Five reasons to visit Costa del Sol in 2024

Málaga, January 11, 2024.- Costa del Sol, a world-renowned tourist destination, stands as a jewel that awakens the interest of travelers eager for unforgettable experiences. With 325 days of sunshine a year and a diversity of attractions, the Malaga region presents itself as a complete destination full of contrasts. Here are five unmissable reasons to visit the Costa del Sol in the coming year.

The Costa del Sol is known for its sunny climate and beaches, but it also offers a rich culinary tradition. Malaga's gastronomy is rich and varied, reflecting the influence of the diverse cultures that have left their mark on the province throughout its history. Its traditional cuisine has become a tourist attraction in its own right. From fried fish in the beach bars to the wines of the interior, the province of Malaga offers gastronomic experiences to suit all tastes. The wide range of agricultural tourism on offer, especially wine and olive oil tourism, is an important way of getting to know this area, its top-quality local products and its way of life.

Malaga's gastronomy stands out because of the quality of its local products, the Mediterranean influence and the creativity in the preparation of traditional dishes. For foodies, the Costa del Sol is home to some of the most internationally renowned restaurants and chefs such as Dani García with his two Michelin stars in Marbella and José Carlos García with one Michelin star in the port of Málaga.

The Costa del Sol shines not only for its beaches and sunshine, but also for a wide range of leisure services. Its natural environment and climate allow for all kinds of activities for the more sporty, such as enjoying the paradise for golf lovers of one of its 70 golf courses, boat trips and sport fishing, or cycling routes to discover the most hidden corners. 

You can enjoy the longest zip line in Andalucía at Sun View Park (Alhaurín de la Torre) or experience Senda Azul or snorkelling at Rincón de Victoria, the Costa del Sol has activities available all year round from sunrise one day to sunrise the next.

In addition, the Costa del Sol has become a benchmark for congress tourism in Europe thanks to its infrastructures and distinctive surroundings. Now more than ever, business travellers are looking for "bleisure", a growing trend that combines business trips with leisure time, taking into account the entertainment on offer. The Costa del Sol stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations due to its varied leisure offer, which includes beaches, charming villages, natural areas, spas and outstanding gastronomy.

Excellent air, sea and rail connections, together with a modern network of motorways, bring visitors to this charming corner of southern Spain. With the Madrid-Malaga high-speed train, Costa del Sol is only a few hours away from the main European capitals. In Costa del Sol the vast majority of monuments, museums, beaches, leisure areas and natural spaces are accessible for the disabled. In this context, in January 2022, Costa del Sol Tourism received an award from PREDIF (People with Physical and Organic Disabilities Representative Platform) for the work carried out to improve the accessibility of the destination within the framework of the different actions of the Smart Destination project.

For those more interested in reaching the optimal 10,000 steps a day, touring the historical and cultural heritage of the province, Costa del Sol is also known as a cultural destination, with the famous painter Picasso as one of its main focus points. With outstanding museums such as the Thyssen and the Pompidou, the region has established itself as an artistic and cultural epicentre. In addition to its 40 museums in the provincial capital alone, there are theatrical visits to the Alcazaba de Antequera, cultural gymkhanas to discover the cities, castanets, typical hand-clapping and flamenco workshops. Another essential visit is to the quaint Andalusian white villages, such as Frigiliana and Ronda.

Turismo Costa del Sol has prioritised sustainability as a key element in the management of the tourist destination. For the last 15 years they have maintained the ISO 14.001 certification for their Environmental Management System. In the current Costa del Sol Tourism Competitiveness Plan, sustainability is highlighted as one of the strategic pillars for both the destination itself and the associated companies. 

Since 2019, these strategies are implemented through the sustainability axis of the Costa del Sol Smart Tourism Destination. It should be noted that this tourist destination is unique in the world in having this certification, consolidating itself as a benchmark in sustainable tourism at international level. All sustainability actions are carried out for the benefit of both the tourist and the local population.

Thanks to the collaboration with ten sub-brands, ranging from health to cultural tourism, Turismo Costa del Sol can offer a unique tourist experience, guaranteeing a personalised offer for each type of traveller. With a segmented and specialised offer, the province is positioned as a place of continuous enjoyment, overcoming seasonality and offering visitors something different around every corner.