30 Things to Do on the Costa del Sol That Go Beyond the Sunbed

The Costa del Sol is 150 km of Mediterranean coastline with over 300 days of sunshine, 69 golf courses and easy access to the Alhambra, Gibraltar, Ronda and the Caminito del Rey gorge walk. Most visitors spend the whole trip on the beach and miss everything else. This guide covers both.

Beaches

The Costa del Sol's beaches are its primary draw – and they are not all the same. Urban promenades with full facilities dominate the main resorts. Natural coves and quieter stretches are concentrated at the eastern end near Nerja and in spots near Estepona.

Best beach by type:

• Families: Los Boliches-Gaviotas (Fuengirola) or Playa Malapesquera (Benalmádena)
• Quiet and natural: Playa del Cañuelo, Maro–Cerro Gordo Natural Area
• Classic resort: Playa de la Carihuela, Torremolinos
• Watersports: Playa Malapesquera, Benalmádena
• Snorkelling: Maro–Cerro Gordo, east of Nerja

All beaches are free to access by Spanish law. The C1 train makes Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Torremolinos beaches accessible from Málaga Airport without a car.

For the full breakdown by beach and town, see our Costa del Sol best beaches guide.

Water Activities

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin watching cruises operate from several marinas along the coast. Benalmádena Puerto Marina has the most established operators with year-round trips. Fuengirola also has confirmed departures from Puerto Deportivo.

Common species: common dolphin, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin. Occasional pilot whale sightings. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Boat Trips and Sunset Cruises

Main departure points for boat trips: Málaga port, Benalmádena Puerto Marina, Fuengirola Puerto Deportivo, Puerto Banús (Marbella) and Estepona marina. Sunset cruises with drinks included are popular from Fuengirola and Benalmádena.

Kayaking – Maro–Cerro Gordo

Kayak tours along the Maro–Cerro Gordo cliffs east of Nerja are one of the most distinctive water activities on the coast. The protected natural area has sea caves, clear water and rocky coves inaccessible by road. Multiple operators run half-day tours from Nerja.

Watersports

Jet ski hire, banana boats, pedalos and paddleboarding are available seasonally on most main resort beaches. Available roughly Easter to October – confirm with operators on arrival as seasonal schedules change.

Culture and History

Málaga City

The most culturally rich city on the Costa del Sol. The Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro castle, Roman Theatre, Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum are all walkable from the train station. A half-day covers the highlights; a full day lets you add the port area and Málaga's excellent tapas scene.

The C1 Cercanías from Fuengirola takes 45 minutes. From Málaga Airport the same line reaches the city centre in 12 minutes. See our full Málaga guide for the complete picture.

Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja)

One of the most impressive cave systems in Spain, located just outside Nerja on the eastern Costa del Sol. Large stalactite and stalagmite formations used as a concert venue in summer. Check the official Cueva de Nerja website for current opening times and prices before visiting – they vary by season.

Castillo de Colomares – Benalmádena

An eccentric monument-castle dedicated to Christopher Columbus, built between 1987 and 1994. Contains the world's smallest chapel according to the Guinness World Records. Worth 30 minutes if you are in Benalmádena – unusual and genuinely interesting rather than a major historic monument. See Benalmádena things to do for more.

Family Attractions

Bioparc Fuengirola

Immersive zoo with no visible barriers, 200+ species and the only Western Lowland Gorillas in Andalusia. Open every day of the year from 10:00. Adults €29.50, under-3s free. One of the strongest family attractions on the whole coast.

See the full Bioparc Fuengirola guide for tickets and tips.

Sea Life Benalmádena

Aquarium at Benalmádena Puerto Marina. Open every day of the year except 25 December. Best rainy-day option in Benalmádena for families with young children. Manageable in 2–3 hours.

Aqualand Torremolinos

The Costa del Sol's main waterpark, inland from Torremolinos. Open seasonally – roughly late spring to early autumn. Hours approximately 10:00–17:00 (10:00–18:00 in July–August). Check the official Aqualand site for exact opening dates each season.

Selwo Aventura – Estepona

Safari-style wildlife park near Estepona with animal viewing, educational talks and outdoor trails. Confirmed open. Pricing is dynamic rather than fixed – online deals typically run around €21–23 for an adult and €18–19 for a child aged 3–10, depending on the day and how far ahead you book. Best reached by car. See Estepona for location and access details.

Benalmádena Cable Car (Teleférico)

Cable car from Benalmádena to the summit of Monte Calamorro (769 m). Panoramic views over the coast, Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains on a clear day. See Benalmádena for current hours and prices.

For accommodation options with kids clubs and pools, see our Costa del Sol family resorts guide.

Golf

The Costa del Sol is officially branded Costa del Golf by regional tourism. There are 69 golf courses across the coast covering 16 municipalities, with more than 1,100 holes in total.

The highest concentration is between Marbella and Estepona – the stretch known informally as the Golf Valley. Famous courses in the area include Real Club Valderrama (technically in Cádiz province but part of the wider Costa del Golf marketing), Finca Cortesín, La Reserva, Los Naranjos and Real Club de Golf Las Brisas.

