The Costa del Sol. TOP 10 attractions worth visiting

Written by Aleksandra Kobus on 19.05.2025 - 6m reading

Written by Aleksandra Kobus on 19.05.2025 - 6m reading

The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular regions in Andalusia, Spain. The resort attracts not only tourists but also digital nomads, investors and people who appreciate the Mediterranean lifestyle. What does the Costa del Sol have to offer?

The Costa del Sol, also known as the sunny coast, is a region in southern Spain offering over 150 kilometres of coastline and up to 320 days of sunshine a year. It is also a place where new prestigious properties are constantly being built – apartments and villas that you can buy for yourself or to let. One of the most luxurious regions in Europe, it is close to Malaga International Airport and has a well-developed tourist, sports and recreational infrastructure. If you are considering buying a property on the Costa del Sol, the attractions in this region will encourage you to finalise the transaction. Here is a list of the 10 most important ones!


Are you interested in properties in another region? Check out: Costa Blanca – what is life like on the Spanish coast?

The Costa del Sol, also known as the sunny coast, is a region in southern Spain offering over 150 kilometres of coastline and up to 320 days of sunshine a year. It is also a place where new prestigious properties are constantly being built – apartments and villas that you can buy for yourself or to let. One of the most luxurious regions in Europe, it is close to Malaga International Airport and has a well-developed tourist, sports and recreational infrastructure. If you are considering buying a property on the Costa del Sol, the attractions in this region will encourage you to finalise the transaction. Here is a list of the 10 most important ones!


Are you interested in properties in another region? Check out: Costa Blanca – what is life like on the Spanish coast?

The Costa del Sol, also known as the sunny coast, is a region in southern Spain offering over 150 kilometres of coastline and up to 320 days of sunshine a year. It is also a place where new prestigious properties are constantly being built – apartments and villas that you can buy for yourself or to let. One of the most luxurious regions in Europe, it is close to Malaga International Airport and has a well-developed tourist, sports and recreational infrastructure. If you are considering buying a property on the Costa del Sol, the attractions in this region will encourage you to finalise the transaction. Here is a list of the 10 most important ones!


Are you interested in properties in another region? Check out: Costa Blanca – what is life like on the Spanish coast?

Contents:

Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress located in the very centre of Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol. Built in 756, it was rebuilt between 1057 and 1063, and underwent further renovation in 1933. Visitors can admire the historic architecture and green gardens inside, as well as views of the surrounding area, including the port of Malaga.

The Alcazaba fortress is connected to the Gibralfaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro), which was built much later, in the mid-14th century. It is the perfect place if you feel like taking a walk in the footsteps of the coast's history.

Cathedral in Malaga

Want to discover the architecture of the Costa del Sol? What to see? One of the must-see places on your list is the cathedral in Malaga, or Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación. It is a sacred building, whose construction began in 1500 and... ended several centuries later. Hence the mix of different architectural styles characteristic of this attraction.

The cathedral in Malaga, one of the must-see attractions on the Costa del Sol, is one of the most important monuments in Malaga. Inside, you will find a richly decorated interior with an altar, and from the tower, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the city.

Estepona

What else is there to see on the Costa del Sol? Entire towns are also attractions. A great example is Estepona, the city of flowers, where every street is colourful. In addition to numerous pots with colourful, blooming plants, you will also find beaches, poetry and sculpture trails, murals and museums. The so-called Costa del Sol garden is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from the city.

Picasso Museum on the Costa del Sol

Pablo Picasso needs no introduction. As it turns out, the famous artist was born on the Costa del Sol, more precisely in Malaga. And it is there that a museum dedicated to him is located, with an impressive collection of over 230 works. The museum has been open since 2003 and was established in... Picasso's family home.

Cueva de Nerja

The caves in Nerja, or Cueva de Nerja, are a must-see for anyone interested in nature. It is here that you can admire stalactites and stalagmites as well as paintings dating back to prehistoric times. A special route has been created for tourists, allowing them to discover the interior of a place described as ‘one of the most precious treasures of the Costa del Sol’.

Interestingly, this popular attraction was only discovered in 1959. Although called Cueva de Nerja, the caves are actually located in the neighbouring town of Maro.

Bioparc Fuengirola

There is something for everyone on the Costa del Sol. Attractions on the southern coast also include options for animal lovers. One of them is Bioparc Fuengirola. It is a zoo where visitors can admire over 200 species of animals living in conditions similar to their natural habitat. These include pygmy hippos, tigers, meerkats, gorillas, crocodiles, monitor lizards and many more.

Bioparc Fuengirola covers over 2 hectares and is an excellent attraction for both adults and children. Thanks to numerous interactive exhibitions and educational programmes, visitors can learn more about the world of wildlife and how to protect the environment.

Teleférico Benalmádena

You don't have to limit yourself to exploring the coast on land. You can also see the Costa del Sol from the air by taking a cable car. The Benalmádena Cable Car is an attraction available in Benalmádena. It will take you to the top of Mount Calamorro, which is 771 metres above sea level.

During the 15-minute ride, you can admire the panoramic view of the coastand at the top, visit one of the viewpoints or watch a bird of prey show. From Mount Calamorro, you can see Gibraltar, among other things.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Mercado Central de Atarazanas in Malaga is a food market located in a 19th-century building that will delight any architecture lover. You will find literally everything you could dream of here, from fruit and vegetables to cheese and cold meats. This place is particularly popular with locals, who shop at the Mercado Central de Atarazanas for fresh produce from local suppliers.

Frigiliana

Frigiliana is called the pearl of the Costa del Sol. It is a so-called white town (pueblo blanco) located in the mountains, where the buildings are painted in this bright colour. In addition to the buildings, the cobbled streets, the viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the town and the sea, as well as the picturesque landscapes are also worth seeing.

Frigiliana can be reached by bus from the nearby town of Nerja. It is a place where you can escape the tourist hustle and bustle characteristic of the largest towns on the Costa del Sol. Instead, you can enjoy peace and quiet surrounded by charming mountain scenery.

Puerto Marina in Benalmádena 

The list of attractions offered by the Costa del Sol is rounded off by Puerto Marina in Benalmádena. It is a marina that is often referred to as one of the best in the world. Sailing enthusiasts have over 1,000 berths at their disposal.

Puerto Marina is also the centre of social life in Benalmádena. Residents can enjoy a variety of restaurants, entertainment venues and shops. In addition, the port with its futuristic architecture is home to the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium with turtles, stingrays, octopuses and piranhas.


As you can see, the southern coast is one of the best places Spain has to offer. The Costa del Sol attracts visitors with its numerous attractions, delicious cuisine and traditions, such as places where you can watch live flamenco performances. Discover Elite World Estates' offer and check out the properties for sale in the Costa del Sol region!

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

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