In the 60s the Costa del Sol was the Spanish package holiday destination. While it's still has the sun, sandy beaches, friendly Mediterranean climate and lively resorts, these days the Costa del Sol has also begun to promote its culture just as much as the idyllic weather. And there's definitely light under this bushel. The Costa del Sol's accommodation options have also expanded beyond package resorts and these days some of the best hotels on the Costa del Sol include chic boutique options, eco fincas and charming guesthouses.
Capital of the region, Málaga is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're here for the culture and history as well as the sunshine. Don't be put off by the 'airport hub' first impression, at Málaga's heart is a beautiful historic centre and all the wonderful history you might expect from an old Mediterranean port city. There has been a lot of investment in recent years and this has meant the opening of several new museums and extensive restoration of 'the pretty bits'. Málaga also has some of the region's best tapas bars.
It's not just Málaga, many of the Costa del Sol's resorts have charming old town centres - much maligned Marbella included. Once a whitewashed fishing village, Marbella's Old Town is a fascinating blend of Andalucían and Moorish cultures which is especially obvious in the colourful floral displays and narrow streets.
This part of Andalucía is also known for its numerous, pretty, white hilltop villages, including the old 'white village' of Mijas. All these villages and old town centres have fantastic regular markets, one of the most notable at Benahavis.
If you're looking for a glitzy break, Puerto Banus is marketed as Spain's St. Tropez. The area around a luxury marina, just south of Marbella, this is the best place to stay in the Costa del Sol if you want to be wowed by super-yachts and sports cars. This is the patch where the wealthy, famous and royal have been papped. They're here for the sun, endless rows of high-end designer boutiques and the endless supply of excellent restaurants and strip of famous bars and clubs.
If you want to appreciate the area's natural beauty beyond the coastline take a trip on the Benalmádena Aerial Cable Car, which takes visitors 800 meters over Costa del Sol, soaring through the air to Mount Calamorro. Or you could visit the El Torcal Natural Area, a striking landscape of bizarre limestone formations from 150 million years ago.
If you're looking for some of the Costa del Sol's more unique cultural offerings, the Picasso Museum in the Los Condes de Buenavista and the Royal Riding School of Ronda are two institutions worth visiting.
And if you're looking for something even more unique you're only a short drive from the monkeys of the Rock of Gibraltar.
Just don't forget that this is a very popular destination, especially during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol during July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.
The Hotel Carabeo is a decadently decorated hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea. There are some lovely antiques, as well as four poster beds. And several of the seven rooms have private terraces. The food is excellent, and very Spanish.
The Town House is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you like things whitewashed and unfussy. It's very close to Marbella's Plaza de los Naranjos and the Old Town.
Room Mate Larios in central Málaga is a lovely townhouse with a sunny outlook and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar. It's a short stroll from all the highlights and consistently excellent.
The Hotel Puente Romano is a Grand Andalucian seafront luxury hotel, with pretty much everything you need for the perfect beach break: a private beach, tennis courts, a spa, a kid's club and a choice of restaurants. And of course bright, but luxurious interiors.
The Posada del Patio is a good five star hotel close to all Málaga's highlights. It also has rooms with private balconies and a fabulous rooftop terrace and an excellent restaurant. So you have great views and great beach access.
Hotel Claude is a beautifully restored 17th Century townhouse converted into just seven suites. One of the first really nice boutique-y hotels in Marbella, the Hotel Claude is also one of the most romantic places to stay on the Costa del Sol.
As well as having its own golf course and spa, the Marbella Club also offers tennis and horse riding. And it has its own beach, so this is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're looking for the perfect resort holiday. In the summer there's a kid's club.
Finca Cortesin is a truly magnificent stay - boasting gorgeous accommodation, a golf course, extensive spa facilities and wonderful cuisine - including one Michelin-starred option.
Casa la Concha is a set of chic, little B&B cottages set on a hilltop above Marbella. Quiet, relaxed and green, with lovely views of the Mediterranean, this is a great place for families because you have your own cottage to yourself.
The Petit Palace Plaza in central Málaga is a lovely old townhouse on a charming cobbled street, but inside its rooms are modern and brightly decorated. And its got views of the cathedral.
