Costa del Sol holidays

There are two main beaches right in the heart of Benalmadena. These are Playa de Santa Ana, and Playa Malapesquera. Malapesquera is the more energetic of the two, with football pitches, windsurfing and kayaking facilities, fitness equipment, and cabins for changing. Santa Ana is more of a relaxed beach aimed at young families. There are sunloungers, umbrellas, and grill stations offering up fresh local fish.

There are many different beaches to choose from in Marbella, but two of the most popular are located either side of the central marina. Playa de la Venus is great for families, with a children’s play area, laidback pedal boating, and elephant-shaped showers. On the other side of the harbour, Playa del Faro offers yet another play area, with a gentle slope into the sea which makes it easy to take a refreshing dip.

The sands at San Pedro de Alcantara may be darker and more dramatic in appearance than those picture-perfect golden sands of other beaches, but they’re no less impressive. This Blue Flag beachfront is backed by an airy palm-lined promenade, filled with cosy beach bars and restaurants. From here, you can stroll right along the wooden boardwalk which takes you along the coast to neighbouring towns.

The Costa del Sol’s marketplaces are among some of the best places to grab some bargain souvenirs. Typical souvenirs from this part of Spain include colourful Spanish fans and recordings of flamenco music. For something extra special, pick up a porcelain biznaga. These are models of Malaga’s iconic jasmine flowers. The marina markets of Estepona and Benalmadena are great places to browse the goods.

Local products and handicrafts are excellent mid-range souvenirs to bring home from your trip. You can pick up a bottle of sweet wine from the Malaga area, along with local olive oil, olive oil-based soaps, and olive wood carvings. Hand-painted Andalusian ceramics are popular ornamental buys. You’ll notice that there are also many African-influenced products thanks to the coast’s proximity to Morocco.

You’ll find it easy to satisfy your designer tastes on the Costa Del Sol. The Spanish chain called El Corte Ingles has a branch in Marbella, where you’ll find brands like Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, and Armani. But don’t just stick to the giant malls. Walking through Puerto Banus, you’ll stroll past stores such as Guess, Boss, and Louis Vuitton. Malaga is big on the local Spanish retailers such as Zara.

If you’re looking for a truly laidback night on the Costa del Sol, book a holiday in an authentic Spanish town like Nerja. While Nerja is a popular destination for travellers, it manages to find the perfect balance between sleepy and lively. There are many restaurants and bars to choose from. You’ll also find this sort of scene in the coast’s traditional flamenco bars, and in hotel bars, too. Alternatively, try a night out in Estepona. This resort is more energetic than Nerja, but lacks the heavy clubbing vibe of Malaga and Marbella. The main hub of activity here is the marina, which attracts young travellers with its live music.

Malaga is one of the most famous party hotspots in all of Spain. The Malaga way is to head out for dinner, followed by drinks in the cocktail bars dotted along Calle Granada, before hitting the clubs. Marbella is another vibrant after-dark destination, with the ‘Golden Mile’ of bars and clubs stretching all the way to Puerto Banus. Here, you’ll find even more options. And be sure not to overlook Benalmadena. Plaza Solymar, known locally as the ‘24 hour square’, is the plaza that never sleeps. It’s surrounded by bars, karaoke bars, live music venues, and nightclubs that are open ‘til the early hours.

As you might expect, it can get very hot on the Costa del Sol, so cold dishes that help you beat the heat are naturally very popular. Gazpacho, a cold vegetable soup, is a must-try. And if you’re open to sampling something a bit different, the cold garlic soup of ajoblanco, served with grapes, is worth a try.

In major fishing towns such as Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and Estepona, you’ll find lots of little seaside stalls selling sardines which have been seasoned, roasted, and skewered. Pescaito frito, or fried fish, is also a popular snack on the Costa del Sol. It’s often made with anchovies, dogfish, or local sardines.

One of the best ways to enjoy a meal on the Costa del Sol is to eat tapas-style. With small plates of local dishes, this is a great opportunity to sample all sorts of different foods, and the kids can pick at whatever looks good. Some good options include albondigas, or meatballs, and a breaded salt cod called bacalao.

Travelling with kids? The Costa del Sol caters very well for families. Along with traditional Andalucian fare and authentic tapas places, you’ll also find a huge selection of well known fast food joints and cuisines. Options include American-style burgers, fried chicken, noodles, pizza, pasta, and hotdogs in bigger resorts.

There are five designated wine-growing regions in Andalucia, and Malaga is one of them. Malaga’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grapes. These are used to create heavy, almost sticky dessert wines. Most vineyards are in the La Axarquia and Monte de Malaga areas.