Think the Costa del Sol is all sunshine and charm? Think again! Some places just aren't worth it—here are the 3 worst offenders and the way better spots you should visit instead. You’ve been warned!
By Liza S. | Updated 28 Feb 2025 | Málaga | Places To Go |
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Ah, the Costa del Sol—sun, sea, and… a whole lot of tourist traps. Sure, there’s no shortage of beaches and bars, but if you stick to the usual haunts, you’ll leave thinking southern Spain is just British pubs with better weather.
I’m here to help you dodge the overpriced sangria and discover the authentic spots hiding behind the neon signs.I’ll spill the tea on the spots you might think are must-visits… but really aren’t.
Here’s my take on the best and worst of the Costa del Sol—you might just rethink your itinerary.
Puerto Banus, Marbella
If your idea of a dream holiday involves watching someone not-so-subtly flex their rented Lamborghini while sipping a €20 cocktail, then congratulations—Puerto Banús is your personal paradise.
This glitzy marina is packed with mega-yachts, designer shops, and people who seem to exist purely for Instagram stories.
Sure, it’s shiny. Yes, you might spot a celeb (or at least someone who thinks they’re a celeb).
But authentic Spanish charm? Nope, nowhere to be found.
This place is less about soaking up culture and more about soaking up overpriced champagne.
Estepona Old Town
If you want coastal beauty without the ego trip, head to Estepona.
This charming seaside town gives you all the best bits of Marbella—sunshine, beautiful beaches, stylish promenades—without the influencer crowds or sky-high prices.
Stroll through colourful streets decorated with flower pots and murals, stop for a leisurely coffee in a proper Spanish café (where you’ll actually hear Spanish being spoken), and relax on wide, clean beaches with plenty of space to stretch out.
It’s all the beauty of the Costa del Sol, minus the need for designer sunglasses to fit in.
Bonus: The food scene here is genuinely fantastic, and you won’t need to remortgage your house just to enjoy a good meal.
Torremolinos
Torremolinos might’ve been the place to be back when disco was king and package holidays were all the rage.
Fast-forward to today, and it still feels like the ‘70s never left—just with fewer platform shoes and more faded beach towels. Sure, there are some decent beaches, but the neon-lit bars, tacky souvenir shops, and rows of aging resorts and high-rise buildings give off serious “wish you weren’t here” vibes.
If you’re after an authentic Andalucian experience, Torremolinos will leave you wondering if you accidentally booked a time machine instead of a holiday.
Unless you’re feeling nostalgic for sticky-floored clubs and karaoke nights, maybe skip this one.
Oh, and the beaches aren’t even that good!
Benalmadena Pueblo
Out of all the beach towns west of Malaga, Benalmádena is the one I like the most. Now, Benalmádena Costa (the beachy, tourist-heavy part) has its moments—if you enjoy packed beaches and all-you-can-eat buffets.
But head a little further uphill to Benalmádena Pueblo, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an entirely different world.
This picturesque whitewashed village offers quiet, winding streets, gorgeous viewpoints, and the kind of authentic Spanish charm that Torremolinos forgot existed. You’ll find cozy tapas bars, peaceful plazas, and locals going about their day without trying to sell you cheap sunglasses.
The best part? You still get those stunning Mediterranean views—just without having to elbow your way through crowds of sunburned tourists.
It’s the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, and soak up the serene Costa del Sol atmosphere.
PS. While you’re here, stop by Colomares Castle—a quirky, fairytale-like monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It’s a hidden gem with stunning views and plenty of photo-worthy spots!
Fuengirola
If your holiday goals include eating full English breakfasts every day, sipping cheap lager before noon, and sharing the beach with hundreds of equally sunburned tourists, Fuengirola has you covered.
Yes, the beaches are wide and the prices are low, but so is the level of authentic Spanish culture you’ll find here. It’s the kind of place where British pubs outnumber tapas bars, and the loudest sounds aren’t waves but “Wonderwall” blaring from a beachfront bar.
When I visited, it didn’t even feel like I was in Spain - it just felt like a generic beach town with no character.
There’s nothing wrong with a good budget-friendly beach holiday, but if you’re after real Andalucian vibes, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
The seaside town of Nerja
If you’re not quite ready to give up on having a beach vacation but still want a bit of authenticity, Nerja is your answer.
It is fairly well-known and touristy… but it has oodles of charm to make up for it.
It’s everything Fuengirola wants to be but never quite manages—gorgeous coves, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed vibe that hasn’t been swallowed by cheap tourism.
Wander through the charming old town, admire the endless views from Balcón de Europa, and stop by the incredible Nerja Caves—a vast underground wonderland complete with prehistoric paintings.
It’s the perfect blend of beach fun and Andalucian culture, minus the crowds of rowdy package tourists.
Bolonia Beach on Costa de la Luz
If the crowds, overpriced cocktails, and tourist traps of the Costa del Sol have you reconsidering your holiday plans altogether, here’s a wild idea: head west and discover the Costa de la Luz—the Coast of Light.
This stretch of coastline, running from Tarifa to the Portuguese border, feels like Andalucia’s best-kept secret.
Think wild, unspoiled beaches, whitewashed villages untouched by mass tourism, and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the tourist chaos of the Costa del Sol.
I’ll be honest—while the Costa del Sol has its moments, it’s never really won me over.
Sure, the beaches are sunny and plentiful, and there’s a lot to do, but for me, it lacks the authentic beauty and charm that really captures the spirit of Andalucia.
If you’re after something more genuine, I always recommend heading west to Costa de la Luz.
Windswept Tarifa is perfect for adventure lovers, El Palmar offers endless golden sands, and the historic city of Cádiz is packed with charm, history, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat.
For me, this is where Andalucia truly shines—natural, authentic, and effortlessly beautiful.
So if you’re looking for the real deal, my top tip is to skip the crowds and Costa del Sol all-together and discover the magic of Costa de la Luz.
P.S. Want to avoid the tourist traps and see the best of Andalucia on your trip? Get my expert eyes on your rough itinerary and let me share my best recommendations and tips to turn your trip from good to FANTASTIC. Get more details here!
Looking for the best places to go in Andalucia? Get our FREE ebook: The Ultimate Andalucia Bucket List.
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I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
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Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
Need a stress-free airport pick-up? Pre-book a ride with Welcome Pickups for a hassle-free transfer straight to your hotel!
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Maya Mobile. I personally use it and find it reliable. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
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