Where to Stay in Costa del Sol, Spain 🇪🇸: Guide to the 6 Best Areas

Deciding where to stay on the Costa del Sol, Spain, can be a challenge, as this sun-drenched coast offers a diverse mix of glamorous resorts, historic cities, and charming white villages. Choosing the right base is the key to your perfect holiday on the south coast of Spain. Drawing on extensive, first-hand experience, this guide provides sharp, essential advice to help you find the best towns and resorts for your trip.

Best Hotels in the Costa del Sol🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Dragonfly Retreat
• ✨ 5-Star: El Fuerte Marbella
• 🏨 4-Star: Benalmadena Beach
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Ona Diana Park
• 💸 Cheap: Sol Guadalmar
• 🏢 Apartment: Apartamentos Buendia Suites
• 👪 For Families: Ona Alanda Club Marbella
• 🏩 For Couples: Los Amigos Beach Club

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

1. Marbella: The Best Place to Stay for Luxury Hotels

Marbella is the Costa del Sol’s most glamorous destination, a magnet for the rich and famous. It perfectly blends a historic Andalusian old town with the modern opulence of luxury beach clubs, designer boutiques, and the famous Puerto Banús marina, making it one of the region’s top holiday destinations for those seeking both culture and seaside fun. Whether you’re here for shopping, nightlife, or water sports, Marbella offers a little of everything.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The heart of Marbella is its beautiful Casco Antiguo (Old Town), centered on the Plaza de los Naranjos. From there, you can walk down the Avenida del Mar to see its collection of Dalí statues before reaching the seaside promenade that stretches along the coast. A local favorite is finding a quiet side street for authentic tapas away from the main square’s bustle. The Old Town truly comes alive in the early evening, making it the perfect time for a pre-dinner stroll before heading to Puerto Banús or nearby areas like La Cala for a relaxed evening.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Unmatched luxury, high-end dining, and world-class nightlife, especially around Puerto Banús.
• Con: It is the most expensive destination on the Costa del Sol. Solution: Enjoy a high-end experience by visiting the marina for a walk and having a more affordable dinner in the Old Town.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for luxury travelers, shoppers, and those seeking a vibrant nightlife scene. Skip if you’re on a tight budget.

Best Hotels in Marbella

💎 Luxury hotels

• El Fuerte Marbella — A world-class resort on the Golden Mile, featuring over 15 restaurants, a famous tennis club, and multiple pools, defining Mediterranean luxury.
• Anfitrión Marbella — The original icon of Marbella’s glamour, this beachfront resort offers botanical gardens, a holistic spa, and timeless, sophisticated style.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella - Adults Only — A stunningly restored historic building in the heart of the Old Town, offering luxurious rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
• BOHO CLUB — Perfectly located on the beachfront and steps from the Old Town, this hotel offers fantastic sea views, beautiful pools, and excellent service.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hard Rock Hotel Marbella — A charming and stylish boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet street in the Old Town, known for its beautiful Andalusian patio and friendly atmosphere.

2. Málaga: A Historic and Vibrant Destination

As the region’s capital, Málaga offers a rich blend of history, art, and authentic city life that you won’t find in a typical beach resort on the Costa del Sol. It’s a dynamic holiday destination on the Costa with ancient fortresses, world-class museums, and a fantastic food scene, all next to a popular city beach. Visitors often combine their stay here with trips to Marbella and Puerto Banús or smaller towns like La Cala de Mijas and Torre del Mar along the coast.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Explore the city’s historic core by visiting the impressive Alcazaba fortress, the nearby Roman Theatre, and the renowned Picasso Museum. For a true taste of the city, dive into the bustling Mercado Central de Atarazanas. A local secret for the best views is the rooftop bar at the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, offering stunning panoramas of the port and city at sunset. The city center is incredibly walkable and easily reached from the airport via the C1 train line, making it convenient for those planning a southern Spain resort or hotel stay on the Costa del Sol.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A superb combination of cultural attractions, authentic dining, and urban energy.
• Con: The main city beach, La Malagueta, can get extremely crowded. Solution: Take a local bus to the quieter beaches in the nearby Pedregalejo district.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for culture vultures, history buffs, and foodies. Skip if you want a quiet, secluded beach resort experience.

