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🏖️ Facts about Costa del Sol: Where to Buy and Why

The Costa del Sol, stretching along southern Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, is one of Europe’s most attractive regions for property buyers. With over 300 sunny days a year, stunning beaches, modern infrastructure, and a rich cultural scene, it's no surprise that international investors, digital nomads, retirees, and holidaymakers are all drawn here.

The Costa del Sol is more than just sunshine — it's a mosaic of unique towns, each with its own lifestyle, demographics, and real estate appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas, including distance to Málaga Airport, the nearest beach, and the city of Málaga, as well as lifestyle, age demographics, and popularity by nationality.

📍 Key Locations at a Glance

🗺️ Map of the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol
Location To Beach To Airport To Málaga Known For Popular With
BenalmádenaCoastal14 km18 kmMarina, cable car, beachesBritish, Scandinavian, retirees
FuengirolaCoastal25 km30 kmFlat, walkable, year-round lifeNordic, British, Spanish locals
Torreblanca800 m26 km31 kmHillside sea views, quiet areaBritish, Dutch, retirees
Mijas Pueblo8 km22 km30 kmWhite village, mountain viewsSpanish, French, artists
La Cala de MijasCoastal30 km38 kmStylish beach villageUK, Ireland, Belgium, families
El FaroCoastal28 km36 kmQuiet, residential near natureGerman, Scandinavian couples
Riviera del Sol1.5 km35 km45 kmGolf, gated communitiesBritish, Irish, semi-retired
Calahonda1.2 km36 km46 kmLarge international suburbUK, Scandinavia, remote workers
Elviria1.3 km42 km52 kmPine forests, beaches, intl. schoolsGerman, Spanish, families
MarbellaCoastal47 km60 kmLuxury, shopping, nightlifeGlobal, luxury investors
EsteponaCoastal80 km90 kmTraditional charm, new buildsBelgian, French, eco-conscious buyers
NerjaCoastal70 km50 kmCaves, cliffs, laid-back charmNordic, German, hikers
TorroxCoastal65 km45 kmSunniest climate in EuropeGerman, Austrian, older buyers
Vélez-Málaga4 km50 km35 kmAuthentic inland city, cultureSpanish, expats seeking tradition
ManilvaCoastal95 km100 kmPeaceful, low tourismUK, France, digital nomads
Torre del MarCoastal41 km35 kmModern beach townSpanish, Dutch, year-round residents

🌅 Landscape & Lifestyle Highlights

Costa del Sol Hotspots in 2025

Benalmádena – A mix of traditional Andalusian charm and vibrant coastal life. Great for retirees and families. Offers hillside villas and seafront apartments.
Fuengirola – A flat, accessible beach town perfect for walking, with a strong year-round community and an excellent train connection to Málaga.
Torreblanca – Part of Fuengirola’s west end, it offers sea views from the hills and a slower pace of life. Ideal for second homes and early retirees.
Mijas Pueblo – A beautiful whitewashed mountain village with artisan shops and panoramic sea views. Great for those seeking culture and serenity.
La Cala de Mijas – A polished, upmarket beach village with trendy cafes, golf, and family-friendly vibes. Very international, especially among British and Irish buyers.
El Faro – Small and peaceful, with easy beach access. Ideal for couples seeking tranquility near nature.
Riviera del Sol – A modern, well-kept area full of golf resorts and holiday homes. Strong appeal for semi-retired expats and investors.
Calahonda – One of the most international areas on the coast. It’s well-connected and offers everything from quiet apartments to large villas.
Elviria – Pine-covered hills meet golden beaches. Known for its international schools and high-end residential areas. Popular with German and Spanish families.
Marbella – A world-famous destination for luxury living, with beach clubs, designer shopping, and exclusive property options.
Estepona – An authentic town blending charm with growth. Its new-build sector is booming and attracting French, Belgian, and Scandinavian buyers.
Nerja – Natural beauty and traditional Andalusian ambiance make it ideal for nature-lovers and those looking for a quiet lifestyle.
Torrox – Offers the “best climate in Europe” and good value. Quiet, safe, and ideal for retirement.
Vélez-Málaga – A culturally rich inland city with proximity to beaches. Real estate here is more affordable, and the lifestyle is authentically Spanish.
Manilva – An emerging destination near the western edge of the Costa del Sol. Excellent for those seeking space, calm, and affordability.
Torre del Mar – A popular local town with a strong community, modern infrastructure, and great value for money.