Beach villas in the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol (The Sunshine Coast) is well regarded for its spectacular sandy beaches and crystalline turquoise waters. And since the Costa del Sol stretches on for 100 miles (161km), there’s no shortage of fabulous villas near the beach! Costa del Sol is home to a variety of coastal towns, all with their own unique vibe and history. Take in the historical heritage of Málaga, enjoy a luxurious time in Marbella, or marvel at astonishing sights in Nerja! The best part is, all these wonderful destinations have a bevy of beach-side villas with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, golden coastlines, and picturesque landscapes!

Stunning Beach Villas

Wherever you choose to stay on the sunny Costa del Sol, you’ll find a plentiful selection of villas near the sea. Some villas are right on the coast, a stone throw’s away from the beach while others are under 500 meters from the beautiful coastline! Most villas have a traditional Mediterranean style with rustic tiles, low-pitched clay rooftops, and brick & wood trims. But you’ll also find modern, luxurious villas with clean-cut corners and stylish interiors! What the two villa styles have in common though is the gorgeous amenities! Almost every villa on the Costa del Sol features a beautiful pool and deck, a lush garden, and a spacious terrace/patio to lounge in! Plus, you can fit in up to 12 people so you’ve got plenty of room!

Travellers and activities

Costa del Sol for mature travellers

If you’re planning on touring the historical and cultural side of Costa del Sol, your best bet is to go around the port city of Málaga! Málaga is a cultural hub filled with historical landmarks and interesting sights to visit! Start the day by heading over to Alcazaba, a picturesque 11th Century Moorish fortress with lush gardens, glamorous courtyards to wander through, and a spectacular view of the city! Connected to Alcazaba, you can walk over to Gibralfaro Castle, a 10th Century castle situated atop Gibralfaro Mountain. Stroll through the medieval ramparts while learning all about its storied history! And thanks to its location, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea! Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of museums to check out like the Museo Picasso Málaga, showcasing Pablo Picasso’s history, his evolution as an artist, and over 200 of the famed artisan’s pieces!

Costa del Sol for luxury vacations

Costa del Sol is a fantastic destination for a luxurious sunny holiday! The most glamorous town on the coast is Marbella, with a 27km stretch of beaches and pristine waters! Your first stop should be one of the golden sandy beaches like Playa de la Fontanilla right in the heart of the city! An expansive 1000-meter-long sandy stretch with delectable Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurant) serving fresh grilled seafood and tapas! About 10 minutes away, you can head over to Puerto Banús, a globally-renowned marina housing luxurious yachts, supercars, and upscale boutiques. Puerto Banús is a part of the lavish Marbella Golden Mile promenade, an extravagant 5 km strip along Marbella’s coast filled with Michelin-star restaurants, luxury shopping centres, designer shops, and glamorous villas! After you’re done walking through the promenade, end the day at Puerto Banús with a chartered yacht cruise to watch a breathtaking sunset while enjoying a gourmet dinner and wine! An unforgettable experience enjoying the finer things in life!

Top 7 travel tips in Costa del Sol

1. Go on a Helicopter Tour!

In Málaga, you can enjoy a thrilling helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of Costa del Sol! They’ll pick you up from your villa and bring you to the airfield, where you can enjoy a 20-minute helicopter tour! You’ll discover the gorgeous shoreline, whitewashed cities & villages, and picturesque hilly landscapes!

2. Marvel at Majestic Dolphins!

From the Puerto Banús in Marbella, you can charter a sailboat to take you to the open seas in search of dolphins! Witness the majestic dolphins playfully swimming through the Mediterranean Sea! Plus, you can also take a dip in the ocean, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply enjoy captivating views of the sunny coastline!

3. Try an Off-Road Buggy Tour

From the Puerto Deportivo in Marbella, embark on an off-road adventure in ATVs and buggies! Explore the hidden & rugged landscape of Marbella’s mountains while enjoying scenic views of the ocean and nature at its finest! An exhilarating excursion through muddy terrain and hills!

4. Wine Tasting in Ronda

In the mountainous region of Ronda, you can go for a tour of the local wineries and vineyards! Enjoy the exquisite red wine selection crafted with local grapes like Tempranillo, Merlot, and Syrah! Get a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made while taste-testing aromatic & refreshing vino!

5. Bioparc Fuengirola

The Bioparc Fuengirola is an amazing animal park & zoo built with enclosures that emulate the animal’s natural habitat! The zoo is home to over 200 species and is divided into four areas with animals from the regions - Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and Indo-Pacific! An incredible experience that feels like you’re exploring a rainforest!

6. Málaga Cathedral

Málaga Cathedral, situated in the historic centre of the city, is an astonishing Renaissance-style cathedral! Bask in the grandness of the intricate stone carvings and towering marble columns mixed with Baroque motifs! The rooftop also has a phenomenal view of Málaga, so it’s a great historic landmark & viewpoint to check out!

7. A thrilling 100-metere high Hike!

Outside of Málaga, you’ll find Caminito del Rey, a 4.9-mile (8 km) hiking trail through the Gaitanes Gorge! The trail is entirely on suspended walkways 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River so it’s a thrilling hike! It’ll take on average 2.5 - 3 hours to complete, but you can take your time, admiring the picturesque landscape as you go!