The best resorts on the Costa del Sol

Fuengirola

Best for families

When it comes to family-friendly resorts on the Costa del Sol, several could win the prize, including Benalmádena and Estepona, but Fuengirola has to be one of the top choices.

With family-friendly beaches, water so clear and clean you can see your reflection in it, a water park and a zoo, Fuengirola has plenty to keep kids of all ages – and their parents – happy.

For fun-filled days out, AquaMijas water park is nearby, and you won’t have to look far for food either as the seafront promenade is lined with bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in Fuengirola

Families won’t want for space at Ilunion Miramar. There’s a huge pool and gardens, and rooms are noted for their generous size and cleanliness. Occidental Fuengirola is the one for beachside bliss and four-star style combined, while Fuengirola Beach Aparthotel is within easy reach of the resort’s best shops and has all the essentials for a self-catering stay.

Estepona

Best for couples

With a picturesque setting in the shadow of the spectacular Sierra Bermeja mountains, Estepona has everything you could want from a Costa del Sol resort, from idyllic, sandy beaches and snorkelling to a picturesque, typically Andalusian old town. There’s nightlife too, but the volume is definitely a few notches lower than in other resorts like Marbella.

Take a romantic stroll through the cobbled streets with their whitewashed houses ablaze with pink and red geraniums and you’ll find shops, tapas bars and restaurants aplenty as well as pretty squares like the orange tree-filled Plaza de los Flores.

For more shopping, there’s a lively Sunday market, or if you want to head out of town, there are lovely mountain walks and drives within easy reach.

Where to stay in Estepona

It’s impossible to get tired of the old town views at the charming Hotel Estepona Plaza – or the rooftop pool for that matter. Stay at Hotel El Pilar Andalucía and you’ll have a tough time deciding whether the building itself or the elegant boutique rooms are more beautiful. Meanwhile, any couples in need of a pamper should head to Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa, just outside of town.

Málaga

Best for culture vultures

Thanks to world-class museums, award-winning restaurants and historic castles, the days when Málaga was seen as little more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol are long gone – the city is now a brilliant city break destination in its own right.

As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, art lovers can enjoy not one but two Picasso museums, as well as contemporary art at the super cool Pompidou Centre on the main city beach.

Elsewhere, you can immerse yourself in history at a Roman amphitheatre, Moorish castles and an old town teeming with tantalising tapas bars. If you fancy a stint on the beach, Málaga has several, such as sandy Playa de la Malagueta.

Where to stay in Málaga

The culture hit starts the moment you wake up at Vincci Larios Diez – a stunning 19th-century building nestled in the heart of the city centre. If you’d rather wake up to sea views, Soho Boutique Las Vegas overlooks La Malagueta Beach and is only a 30-minute walk from top attractions. Or for contemporary rooms close to the airport, Málaga Alameda Centro Affiliated by Meliá comes well rated.

Marbella

Best for nightlife

If your perfect beach break means basking on a blissful beach by day and strutting your stuff on the dancefloor by night, Marbella is the place for you.

Possibly the Costa del Sol’s most famous resort, Marbella’s ‘Golden Mile’ – between Marbella and the swanky village and marina of Puerto Banus – is teeming with bars and clubs.

Known as one of Europe’s major nightlife hotspots, as well as home to some seriously smart hotels, clubs and beach bars, there’s plenty of fun to be had – and you don’t need to own a super-yacht to have a good time. From budget bars and rocking live music venues to cocktail lounges, nights out in Marbella can be as low-key or wild as you like.

Torremolinos and Benalmádena are also great options for nightlife.

Where to stay in Marbella

You’ll get a proper taste of Marbella’s swish style at Amare Beach Hotel Marbella. Unwind by the pool during the day before getting the party started at the rooftop bar or beach club. Equally close to Marbella’s old town but without the hefty price tag, Puerto Azul Marbella is a good value-for-money option. Alternatively, opt for Ona Princesa Playa to recover from any late nights on the golden sand of Playa de Rio Real.

Torremolinos

Best for travellers on a budget

The largest and unquestionably one of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol, you’ll almost always find cheap deals to Torremolinos. But just because there are bargains to be had, that doesn’t mean you’ll get less for your buck.