Best Hotels in Málaga

💎 Luxury hotels

• Only YOU Hotel Málaga — A landmark historic palace set in front of La Malagueta beach, offering opulent rooms, a luxurious spa, and beautiful pools.
• Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World — An elegant 18th-century palace meticulously restored in the heart of the old town, featuring a high-end restaurant and sophisticated design.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Molina Lario — Perfectly situated opposite the cathedral, this hotel is famous for its rooftop pool and bar with breathtaking city views, offering excellent value.
• Only YOU Hotel Málaga — A trendy and stylish hotel with a fantastic location and a popular rooftop bar. It provides modern comfort and a vibrant atmosphere.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Madeinterranea Suites — A modern and minimalist hotel offering exceptionally clean rooms and a central location, providing great comfort for a budget-friendly price.

3. Nerja: For the Best Beaches and Scenic Coves

Nerja is a stunningly beautiful town perched on a cliff at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, making it one of the most popular destinations on the Costa for a family holiday or a relaxing getaway. It’s famous for its dramatic coastal views, charming whitewashed center, and series of sandy coves tucked beneath the cliffs, where the beach stretches for miles and offers some of the best areas to stay along the Costa del Sol.

Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
The town’s focal point is the spectacular Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint with panoramic Mediterranean vistas. The most popular beach is Playa de Burriana, but locals often prefer the quieter Playa El Salón, a beautiful cove hidden just to the west of the Balcón. Don’t miss the magnificent Cueva de Nerja (Caves of Nerja), located a few kilometers outside of town and easily reachable by a short bus or taxi ride. Whether you’re looking for hotels on the Costa del Sol, a day on the beach, or the best day trips to nearby towns of the Costa del, Nerja is the right place to stay for exploring everything the del Sol has to offer.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Breathtaking scenery and a more relaxed, charming atmosphere than the western Costa del Sol.
• Con: It is very popular and can feel overrun in peak season, especially the Balcón de Europa. Solution: Visit the main viewpoint early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for couples and travelers seeking natural beauty and picturesque beaches. Skip if you’re looking for major nightlife or large resorts.

Best Hotels in Nerja

💎 Luxury hotels

• Parador de Nerja — Set atop a cliff with stunning sea views and direct elevator access to Burriana Beach, this hotel offers spacious rooms and beautiful gardens.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel Balcón de Europa — Boasting an unbeatable location right on the famous Balcón de Europa, this hotel features a rooftop pool and direct access to the beach below.
• MB Boutique Hotel - Adults Only — A chic, modern hotel known for its rooftop terrace with hot tubs, excellent service, and high-tech rooms, offering great value for couples.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hotel Puerta del Mar — A clean and friendly hotel with a small rooftop pool, located on a lively street just a minute’s walk from the Balcón de Europa.

4. Fuengirola: A Family-Friendly Beach Resort

Fuengirola is one of the most popular and convenient resort towns on the Costa del Sol, especially for families looking for the best family beach experience. It boasts over 7km of wide, sandy beaches, a long beachfront promenade, and a huge array of restaurants and attractions to suit all ages and budgets, making it a top choice for a Costa del Sol holiday.

Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
The town’s life centers on the bustling Paseo Marítimo (promenade), which is lined with beach bars and restaurants. Key attractions include the impressive Castillo Sohail, which hosts concerts in the summer, and the acclaimed Bioparc Fuengirola zoo. A huge draw for locals and tourists alike is the Tuesday morning market, the Mercadillo de Fuengirola, one of the largest in Spain. The town is located on the Costa del, and the C1 train line runs directly from Málaga Airport, making it exceptionally easy to go to Costa del Sol resorts or see other places along the coast.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Excellent for families, with long, safe beaches and plenty of activities.
• Con: It can feel very tourist-heavy and lacks the charm of other towns. Solution: Escape the beach crowds by exploring the central Plaza de la Constitución.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for families and those looking for an easy, activity-filled beach holiday. Skip if you’re seeking authentic Andalusian culture or tranquility.

Best Hotels in Fuengirola

💎 Luxury hotels

• Leiro Residences Fuengirola — A modern aparthotel offering stylish, well-equipped apartments and a rooftop pool, perfect for an independent stay in the heart of Fuengirola.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel IPV Palace & Spa — A large beachfront hotel featuring an extensive spa, large outdoor pools, and direct access to the beach, offering a classic and relaxing resort experience.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hotel Casa Consistorial — A charming boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic building near the central plaza, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling beachfront.

