After months of drizzle and layering up every time you leave the front door, now’s the time to get out and capture some of that long-sought vitamin D. The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to find it, with glimmering seas and sun-kissed promenades just about everywhere you look. Whether you’re here to explore the area or are content to laze your days away on a lounger, let’s get acquainted with this southern Spanish gem. 

Before you sprawl out on Malaga’s beaches, or enjoy cocktails from Marbella’s harbour, it’s important to find a good hotel, resort, or holiday apartment to call home. Luckily, the Costa del Sol is home to many beds with views over the placid Mediterranean Sea. A number of rental companies offer luxury villas in the region’s prized towns, such as Mijas and Fuengirola, ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends. 

​Cook up a Storm 

Spanish produce – think chorizo, manchego, and delicious parma hams – is the envy of the world. If you’re visiting, it’s always good to give yourself the option of cooking using local ingredients – after all, you won’t find meats this fresh back in your hometown supermarket. Visiting a local market is also a great way to experience Spanish culture, and you’ll return with a whole host of recipes to try back home.  

​Go Seaward 

There’s no shortage of beaches here, and you’d be crazy not to spend at least one afternoon soaking up rays whilst listening to the waves lapse around you. After a while, however, you’re going to want to go out and catch some of your own. Sea kayaking is a fun and adventurous way to see the surrounding coastline, and tours run from Malaga, the capital of Andalucia. Grab a paddle and drift along at your own pace – the Med’s tepid waters will always keep you cool even in the heat of the day. 

​Uncover Picasso

Like much of Spain, the Costa del Sol is adorned with cultural and historic hotspots which’ll gift you an insight into the country’s past. In Malaga, there’s a museum showcasing the works of Pablo Picasso, perhaps the city’s best known export. Delve amongst the Spaniard’s visionary shapes and shades for an afternoon of abstract artwork, before heading back out into the sun for an evening on one of Spain’s sunniest strips. 

The Costa del Sol’s best attractions aren’t just found in Malaga – you’ll find iconic landmarks and castles dotted throughout, most notably Benalmadena’s
Castillo de Colomares. Its turrets and medieval features will take you back 500 years, and on top of that make for some great holiday photos. After this, take a wander along the town’s serene beach for a few more holiday snaps – a shot of the castle from afar is sure to boost your Insta likes tenfold! 

Whether you’re a culture vulture or a beach lover, there’s something for everyone in the Costa del Sol. If you haven’t experienced it for yourself, isn’t it about time you did?