Golf tourism here runs year-round thanks to the mild climate. October to April is peak golf season when northern European visitors arrive specifically to play. Green fees and availability vary widely – book courses in advance for the most sought-after tee times.

For hotel options built around golf access, see our Costa del Sol golf resorts guide.

Day Trips from the Costa del Sol

The region's position in southern Andalucía puts some of Spain's most impressive destinations within a day's reach.

Caminito del Rey

The best active day trip from the Costa del Sol. A restored pathway through the El Chorro gorge, 57–70 km from the main resorts.

Key facts:

• General entry: €10, guided visit: €18
• Shuttle bus: €2.50, parking: €2
• Under-8s not permitted
• Tickets must be booked online in advance – weeks ahead in spring and autumn

Ronda

One of Andalucía's most dramatic towns, built on a cliff above the El Tajo gorge. The Puente Nuevo bridge, the historic bullring and the old Arab baths make it a full day. Best reached by car (1.5 hours) or organised tour.

Gibraltar

A British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of Spain. Rock summit, Barbary macaques, St Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels. Bring your passport – it is an international border crossing. Budget the full day including potential queues at the border on the return.

Granada and the Alhambra

The Alhambra and Generalife gardens are one of the finest architectural experiences in Europe. About 125–140 km from the central Costa del Sol. Book Alhambra tickets well in advance through the official website – popular slots sell out weeks ahead.

Tangier, Morocco

Feasible as a day trip via ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras (both reachable by coach from the Costa del Sol). An organised tour is the simplest option for a first visit – it handles the ferry, transport and the main Tangier highlights.

For day trip options specific to each resort base, see our Málaga day trips guide.

Food and Drink

The Costa del Sol's food identity is rooted in Málaga province's seafood and Mediterranean cooking. Two dishes define it:

Espeto de sardinas – Sardines grilled on a skewer over open wood fires directly on the beach. This is the signature dish of the coast and the correct thing to order at any chiringuito worth visiting. Available at beach bars from late spring through early autumn.

Pescaíto frito – Mixed fried fish (anchovies, squid, cuttlefish, baby fish) served in paper cones or on plates. Found at freidurías and chiringuitos throughout the coast. Budget €8–15 for a generous portion.

Also worth trying: gazpacho, ajoblanco (cold almond soup from Málaga), local olives and wines from the Málaga and Ronda wine regions.

Best food towns:

• Málaga city – the strongest tapas scene and the most varied restaurant options on the coast
• Marbella – from beach chiringuitos to Michelin-listed restaurants
• Nerja and Estepona – more traditional Andalucían feel with excellent local seafood

For beach dining specifically, see our Costa del Sol beach clubs guide.

Nightlife

The Costa del Sol's nightlife ranges from Torremolinos' established club circuit to Marbella's upscale Puerto Banús scene.

Best for clubs and late nights: Torremolinos (La Nogalera, Los Álamos) – the most defined club district on the coast with a well-established LGBTQ+ scene. See our Torremolinos nightlife guide.

Best for upscale nightlife: Marbella and Puerto Banús – luxury clubs, beach clubs and bottle service. Expensive but the most glamorous scene on the coast.

Best for a relaxed evening: Fuengirola, Benalmádena Puerto Marina and Nerja – bar-hopping and waterfront terraces without the full clubbing circuit.

Málaga city has a strong bar and late-night culture in the historic centre – different in character from the beach resorts, more urban and local.

Outdoor and Hiking

Gran Senda de Málaga (GR-249)

The flagship long-distance trail of Málaga province – a 942 km circular network covering both coastal and mountain sections. Individual day-hike sections are accessible from the resorts. The coastal and Nerja sections are the most scenic.

Sierra de las Nieves National Park

Inland from Marbella, recognised for karst landscapes, deep gorges and Spanish fir forests. The closest national park to the Costa del Sol. Accessible by car in under an hour from Marbella. Good for half-day or full-day hikes away from the coast.

Maro–Cerro Gordo Natural Area

Already mentioned for beaches and kayaking – also excellent for coastal hiking. The path along the cliffs between Nerja and Maro gives sea views and access to otherwise unreachable coves.

Sierra de Mijas

Directly above Fuengirola and Benalmádena – the hills most immediately accessible from the central resort strip. Walking trails lead up from Mijas Pueblo with coast views on clear days.

Getting Around

By train (C1 Cercanías): The most important transport fact for the Costa del Sol. The C1 line runs from Málaga Airport through Málaga city centre, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. Journey times:

• Airport → Torremolinos: 19 minutes
• Airport → Benalmádena: 24 minutes
• Airport → Fuengirola: 34 minutes

Trains run every 20–30 minutes from approximately 05:20 to 23:30. Fares around €1.80–€3.60 depending on zones.

Nerja, Estepona and Marbella are not on the C1 line. They require buses or taxis from the coast road.

By bus: Interurban buses connect all major resorts including those without train access. The M-60 runs between Fuengirola and Marbella (52 minutes, ~€2.38). Nerja is accessible by bus from Málaga.

Do you need a car? For a beach-focused stay along the C1 corridor, no. For frequent inland trips, golf, hiking in the national parks or visiting Nerja and Estepona regularly – yes, a car adds significant flexibility.