All the tips you need to travel to Spain

Language Spanish is the official language, with a strong Andalusian accent — locals tend to drop the "s" and soften consonants. That said, the Costa del Sol has a large international expat community, and in towns like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Marbella you'll find English (and even German or Swedish) spoken widely. A few basics go a long way and are always appreciated: gracias (thank you), por favor (please), la cuenta (the bill).

Currency The local currency is the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for small bars, local markets, and older establishments.

ATMs Use ATMs located inside bank branches (CaixaBank, Unicaja, Santander) rather than standalone machines on the street — they're safer and offer better rates. Always decline the option to pay in your home currency if prompted; this is called dynamic currency conversion and gives you a worse exchange rate.

Safety The Costa del Sol is generally a safe destination. The main risk is petty theft — pickpocketing in busy markets, beach areas, and tourist hotspots. Keep bags in front of you, don't leave valuables unattended on the beach, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded spots.

Parking Parking varies by town. Blue zones are paid during the day, green zones are reserved for residents. In Málaga city, Parking Alemania in the Soho neighbourhood is a reliable and affordable option, well-placed for exploring the centre on foot. Marbella's old town is notoriously tricky to park near — arrive early or use the public car parks on the outskirts. Estepona and Fuengirola tend to be easier for parking overall.

Getting around The C1 Cercanías train is one of the most useful transport options on the coast — it runs frequently and cheaply between Málaga city and Fuengirola, stopping at Torremolinos and Benalmádena along the way. Buses (Avanza/Portillo) connect most other towns. If you plan to explore freely — especially east of Málaga towards Nerja, or inland to villages — a rental car is highly recommended. Taxis are widely available, and Cabify and Uber operate in Málaga city.

Beaches The Costa del Sol has over 150km of coastline. Beaches closer to Málaga city (La Malagueta, Pedregalejo, El Palo) have a more local feel, while those in Marbella and Estepona tend to have finer sand. Don't miss a meal at a chiringuito — the traditional beachside restaurants where you can eat fresh espetos (sardines grilled on cane skewers over a wood fire), a Costa del Sol icon.

Food & eating culture Meal times run late by most standards: lunch is 2–4pm and dinner from 9pm onwards. Trying to eat at 6pm will get you an empty restaurant. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated. Local dishes to try: pescaíto frito (battered fried fish), porra antequerana (a thick cold tomato soup), and a glass of Málaga sweet wine.

Weather & what to pack Summers (July–August) are hot — regularly 35°C or above — with very high UV levels. High-SPF sunscreen is essential, not optional. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting: warm, less crowded, and very pleasant. Winters are mild (16–20°C), which is why the coast attracts visitors year-round. Pack comfortable walking shoes — many town centres and old quarters have cobblestone streets.

Shop hours Local shops often close between 2–5pm and all day Sunday. Large supermarkets, shopping centres, and chains follow more standard hours. Plan your errands accordingly, especially outside the main resort areas.

Know your towns Each town on the Costa del Sol has a distinct personality. Torremolinos is lively and unpretentious, with classic beach resort energy and a vibrant nightlife. Fuengirola is family-friendly and very multicultural. Marbella is upscale and glamorous, especially around Puerto Banús. Estepona has a more authentically Spanish feel with a charming old town. Nerja, at the eastern end, is quieter and more scenic, with the famous Balcón de Europa and the nearby caves. Choose your base based on the atmosphere you're after — prices also vary significantly between towns.

Day trips The Costa del Sol is a great base for exploring the region. Top day trips include: Ronda (dramatic clifftop city with a famous gorge, about 1h by car), Nerja and Frigiliana (coastal town and white village combo), Gibraltar (easy from the western Costa), Caminito del Rey (spectacular gorge walkway, accessible from the Málaga area), and the Pueblos Blancos (white villages like Mijas, Casares, and Gaucín).

Health & pharmacies Pharmacies are everywhere and easy to spot by their green cross sign. Pharmacists are very knowledgeable and can help with minor ailments without an appointment. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card for access to public healthcare. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors.

Connectivity EU citizens benefit from full roaming across Spain at no extra cost. For visitors from outside the EU, local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or at any phone shop — a great option for a week or more. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi.

Getting there The main gateway is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), well connected to most European cities. If you're heading to the western end of the coast (Estepona, Manilva), Gibraltar Airport can also be a convenient option depending on where you're flying from