Hotel Palacio Blanco offers whitewashed suites furnished in a contemporary style - ideal for family getaways. Plus, there are a range of spa treatments on offer and an outdoor pool by which to relax during the day.
Located in the hilltop village of Benahavis, Amanhavis Hotel offers 9 charming rooms with wooden four posters and rustic decor. With an outdoor pool and restaurant serving up lovely regional cuisine, it's a top choice for a quiet retreat.
La Villa Marbella is a charming boutique hotel tucked away in the city's old town. Featuring lovely rooms and a gorgeous roof terrace, it's a great place to unwind in the heart of Marbella.
Room Mate Larios in central Málaga is a lovely townhouse with a sunny outlook and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar. It's a short stroll from all the highlights and consistently excellent.
Andalucía
Charming small hotel and restaurant with friendly owners in a Moorish mountain village. A short drive from the coast. Great food and pool in historic hilltop village location. Cosy country styled rooms. Ideal Andalusian escape.
Marbella (Calle Ancha)
Sophisticated and elegantly restored 17th century townhouse, in Marbellas old town. The seven chic and individual rooms feature Moorish-style arched doorways, peaked timbered ceilings and understated contemporary touches. Sunlit interior patio, gourmet dining and rooftop terrace. Totally unique.
Marbella
A chic boutique B&B with individual cottages sprawling through beautiful flora and fauna gardens. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean and Marbella. An ideal location for a weekend wedding or a group/family holiday.
Marbella
If you're looking for a chic and simple base from which to explore Marbella then this boutique B&B is perfect. White washed walls and wooden beams with a flash of antique decoration. A private and intimate destination.
Andalucía
A restored 18th century palace in an outstanding location - near to Malaga's artistic scene and close to the coast's best beaches. Eight suites with white washed walls and wooden beams blend Moorish inspiration with contemporary comforts. Ideal for a romantic or a family break.
Andalucía
A stunning golf resort with beautiful suites. The golf course is not the only wow factor - the spa, delicious food, and fantastic reception rooms make this an ideal place for private parties and gourmet spa breaks off the golf course.
Marbella
A golf, spa and beach resort that offers a unique experience. Elegant in its classic style and luxurious with its outstanding facilities. Located in a natural paradise on the shores of the Mediterranean. An oasis of relaxation for families or those seeking something princely.
Marbella
Grand Andalucian luxury set on the sands of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Beautiful sunny rooms and suites have white washed walls, parquet floors, creamy furnishings and private balconies. Many restaurants, tennis courts, Six Senses spa, private beach and kids club. Perfect for beach life.
Málaga
A good Five Star hotel close to all the attractions. Contemporary chic rooms and suites in browns, yellows and whites with private balconies. Fantastic roof top terrace with pool, excellent restaurant and good value too. A stylish spot in the centre of Malaga.
Málaga
A contemporary hotel in central Malaga. A townhouse building on a cobbled street with modern rooms and family rooms with white washed walls, splashes of orange, and views of the cathedral. A chic hotel that attracts couples and families.
Málaga
Perfectly positioned townhouse hotel with cool contemporary interiors and no frills attached. Sunlit bedrooms and suites have attractive furnishings and balconettes. Fantastic roof top terrace and trendy bar. Great value and consistently excellent.
Marbella (Marbella)
A chic boutique hotel in the old town. Beautiful rooms and apartments styled on Asian cities have lots of natural light and attractive furnishings. Stunning views from roof terrace. Set in a quiet location and minutes from the sights and beaches. Ideal for a romantic holiday or group of friends.
Nerja (Nerja)
A glorious hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Decadent rooms feature antique style furniture, some with 4 poster beds and private terraces. Large, light apartments. Outstanding Spanish cuisine, outdoor pool, chic tapas bar and restaurant. Very romantic, family friendly, and by the beach.
Málaga
Just a short walk from the beach, Room Mate Valeria is a stylish modern hotel in Malaga. The seaside setting is mirrored by its aquatic aesthetic with comfortable rooms decorated in bold greens and blues. Enjoy a cocktail on the terrace.
Málaga
Molina Lario is a delightful hotel in the heart of Malaga. Featuring plush rooms, an atmospheric bar and stunning views out over the rooftops of the city, it's a great option for a weekend of exploring Malaga.
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