Costa del Sol Itinerary: 7 Days of Sun, Sand, and Sights

  • Day 1: Old Town Marbella
    25 minutes (19.6 miles) from Malaga Airport

    Start your trip with a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town Marbella, one of the most picturesque areas in the region. Take in the vibrant colors of the houses and enjoy a coffee at a café, watching the Andalusian life swirl by.

  • Day 2: Málaga Museum
    47 minutes (42.9 miles) from Old Town Marbella

    Discover the rich cultural history of Málaga at the city's finest museum. You’ll see works from Pablo Picasso and many other internationally acclaimed artists. The museum is a great indoor adventure should you have a rainy day during your stay.

  • Day 3: Nerja Caves
    50 minutes (41.6 miles) from Málaga Museum

    The Nerja Caves are a stunning natural wonder. Marvel the impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and other crystal formations. The underground cathedral-like spaces are well worth the trip, which can be completed with a Picnic in the park above the caves.

  • Day 4: Ronda Bridge
    1 hour 35 minutes (78.6 miles) from Nerja Caves

    The Ronda Bridge is an architectural masterpiece that’s a true picture print. Take a guided tour around this magnificent structure and enjoy the wonderful vistas of the natural landscape. Foodies and Wine enthusiast will appreciate visiting nearby vineyards and a gourmet lunch in a traditional restaurant.

  • Day 5: Puerto Banus
    51 minutes (45.7 miles) from Ronda Bridge

    Puerto Banus is the most upscale part of the Costa del Sol of the region. Admire the luxurious yachts, feast on Michelin star cuisine, and shop at some of the most high-end brands all in the port area. For the ultimate experience, consider a nighttime luxury yacht tour of the regon.

  • Day 6: Alhambra Palace
    2 hours 9 minutes (106 miles) from Puerto Banus

    Make the most of your day by visiting the stunning Alhambra Palace in Granada. Considered a heritagesite by UNESCO, Alhambra has been dated back to the 13th century. It’s a grandiose piece of historical architecture with features such as the Palace of Carlos V, the Alhambra gardens, and The small albaicin neighborhood.

  • Day 7: Torremolinos Beach Day
    23 minutes (8.8 miles) from Málaga Airport

    Spend your final day soaking up the sun at Torremolinos beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Costa del Sol. Finish your trip with a refreshing swim in the sparkling waters surrounded by the lively ambiance of the coastal town. Or, if you still have energy, try wakeboarding or windsurfing!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Old Town Marbella (2 hours, $0-20)
  • Málaga Museum (3-4 hours, $5-15)
  • Nerja Caves (2-3 hours, $10-15)
  • Ronda Bridge (1-2 hours, $0-20)
  • Puerto Banus (4-6 hours, $50-100)
  • Alhambra Palace (4-6 hours, $20-25)
  • Torremolinos Beach Day (4-6 hours, $0-50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $85-240

Transportation

Traveling the Costa del Sol can be done by public transportation, namely buses which are affordable and frequent. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the nearby airports. The roads are well signposted and should not be a problem for an experienced driver, however, parking downtown both Málaga and Marbella proves challenging as these are pedestrians zone areas.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to Gibraltar or Seville. These two cities are not far from the Costa del Sol region and offer picturesque landscapes and immersive culture. If you have less time, consider only completing the must-see attractions in the area like the Alhambra Palace, Marbella's Old Town, and Nerja caves.

Airports

The Malaga Airport (AGP) is the closest airport to Costa del Sol, being approximately a 25-minute drive from Old Town Marbella. It is situated 4 miles from city's central Torremolinos. The second nearest airport is the Federico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport (GRX), located two hours away from the region.

0