Nerja, Marbella or Torremolinos for a first week on the Costa del Sol?

For beach plus character, we would pick Nerja: a proper old town, coves rather than one long strip, good seafood, and Frigiliana next door. The trade-offs are quieter nights and a longer trip to the airport. Marbella suits you if you want more polish and a livelier evening, but you pay for it and the good bits are spread out. Torremolinos is the value option – big beach, ten minutes from the airport, on the train line into Málaga – but busier and more package-holiday in feel. Our where to stay guide compares the bases properly.