Things to do in Costa del Sol Occidental
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Top 10 attractions in Costa del Sol Occidental
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is a stretch of resort coastline along the Mediterranean in Malaga Province, extending from Nerja in the east to the Manilva area in the west, spanning over 100 km. The coast gets its name from its climate, which is sunny most days of the year. Vacations here can be very slow-paced: take a walk along the seaside promenade or go for a swim during the day, and at noon, head into a beachside eatery to order a skewer of charcoal-grilled sardines—locals thread the sardines onto thin skewers and grill them over a wood fire. Many eateries even use old fishing boats filled with sand as grills right on the beach. Paired with an iced drink, this is a quintessential dining experience on this coast. In the evening, you can explore the old town of Marbella and wander through the white-walled alleys around the Plaza de los Naranjos. Golf is another highlight here, with a high density of courses along the coast.Mijas · 3.3 km from downtown
Puerto Marina Benalmadena
Puerto Marina in Benalmádena, Spain, is one of the most iconic tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. Since its opening in 1979, the port has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique architectural style, rich entertainment activities and charming seaside atmosphere. With more than 1,100 berths, Puerto Marina can accommodate yachts and sailboats of various sizes, making it a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. There are many restaurants, bars and shops around the port, offering a variety of food and shopping options. There are also family-friendly attractions such as aquariums and theme parks near the port. In addition, tourists can also take a cruise out to sea, enjoy sunset cruises or watch dolphins and other activities. Puerto Marina is open all year round, suitable for family leisure during the day and full of vitality at night, making it an ideal place to enjoy the Mediterranean style.Benalmadena · 3.7 km from downtown
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is a typical white village located in the Province of Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. It is nestled on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas, overlooking the Costa del Sol Occidental and the Mediterranean coastline. It belongs to the mountainous core of the Mijas municipality, forming a dual "mountain + coast" spatial structure with the coastal Mijas Costa. The town retains its traditional Andalusian character, with narrow, winding streets and a visual identity defined by white walls and blue flowerpots, while its overall layout bears clear traces of Moorish urban design. The town center features small plazas, craft shops, and cafes. Among these, the burro taxi is a unique local cultural symbol, reflecting the continuation of early mountain agricultural lifestyles.Mijas · 46m from downtown
Bioparc Fuengirola
Bioparc Fuengirola is one of Europe's zoos. Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, it recreates a logical journey through the world's breathtaking tropical rainforests. Starting from Madagascar, the experience traverses equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. Visitors can discover the rich biodiversity of Central and South America's coral reefs, rivers, and jungles, enhancing awareness and appreciation for their conservation. The design meticulously replicates natural habitats, offering an immersive educational experience that connects the history of New World natural discoveries. Explore coral reefs, navigation rooms, cabinets of curiosities, the Amazon aquarium, and a large aviary. By crossing a collapsed cenote, you'll reach the Mayan pyramid.Fuengirola · 850m from downtown
Parque de la Paloma
Parque de la Paloma is a beautiful park and recreational area that offers a place for people to relax, enjoy nature, and engage in leisure activities, where visitors can explore scenic trails and gardens, admire historical monuments, and observe the various wildlife living in and around the park, such as pigeons, kingfishers, herons, and owls.Benalmadena · 2.2 km from downtown
Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle is a castle that blends various architectural styles. It features several exhibition rooms inside, a beautiful garden outside, and high points that offer spectacular views of the coastline.Benalmadena · 1.9 km from downtown
Mijas-Bullring
Mijas-Bullringis located in Spain and is a historic local performance venue. Here, in addition to watching exciting bullfighting performances, visitors can also admire the exquisite ancient architecture.Mijas · 700m from downtown
Butterfly Park of Benalmadena
Mariposario de Benalmádena-Butterfly Park is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol and only 20 minutes from Malaga. In this spectacular Thai temple, you can walk amongst more than 1,500 exotic butterflies from around the world, flying freely in a tropical paradise between waterfalls and flowers. You will be able to observe how they are born, how they reproduce and enjoy learning many things about these wonderful insects.Benalmadena · 2.7 km from downtown
Church of the Immaculate Conception
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is famous in the town of Mijas, and the Virgin Mary enshrined there is the local patron saint. The circular walkway surrounding the chapel is known as the "Compass" and is a well-known attraction in the mountain village of Mijas. In front of the chapel is a lush park with an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.Mijas · 691m from downtown
Selwo Marina
Located in Benalmadena, Selwo Marina is an animal and leisure park that allows visitors to get up close with representative animal species from around the world while enjoying diverse experiences. The dolphin and sea lion shows are designed to both entertain and educate visitors about respecting these magnificent ambassadors of the marine world. The park also features exotic bird demonstrations and educational talks about different zones and species, including the Amazon, tropical forests, and Simil forests. Visitors can participate in a full interactive program with Selwo Marina's charismatic animals – from close encounters with penguins during feeding time to dolphin experiences, swimming with sea lions, or even VIP tours around the park. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take home photo souvenirs featuring these remarkable species.Benalmadena · 2 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Costa del Sol Occidental
GINI725 February 2026
5.0
The Costa del Sol, located on the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia in southern Spain, is renowned for its abundant sunshine, long beaches, and vibrant resort atmosphere, making it one of Europe's most popular seaside resorts. With a coastline of approximately 150 kilometers, it enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year. Its most unique feature is not only its beautiful and spectacular beaches but also its rolling hills. Visitors can lazily sunbathe, read, or surf on the beach, or simply walk across the main street and hike through the mountains filled with pine trees, broom, and rosemary. Furthermore, it boasts numerous historical sites and scenic spots!
Costa del Sol
leep935 January 2024
5.0
one of the best marinas in the whole of Spain if not Europe. boat trips, shops and restaurants and a lovely tourist train
Puerto Marina Benalmadena
Lindsaylou23051 June 2025
5.0
We had a lovely few hours enjoying the animals also we paid extra and watched the under ocean experience and it was great !!
Bioparc Fuengirola
suifeng201919 January 2021
4.0
The castle was built by Esteban Martin, a Spaniard who spent most of his life in the United States. His favorite explorer was Columbus, and he was quite disappointed that there was no building that paid tribute to Columbus, so he built this fairy-tale castle.
Colomares Castle
Iri K10 May 2026
5.0
An incredibly beautiful place for the whole family! A beautiful tropical garden with a diverse collection of orchids, a small waterfall, parrots, and, of course, butterflies—they're completely unafraid of visitors and fly around. Beautiful!
Butterfly Park of Benalmadena
Todemmy20 May 2020
5.0
There is a small Armenian district in Lviv and this church is an Armenian apostolic church. Go and visit it, it is unique and has some great paintings. Unfortunately the church is undergoing restoration work and the entire interior is closed. But it is still worth a visit.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
_TI***5428 November 2025
5.0
Clean building, good few hours of a day spent, friendly staff, nice animals to look at therefore I highly recommend visiting this place.
Selwo Marina
