Basking on the sunny south coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol is a region beloved by vacationers. Towns bursting with nightlife and beach hotels are lined by golden sand and blue water, all topped off with a warm Mediterranean climate. Whether you’re looking for exceptional beach hotels, a vibrant party scene or traditional hamlets hidden along the coastline, the Costa del Sol provides a varied and welcoming vacation destination.

Beach Hotels on the Costa del Sol: Golden coastlines and vibrant towns

Torremolinos & Fuengirola: Wide Beaches and Family Activities

South of the region’s largest city Malaga, Torremolinos has some of the best stretches of sand on the Costa del Sol. Beach hotels here will provide ocean views, swimming pools and access to guest-only sun loungers so you can enjoy the beach as much or as little as you like. The beaches of Playa El Bajondillo and La Carihuela are wide, protected and easily accessible from any beach hotel in town. Torremolinos isn’t as packed with bars and clubs like Malaga or Marbella, but that doesn’t mean it lacks nightlife. Torremolinos leans towards a more bohemian atmosphere and its bars hosts more live performers than DJs. Families enjoying a beach hotel on the Costa del Sol will also appreciate the nearby Selwo Marina and Tivoli World theme park for hours of fun with little ones. There are also a handful of dive centers around Torremolinos so that adventurous types can explore the hidden world beneath the Mediterranean. Further south you’ll find Fuengirola, another popular coastal town on the Costa del Sol full of exceptional beach hotels. Visit the Sohail Castle which offers views over the golden coastline or head inland to hike and explore the stunning Sierra de Mijas.

Marbella: Indulge on the Costa del Sol

The spirited heart of the Costa del Sol is surely Marbella. Beach hotels here provide everything you need for the perfect beach vacation with family or friends. A playground for Europe’s rich and famous; Marbella’s swanky harbor is regularly filled with luxurious yachts. Set in the shadow if the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Marbella shimmers with elegance – and its beach hotels are no different. Gorgeous white sand beaches such as Playa de Alicate and the exclusive Playa Nagüeles are your gateway to the crystal water below. Bounty Beach, however, is arguably the most popular with a younger crowd, and is made even more atmospheric by chilled music and beach parties held every Sunday. Marbella’s old town is also enchanting, filled with Andalusian architecture and Spanish charm. Restaurants spill out into the cobbled streets and feature colorful hanging baskets filled with flowers. Head to Puerto Banús to indulge in designer brands and high-end boutiques, or charter a boat from the harbor to explore this exciting town from the water.

Estepona: Traditional Andalusia

Continue west along the Costa del Sol and you’ll hit another popular hotspot. Providing 5-star beach hotels overlooking the Mediterranean, Estepona’s many charms both include (and lie beyond) the beach. Estepona’s old town enchants with white washed pueblo architecture and colorful flower-lined streets. Casting a shadow over the town is the attractive 18th century Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios church, located on the pretty Plaza San Francisco. Bursting with colorful flowers and a water fountain, Plaza de las Flores marks the heart of town. Head back towards the coast and take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined Paseo Marítimo. Packed with bars and restaurants, this is the perfect spot to try traditional Andalusian cuisine such as fresh fried fish and gazpacho. Beach hotels on this gem of the Costa del Sol are truly exceptional.