Defining the exact boundaries of the Costa del Sol is no easy task. Even official bodies such as the Provincial Council, Associations of townships, Tourist organisation or the Autonomous Government of Andalusia do not agree on exactly which municipalities make up the Costa del Sol. Their lists of municipalities are not formed in the same way.The number of towns and villages on the Costa del Sol ranges from 14 to 17, depending on which elements are taken into account. What is clear is that they all belong to the province of Malaga and that most of them have their own coastline.

What do we mean by Costa del Sol?

COSTA DEL SOL is the segment of Mediterranean coastline in the south of Spain that stretches from the municipality of Manilva in the west to Nerja in the east. But some people include Sotogrande because of its similar lifestyle, although it is already in the so-called Campo de Gibraltar in the province of Cadiz.

Another municipality that a priori would not fit in, as it does not have its own sea, would be Benahavis. However, in terms of real estate and relations with neighbouring towns, it is included. In a way it is considered to be a natural extension of the Marbella Mountain (in fact, centuries ago, it belonged to Marbella). Benahavis is therefore just another village among those chosen to form part of this world-class destination.

Two smaller municipalities, Istan and Ojen, also have problems of belonging. In principle, they are not confined to the common territory of their neighbours on the coast. However, they are integrated in the Association for the taking of decisions that may affect them. Let us think for a moment that the Concepción reservoir, which supplies water to Marbella and a large part of the Costa del Sol, is very close to Istan. Or that urbanisations such as Palo Alto, in Ojen, are sold almost as part of Marbella because of their proximity and Mediterranean views.

The Costa del Sol is divided into two: eastern and western

Administratively, and due to cultural and geographical affinities, the Costa del Sol is divided in two. On the one hand, the western Costa del Sol is made up of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Benahavis, Casares and Manilva. Malaga city would also be part of this group, but it is right in the middle of the division and this also raises suspicions.

This part of the coastline is the most developed in terms of tourism and residential development. It is the one with the most luxury properties and associated high-end services. For example, there are more Michelin-starred restaurants, more high-end private and international schools, and more five-star hotels with a longer track record. This area of the coast is also home to many luxury brands of all types of products and the most affluent residents. Marbella Club, Puente Romano, Puerto Banus, La Quinta or La Zagaleta, emblematic of the most distinguished of the Costa del Sol, are all located in this area.

Just to the east of Malaga, after the district of El Candado, the eastern Costa del Sol begins. Rincon de la Victoria, Velez-Malaga, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja fall into this group. Here you will also find beautiful beaches, many of them with impressive cliffs, beautiful villages and delicious Andalusian gastronomy. However, if what you are looking for is high-end construction, this part of the Costa del Sol has not yet achieved the development achieved by the other Costa del Sol.

Other regions of Malaga province

There are 103 villages in Malaga province. Many are located in mountainous areas and are grouped into a type of unit called comarcas. Those in the mountains of Malaga are: Axarquia, Guadalhorce, Serrania de Ronda, Sierra de las Nieves, Comarca de Antequera, Comarca de Guadalteba and Nororma (north-eastern area of Malaga). They are all beautiful areas to visit. A good idea is to start with the so-called Pueblos Blancos or the wine cellars of Ronda which we talk about here in our blog.

All these regions are very lively. They offer water sports and kayaks in rivers and lakes, spectacular hiking or horse-riding routes, via ferratas (or protected climbing routes), climbing options, zip lines or cultural and monumental routes. In short, excursions of all kinds of leisure and sporting activities, all within easy reach of the Costa del Sol. All these locations combine to offer an unequalled quality of life in the south of Andalusia.

To view our properties on the Costa del Sol go to the property search area of our website.