Villas in Costa del Sol

On the Costa del Sol, the east suits families and walkers, and the west suits golf and dining out. Nerja and the Axarquía have a calmer base, with white villages like Frigiliana and Cómpeta close by; Marbella and Estepona have beach clubs and restaurants; Torremolinos and Benalmádena have the shortest airport transfer. In July and August a pool matters: inland villas get very hot.

Where

Villas: 845
From, per week: £237
Cheapest month: November
Nearest airports: Málaga airport serves the whole coast, with flights from London taking around two and three quarter hours. Gibraltar is closer for Manilva and the far west around Estepona, but has fewer flights.

Where to stay in Costa del Sol

Nerja, Frigiliana and Torrox (east)

This is where most of our Costa del Sol villas are. Nerja has the Balcón de Europa clifftop viewpoint, Burriana beach and the Nerja Caves just outside town. Frigiliana is one of the prettiest white villages in Andalucía, and Torrox Costa has a long promenade and beaches. Málaga airport is around an hour away.

Best for: Families and couples who want a relaxed town with good beaches

Not for you if: You want golf and beach clubs: those are concentrated west of Málaga.

Cómpeta and the Axarquía hills

Cómpeta and Sayalonga are white villages in the hills above Torrox, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama natural park behind them. Evenings are cooler than on the coast and the views stretch to the sea. Málaga airport is around an hour to an hour and a quarter away.

Best for: Walkers and couples who want mountain views and village life

Not for you if: You want to walk to the beach: the coast is around half an hour away on winding roads.

Marbella, Ojén and Elviria

Marbella's old town centres on the orange-tree-lined Plaza de los Naranjos, and Puerto Banús marina is just to the west. Golf courses fill the valley behind Nueva Andalucía, and Elviria, east of town, has long sandy beaches. Ojén is a quiet white village in the hills ten minutes above Marbella. Málaga airport is around 45 minutes away.

Best for: Couples and groups who want restaurants, beach clubs and golf

Not for you if: You're budget-led: Marbella is the most expensive part of the coast in summer.

Estepona, Manilva and Casares (west)

Estepona has a flower-filled old town, a long beachfront promenade and plenty of golf courses nearby. Manilva and its port at La Duquesa are quieter again, and Casares is a white village perched on a hilltop inland. Málaga airport is around an hour to an hour and a quarter away; Gibraltar is closer.

Best for: Families and golfers who want a calmer alternative to Marbella

Not for you if: You want the shortest airport transfer: this is the far end of the coast from Málaga.

Mijas Costa, Calahonda and Fuengirola

Calahonda and Mijas Costa have villas on the hillsides above sandy beaches, with Fuengirola's promenade and Bioparc zoo nearby. The white village of Mijas Pueblo sits above the coast. Fuengirola's train station has a direct line to Málaga via the airport, which is around 25 to 35 minutes away by car.

Best for: Families who want sandy beaches, golf and easy days out

Not for you if: You want somewhere unspoilt: this stretch of coast is heavily built up.

Torremolinos and Benalmádena

Torremolinos and Benalmádena are the nearest resorts to Málaga airport, around 15 to 20 minutes away. Benalmádena has a large marina and a cable car up to Mount Calamorro, and both towns have long sandy beaches and plenty of restaurants. Málaga city, with the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, is a short train ride away.

Best for: Anyone who wants the shortest transfer and lots to do

Not for you if: You want a traditional Spanish village feel: these are big, busy resorts.

Rincón de la Victoria and Benajarafe

Rincón de la Victoria and Benajarafe sit on the coast just east of Málaga, with long beaches and a more local feel than the resorts to the west. Málaga city is around 20 minutes away and the airport around half an hour.

Best for: Families who want local beaches between Málaga and Nerja

Not for you if: You want lively nightlife: these are mainly Spanish seaside towns.

When to go to Costa del Sol

Spring and autumn are the best times for most villa stays: warm, sunny and calmer than high summer. July and August are hot, especially inland, and busy, with Spanish families on holiday in August. Winters are mild, and the coast stays open for golf and longer stays, but the sea is cold and some beach bars close. Easter week brings large processions to Málaga and other towns. Autumn and winter can bring occasional heavy rain.