Each resort in Costa del Sol celebrates its uniqueness whilst keeping thoroughly in touch with its Spanish heritage and its promise of a top-quality lifestyle. A region that caters for even the most discerning styles of living, offers luxurious but authentic resorts like Marbella, Puerto Banús or Sotogrande, often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Spain, as well as family-friendly and cosy towns like Torremolinos or Fuengirola.
Regardless of the location chosen to settle or enjoy your holidays on this sunny coast, it offers the perfect blend of peaceful, first-rate relaxation, spectacular nature, a variety of leisure activities, family time and 5-star experiences. Rightfully, with a record number of votes, Marbella, located in the heart of Costa del Sol, 2024 lands at the top of the list of the 20 trendiest places in Europe, based on the votes of more than one million travellers from 172 countries.
A growing number of people who appreciate the quality of day-to-day life and recreation are turning to the coast for more than sea and sand. Enjoying evening walks along the seafront promenade, sailing on a catamaran, golfing on prestigious courts, hanging out at the beach club and staying surrounded by fresh air and green nature all year round – these are just a few highlights of the serene life here.
The international environment of Costa del Sol certainly adds to the sense of ease. With professionals from a wide range of countries making their lives here, the region is full of international schools and extracurricular activities for children. Spanish is not a necessity, although it is a pleasant bonus. The cosmopolitan atmosphere allows you to quickly settle into a comfortable daily routine without the barriers of language or culture.
Tourism, rental, and property prices in the Costa del Sol region have seen a steady increase in recent years. The experience of the pandemic has accelerated a global shift in lifestyle habits, with a greater emphasis on remote work, outdoor spaces, and quality leisure time. This combination builds a steady demand in the high-end coastal property market.
Costa del Sol meaning the coast of sunshine lives up to its name, with 325 sunny days a year. The entire coastline has the most reliable weather in mainland Spain, with a Mediterranean climate, mild winters, and sun-kissed summers.
Average temperatures range from 19°C to 24°C in spring, 28°C to 31°C in summer, 19°C to 28°C in autumn and 14°C to 18°C in winter. Winter is the season when the benefits of the Costa del Sol are at their best. Europe’s southernmost coastline also becomes its sunniest. During the coolest part of the year, the sun shines for 5-7 hours a day. At the same time, in some parts of northern Europe, the same number of hours of sunshine can be counted over an entire month.
The coast fulfills its promise of sunny days by no coincidence. Until the second half of the last century, Costa del Sol used to be called Costa del Viento (“windy coast”). The warm winds from the Atlantic or the sea blow away any clouds, so you hardly ever have to cancel your summer plans due to unexpected rain. The best chance of short showers only occurs in November and December. In winter, a wave of warmer air is brought in from Africa along with the wind, sometimes reaching 20°C.
The water temperature on the Alboran coast climbs to 18-20°C in May. In summer it reaches 21-26°C. Residents and visitors open the beach season as early as March or April, depending on the year. If the house comes with a terrace, sunbathers can be met even in late February.
The Costa del Sol region, which follows more than 100 km of Mediterranean coastline, offers fine white and dark sandy beaches and a spectacular mountain range on the southern Iberian Peninsula. The Penibaetic Mountain System has shaped a unique landscape of dunes, cliffs, bays, and green oases over thousands of years.
Residents who prefer a quiet getaway or a slower pace of life will appreciate the advantages of the coastal nature. Urban beaches are characterised by their cleanliness, the abundance of restaurants and small shops nearby, the convenience for families with children and the large stretch of sand that allows you to enjoy your personal space. The ones who wish for more privacy are drawn to beaches a little further away from the city centre, with the feeling of a private tropical island. Protected areas of natural dunes and unique coves surrounded by stately cliffs offer a peaceful retreat as well.
Active outdoor enthusiasts won’t have to travel far either. With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Costa del Sol offers plenty of options for active pursuits. The region is surrounded by several national parks and nature reserves. Most of them are lined with limestone mountains, coniferous forests, and quiet valleys. They hide spectacular caves, river beds, and waterfalls. The region offers a wide range of outdoor experiences, from traditional hiking, horse riding, off-road or cycling routes, kayaking, and canoeing, to cave exploration and rock climbing.
The towns on the sunny coast are just an hour or two-hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean. The windy Atlantic coast is popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its exceptionally long kitesurfing season. The town of Tarifa, on the very tip of the Strait of Gibraltar, is perhaps the best-known beach for adrenaline seekers. Further afield, the spectacular ocean coastline is enjoyed by picnic and camping enthusiasts.
Those who long for snow and winter sports won’t have to look for airline tickets to the Alps. The ski resort in Sierra Nevada National Park is just a few hours away. The ski season usually starts in November and runs until March.
The excellent weather all year round offers endless opportunities for spending quality time in Costa del Sol. From spectacular gastronomic experiences and rich culture to gyms and studios meeting every sports and healthy lifestyle needs.
Life on the seafront and by the ocean allows you to enjoy fresh fish and seafood throughout the season. Sun-drenched fruit, vegetables and a variety of local wines only add to the experience of visiting local restaurants. Whether you choose the exquisite Michelin-guide restaurants that excite the senses, or the small, rustic beach eateries located waterside known as chiringuitos, the gastronomic experience is there to keep you coming back for more. The tradition of fine foods and colourful cuisine in Costa del Sol is also reflected in the annual gastronomic festivals.
A warm climate and extremely long beach season provide ideal conditions and encourage nearly anyone to exercise. Not only the environment but also the infrastructure is conducive to the demand for an active lifestyle. Coastal towns are full of gyms, fitness, Pilates and yoga studios, ranging from state-of-the-art to the ones offering the opportunity to work out while facing the sea. The area shows a particularly strong focus on golfing, with over 70 world-class golf clubs and courses between Malaga and Sotogrande, representing the highest concentration in Europe. Tennis and padel are also among the most popular options.
For cultural experiences, life on the coast offers a wide range of art, music, and cinema attractions to choose from. The regional capital – Malaga, is filled with the genius of Pablo Picasso, who was born here, and also offers a collection of works by other Andalusian artists, as well as the chance to discover contemporary art. New galleries, exhibition spaces and artists’ studios are emerging, testifying to the cultural life that has flourished in the region over the last decade. Costa del Sol also has a lot to offer for cinema lovers, with several major international and local film festivals taking place every year, and no shortage of cinemas.
At Vive Ahora, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from finding your ideal property to signing the deed. We’ll help you navigate legal requirements, understand the associated costs and taxes, and ensure you make the most of your investment, whether for personal use or rental income.
