Costa Del Sol Luxury Holidays

Despite being known for the bustling seaside resorts of Málaga and Marbella, the Costa Del Sol still has plenty of unspoiled hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Spanish secrets

A spectacular mixture of ocean and mountains, the coastal town of Nerja is a sunny paradise complete with turquoise waters and stunning views. The area’s beaches are an obvious draw, but there are many more reasons to visit. A walk into the mountains along the Rio Chillar river and waterfalls is sure to impress, and a visit to Cueva de Nerja, a mystical world beneath the mountains, is a truly unique experience. Around five million years old, these caves feature astonishing rock formations in a whole spectrum of colours, creating a surreal and mesmerising effect.

Nearby Ronda, a hilltop town brimming with Moorish architecture, boasts breathtaking scenery and ancient thermal baths first discovered by the Romans. For outdoor enthusiasts, the remarkable El Tajo Gorge found just outside Ronda can be explored via plentiful walking trails.

Finding a secluded slice of coastal paradise is possible in El Cañuelo. Idyllic coves with clear cobalt water sit at the base of the Maro cliffs and are a fantastic destination for diving and snorkelling with a plethora of marine life. Kayaking along this coast is an adventurous way to see even more of its stunning scenery, including hidden waterfalls and caves.

If you want to experience the serenity of classic Spanish whitewashed villages away from the crowds, head to the lesser-known Cortes de la Frontera, with pretty streets, Baroque churches and striking views of the valley below. Alternatively, visiting Arriate, another picturesque village of whitewashed houses, offers an opportunity to sample some of the region’s best tapas - a real Spanish treat.

Costa del Sol classics

Although busier and more developed, the popular tourist resorts still have plenty to offer. Whilst in Málaga, there’s more to do than just relaxing on the beach. The city’s cathedral, built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque, is worth a visit for its impressive grandeur and panoramic views from the roof, while Alcazaba, a beautifully restored Moorish fortress, is also a must for visitors; nestled amongst bougainvillea and orange trees, it features interesting architecture, picturesque gardens and more great views of the city. As the city of Pablo Picasso’s birth, no trip to Málaga should be without a stop at Museo Picasso, where visitors can marvel at over 200 of the artist’s pieces. High above Málaga, just along the coast, Mijas Pueblo is a quintessential Spanish mountain village featuring various interesting architecture. Full of traditional tapas bars and restaurants, Mijas is also renowned for its breathtaking views of the coast. On especially clear days, the Rock of Gibraltar can be seen to the west and Morocco viewed across the Mediterranean to the south.

The coastal town of Fuengirola appears to have maintained its authentic charm whilst welcoming increasing tourism. It boasts numerous hotels and restaurants as well as traditional tapas bars that serve real Spanish delicacies, and the narrow streets of its old town are classic and picturesque.

See for yourself

To experience the varied scenery, delicious cuisine and intriguing towns that Costa Del Sol has to offer, don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team by phone or live chat to find out more about discovering the little known side of this beautiful area on a luxury trip with Azure.