Estepona
Estepona, often called the ‘Garden of Andalusia,’ is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa del Sol, known for its colorful floral arrangements and well-maintained streets. Despite becoming a popular destination, it has managed to retain its authentic Andalusian charm.
With 23 kilometers of coastline, Estepona offers many fine and well-kept beaches, as well as a lovely promenade that runs along the sea. You can stay in the traditional town center with whitewashed houses, car-free narrow streets, and cozy squares, or choose modern apartments and villas that line the coast.
Estepona has a calmer pace than its neighbor Marbella and a distinct local character thanks to its active fishing port where daily auctions still take place. The town’s rich restaurant and cultural life, with tapas bars, crafts, and festivals, contributes to the authentic atmosphere.
The area between San Pedro and Estepona – known as ‘The New Golden Mile’ – is also undergoing rapid development, with many new housing projects attracting both investors and permanent residents.
Estepona is perfect for those who want an authentic southern Spanish small-town feel combined with proximity to the sea, mountains, and a relaxed, pleasant lifestyle.
San Pedro
San Pedro de Alcántara – usually called just San Pedro – is located just west of Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía. Unlike its more international neighboring resorts, San Pedro has retained a distinctly Spanish character. Here you can choose to live near the popular promenade with its fine views, many restaurants and cafes, or in the older town center with whitewashed houses and charming streets.
In recent years, the city has changed a lot, partly thanks to the tunnel that was built under the center. It relieved traffic and created a more open and pleasant city life, with better accessibility and wider meeting places.
San Pedro offers a relaxed, genuine atmosphere but at the same time proximity to the glamour in Puerto Banús and the golf courses in Nueva Andalucía. With its combination of Spanish traditions, cozy restaurants, beachfront location and proximity to the mountains, San Pedro is a popular choice for both permanent residents and tourists looking for authentic Spanish charm in a modern style.
Nueva Andalucía
Nueva Andalucía, located just west of Marbella and just minutes from the glamour of Puerto Banús, is one of the Costa del Sol’s most exclusive residential areas. Elegant villas, luxury apartments and green environments dominate here. The area is often called the ‘Golf Valley’ thanks to its first-class golf courses – among the most famous are Aloha, Las Brisas and Los Naranjos.
In Nueva Andalucía you live in a quiet and natural environment, while being close to both the lively nightlife in Puerto Banús and the more relaxed atmosphere in Benahavís. The area offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes and culinary experiences, and you can easily reach both Marbella center and San Pedro.
With its combination of luxury, greenery and strategic location, Nueva Andalucía is a very attractive choice for both permanent residents and visitors who want the best of coastal life, golf and exclusive living environment.
Marbella
Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol’s most well-known and exclusive destinations, where elegance and tradition meet. In the historic city center, Casco Antiguo, you will find charming narrow streets, small squares and classic tapas bars. Along the famous Golden Mile stretches elegant promenades and luxurious residential areas, while iconic Puerto Banús offers exclusive shops, restaurants and lively nightlife.
Marbella is also a gastronomic center with everything from local tapas places to award-winning gourmet restaurants. The city’s cultural life is rich and varied, with art galleries, museums and historical sights that give the city a special character.
Here, international jet-set style is combined with genuine Spanish atmosphere – a combination that makes Marbella very attractive for both permanent residents and visitors looking for a high quality of life near the sea, golf courses and the surrounding mountains.
Mijas
Mijas is a varied and appreciated municipality on the Costa del Sol where the coast’s amenities meet the mountain village’s traditional charm. Along Mijas Costa you can live in areas such as La Cala de Mijas, Calahonda or Riviera del Sol, with proximity to beaches, golf courses and modern residential areas. If you want a more genuine atmosphere, the historic mountain village of Mijas Pueblo offers narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and fantastic views of the coast.
The municipality has a wide range of restaurants, golf courses and cultural activities. Mijas Pueblo attracts with its classic Andalusian village environment and its picturesque streets, while Mijas Costa is popular for its beachfront accommodation and modern infrastructure.
The combination of nature, sea, culture and tranquility makes Mijas an attractive choice for both permanent residents and visitors who want a natural and harmonious lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to larger cities such as Fuengirola and Málaga.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is strategically located between Benalmádena and Mijas Costa and is a vibrant coastal city where traditional Spanish atmosphere meets modern amenities. The city has one of the Costa del Sol’s longest promenades – about 8 kilometers – and wide beaches. Thanks to the flat landscape, it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. In contrast, the neighboring municipalities of Benalmádena and Mijas offer a more hilly and scenic area.
In Fuengirola you can choose to live in charming, more classic neighborhoods such as Los Boliches, or near the promenade if you want the sea around the corner. The city center is characterized by an active everyday life with a large selection of restaurants, bars and shopping.
There is also a well-established Swedish community with schools, associations and social networks, which makes many Scandinavians feel at home quickly. With smooth train connections to Málaga city and the airport, Fuengirola is a popular choice for both permanent residents and visitors looking for a comfortable, lively and sunny existence by the sea.
Benalmádena
Benalmádena is a varied and appreciated city along the Costa del Sol, divided into three distinct parts: the sunny coastal strip Benalmádena Costa, the traditional and peaceful mountain village Benalmádena Pueblo and the lively Arroyos de la Miel.
Here you can live near the beaches and the promenade in Benalmádena Costa, choose the charming and whitewashed village environment in Pueblo with its winding streets and fantastic views, or settle down in Arroyo de la Miel where you will find a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and services.
The city has a vibrant nightlife, not least around the award-winning marina Puerto Deportivo – a port that is considered one of the world’s foremost. Among Benalmádena’s many destinations are Seaworld, the Tivoli World amusement park, the cable car up to Mount Calamorro and the popular butterfly park.
Benalmádena combines beach life, culture and small-town idyll in a way that attracts both permanent residents and tourists who want sun, variety and easy access to everything.
Málaga city
Málaga is a lively and growing coastal city on the Costa del Sol where big city pulse meets beach life. You can choose to live in the historic center with its cozy streets, tapas restaurants and small shops, or along Malagueta’s long promenade overlooking the Mediterranean.
The city is known for its rich cultural offerings – here you will find, among other things, the Museo Picasso, Centre Pompidou and Museo Carmen Thyssen, all of which contribute to a vibrant art and cultural life. Málaga also offers a large selection of restaurants, shopping and activities.
Through targeted investments in culture and tourism, Málaga has developed into a very attractive destination for both permanent residents and visitors looking for a combination of historical character, modern amenities and a wonderfully sunny climate.
Nerja
If you want to discover the Costa del Sol beyond the most tourist-dense areas, Nerja is an excellent choice. This picturesque coastal town in the far east is characterized by a genuine, traditional charm and a calmer pace than the resorts further west.
The city’s most well-known symbol is Balcón de Europa – a spectacular viewpoint that stretches out over the Mediterranean and offers sweeping views in all directions. Nearby are also the famous caves of Nerja, an impressive cave system with stalactites, large halls and a natural concert stage.
Nerja also attracts with its small, natural beaches where rock formations meet crystal clear, turquoise water. Playa Burriana is the largest and most visited beach, with restaurants, water sports and beach service, but along the coast there are also many smaller and more secluded bathing spots.
Everyday life here follows a classic Spanish pattern, where calm and siesta still have their obvious place. The local restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood dishes, paella and wine from the nearby mountain villages, including Frigiliana.