If you want to bask in the sun and laze away your days on the beach, Torremolinos has long stretches of silky sand, Blue Flag beaches, as well as a water park nearby. Or, if boogieing the night away and letting your hair down to some DJ-led sounds is more your scene, the town centre is nightlife central with cocktail bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants aplenty.

Where to stay in Torremolinos

Tent Torremolinos wins the praise of Tripadvisor reviewers for its value – and that’s not because it’s an actual tent. This three-star pad has simple but modern rooms and offers an unlimited brunch that lasts until early afternoon. Sol Principe is a solid choice for a four-star hotel on a budget (with the reviews to back it), or you can get sea views and a pool for around £60 a night at Hotel Los Jazmines.

Benalmádena

Best all-rounder

With fabulous beaches, lively nightlife, and family-friendly entertainment in droves, holidays to Benalmádena tick all the boxes for a sunshine break.

Whatever kind of beach floats your boat, you’ll find it here, from wide swathes of golden sand, perfect for kicking back on a sun-lounger, to rocky, tucked away coves where you can bare all should you fancy.

If you’re travelling with kids, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the Sea Life Aquarium, a cable car ride and the pretty Paloma Park, complete with a children's playground. For adults, the pedestrianised town centre is packed with bars and nightclubs.

Where to stay in Benalmádena

With heaps of family-oriented amenities, lively entertainment and a spa, Benalmádena Palace Spa has got the whole package. You can even go all-inclusive and lock in your holiday budget before you arrive. If you’re seeking relaxation, couples will love the chic pool area and panoramic sea views at four-star Spirit Hotel Benalmádena Beach. Or consider a self-catering studio at Apartamentos MS Pepita to keep it cheap. Rooms are comfortable, clean and affordably priced.

Nerja

Best for active types

With gloriously golden, sandy beaches and one of the prettiest, whitewashed towns on the Costa del Sol, Nerja could be another contender for the best all-rounder, but it’s also a firm favourite with snorkellers, scuba divers and walkers.

The huge array of fantastic marine life around Nerja’s rocky headlands are a scuba diver’s and snorkeller’s dream, and there’s also paddle surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and jet-skiing on offer.

If you prefer to stay on land, you’ll find gorgeous countryside, waterfalls and spectacular views on the walking trails around La Maroma mountain and the Rio Chillar.

Where to stay in Nerja

Nestled on the outskirts of town, MB Boutique Hotel is a peaceful haven to return to after long days out and about. The rooftop Jacuzzis are the perfect antidote to any tired feet. To be closer to the beach action, Hotel Balcon de Europa sits on the seafront and offers a generous breakfast spread that will set you up well for high-energy activities. If you’re simply looking for a comfortable base to rest your head, Boutique Hostal Lorca is reviewed highly for its home-from-home feel and budget-friendly rates.

Cala Mijas

Best for a quieter place to stay

If you want to get away from the hullabaloo of the larger Costa del Sol resorts and instead kick back in a picture-postcard hilltop village with sun-soaked beaches nearby, Mijas ticks every box.

Made up of two halves – Mijas Pueblo (or town) and Mijas Costa – you’ll get the best of both worlds here. In Mijas Pueblo, you’ll find a classic Andalusian whitewashed village filled with narrow, bougainvillea-draped streets and cobbled squares – perfect for whiling away an hour or three over a sangria or coffee. There are also gorgeous hillside walks through the countryside on your doorstep.

On the nearby coast at Cala Mijas, you’ll find golden sands, warm, child-friendly water and a children’s play park.

Where to stay in Cala Mijas

Outstanding views and a spectacular pool make Macdonald La Ermita Resort a sought-over spot to stay in Mijas Pueblo. It’s a similar story at TRH Mijas, offering traditional Spanish-style rooms overlooking the lush hillside. Stay on the coast and Hotel Carmen is a small and peaceful boutique just metres from the beach. Its neighbour, The Orange House Boutique Hotel, ups the luxury levels with 20 sophisticated en-suite rooms and a rooftop bar.