The best places to stay on the Costa del Sol

• Estepona: With spacious, golden-sand beaches and a long, winding promenade, Estepona is famed for its colourfulness, with beautiful flowerpots and hanging baskets at every turn.
• Fuengirola: One of the nicest resorts on the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola has a delightful seaside promenade and a more authentically Spanish feel.
• Málaga: The urban hub of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is sometimes overlooked in favour of the tourist-focused resort towns. However, it has some seriously impressive monuments, including a cathedral, the fortified Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.
• Marbella: Although perhaps best known for the glamorous environs of Puerto Banús, Marbella has a picture-postcard old town complete with orange-laden plazas, immaculately preserved churches and ancient fortress walls.
• Mijas: A “pueblo blanco” (white town) nestled in the hills, it has whitewashed buildings, narrow, winding streets, and sensational views of the coast.
• Nerja: This laidback destination combines a scenic old town with several gorgeous beaches as well as the nearby Nerja Caves, a must-see for their sheer scale.

Málaga is one of the best places on the Costa del Sol for couples. This picturesque city combines intriguing history with modern conveniences and makes a great base for a romantic break in Andalusia. There are scenic strolling spots aplenty, from the characterful alleys of the old town to the pretty port and La Malagueta beach – the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set over the sea. The culinary scene is top-notch, serving up superb seafood with traditional dishes like sardine skewers. Don’t miss the top things to do in Málaga for couples, including epic monuments like Gibralfaro Castle and the imposing Alcazaba. If you’re in Málaga for a special holiday and want to push the boat out, the Gran Hotel Miramar GL can’t be beaten. The elegant architecture of the listed building makes a stunning first impression, and there are amenities to match including a spa centre. The sleek and modern H10 Croma Málaga is perfectly located where the old town meets the port and boasts a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant. Foodie couples will love the culinary creations on offer at Vincci Larios Diez and its superb restaurant, El Taller de Larios 10. Other great options for a couple’s trip to the Costa del Sol include Ronda, a charming town perched atop a plummeting gorge that was a favourite haunt of both Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. If lounging on beautiful beaches together is more your thing, head to Marbella, where miles of sandy shoreline stretch in both directions.

Fuengirola is one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol for families, and it’s not hard to see why. The town’s five miles of beaches are an obvious selling point – Los Boliches is particularly popular thanks to its shallow, calm water and the long promenade lined with family-friendly eateries. There’s also a fantastic zoo, the Bioparc, home to tigers, crocodiles, gorillas and much more. If spotting animals is your family’s thing, you can take a dolphin-watching boat trip from the port, while thrill-seekers will love Aquamijas Water Park and the array of water sports activities on offer. Situated directly on the seafront by Torreblanca Beach, the Globales Gardenia has everything you need for a family stay, including multiple swimming pools catering to both adults and kids. If you like to have all the amenities of home on a family holiday, ILUNION Miramar offers apartments equipped with a kitchen – but don’t worry, there’s also an Andalusian restaurant on site if you don’t fancy cooking. Leonardo Hotel Fuengirola is a family-friendly spot just 50 metres from the beach that boasts amenities parents will love, not least the full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials. Families in search of a dream destination on the Costa del Sol will also love Nerja, famed for its wealth of beautiful beaches and the Balcón de Europa, a panoramic viewpoint that looks out at a backdrop of coastline and distant mountains. You can also head inland from Fuengirola to the mountain town of Mijas, where you’ll find relaxation and epic views aplenty.

Wondering where to stay on the Costa del Sol for nightlife? Look no further than Marbella. This glamorous destination is renowned for its high-end clubs like Tibu and Pangea, which take advantage of the city’s clement climate with huge open-air spaces where you can party the night away under the stars. As well as clubbing hotspots like Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile, Marbella also has a pretty old town, with the picturesque Plaza de Los Naranjos well worth a look. And since this is the Costa del Sol, it would be remiss not to mention the gorgeous beaches, all equipped with every amenity under the sun. Marbella has no shortage of luxurious, high-end hotels catering to the jet-set clientele. If you want to join them, check out the Nobu Hotel. A stone’s throw from the beach on the Golden Mile, it boasts Japanese-inspired interiors and international fine-dining. For something a little more affordable yet still exclusive, the Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach is set among beautiful, palm-lined gardens with a pool. Nestled in the old town near all the best things to do in Marbella, the Óbal Urban Hotel is still just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. As well as an outdoor pool, the hotel has a Mediterranean restaurant and bar on site. Marbella isn’t the only destination on the Costa del Sol for partygoers. Málaga is the place to go if you want to live it up with the locals and soak up the big city vibes at clubs that keep the tunes coming till seriously late (or early). There are tons of fun things to do in Benalmadena, home to a port lined with bars serving up everything from live sport to karaoke, plus sensational sunsets. Torremolinos is the region’s LGBTQ nightlife hub, with open-air dancefloors aplenty.

