Costa Del Sol: The Spanish “Sunshine Coast”

Costa Del Sol in Spanish Riviera is famous for one thing, the sun. It is sunny nearly every day of the year here, and it has become a mecca for sun-worshippers everywhere. Though the high-rise resorts may create an unwanted metropolis, you can still experience Costa Del Sol in all its Spanish charm by staying in a luxury villa rental, far away from the tourist traps.

Stay in the historic old city of Marbella or in a small quiet village like Casares to escape the masses. You will find your own little slice of Spain to unwind in, as you stroll along the miles of sandy beaches in the glorious sunshine.

A waterfront promenade in Costa del Sol.

Costa Del Sol has been a popular luxury destination for the last forty years, for Europeans, who descend upon the area in droves every summer. Since the 1950s when Costa Del Sol was first discovered the area between Torremolinos and Gibraltar has become overdeveloped with hotels, golf courses, restaurants, marinas, bars and nightclubs.

This playground of the rich and retired always has something going on until the early hours of the morning, when the first sunbathers emerge to start the cycle all over again. You may have to fight for a place to lay your towel, but the beaches are the main draw for those visiting Costa Del Sol.

Spend day after day perfecting your tan on the immense sandy stretches. If you crave a culture fix then head to Malaga, Picasso’s birthplace to visit the museum and stroll through the old town and Palm Walkway in the port. If celebrity culture is more your thing, then wine and dine in Puerto Banús in Marbella, a star-filled elite port where the rich and the famous go to frolic.

Puerto Banus is the most glamorous and luxurious marina in the Mediterranean, with one thousand berths that cost over 2000 euro a day for luxury meta yachts and their affluent cargo. It is one of many marinas in Costa del Sol.

Each one has exclusive clubs where you can rent a boat for a sailing trip. Beginners can get sailing lessons at one of the many sailing schools. For unrivalled natural beauty visit the Cabo de Gata, a protected nature reserve. This untouched stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in Spain.

The beautiful sun-kissed beaches of Costa del Sol.

There are activities abound in Costa del Sol for the luxury traveller. Learn to horse ride for the first time, or try out dressage at one of the prestigious riding schools in Costa del Sol, such as the oldest equestrian school in Spain. Many of them offer horse-riding tours through the Andalusian countryside. You can marvel at thoroughbred horses at one of the popular Equestrain Shows held in Malaga, or you can actually visit the Spanish farms where the thoroughbred horses are bred and trained for racing. For those used to a faster pace of life the Ascari Circuit will be just your thing. This speed-lovers dream has over five thousand kilometres of track that you can drive in a real F1 car. This track is so renowned that Valentino Rossi and Fernando Alonso have even visited it and been awed.

Nerja landscape in Costa del Sol.

In Puerto Banús five million visitors every year come for the celebrity watching in the gourmet restaurants and high-class bars, and for the fabulous designer shopping. Here you will find all the world-class brand you love, and personal shopping services to make it even easier to find that chic outfit in almost every boutique. There are also incredible jewelry shops like Cartier.

Walk along the promenade, with the azure Mediterranean Sea in the background. Puerto Banús is such a luxury destination that it even has Marbella’s Walk of Fame, in the vein of the Hollywood stars.

Stroll around the area to do some yacht and luxury car gazing. After some strenuous shopping, fill up on some delightful cuisine at the Pesquera de Banús, a restaurant that sits right on the beach. Then unwind at one of the many luxury spas. There are over thirty spas in just Marbella and Estepona.

For just about any treatment you can think of go to the Wilhelmi Clinic in Marbella, which has been established for over forty years, and specializes in holistic experiences. The Molding Clinic uses cutting edge technology in a contemporary restort-like setting to do non-surgical lifting.

For a uniquely Spanish experience check out the Arab Baths in Málaga City, where you can get a hammam in the hot springs that transports you back in time.

A sunset with fishing boats in Costa del Sol.

Costa del Sol also has many dining experiences. Some restaurants offer fabulous elevated views, whereas others are on the beach. However, there are a few that really stand out for their food. El Lago is a uniquely decorated restaurant with an exciting menu. The Mediterranean cuisine served in the evening pushes the boundaries of contemporary dining.

The Michelin-starred organic restaurant Skina is also worth a visit for its attention to detail in preparing the perfect meal for you. For haute cuisine try Muelle Uno in Málaga City, where the aromas and flavors of Costa del Sol are served on a plate.

Finally finish your night at one of the many luxury beach clubs in Costa del Sol. Marbella Beach Club is a firm favorite for its expansive buffet. If you want something with more character then try Puro Beach, which has spectacular views of Gibraltar in the distance.

Enjoy the sunset ceremony with its festival ambience. The luxurious beach clubs of Costas of Spain offer things like world-renowned DJs, salt-water pools, massages, live shows and music. It is the perfect way to fill up your night once the spectacular sun sets on Costa del Sol.