Hotels in Marbella and the Costa del Sol

Which area suits you

• Marbella Old Town. A whitewashed old town of squares and restaurants, a short walk from the beach and promenade.
• The Golden Mile. The stretch between Marbella and Puerto Banus, known for upmarket resort hotels.
• Puerto Banus. A marina with restaurants and nightlife. Lively, especially in summer.
• San Pedro de Alcantara. Quieter and more local in feel, with a beach promenade.
• Estepona. A smaller old town with flower-lined streets, further west and at a calmer pace.
• Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos. Larger beach resorts closer to Malaga airport, popular with families, and often more affordable.

Getting there

Most visitors fly into Malaga-Costa del Sol airport. Flights from the UK take about three hours, and Marbella is roughly 45 to 60 minutes away by road, depending on traffic and where on the coast you stay. Ask about transfers when you book, and we can quote flights alongside your hotel.

When to go

Summers are hot, and July and August are the busiest months, usually with the highest prices. Spring and autumn are often warm enough for the beach and can be better value. Winters are milder than the UK but are not always beach weather.

Types of hotel

You will find beach resorts, apartment-style hotels with kitchens, golf resorts and adults-only hotels. In Spain, hotels commonly sell room only, bed and breakfast or half board, and some offer all-inclusive. Check what the meal plan covers, especially drinks.

Costs to check

• whether resort fees or parking are included
• whether beach sunbeds and beach clubs are charged separately, which is common
• the distance from the hotel to the beach and to restaurants
• the transfer time and cost from the airport

Things to do nearby

Beyond the beach, the area is known for golf, and many resorts are built around courses. Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banus are easy to visit from most hotels along the coast. Popular day trips include the hill town of Ronda, the white village of Mijas, Malaga city and Gibraltar. Take your passport if you plan to visit Gibraltar. Tell us what you want to do, and we will suggest where to base yourself.

A quick way to choose

• Couples: Marbella Old Town or the Golden Mile.
• Families: Fuengirola, Benalmadena or Torremolinos, or a beach resort with a pool.
• Nightlife: Puerto Banus.
• A quieter stay: San Pedro de Alcantara or Estepona.

These are starting points, not rules. Tell us what matters to you and we will narrow it down.

Get a quote

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you want from the stay. An agent will come back with options and what each price includes. Call Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm or use the form on this page. No payment is taken on the form.