Flights to Costa del Sol

Direct flights to the Costa del Sol are just shy of three hours long if you take off from a London airport like Luton or Gatwick, or an extra 20 minutes travelling from a northern departure point. This part of Spain’s a real selection box, but the Costa del Sol – AKA the Sunshine Coast – is a holiday favourite for a reason. Whichever town you pick, you won’t be far from golden sands, traditional tapas bars and good old-fashioned Spanish hospitality. Opt for upmarket Marbella if you like holidays with more than a touch of glamour. Here, you’ll be met with glitzy hotels, stylish bars, and shops selling international couture with no price tags. Make a beeline for the old town, however, and 10th-century castles and charming squares take centre stage. Families will love next-door neighbours Torremolinos and Benalmadena, which clock up more than their fair share of Blue Flag beaches, and are within touching distance of attractions like Tivoli World and Aqualand. From any resort on the Costa del Sol, you can easily daytrip to Malaga. Make the journey up the coast, and you’ll arrive in the country’s sixth-largest city. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the world, so culture’s a given. It’s home to the Picasso Museum – the artist was born just minutes away. And, there’s a clutch of churches – including one which dates back to 1490.