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MARBELLA
Marbella is the most famous seaside resort on the Costa del Sol and has a reputation as one of the most glamorous holiday destinations in Southern Europe. Discovered by the world's jet set in the 1960s, Marbella stands for luxury and high-end experiences – it is no coincidence that some of Europe's highest-end real estate can be found here, as well as first-class golf courses and some of the world's best beach clubs.
In the center of Marbella, you will find the historic old town with a Moorish castle, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, and several beautiful churches. The central Alameda Park, adorned with numerous Dali sculptures, connects the old town to the beach promenade via the Avenida del Mar. The seaside promenade – one of the most popular spots in Marbella – runs from the Bajadilla marina in the east all the way to San Pedro in the west, a distance of approximately 15 km in total.
SAN PEDRO
This is a small town west of Marbella, better known simply as San Pedro. The town has numerous amenities, with a wide range of shops and restaurants, good sports facilities, health centers, and various schools, including the Laude San Pedro International College.
San Pedro has an attractive boulevard and two popular parks. The Boulevard, located in the city center, has a playground for children and a small theater, while the Parque de los Tres Jardines (to the north) features botanical gardens with subtropical, Mediterranean, and Arabic gardens.
There are various sought-after developments in San Pedro. For example, the high-quality Guadalmina and Linda Vista, both to the west of the resort.
PUERTO BANUS
Puerto Banús needs no introduction, as it is one of the most popular places to visit in Marbella. It is home to an attractive marina where some of the world's largest private yachts and boats are moored.
You will also find a long list of luxury boutiques there – the major designers and haute couture names have shops in Puerto Banús – as well as many restaurants and bars overlooking the marina. This is truly a place to see and be seen. During the high season, celebrity spotting is commonplace because many famous people drink wine and dine in Puerto Banús.
This is also one of the best nightclub spots in Marbella. Some of the best beach clubs on the Costa del Sol are located in Puerto Banús, including Ocean Club, Funky Buddha, and La Sala by the Sea. All offer nighttime parties as well as daytime activities. A short distance from the beach, you will also find a number of good discos and bars.
NEW ANDALUCIA
Nueva Andalucía is located west of Marbella and north of Puerto Banús. This popular development features an excellent selection of villas and townhouses, some of which overlook golf courses. Many homes offer unparalleled views of the mountains and/or the sea.
Nueva Andalucía has excellent facilities, such as a small shopping center in Centro Plaza (next to the bullfighting arena), which hosts one of the most popular markets on the Costa del Sol on Saturdays. Aloha College, one of the largest international schools in Marbella, is located here.
Sports facilities are excellent – Golf Valley has five golf courses in and around Nueva Andalucía, and some of them, such as La Quinta and Las Brisas, are among the best on the Costa del Sol. The famous Manolo Santana Tennis Academy is also located here.
ESTEPONA
Estepona is located in Spain, west of the Costa del Sol, between Marbella and Manilva. Unlike some resorts on the Costa del Sol, Estepona has remained true to its fishing village roots and has preserved the typical Andalusian atmosphere. The municipality stretches for more than 21 km along the Mediterranean Sea and includes some of the best and quietest beaches on the Costa del Sol.
The beach promenade stretches for several kilometers. You can enjoy a lovely walk along the city's Blue Flag beaches. On the west side of the city lies Estepona Marina, home to the fishing fleet, shops, restaurants, and a Sunday market.
Estepona also offers a range of water sports such as sailing, jet skiing, and diving. Many of these activities are located in Estepona Marina. Estepona has a number of beautiful beaches, including three with Blue Flag status.
ELVIRIA
The Elviria region of Marbella is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire southern coast. It is a lively residential area that offers a range of amenities and is very popular among the expat community.
Elviria is famous for its tranquil forests featuring beautifully fragrant native pines, cork oaks, and sand dunes. Cabopino harbor offers berths for residents and is also a popular and lively beach with a number of local and international beach bars, chiringuitos, and restaurants.
The area is home to the Don Carlos Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel that has been a local landmark for years. It has also been home to the world-famous Nikki Beach, one of Europe's premium beach club hotspots known for its glamour, luxury, and celebrity culture. It also features a number of small commercial areas with a range of convenient local amenities, including banks, medical centers, and a large selection of excellent restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.
FUENGIROLA
Fuengirola is a bustling metropolis with a fantastic 8km stretch of beach, a picturesque harbour, and a recently redesigned central square, Plaza de la Constitución, which buzzes all year round with both locals and tourists sampling the local cuisine and browsing the surrounding boutiques.
The square is an enchanting gathering place for family and friends during festivities such as the annual Fuengirola Summer Feria, Christmas, and New Year, when it is completely decked out in elaborate lighting and ornaments and the entire city participates in the street parties and explodes in song and dance.
The city is located just a 40-minute drive from Malaga Airport, connects the Costa del Sol to most European destinations, and is a short drive from charming coastal towns such as La Cala and Benalmadena.
MIJAS COSTA
Mijas Costa is located in the center of the Costa del Sol in southern Spain and stretches for 12 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast from Cabopino in Marbella in the west to Fuengirola in the east.
La Cala de Mijas – this small town is the centre for (administrative) services of Mijas Costa. La Cala, once a small fishing village, has now grown into a popular place to live and has approximately 4,000 inhabitants. It features schools, medical centres, a range of shops and restaurants, and the best beaches in this part of the Costa del Sol.
There are 15 beaches in Mijas Costa, and 3 of them have Blue Flag status. The beaches vary from long, sandy beaches like those in La Cala to small pebble coves. A few small beaches are among the quietest on the Costa del Sol. The Mijas Costa residential areas are all a short distance from the beaches in Marbella and Fuengirola.