Costa del Sol

Peak Season: June – August

Average Temperatures: June: 22–28°C July: 24–31°C August: 24–32°C

Why Go:

This is the height of summer, perfect for beach holidays, watersports, and coastal nightlife. Resorts are bustling, beach clubs are in full swing, and towns like Marbella and Málaga are at their liveliest.

Best For:

• Sunbathers & swimmers
• Families on school break
• Partygoers & beach club fans
• Sailing, jet-skiing & scuba diving

Things to Note:

• Most expensive time for flights & accommodation
• Beaches can get crowded
• It's best to book restaurants & tours in advance

Shoulder Season: April – May & September – October

Average Temperatures:

April: 14–22°C May: 16–25°C September: 20–28°C October: 17–24°C

Why Go:

This is arguably the best time to visit Costa del Sol. The weather is warm but not scorching, and crowds are fewer than in summer. Sea temperatures are still pleasant in early autumn, and spring is full of flowers and festivals.

Best For:

• Hiking (especially in the hills of Mijas or Caminito del Rey)
• Golf holidays
• Cultural sightseeing (Alhambra in Granada, Picasso Museum in Málaga)
• Regional food & wine tours
• Relaxed beach time without summer crowds

Bonus:

• Prices are more reasonable than summer
• Great for photographers & nature lovers

Low Season: November – March

Average Temperatures:

November: 13–20°C December – February: 10–18°C March: 12–20°C

Why Go:

While it’s cooler, this is still one of Europe’s warmest winter destinations. It’s a peaceful time with few tourists—great for those seeking a quiet escape, cultural experiences, or golf.

Best For:

• Exploring historic towns (Ronda, Nerja, Málaga Old Town)
• Golf – still playable thanks to mild weather
• Day trips to nearby cities (Seville, Córdoba, Granada)
• Long-term stays or digital nomads

Things to Note:

• Some beach resorts & restaurants may close for the season
• Not ideal for swimming or sunbathing

Whatever the time of year you're looking to stay, the Costa del Sol promises a memorable holiday!

Both Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are stunning Mediterranean coastlines in Spain, but the 'nicer' option really depends on what you're looking for - although Costa del Sol is regarded as the more glamorous, upmarket destination compared to the more affordable family resort vibes of Costa Blanca. It really depends on what style of holiday you're seeking!

Costa Blanca (Alicante, Benidorm, Jávea, etc.) is known for its white-sand beaches, rugged coves, and a more laid-back, traditional Spanish feel, especially in towns like Altea or Dénia. It tends to be a bit quieter and more affordable, especially for families and retirees. Inland mountains and charming villages add to its appeal.

Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, etc.) is generally more glamorous and upmarket, with luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly around Marbella and Puerto Banús. It’s also better connected, thanks to Málaga International Airport and a high-speed rail network.

In short:

Choose Costa Blanca if you prefer a more relaxed, traditional, and scenic coastal experience. For upscale stays, choose Costa del Sol if you’re after luxury, nightlife, and easy access to cultural cities like Málaga and Granada.

The Costa del Sol is easily accessible from the UK, with frequent direct flights to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) - the region’s main international gateway. Flight times average 2.5 to 3 hours, and you can travel year-round from most major UK airports.

UK Airports with Direct Flights to Costa del Sol:

London Airports

• Heathrow (LHR)
• Gatwick (LGW)
• Luton (LTN)
• Stansted (STN)
• London City (LCY)

Other Major UK Airports

• Manchester (MAN)
• Birmingham (BHX)
• Bristol (BRS)
• Edinburgh (EDI)
• Glasgow (GLA)
• Leeds Bradford (LBA)
• Newcastle (NCL)
• East Midlands (EMA)
• Liverpool (LPL)
• Belfast International (BFS)

Airlines Serving Málaga from the UK:

Budget carriers: easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz Air

Full-service airlines: British Airways, Iberia, Vueling

With daily flights from most cities, Costa del Sol is one of the most convenient Mediterranean destinations for UK travelers - ideal for everything from short beach breaks to extended villa holidays.