Do you want to see which of Spain’s Andalusian coastal towns appeal to you – for a visit or for retirement? If so, you have 15 glorious seaside spots on Spain’s Costa del Sol to pick from. Since I may live or retire on Spain’s Costa del Sol someday, I decided to pick lovely Estepona as my home base and scout other potential candidates from there.
Out of Spain’s eight stunning coasts, the Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast) is probably the most popular seaside destination for travelers and expats alike. Each Mediterranean paradise offers a laid-back, cheerful lifestyle accented by year-round sunny beaches (300 to 320 days a year), friendly locals and tasty traditional Andalusian dishes.
The Sunshine Coast stretches about 180 miles from the Strait of Gibraltar to the province of Granada, rimmed by the magnificent Sierra Blanca Coastal Mountain Range. At the feet of the mountain range are beautiful sanded beaches, dotted with former fishing villages, hugging the welcoming Costa del Sol shores.
Surprisingly, your stay can be both luxurious and affordable if you live like a local or retire (the ultimate live like a local experience!) on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The sun-drenched coastal lifestyle becomes budget-friendly based on the type of accommodation, season and length of stay.
So far, my top Sunshine Coast choices are Malaga, Marbella, and Estepona. Have fun choosing your paradise experience – stay a while or retire (full or part time) on Spain’s gorgeous Costa del Sol!
Why Live or Retire on Costa del Sol’s Malaga?
Seaside Malaga is your exciting entrée to Spain’s Costa del Sol. It sits at the eastern end of the coast and can serve as your home base for exploring the wildly popular Sunshine Coast. Unlike Spain’s former fishing villages like Marbella, Malaga looms as a big bustling cosmopolitan city with historic sites and architecture, unique museums, eclectic restaurants, Andalusian traditions and shopping.
Laden with cruise ships and luxury yachts, you can explore Malaga’s remodeled sea port where time slows as you take a paseo maritime (seaside promenade) and people-watch from a front-row seat at one of the outdoor cafes.
Another favorite city perk is the attractive pedestrianized downtown area where streets are brimming with al fresco cafes with colorful umbrellas, a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional fare, tempting tapas bars and designer boutiques.
Especially popular are Malaga’s many and varied sanded beaches at the city’s doorstep, stretching for miles along the Mediterranean. The two favorite Malaga beaches enjoyed by locals and visitors alike are the Playa Malagueta which is closest to the city and Playa Caleta boasting stunning views.
For exciting activities & day trips from Malaga to places like Ronda, browse and book here.
Why Live or Retire on Costa del Sol’s Marbella?
Marbella reigns as probably the most idyllic beach resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol. A picturesque former fishing village today, Marbella offers beachside luxury surroundings with exquisite condo-hotels and villas. While definitely a favorite with roving tourists, the pretty Andalusian town is also a favorite expat location.
Part of Marbella’s unique charm is the laid-back vibe emanating from the soothing azure Mediterranean. With bougainvillea embracing the old quarter and draping whitewashed buildings crowned with terracotta roofs, you’re literally showered with beauty everywhere you wander.
You’ll find winding red-tiled pedestrian streets and old town squares decorated with orange trees, bustling eateries and scrumptious tapas bars – particularly those facing the sea in full view of yachts and golden beaches.
The small charming town is well known for its amazing Salvador Dali outdoor bronze sculptures, high-end shopping and resort amenities. And, just 15 minutes away by car, you can visit the flashy Puerto Banus resort town famous for its designer shopping and glamorous beachside cafes. With all the super yachts and luxury sports cars around, some say that Puerto Banus resembles the French Riviera more than Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Almost in the middle of the Costa del Sol, Marbella’s central location is convenient for exploring both the coast and the hinterland. With Malaga to the east and Estepona to the west, you can day trip to stunning spots like Gibraltar and the Sierra Blanca mountainsides, crested by Moorish pueblos blancos (whitewashed towns).
For sun-kissed beaches and water activities, Marbella has 20 beaches nearby. Two favorites are Nikki beach where you might spy a celebrity and Puerto Banus beach with clear waters, an attractive marina, great restaurants and shopping.
For exciting activities & day trips from Marbella, browse and book here.
Why Live or Retire on Costa del Sol’s Estepona?
At the western end of the Costa del Sol (45 minutes from Gibraltar), Estepona feels more laid back and less touristed than Marbella or Malaga, particularly appealing to those visitors choosing to stay weeks or months or even retire in Estepona.
The former fishing village is widely recognized today as one of Costa del Sol’s best beach resort destinations. However, the small town continues to hold on to deep-seated traditions adding Andalusian charm (and great food) to this lovely Mediterranean spot.
When meandering through Estepona’s pretty Andalusian whitewashed buildings and town squares, I always felt a palpable local vibe especially when the locals celebrated their festivals and market days.
Typical of the region, you’ll discover a scenic palm-lined paseo maritime (seaside boardwalk), for wandering the golden beaches and for chowing down on char-grilled sardines or fritura malaguena (mixed fried fish platter) at beachside chiringuitos (beach bars).
The small town is a strategic location for venturing out to the many beaches, coastal attractions and Gibraltar. You can also easily explore the Andalusian hinterland sprinkled with traditional pueblos blancos (hilltop perched Moorish whitewashed villages).
Two of Estepona’s top beaches are the Beach La Rada, the village’s principal beach that reaches from the west end of the promenade to the port, and El Padron beach with many restaurants and a beach club.
For exciting activities & day trips from Estepona, browse and book here.
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