5. Estepona: Authentic Andalusian Charm

Estepona has managed to retain its traditional Andalusian character while still being a fantastic beach destination, making it a perfect stop if you’re wondering where to stay along the Costa del Sol. Its highlight is the stunningly beautiful old town, a maze of cobblestone streets decorated with colorful flowerpots, murals, and hidden plazas, offering one of the most charming places to see on the coast.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Spend your time getting lost in the old town, with the Plaza de las Flores serving as its beautiful heart. Be sure to explore the Ruta de los Murales Artísticos, a trail of huge art murals painted on the sides of buildings. A unique local secret is the Ruta de la Poesía, where you can find ceramic plaques with poems displayed throughout the old town. For a splash of the exotic, visit the modern Orquidario de Estepona to see its huge collection of orchids. The old town is best explored on foot to fully appreciate its charm, and it’s a small town atmosphere that makes it feel refreshingly authentic compared with Marbella and Puerto Banus.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A beautiful and authentic old town that feels more Spanish than other resorts.
• Con: It’s more spread out and quieter than its neighbors. Solution: Rent a bicycle to easily travel between the old town, the marina, and the beach promenade.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers who appreciate authenticity, art, and a more relaxed pace. Skip if you’re looking for the high-energy nightlife of Marbella or Torremolinos.

Best Hotels in Estepona

💎 Luxury hotels

• Ona Diana Park — A comfortable hotel with a large outdoor swimming pool, offering a convenient and relaxing base for exploring the area between Marbella and Estepona.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel Estepona Plaza — A brand new hotel with a fantastic rooftop pool and bar offering 360-degree views, located just steps from the beach and the old town.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hotel Boutique La Brisa del Mar — A stylish boutique hotel featuring modern decor and a rooftop terrace, located just a short walk from the beach in Estepona.

6. Mijas Pueblo: The Quintessential White Village

Set back from the coast in the mountains, Mijas Pueblo is one of the most famous and beautiful Pueblos Blancos (white villages) in Andalusia, making it a popular stop for those choosing where to stay along the Costa del Sol. It offers breathtaking views down to the Mediterranean and a charming, historic atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the busier towns elsewhere on the coast.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Wander through the narrow streets to the Plaza de la Constitución, explore the tiny bullring, and walk through the gardens of the Muralla de Mijas, the remnants of the old Arab fortress wall. A sweet spot loved by everyone is the Mayan Monkey Mijas, a tiny artisanal chocolate factory. Because it’s a major day-trip destination, the village gets extremely busy between 11 AM and 4 PM; visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience, especially if you are looking for a beach nearby or a quiet spot to enjoy a menu del dia.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: The charm and beauty of a traditional Andalusian white village with spectacular views.
• Con: It is not on the beach and is very crowded with day-trippers. Solution: Stay overnight to experience the magical atmosphere after the tour buses have departed.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for those who want stunning views and a taste of traditional Andalusia. Skip if being on the beach is your top priority.

Best Hotels in Mijas Pueblo

💎 Luxury hotels

• La Zambra Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt — A luxurious 5-star hotel designed like an Andalusian village, offering multiple swimming pools, a high-end spa, and several gourmet restaurants for a truly upscale retreat.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Mijas Residence — A modern apartment-style hotel offering spacious units with kitchens and a shared pool, perfect for families or travelers seeking a self-sufficient stay.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Mijas Apartment — A lovely and well-equipped apartment located right in the historic center of Mijas Pueblo, offering a convenient and authentic village experience.

FAQ About Staying in the Costa del Sol

What is the best area in the Costa del Sol for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors seeking a classic resort experience, Marbella offers the perfect blend of beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and glamorous nightlife, with many options close to the beach. For those who prefer culture and history, Málaga provides a more authentic Spanish city experience right on the coast, with convenient connections to Arroyo de la Miel and other towns along the Costa del Sol.

Where is the best place on the Costa del Sol for beaches?

This depends on your preference. Nerja is best for beautiful, scenic coves and clear water, while Fuengirola, Torrox Costa, and Torremolinos offer long, wide, sandy beaches with lots of amenities, making them ideal for families and anyone looking for a beach on the golden mile.

Should you stay in Málaga or a beach town on the Costa del Sol?

Stay in Málaga if your priority is art, history, museums, and a vibrant city atmosphere with a beach on the side. Choose a beach town like Marbella, Nerja, or Mijas Costa if your main goal is a relaxing beach holiday with plenty of sunbathing and watersports, or to explore hotels along the coast.

How many days do you need to explore the Costa del Sol?

To get a good feel for the Costa del Sol, a stay of 5 to 7 days is ideal. This allows you to relax on the beach for a couple of days and take day trips to explore other towns, visit Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, and see anywhere else on the Costa del Sol.

What’s the easiest way to get around the Costa del Sol?

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the entire coastline and visiting inland white villages. However, for the western stretch from Málaga to Fuengirola, the Cercanías C1 train line is an efficient and affordable option that also connects to the airport, making it easy to reach towns else on the Costa del.