Things to do in the Costa del Sol

Stretching for 150km along the Mediterranean coast of Malaga, the Costa del Sol offers a wealth of activities. And with more than 325 days of guaranteed sunshine per year, it’s fair to say the name ‘Sunny Coast’ is pretty apt. In the summer, you can laze on the beach by day, then feast on fresh seafood in the evening. While the weather during the rest of the year is perfect for sightseeing and adventures. From city trips to Malaga to excursions in whitewashed mountain villages and plenty of water activities in the Mediterranean, the choice of things to do in the Costa del Sol is huge.

Top six things to do on the Costa del Sol

1. Visit Malaga and Mijas

Malaga and Mijas offer contrasting visions of the Costa del Sol – the vibrant and the laidback. The history-steeped old town of Malaga is packed with monuments, such as the hilltop Moorish fortress, the ruins of a Roman theatre and a vast baroque cathedral. Then, there are the things that make Malaga special – squares and side streets lined with thronged bars, serving charcoal-grilled sardines, succulent clams and steaming hot spicy prawns, washed down with a cool sherry. On the cultural front, the Picasso Museum – the great maestro was born in Malaga – and the Pompidou at the port are must-visits. A bit inland is the whitewashed town of Mijas. Here, you can stroll through the winding streets lined with plants and flowers dangling from balconies. The real Andalusia.

2. Walk the Caminito del Rey

One hour from Malaga is the Caminito del Rey – King’s Walkway – which leads through the Chorro Gorge. This jaw-dropping path is 8km long and is pinned to the face of sheer cliff walls, some 100m above the river that cuts through the gorge. With the necessary safety precautions in place, you can walk the path on your own or opt for a guided tour with a guide, who’ll give you the lowdown on the trail’s history and construction. It is the perfect activity for a bit of adventure on the Costa del Sol.

3. Go to Selwo Marina or the Crocodile Park

Selwo Marina is the ideal place for a day out with the whole family. This wildlife park in Benalmadena is home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins, tropical birds, fish and much more. In Crocodile Park, which is in Torremolinos, you can stand eye to eye with crocodiles of all shapes and sizes. It’s home to the largest collection of these prehistoric creatures in Europe.

4. Try your hand at some water activities

With so many hours of sunshine and warm summers, the Costa del Sol is a mecca for water activities. You can choose from the region's largest water park in Torremolinos to wakeboarding, kite surfing and jet-skiing. Prefer to take it easy? Then book a boat trip and admire the views of the mountains framing the coastline. During summer, the boats often make a stop so you can cool off in the Med.

5. Take a guided tour of Ronda

Another must is the cliff-perched city of Ronda. Its dramatic 18th century bridge, which crosses El Tajo gorge, connects the two parts of the city. A stream flows through the gorge some 120 metres below the town. Ronda is a warren of narrow, whitewashed alleys leading on to tree-shaded squares, Renaissance and baroque churches, atmospheric tapas bars and the oldest bullring in Spain. Another highlight is the Casa Don Bosco, an eclectic modernist palace, which boasts epic views over the gorge.

6. Hang out with monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar

A day trip to Gibraltar is one of the most popular activities in the Costa del Sol. This slice of British life under the sun is one of the most curious places on the planet. A tiny city at the foot of a massive rock jutting out of the Med, its red post boxes and police helmets look out of place in these Latin latitudes. Tour the tunnels inside the Rock, hand out with the Barbary apes in the upper Rock, browse the duty-free shops in the old town or spot dolphins on a boat trip in the Straits of Gibraltar. It’s jam-packed with options.