Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Málaga's coast is mainland Spain's easiest sun destination from the UK: frequent flights, a train linking the airport to the resorts and around 300 days of sunshine a year. Mix beach days in Marbella, Fuengirola or Nerja with Málaga's museums, Granada's Alhambra, Ronda's gorge and the wilder Atlantic beaches of the Costa de la Luz.
Overview
Most visitors fly into Málaga and stay along the strip between Nerja and Estepona, either in the big resorts west of the airport or in quieter towns to the east. Málaga itself has become a destination, with the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba and a food scene to match. The coast's real strength is what lies inland: Granada, Ronda, the Caminito del Rey and the white villages are all day trips by car or coach. Beyond Gibraltar, the windier Costa de la Luz has long Atlantic beaches. Spring and autumn are best for mixing beach and sightseeing; July and August are hot, crowded and dear, while winter is mild but too cool for most swimmers.
Map of Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Highlights
- 1History
The Alhambra, Granada
Granada's Nasrid palaces, with their carved stucco courts, and the Generalife gardens form one of Spain's most visited monuments, about 90 minutes' drive from Málaga. Nasrid Palaces entry is timed and often sells out weeks ahead.
- 2Culture
Málaga's old town and museums
Picasso's birthplace has a museum of his work in a Renaissance palace, a Moorish Alcazaba climbing towards Gibralfaro castle and an old town full of tapas bars. The glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga sits on the port.
- 3Adventure
Caminito del Rey
Once called the world's most dangerous path, this rebuilt boardwalk is pinned to the sheer walls of the Gaitanes gorge, about an hour from Málaga. Timed tickets are required, and the one-way route takes three to four hours.
- 4Architecture
Ronda
Ronda straddles El Tajo, a gorge more than 100m deep crossed by the 18th-century Puente Nuevo. Its bullring is among Spain's oldest, and the white villages of the Serranía de Ronda are an easy drive away.
- 5Beach
Bolonia and Baelo Claudia
On the Costa de la Luz near Tarifa, Bolonia's wild Atlantic beach is backed by a huge sand dune and the ruins of Baelo Claudia, a Roman town that made fish sauce. Expect cooler water and strong winds.
Where to stay
Málaga
A cultured city with beaches, excellent food and year-round life; the best choice for couples and anyone planning day trips by train or coach.
Marbella
A polished resort with a well-kept old town, upmarket beach clubs and Puerto Banús nearby; suits comfort budgets, golfers and nightlife lovers.
Fuengirola
A good-value family resort with a long sandy beach, plenty of British-friendly hotels and the train to Málaga airport and city.
Nerja
A quieter cliff-top town east of Málaga, with coves, the Balcón de Europa and the Nerja caves nearby; suits couples, families and walkers.
When to go to Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in Málaga
How much does Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £100 off-peak and £380 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Spain are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Rabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Spain
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Tue 12 Oct 2027 | National Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- The C1 suburban train runs from Málaga airport to the city centre in one direction and to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola in the other, so you may not need a hire car.
- Try espetos, sardines skewered and grilled over wood fires in old boats on the sand at beach chiringuitos; locals say they are best in the months without an R.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Spain guide.
Sicily
Algarve