Costa del Sol is a region in the South of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalusia comprised of a variety of towns and communities lining the beautiful coast of the Mediterranean. The region is known for having great beaches and over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are many places to stay to enjoy all that Costa del Sol has to offer. On my trip, we stayed in the beautiful town of Torremolinos and explored the neighboring city of Málaga. I loved both of these spots and highly recommend checking them out if you are lucky enough to find yourself in beautiful Costa del Sol.
Torremolinos:
Torremolinos is a beautiful Costa del Sol resort town known for its amazing beaches and lively boardwalk. INSIDER INFO: We were told that lodging in Torremolinos is a bit cheaper than other places in Costa del Sol, like Málaga. Our tour booked rooms in a beautiful hotel right across the street from the beach and steps from a lot of different restaurants, pubs and bars.
Torremolinos has a beautiful promenade that winds for more than six kilometers along the coast that takes you past the many Torremolinos beaches, local vendor storefronts, and various beach bars and restaurants. If you are staying in Torremolinos, you can't pass up taking a stroll on the Paseo Marítimo of Torremolinos ("Promenade"). Walking along the Promenade you can log your steps for the day, admire art work and sculptures that line the path, and then stop for a refreshing beverage or a bite to eat with a breathtaking view of the sparkling Mediterranean.
And here is a little secret about the Promenade...it is filled with CATS!! I was so excited to spy various cats napping or lounging on benches and rocks as we began to walk along the Promenade. At first I was curious because the cats all looked healthy and well-cared for. Turns out the natural area along the Promenade is actually an official cat colony and the cats are cared for by licensed volunteers. This cat-lover (who was missing her own kitties) was in heaven!
Málaga:
A half hour away from Torremolinos is Málaga, the sun-drenched capital of the Costa del Sol. Málaga is the perfect mix of history, cutture and beach vibes. Whether you are an art lover, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxed city break, Málaga has something for everyone. As noted above, staying in Málaga is probably a bit pricier than than staying in Torremolinos or other smaller towns along the Costa del Sol, but if you want a more metropolitan vibe with your beach vacation than Málaga will be the perfect spot for you!
If you tire of laying on the beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol, a day spent sightseeing in Málaga is just what you need. There is a lot to explore in this historic city. Here is a short list of the things our tour guide took us to see on our visit:
Museo Picasso Málaga: Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and his influence on the city is evident. There is a bench sculpture of an older Picasso, the Museo Picasso Málago and the Picasso Birthplace Museum (Casa Natal). We saw the statue and also visited the Museo Picasso Málaga which showcases a collection of more than 200 pieces donated by Picasso's family.
Wander Through the Old Town: Málaga's history stretches back over 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The town has seen various civilizations come and go, including the Romans, Moors, and Christians. Each of these cultures has left an indelible mark on the city, contributing to its unique character and charm. The historic Old Town of Málaga is the heart of the city offering visitors a blend of narrow winding streets filled with charming boutiques and sidewalk cafes, lively plazas, and ancient architecture. Here are some things you can see as you wander around Old Town:
The Alcazaba of Málaga: This well-preserved Moorish fortress dates back to the 11th century. Its impressive walls and towers offer stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. We did not venture to the Alcazaba, but it is visible in the background of the pictures of the Roman Theatre below.
The Roman Theatre: Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, this ancient Roman theatre dates back to the 1st century BC and is one of the oldest structures in Málaga. Rediscovered in 1951, it is a testimony to the city's Roman history and is often used for cultural events and performances today.
Roman Theatre Ruins in Malaga Málaga Cathedral: Known locally as "La Manquita" (the one-armed lady) because its second tower remains unfinished, this Renaissance cathedral is a marvel of architecture. The gardens outside of the Cathedral are also beautiful. We were there in late September, so they weren't in full bloom but beautiful nonetheless.
Lively Plazas: There are many lively plazas througout Old Town to take a break from exploring and people watch. Plaza de la Constitución is the most popular and is in the heart of Málaga. It dates back to the 15th century and is still the hub of the city.
Plaza de la Constitución
Shop on Calle Marqués de Larios: The charm of Málaga lies in its winding streets and vibrant atmosphere. No where is this energy more evident than strolling along Calle Marqués de Larios (also called simply Calle Larios). Calle Larios was inaugurated on August 27, 1891 and is still the city's main shopping street. On Calle Larios you will find a wonderful mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants. But make sure to bring your purse...there are a lot of designer boutiques and exclusive shops. This is probaby to serve their wealty clientele as Calle Larios is the most expensive street to live on in Málaga and the eleventh most expensive in Spain! And since shopping can wear your out, be sure to stop for a refreshing ice cream at Casa Mira (located right on Calle Larios). We were given insider information that this is a local favorite and I have to confirm the ice cream was delicious!
Visiting Costa del Sol is so much more than a beach vacation. Stay in Torremolinos for the traditional beach vibe, but make sure to drive or take readily available public transportation to nearby Málaga to also enjoy history, culture, great shopping and delicious food! We only stayed for a couple of days but I would love to go back for a longer stay. There is so much more to see. The spots highlighted in this blog are just the beginning. So start planning your Spanish beach vacation now...sunshine and sangria awaits!
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