the world.

Alternatively, you don’t have to travel far at all to get to Malaga, where you’ll find more cultural attractions than you might expect. There is the cathedral, the castle, and an original Roman theatre. Malaga is also home to the Picasso museum, as the city was the artist’s birthplace. The museum features over 200 examples of works by Picasso on permanent display, including oil paintings, sculptures, drawings, sketches, etchings and ceramics housed in a stunning 17th century Renaissance building.

Time to Feast!

Finally, when you’re exhausted from exploring all of the incredible sights and sounds that the Costa del Sol has to offer, be sure to take some time out to eperience the delicious food and drink produced in the region. You’ll find fantastic restaurants selling locally sourced produce wherever you go, so don’t shy away from trying something new and sampling some authentic Spanish food.

Are you thinking of moving to Spain? Ready to embrace its rich culture and make the Costa Del Sol your home? Then why not get in touch with our local property experts, who are perfectly placed to help you find the Spanish home of your dreams. We’re excited to help you make your next move your best move!