The Costa del Sol, or ‘sun coast’, stretches across southern Spain roughly from Manilva in the west to Nerja in the east.
Visitors and home hunters from all over the world have grown to love it for its 300+ days of sunshine each year, well-developed infrastructure, and high-class amenities – not to mention the ease of getting there. With 24 million passengers in 2024, Málaga was Spain’s fourth busiest airport, even ahead of Alicante-Elche.
It vies with the Costa Blanca to be Spain’s most famous coastline, with Marbella and Puerto Banús arguably its glitziest resorts at the heart.
In many ways, the city of Málaga – now a popular tourist destination in its own right – serves as a natural dividing point between two distinct halves of the Costa del Sol.
You might also compare the different characters of the two halves of the Costa Blanca, albeit north and south. But which direction should you explore? Here’s how East and West compare.
West is Best?
Heading west of Málaga, you’ll find an almost unbroken stretch of famous holiday resorts: Manilva, Estepona, Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and Torremolinos. This side is packed with golf courses, waterparks, luxury hotels and international schools, making it an obvious choice for many international buyers and families.
Property prices tend to be higher in this stretch of the Costa than East of Malaga, particularly in the prime corridor from Estepona to the city itself. You can find more value on the western fringe – around Manilva and Duquesa – but as a whole the higher level of demand for this side keeps prices high.
Take Estepona, an area still evolving and more affordable than Marbella – you’ll really need around €200,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. In Mijas Costa, that extra bit closer to Malaga, you’ll pay from around €220,000. But there really are plenty to choose from.
Price aside, why else choose this part? There are over 50 golf courses to choose from, all along from Sotogrande through to Malaga, so this explains its “Costa del Golf” moniker.
There are also plenty of international schools to choose from – in fact there are 40, according to the International Schools Database, again spread from Sotogrande in a string towards a cluster in Malaga. East of Malaga there are thin pickings, with Almuñécar International School on the Costa Tropical, which starts east of Nerja.
If you are buying a property with one eye on holiday rentals – even for a few weeks when you are not using it – then it could be argued that the Western section is better.
According to the short-term rentals analyst, AirDNA, since 2023 this stretch accounts for 70% of demand for holiday lets, compared to 30% in the section east of Malaga: Rincon de la Victoria, Velez-Malaga, Algarrobo, Torrox, Nerja.
Finally, there’s the hinterland which may be of more interest to those keen to explore, hike or ski. Behind the western stretch you have the white villages including Ojen, Coin, Gaucin and Ronda. Gibraltar airport, the surfing area of Tarifa and the Costa de la Luz is also easier to reach.
Eastern Promise?
Some Spanish buyers are moving from the west to the east, lured by better value and a more authentic lifestyle.
With fewer big-hitting resorts, fewer high rises and generally a less developed feel, it might be argued that the resorts East of Malaga - Rincon de la Victoria, Velez-Malaga, Torre del Mar, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja – still feel more Spanish.
Yet the fact there are fewer large-scale holiday apartment blocks means that you can face less choice if you want a new-build complex.
This area is also known as Axarquia, and includes the popular inland mountain villages such as Competa, Cutar and Comares, where your money really can go a lot further.
Certainly, the data above suggests there are fewer holiday rentals, hardly any golf courses and much less tourist infrastructure – the Aquavelis Waterpark at Torre del Mar being an obvious exception.
In recent years Nerja has become very popular for its more laid-back feel, and lack of glitz of the Marbella area. Whilst slightly inland, Lake Vinuela area is popular, and there are the cave homes of the Granada area too.
Property prices in this area – Granada province rather than Malaga province are generally more affordable: the province of Málaga has an average price per square metre of €3,632 at the end of 2024, whereas in Axarquia, it’s €2,040, making it an attractive option compared to the more expensive parts west of the city of Malaga.
For example, whilst Nerja commands a premium – you will pay around €250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment – there are plenty of properties for under €150,000 in Torrox, including two-bedroom townhouses.
The skiing resorts of the Sierra Nevada, the lovely historic city of Granada – or the less crowded beaches of the Costa Tropical are close to hand. For shopping you are limited to a large commercial centre in Torre del Mar – or a trip into Malaga city.
Which Side Wins?
Both sides of the Costa del Sol offer sunshine, scenery and Spanish charm, but with different atmospheres and advantages.
The western Costa del Sol is better developed, better connected, and more popular with international buyers and tourists. It’s a smart choice if you want a home with strong rental potential, easy access to schools, and a wide range of amenities.
The eastern Costa del Sol is quieter, more traditional, and more affordable. It’s ideal if you’re after a slower pace of life, less tourism, and authentic Spanish villages – or if you simply want more for your money.
Wherever you land, the Costa del Sol offers something for everyone – you just need to get out there and explore.
Check out our Costa del Sol Buying Guide for everything you need to know about the region, from lifestyle and property tips to legal advice and visa options.
