From La Linea de la Concepcion to Nerja, the Costa del Sol offers a variety of experiences. Here, life goes by to the rhythm of the waves and the sun shines most days of the year.
Since the 1950s, celebrities such as Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando, Orson Welles, John Lennon and Frank Sinatra have left their mark on this part of Spain.
But what does the Costa del Sol have to offer? Discover the five best Costa del Sol towns for living, what makes each unique, and for sale and rental property prices.
Malaga, paradise on the Costa del Sol
Malaga, the province capital of the same name, offers a charming and diverse life. It enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is noted for its beaches, mountains and natural parks, with the Parque de Malaga being a green oasis in the middle of the city.
Malaga's old town is steeped in history: the Cathedral of Malaga and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, bear witness to its past. The city is also home to museums such as the Pompidou Centre.
Bars and restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes, such as espetos (chargrilled sardines), pescaíto frito (fried fish) and other local delicacies. As for the nightlife, the streets of Malaga display all their delight when the sun goes down, with shows and live music.
Find flats and houses for sale in Malaga and rental properties. But if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss our selection of holiday rentals.
In January 2024, the average price of houses for sale in Malaga was €2,687/m2, while the average rent in the area was €13.07/m2.
Nerja, a unique lifestyle on the Costa del Sol
Nerja is a small fishing village on the Costa del Sol that offers a charming lifestyle. Situated on the coast's easternmost point, it lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Almijara, sheltered from the north winds. Its mild average annual temperature makes it a perfect place to live.
Although tourism has been its main source of income since the 1960s, Nerja has preserved its Mediterranean nature and original charm. Once a fishing village, today it is one of the Costa del Sol's favourite destinations, with 16 kilometres of coastline that includes almost virgin coves and internationally renowned beaches, such as the famous Playa Burriana.
Small commerce is also vital in Nerja, with quaint streets and whitewashed houses home to shops selling local crafts and regional products.
Find flats and houses for sale in Nerja and rental properties. But if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss out on our selection of holiday rentals.
In January 2024, the average price of houses for sale in Nerja was €3,316/m2, while the average rent in the area is €13.92/m2.
Fuengirola: one of the best areas to live in
Fuengirola is a vibrant and welcoming tourist destination offering an exceptional quality of life. With its Mediterranean climate, golden beaches and amenities, Fuengirola attracts residents and visitors.
Life in Fuengirola is characterised by its relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Residents enjoy a unique blend of Spanish tradition and modernity, with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and cultural activities.
It also offers ample events and festivities throughout the year, such as the International Village Fair, which celebrates cultural diversity, or Holy Week, with its traditional Easter processions. The parks, promenades and green spaces provide ideal spots to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Find flats and houses for sale in Fuengirola and rental properties. However, if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss out on the selection of holiday rentals.
In January 2024, the average price of houses for sale in Fuengirola was €3,232/m2, while the average rent in the area was €12.7/m2.
Marbella, the ideal place to live on the Costa del Sol
Marbella, an elegant and vibrant town on the Costa del Sol, offers an exemplary lifestyle. Its beaches, rolling plains and streets preserve traces of the Medieval Age, reflecting the diverse cultural influences it has encountered.
The city offers everything one could wish for, from sunny beaches to snowy landscapes. It's hard to stay home with an average temperature of 18°C and sunshine 320 days a year. Horse riding, tennis, golf and skiing in the Sierra Nevada are popular activities in this area of the Costa del Sol.
In Marbella, you'll find everything from golden sandy beaches, such as Playa de Venus, to cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and the Plaza de los Naranjos, transporting you back in time. But if you like to enjoy the present, Puerto Banús is the place for you: the epicentre of luxury and glamour where you'll find yachts, haute couture boutiques and first-class restaurants.
Find flats and houses for sale in Marbella and rental properties. But if you're looking for a getaway, don't miss out on our selection of holiday rentals.
In January 2024, the average price of homes for sale in Marbella was €4,510/m2, while the average rent in the area was €16.2/m2.
Benalmadena, a small oasis on the Costa del Sol
Benalmadena, a modern and welcoming destination, has come a long way since the 1980s and 1990s. Today, this resort town stands out for its culture, style and charm since it established itself as an ideal enclave to enjoy the Costa del Sol.
Combining the best coastal living with a vibrant international community and an enviable climate, Benalmadena is the right choice for those seeking quality of life and fun.
The town has a good infrastructure and offers tourist attractions such as the Parque de las Palomas, the championship golf course, the award-winning marina and beautiful beaches.
It also offers a wide variety of places to enjoy with the family, such as the Selwo Marina Dolphin Park, the Tivoli World Adventure Park, the Butterfly Park, the cable car to the mountain, the Buddhist Temple, the Colomares Castle or the Puerto Marina.
Find flats and houses for sale in Benalmadena and rental properties. However, if you're looking for getaway options, don't miss out on our selection of holiday rentals.
In January 2024, the average price of houses for sale in Benalmadena was €3,017 per square metre, while the average rent in the area was €13.9 per square metre.
