Best places to live in Costa del Sol (Spain)

The Costa del Sol is a popular holiday destination for both locals and international visitors. Its pleasant climate, with mild temperatures all year round, its relaxed lifestyle and its Mediterranean coastline, make the Malaga province coast a perfect place to live. But the question may arise: What are the best places to live on the Costa del Sol?

The answer is: it depends. The best place to live on the Costa del Sol varies according to your preferences, the budget you have and the lifestyle you want to lead. The cost of buying an apartment for sale in Marbella is not the same as in another area such as Torrox or the surrounding area, so read on to find out more!

Marbella

Marbella is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Since the 1960s, it has become one of the most famous towns in Spain. Its marina, located in Puerto Banús, its designer shops and numerous restaurants with the best international chefs are in this area of the Costa del Sol. Another plus point is that the international airport of Malaga is only 40 minutes away by car.

It is therefore a more expensive area than the other options, where a luxury villa or a frontline beach penthouse can be sold for millions of euros.

Málaga

Málaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and the largest city in the whole province. It has an interesting cultural life, excellent transport connections, with the international airport, high speed trains and buses to all parts of the province and the rest of Spain.

The most important attraction it offers is that you can enjoy an urban life with all the services and at the same time have beaches and promenades for long walks by the sea. As for its historic centre, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle, with its viewpoint, stand out. The centre is full of life, with numerous restaurants, bars, cafés and dominated by the majestic Málaga Cathedral.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola has a wide golden sandy beach, is a family destination with shopping centres and a great atmosphere at all times of the year. It is well communicated, only 15 minutes from the airport and also has a local train service from Malaga.

The town is also home to many expatriates thanks to its wide range of beachfront flats and numerous restaurants and beach bars.

Benalmádena

This town is one of the best places to live on the Costa del Sol, it offers a relaxed lifestyle, thanks to its numerous residential areas and in its wide coastal extension it has areas full of hotels as well as flats and houses on the seafront.

In the more central area it is notable for its huge marina called Puerto Marina. So if you want to have a yacht or a small boat, this port can be a more economical option than Puerto Banús. It has several picturesque amenities such as a cable car that will take you to the top of Mount Calamorro, almost 800 metres high and the Selwo Marina aquarium.

Estepona

This charming town with a seafaring tradition is one of the Costa del Sol’s favourite places to live for many expats. Close to the province of Cádiz and Gibraltar, Estepona’s historic centre and old town with its Spanish architecture, cobbled and flower-filled streets, and of course the beaches in Estepona are among the best in the province.

The lifestyle is relaxed and the cost of living depends on the area and ranges from luxurious mansions to more affordable flats.

Nerja

Nerja is the area of the Costa del Sol with the best beaches and crystal clear waters. It is an area for retirees from other countries who come looking for tranquillity, good food and a quality lifestyle.

In this village you won’t find tall buildings or big hotels, but it retains the charm of the Andalusian white villages. The foreign communities range from German, Irish, Swedish and English. It is an area that used to be cheaper, although in the last few years it has become more and more popular and prices have risen as a result.

Torremolinos

This town, known for its lively life, restaurants and tourism, is also a good place to live on the Costa del Sol. Its location, less than 10 minutes from the airport and its good communications with Malaga city, make it a city with a great variety of options to buy different types of properties at variable prices.

It has up to 7 kilometres of beaches which in summer are full of tourists thanks to its numerous hotels. The area of Torremolinos village is where the local population is located and has a lot of charm.

Benahavís

Benahavís is a mountain village known for its spectacular views and luxurious golf courses. For those seeking the ultimate in tranquillity and luxury homes, Benahavís offers the best of the best. Another highlight of this village is its fantastic restaurants, as it has the highest concentration of gourmet restaurants in Andalucía.

Mijas

Possibly one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Spain, situated at an altitude of over 430 metres, perched high in the mountains is Mijas. Although you need a car to get to the beaches (about 7 km away), living in Mijas is like living with a family and immersing yourself in typical Spanish life.

Torrox

Torrox is a less popular fishing village than the rest of the Costa del Sol, but it is one of the most charming places in the whole province of Málaga. It has two parts: Torrox Costa on the beachfront and Torrox Pueblo in the interior, and is home to the largest colony of Germans from outside Germany in the world, which is why it is so famous for its Oktoberfest.

When choosing the best place to live on the Costa del Sol, you have to take into account factors such as your budget, lifestyle preferences, proximity to amenities and whether you prefer peace and quiet and plenty of atmosphere and services nearby.