The Costa del Sol’s biggest city, Málaga has the full range of accommodation, and the high end boasts some seriously swanky hotels. The Only YOU Hotel Málaga can’t be beaten on location, sitting at the intersection of the old town, the park and the port. Within the chic, Art Deco interior, you’ll find two excellent restaurants plus a rooftop pool and lounge with incredible views. The Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is an upscale establishment with a riverside location in the old town. Its sleek, contemporary style is sure to win you over, but don’t forget to check out the ruins of the city’s ancient walls, on display in the basement. The relaxed town of Estepona has all the charm of a Spanish “pueblo” with its whitewashed buildings and narrow streets. It’s home to the Kempinski Hotel Bahía, a luxurious beachfront resort. Every amenity you could dream of is available here, from pools and tennis courts to gourmet restaurants, a cocktail bar and a dreamy spa. Also perched on the seafront is the Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa, a great high-end option for families. The soothing spa offers treatments plus a sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, while there’s a kids’ club and several pools to keep little ones entertained. Marbella is the Costa del Sol’s go-to destination for glitz and glam, and the Marbella Club Hotel doesn’t disappoint. Situated beachside on the Golden Mile, it’s a beautiful spot with villas dotted among leafy gardens. Everything here is the best money can buy, from the fresh seafood to the Thalasso spa and the highly rated kids’ club. If you’d rather be in the heart of the old town, check out Hotel Claude, a boutique retreat nestled in a 17th-century building. Each of the seven rooms has a different Andalusian theme, and there’s a charming roof terrace that comes alive in summer.

The well-loved resort of Torremolinos is hands-down one of the best places to stay on the Costa del Sol for an all-inclusive break. Known for its friendly welcome and superb coastline, the town is ever-popular with British tourists. The golden-sand beach stretches for miles and is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars), water sports centres, and a spacious promenade perfect for strolling. The old fishing neighbourhood of La Carihuela is also worth a visit for its charming, whitewashed architecture and delicious seafood. Families will find plenty to keep everyone happy, including a chance to get up close and personal with wildlife at Crocodile Park. Torremolinos is home to a whole host of excellent all-inclusive hotels. The Melia Costa del Sol offers a stylish pool with an ocean view, a spa centre, and two restaurants with show cooking. Families are sure to love the Occidental Torremolinos Playa, which has a splash park as well as mini-golf and a kids’ club, while the lagoon-style main pool is a real crowd-pleaser. Another top option is the Hotel Riu Costa del Sol, just a minute’s walk from the beach and a five-minute taxi ride from Torremolinos centre. The food selection includes a buffet as well as Italian and Andalusian cuisine.

• Playa de Burriana: A spacious swathe of sand within walking distance of pretty Nerja, this beach has everything from jet skiing to beach volleyball and kayaking, plus bars and restaurants aplenty on the promenade.
• Playa de la Malagueta: Málaga’s superb urban beach, La Malagueta is a palm-fringed delight for a day of lounging in the sun with views of the port and mountains.
• Playa La Carihuela: Situated between Torremolinos and Benalmadena, this sandy stretch retains the charm of its fishing heritage and is ideal for families with its calm, shallow waters, playgrounds and parks.
• Playa de Venus: With a prime location close to Marbella’s old town, this is the perfect base for a day spent sipping cocktails and munching on tapas – for something more active, there are catamaran trips and dolphin-spotting rides nearby.
• Playa del Cristo: A family-friendly, Blue Flag beach a short walk from the centre of Estepona. The eastern end is sheltered behind a wall, making it perfect for little ones, and there’s a nearby mirador for epic views at sunset.