Costa del Sol guide
Five things to do in each area
Pick an area and plan a day by the sea, in the city or among whitewashed villages.
Month-by-month outings for 2027
January
Walk the coastal path at La Cala de Mijas and have lunch by the sea.
February
Try tapas near Málaga’s Atarazanas Market.
March
See Málaga’s Semana Santa processions (21–28 March).
April
Taste food from around the world at Fuengirola’s Feria Internacional de los Países, expected in late April or early May.
May
Explore the whitewashed streets of Mijas Pueblo.
June
Visit Marbella’s Feria de San Bernabé around the local holiday on 11 June.
July
Celebrate Virgen del Carmen by the sea in Fuengirola, around the local holiday on 16 July.
August
Experience the Feria de Málaga, provisionally expected to run from 14 to 21 August.
September
Visit the Mijas Pueblo feria around the local holiday on 8 September.
October
Enjoy Fuengirola’s Feria del Rosario around the local holiday on 7 October.
November
Walk alongside the gorge in Ronda and have lunch in the old town.
December
See the Christmas lights on Calle Larios in Málaga.
Check the municipal programmes for confirmed feria dates and times.
Mijas & Fuengirola
Mijas Pueblo
Wander through whitewashed lanes and take in the views from the edge of the village.
Start at Plaza Virgen de la Peña, then take the narrower side streets towards a viewpoint and pause for coffee along the way. Allow a leisurely morning: the little details are easier to spot without a fixed route.
Jonas Lucas user:rudolfvonrheinfelden · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized La Cala de Mijas
Follow the coastal path and stop for lunch at a beach bar.
Start at the watchtower and follow the coast for as long as you like. Turn back for lunch by the sea or bring swimwear and make an afternoon of it.
Tyk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized Torreón de La Cala
Find out why watchtowers line this stretch of coast.
The tower stands just off the promenade. Take a look from outside and check opening hours in advance if you want to see the coastal defence interpretation centre. Pair your visit with a short walk through La Cala.
FELIPE CRESPO · CC0 · resized Castillo Sohail
Pair a castle visit with a walk along Fuengirola’s promenade.
Walk south along the waterfront towards the river mouth. The castle sits on a hill, so save some energy for the final stretch uphill. Check access in advance if an event is scheduled.
José Luis Filpo Cabana · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized CAC Mijas
See Picasso’s ceramics at the contemporary art centre.
Look at how Picasso worked with simple shapes and colour. The museum makes a good stop on a wander through Mijas Pueblo, perhaps after lunch. Check the exhibitions in advance.
Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom · CC BY-SA 2.0 · resized
Málaga
Alcazaba
Explore the courtyards and gardens of this historic fortress above the city.
Start at the Roman theatre, then follow the uphill route through the gates and courtyards. Leave time for the views over the city. On hot days, go early and wear shoes with a good grip.
Nick Kenrick from wirral, UK · CC BY 2.0 · resized Castillo de Gibralfaro
Head up for views over the harbour and bay.
From the ramparts you can see the city, harbour and Mediterranean. The walk up is steep, so bring water or take transport closer to the entrance. Late afternoon often brings lovely light.
Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized Museo Picasso Málaga
Spend some time with Picasso’s work in his home city.
The museum occupies the Palacio de Buenavista. Take your time with the collection and pair the visit with a walk through the streets around the cathedral. Check in advance if you want to reserve a timed ticket.
Zarateman · CC0 · resized Mercado de Atarazanas
Try a local bite at the stalls inside the covered market.
Browse the fish, fruit and other stalls before picking something to taste. Look up at the large stained-glass window, too. Morning is a good time to go, but check which days the market opens.
Rafa Esteve · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized Muelle Uno
End the day with a walk along the waterfront.
Walk from the centre to the harbour and follow the quay towards the lighthouse. Stop for a drink along the way or continue towards La Malagueta beach. It’s an easy way to wind down after a day in the city.
Mirokado · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized
Marbella
Casco Antiguo
Explore the old town and pause in Plaza de los Naranjos.
Start in the square with its orange trees, then turn down a few side streets. Mix white façades, small shops and a café stop with a detour to La Encarnación church. Go early if you prefer quieter streets.
Mark Gilbert · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized Parque de la Alameda
Take a shady break among the trees, fountains and tiled benches.
Take a short break beneath the trees and notice the patterned tiles on the benches. The park sits between the old town and the coast, so you can continue straight down Avenida del Mar towards the sea.
Zarateman · CC0 · resized Avenida del Mar
Walk past the sculptures on your way from the centre to the sea.
Use this short open-air walk as a stop between the old town and the promenade. Take a moment to see the bronze sculptures from different angles, then continue down to the beach.
Ypsilon from Finland · CC0 · resized Puerto Banús
Look at the yachts and stop for a drink by the marina.
Follow the quay for views of the boats and the mountains behind the marina. Stop for a drink or walk a little further along the seafront towards Marbella. The marina is a good spot for people-watching in the evening.
Mark Gilbert · CC BY-SA 3.0 · resized Cabopino
Combine a beach walk with a visit to the little marina.
Walk from the marina to the beach and make a detour to the Artola dunes, keeping to the marked paths. Bring water on sunny days: there is little shade along this stretch of coast.
Peep Squeak from London, United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0 · resized
Tarifa & Bolonia
Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno
Explore the fortress on the Strait of Gibraltar.
Start at the harbour and walk to the fortress on the edge of the old town. Allow time for the walls and the views over the water. On a clear day you can see the other side of the strait.
Martin Haisch · CC BY-SA 2.0 · resized Playa de Los Lances
Walk along the beach and watch the kitesurfers when the wind picks up.
The wide sandy beach is good for a long walk, even when it’s too windy to lie out. Watch the kitesurfers from a distance and respect the designated zones. Bring an extra layer when the wind is strong.
Marianonicolasgil1971 · CC BY-SA 3.0 es · resized Casco antiguo de Tarifa
Enter the old town through Puerta de Jerez and find a terrace for a break.
Start at Puerta de Jerez and follow the whitewashed streets towards San Mateo church. This walk pairs well with the harbour and fortress. Stay for tapas if you arrive towards the end of the day.
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized Duna de Bolonia
Follow the beach to the great sand dune.
Follow the coast towards the foot of the dune and look back across the whole bay. Walking on loose sand takes longer than you might expect. Bring water and follow the marked routes to protect the dunes.
Jl FilpoC · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized Baelo Claudia
Discover the remains of a Roman town beside Bolonia Bay.
Walk past the forum and the remains of public buildings, and notice how close the town lay to the sea. Combine the visit with the beach or the Bolonia dune. Check opening times for the archaeological site in advance.
Malopez 21 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized
