3 Luxury Villas for Golf Holidays near Marbella

Imagine a golf getaway filled with sunshine, luxury, and breathtaking landscapes – Marbella offers all this and more. This glamorous destination on the Costa del Sol, known for its world-class golf courses, stunning coastline, and luxurious lifestyle, offers everything you need for a memorable and lavish escape.

To make your stay unforgettable, we’ve selected three exquisite villas that provide a mix of elegance, comfort, and close proximity to Marbella’s top golf courses, all available through Villanovo, the world-renowned portal for luxury villas holidays. When planning a family trip, a golf adventure, or a relaxing break, these villas deliver the best retreat.

These 3 luxury villas for golf holidays have in common, besides the stunning views, luxury decoration, gorgeous open air spaces and privacy, the perfect location: they are all situated on the hills of La Zagaleta, one of the more prestigious private urbanizations in Andalusia, minutes away by car to either Marbella’s Old Town, Puerto Banus or the numerous surrounding golf clubs, such as Los Arqueros, Los Naranjos and La Quinta Golf & Country Club.

1. Villa Palo Alto: A Golfers’ Paradise

Villa Palo Alto is a stunning retreat that combines modern luxury with breathtaking natural beauty. Perfectly suited for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a lavish getaway, this premium villa offers an amazing blend of privacy, style, and convenience.

Highlights:

• Outdoor Space:
  Villa Palo Alto has expansive outdoor areas designed for relaxation and entertainment. The infinity pool, large terrace, and lush gardens are complemented by mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean Sea and Marbella’s rolling hills. Lounge areas and a barbecue setup make it perfect for gatherings.
• Interior Space:
  The villa showcases modern sophistication with open-plan living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light inside. The seamless flow between indoors and outdoors enhances the luxurious ambiance.
• Bedrooms:
  Each of the 5 bedrooms is complete with plush furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and private terraces that frame spectacular views, ensuring every morning starts beautifully.
• Amenities:
  Villa Palo Alto goes beyond expectations, offering a private gym, indoor spa facilities, and a cinema room.
• Location:
  Situated within the exclusive La Zagaleta estate, this luxury villa provides exceptional privacy and security.
• Perfect for Golfers:
  Golf enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to world-renowned courses. From beginners to pros, it’s a fantastic base to enjoy Marbella’s golfing scene.
• Why Choose This Villa?
  For luxury, tranquility, and stunning scenery, Villa Palo Alto offers an experience that combines modern style with relaxation.

Villa Palo Alto offers unmatched security and tranquility, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and majestic mountains.

Step inside Villa Palo Alto, and you’ll find a masterpiece of contemporary architecture with touches of traditional Andalusian charm. Expansive glass walls flood the home with natural light, while open-plan living spaces create a seamless connection to the outdoors. Each room has been thoughtfully designed for comfort and elegance, ensuring your stay feels both relaxing and indulgent.

This luxury villa boasts spacious living and dining areas, perfect for relaxing or hosting a dinner with loved ones. A fully equipped, modern kitchen makes it easy to prepare meals, from whipping up breakfast to enjoying a private chef experience. The bedrooms are serene retreats, each with an en-suite bathroom, plush furnishings, and access to terraces or gardens for added tranquility.

The outdoor area at Villa Palo Alto is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine unwinding by the infinity pool, dining alfresco on the expansive terrace, or enjoying the beautifully landscaped gardens. With cozy lounge areas and a barbecue setup, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of Marbella’s sunny climate and stunning vistas.

Villa Palo Alto goes beyond luxury with its additional amenities. Stay active in the private gym, indulge in a spa-like experience, or host a movie night in the home cinema. Every detail is designed to elevate your stay, from the cutting-edge security features to the concierge services available to meet your every need.

Villa Palo Alto is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. For those seeking a peaceful escape, an active golf holiday, or a luxurious family retreat, this villa delivers it all. From the awe-inspiring views to the impeccable amenities, every moment spent here will be unforgettable.

Treat yourself to the best that Marbella has to offer and make Villa Palo Alto your home away from home. Once you arrive, you may never want to leave!

2. Villa San Bernardo: A Luxurious Escape

Villa San Bernardo is a sophisticated retreat that promises an unforgettable stay. Offering impeccable design, top-notch amenities, and proximity to the city’s finest attractions, this villa is excellent for those who crave both relaxation and indulgence. When planning a golf holiday, a family getaway, or a romantic escape, Villa San Bernardo is the ultimate choice.

Highlights:

• Outdoor Space:
  This villa features serene outdoor areas, including a private pool, shaded terraces, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The setting provides an inviting atmosphere for sunbathing, dining, or simply unwinding.
• Interior Space:
  The villa combines contemporary design with touches of Mediterranean charm. Open-plan interiors and stylish décor make it warm and welcoming, while expansive windows bring in plenty of natural light.
• Bedrooms:
  Each of the 6 bedrooms offers comfort and style, featuring premium bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and access to terraces or garden views. Guests enjoy restful, peaceful nights.
• Amenities:
  Villa San Bernardo is equipped with an outdoor spa.
• Location:
  Centrally located, this premium villa is close to Marbella’s beaches, vibrant nightlife, and highly rated golf courses, all while maintaining privacy and calm surroundings.
• Perfect for Golfers:
  Several of Marbella’s top golf courses are just a short drive away, making it ideal for those ready to hit the greens.
• Why Choose This Villa?
  Its blend of convenience, elegance, and world-class amenities ensures an unforgettable vacation tailored to relaxation and fun.

Villa San Bernardo enjoys a prime location in Marbella, surrounded by the region’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant lifestyle. With easy access to world-class golf courses, golden beaches, and the lively Marbella town center, this villa is a gateway to the best the Costa del Sol has to offer. The villa provides complete privacy, making it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle.

This stunning villa blends contemporary elegance with classic Andalusian charm. Its spacious interiors are bathed in natural light, thanks to large windows and an open-concept layout. The living areas offer a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance for relaxation or socializing. Every detail of the villa has been thoughtfully designed to ensure guests feel at home in this luxurious setting.

Villa San Bernardo features 6 beautifully designed bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, high-quality linens, and ample storage space. The modern kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, making this space is as functional as it is stylish.

Step outside to discover a private oasis designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. The villa’s outdoor space includes a 20 meters pool, sun loungers, and shaded areas for dining or unwinding. The lush gardens and terraces provide the ideal backdrop for soaking up the Mediterranean sun, enjoying alfresco meals, or sipping cocktails as the sun sets over the horizon.

Marbella is renowned for its exceptional golf courses, and Villa San Bernardo places you close to some of the finest in the region. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the villa’s proximity to premier courses, while non-golfers can explore Marbella’s rich culture, luxurious shopping, and vibrant nightlife. With so much to offer, this villa is a fantastic choice for any type of traveler.

Villa San Bernardo is more than just a luxurious place to stay; it’s a destination in itself. From its serene outdoor spaces to its stylish interiors and top-tier amenities, this villa offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Villa San Bernardo ensures a truly unforgettable experience to play golf, enjoy family time, or celebrate a special occasion.

Book your stay at Villa San Bernardo today and immerse yourself in the beauty, elegance, and charm of Marbella. This premium villa is an exceptional retreat that awaits to make your holiday truly special.

3. Villa Yareni: A Tranquil Luxury Retreat

Located in the beautiful hills of Marbella, Villa Yareni is a luxurious and modern villa offering an unique blend of comfort, style, and relaxation. For those seeking a serene getaway, a family vacation, or a golf holiday, this exquisite villa provides everything for a memorable stay. With stunning views, elegant interiors, and premium amenities, Villa Yareni is your home away from home.

Highlights

• Outdoor Space:
  This villa’s outdoor areas include a private pool, expansive terraces, and beautifully maintained gardens.
• Interior Space:
  The interiors of Villa Yareni blend modern comfort with Andalusian charm. Spacious rooms, elegant furnishings, and thoughtful details create a cozy yet luxurious ambiance.
• Bedrooms:
  6 bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed, featuring comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and views of the surrounding beauty.
• Amenities:
  Villa Yareni includes a private gym and home cinema.
• Location:
  Positioned in a quiet area outside Marbella, this luxury villa provides a peaceful retreat while offering easy access to the region’s beaches, golf courses, and cultural landmarks.
• For Golfers:
  With top-rated courses nearby, this villa is an excellent option for golf enthusiasts ready to explore the local greens.
• Why Choose This Villa?
  It offers a combination of luxury, privacy, and proximity to Marbella’s best golf courses, making it an outstanding choice for any type of traveler.

Villa Yareni is positioned to offer panoramic views of Marbella’s lush landscapes, the Mediterranean Sea, and the mountains. The villa’s location in a peaceful area ensures total privacy and tranquility, while being just a short drive from the excitement of Marbella’s beaches, exclusive golf courses, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

Step inside Villa Yareni and discover a beautifully designed space that blends modern architecture with sophisticated, timeless décor. The open-plan living areas are spacious and airy, with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood the home. The villa’s interiors are designed for comfort and style, with plush sofas in the living room and elegant dining tables.

Each of the villa’s bedrooms is a peaceful retreat, designed with ultimate relaxation in mind. The rooms feature comfortable furnishings, large windows with scenic views, and en-suite bathrooms with high-quality fittings. The open, airy design of each room enhances the villa’s tranquil atmosphere.

The amenities at Villa Yareni are designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. For those who enjoy staying active, the villa has a private gym, ideal for a workout while enjoying the surrounding views. You can also take advantage of the home cinema for a cozy movie night to unwind after a day of exploring Marbella.

Villa Yareni offers a spectacular outdoor area for enjoying Marbella’s sunny climate. The spacious terrace features an inviting private pool; you can also unwind in the shaded areas, enjoying alfresco meals with friends and family as you take in the breathtaking views. The villa’s gardens are lush and well-maintained, offering a serene and beautiful setting.

Villa Yareni is ideally located for golf enthusiasts. The villa is just a short drive from several prestigious courses, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a golfing retreat. For those who prefer to explore Marbella’s cultural scene, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife, the villa’s location allows easy access to all the city has to offer.

Book your stay at Villa Yareni today and enjoy an unforgettable escape in one of Marbella’s most beautiful locations. Indulge in luxury, comfort, and relaxation at this magnificent villa.

Conclusion

These three villas offer the ultimate combination of luxury, relaxation, and access to Marbella’s finest golf courses. Each property provides a unique experience, ensuring your stay is nothing short of spectacular. No matter which luxury villa you choose, you’ll be assured of a remarkable stay in one of Spain’s most sought-after destinations. Book your dream villa today and create memories to last a lifetime!

The Costa del Sol offers a wide variety of leisure options and is perfect for a lot of fun. But what part of the Costa del Sol is best for you and for the type of vacation you have in mind? Let’s see if we can solve this pressing issue with a quick test – more like a magazine test than a school one; there is no wrong answer at all!

Test: what place in the Costa del Sol is best for you?

There are two ways to do this test: you can pick all the answers that apply to you from each question or try to pick only one answer for each question. Write down the letters that corresponds to your answers and check the results right after the questions.

1 – During your vacations what you want the most is to:
a) spend time on the beach
b) know the area as much as possible
c) visit historical buildings, places and cultural events
d) have fun with the kids

2 – While traveling, you prefer to:
a) stay near the hotel / rental
b) cover as much of the area as possible
c) take long walks without a map
d) plan ahead what will be visited

3 – Your ideal meal while traveling is:
a) a generous portion to be savored slowly
b) eat on the go – there is too much to see, and time is precious!
c) authentically local – knowing the food is part of knowing the place
d) in a restaurant that has something the kids will eat

4 – Your ideal hotel or rental is:
a) by the beach, with a pool and a TV
b) in a location from where I can move easily around
c) in a historic building full of charm
d) one with kids’ pool, lifeguards and kids’ entertainment

5 – If you had to choose only one activity to do for a full day, which one of these would you pick:
a) go to the beach
b) go up the mountains
c) visit a castle
d) visit a waterpark

6 – At night, you plan to:
a) go to a bingo
b) go to a nightclub
c) go to the beach
d) sleep

7 – You think of the locals as:
a) the people that work in the hotels and restaurants
b) people you’d love to befriend, given the opportunity
c) very interesting sources of information
d) extroverts. They start interactions with you all the time.

8 – The group that best shows what you want on your vacations is:

a)

b)

c)

d)

✨ Test Results

Now it’s time to know what part of the Costa del Sol is perfect for you!! You did a good job choosing your answers – they are all good options available in the Costa del Sol. 😉 Just check the letter you chose more often and look for it below. If you have a tie, check all that apply.

If you answered more A: the Sun Seeker

Your idea of vacation is to stay as much time as possible relaxing, either in a comfy hotel / rental or on the sand, enjoying the sea and a nice beverage. Wake up naturally, spend time in the sun, visit a good restaurant – as long as it is near your place – rest and go to the pool. That’s life at its best, and that’s what vacations are for!

What part of the Costa del Sol is best for you?
Puerto Marina in Benalmádena
La Carihuela in Torremolinos
Los Boliches in Fuengirola
La Cala de Mijas in Mijas

You have quite a few options! The Costa del Sol, as the name implies, is excellent for sun seekers. From the list above, Puerto Marina in Benalmádena is the most Sun Seeker of all, as it has more hotels, infrastructure and restaurants; it is a more developed area than the others – meaning more comfort at hand. It gives access to two gorgeous beaches and is a hotspot for tourists, especially British. La Carihuela in Torremolinos is a fantastic place, with a great promenade and right by Puerto Marina; being in either La Carihuela or Puerto Marina allows you to enjoy both, every day.

If you had a bit of mixed answers, with specks of B and C, you may want to check Los Boliches in Fuengirola and La Cala de Mijas. These are two former fishing villages of the Costa del Sol that preserved much of their charm and past. You’ll find plenty of sun, sand and restaurants in either. Los Boliches has its own train station, which makes getting there from the airport a breeze; La Cala de Mijas is a bit more remote and, therefore, less visited and possibly more affordable. All these options offer other attractions beyond beach, promenade and restaurants, if you choose to explore a bit.

If you answered more B: the Adventurer

Your idea of vacation includes enjoying everything the area has to offer. You get to know the place as a local – or even better; you feel proud when someone asks you for directions, as you are quite competent at it. The goal is to leave no stone unturned, to see everything the place has to offer. You can rest after the vacations are over! Everybody around you wishes they had the same energy, even if they don’t say so.

What part of the Costa del Sol is best for you?
Anywhere close to a train station, as it will allow you to cover the largest area. Check in particular areas around these stations:
Málaga Maria Zambrano
Málaga Centro Alameda
Torremolinos
Benalmadena-Arroyo
Fuengirola

Málaga Maria Zambrano is the transportation hub of the Costa del Sol. You can take a train there to Cordoba, Seville, Granada or even Madrid! If your goal coming to Málaga focuses on exploring beyond the Costa del Sol, having a base near this station would be very convenient. And, of course, you can get from there to all the stations on the C1 and C2 lines, that stay in province of Malaga, as well.

If the goal is to explore the Costa del Sol, then the other four train stations listed are very interesting. These are the main stations of each of the cities covered by the C1 line; they each offer numerous possibilities to explore, as they are located in central areas of each city. 😉 Simply choose the one you would like to see the most of. To help your choice, check the posts linked to each station above – the variety of places they show is mind-blowing!

There is one place that is probably one your exploration list – and if it is not yet, it definitely should be: the Caminito del Rey, a surreal trail path across a gorge, more than 100m high above the ground. It is one of the highlights of the Costa del Sol, done with guidance and safety; one of the best adventures in Málaga! Another great idea is to take advantage of the many (many!) guided excursions available for different areas of the province of Málaga. Best part? There are several excursions for free!

If you answered more C: the Cultural Warrior

Museums, history, local festivals and heritage – a place is nothing without its context, and finding the connections between past and present are a fundamental part of knowing how a culture came to be. Taking pictures of monuments and beaches is but a scratch of what really knowing a place means; you want to know the dates and imagine the scenes of the past while wandering through the old towns.

What part of the Costa del Sol is best for you?
Málaga center
White villages
Benalmádena
Places where a Feria is going on

The center of Málaga, which you can check on the post about train stations in Málaga, is the best place for museums and cultural heritage. You can visit the Alcazaba and the ancient Roman Theatre, as well as the Castillo de Gibralfaro, all by foot. Contrast the fast passed Málaga with a white village (pueblo blanco), such as Mijas Pueblo or Benalmadena Pueblo, to see two completely different ways of Spanish life.

Check also the coastal scene – tourism is one of the main industries of the Costa del Sol, it is a very important part of the local reality. You can do that by visiting Benalmadena, which has great cultural facilities, including ruins of Roman Villas, a fantastic library, several watchtowers form Roman and Moors periods and even a museum dedicated to pre-Hispanic cultures in the American continent.

If you can make your trip coincide with a Feria, it’s a bonus! You can check a traditional celebration going on in real time. Ferias tend to celebrate both the past and the present, while being enormous and festive cultural displays. The Ferias season in the Costa del Sol run from May to October; it is amazing.

If you answered more D: the Family Traveler

Seeing your kids happy is what really makes you happy; as long as you see they are having fun, you know you are doing a good job at raising them to be nice and fulfilled adults. An ideal place is the one that combines kids’ entertainment with something for the parents too, so everybody has a great time.

What part of the Costa del Sol is best for you?
Benalmádena

Benalmádena is by far the most children friendly place in the Costa del Sol. Check Benalmadena for kids to plan the places you and your family will visit – there are way too many to list here, so the topic has its own post. Benalmádena is central and well connected to the nearby towns by train, so you can visit the best attractions they have for families, too; check the Aqualand and the Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, and the Bioparc in Fuengirola if you have a bit of adventurer in you. 😉 Now if you have a lot of adventurer in you, check the Aquamijas in Mijas and Aventura Amazonia in Marbella as well!

Conclusion

I got a tie between C and A, and I couldn’t do the test choosing only one option per question! 😳 What about you? I would love to know! Please share your test results in the comments; it helps steering the site towards what you are more interested in reading about. 😉 Thank you for participating and have a great time in the Costa del Sol!

The Spanish white villages (Pueblos Blancos) are worldwide famous and part of Spain’s heritage. They are dreamy places where time seems to have stopped, preserving idyllic views and scenes of a much slower pace of life. Picture cobblestone streets and white houses framed by beautiful bougainvilleas, the sound of a guitar playing somewhere beyond the endless horizon and a nice square from where to absorb the environment while watching the soft movement of the village.

Visiting one of the Pueblos Blancos of the Costa del Sol is a must to immerse yourself in the Spanish lifestyle. The white villages may give the impression to be completely apart from Málaga’s busy life, but on a deep layer, villages and large cities in Spain are closely related – both by family and economic ties. The Pueblos are where Spaniards that live in big cities go back to on holidays, and the place many of them call ‘home’. Visiting the white villages is a unique experience about finding the origins of what it means to be Spanish.

These are the white villages we will see in this post: Casares, Ojén, Mijas Pueblo, Benalmadena Pueblo and Frigiliana, all marked in the map below. They can be visited on a day trip or for a few days’ time – as long as you need to recharge. I’m sure you’ll love the experience!

Casares

Casares is a dramatic hillside village known for its steep streets and clusters of whitewashed houses that seem to defy gravity. Its origins are believed to date back to Roman times when Julius Caesar reportedly visited the area to benefit from its sulfurous baths. The village’s name is said to derive from the Roman general, and the nearby Roman baths still stand as a testament to this history.

Later, under Moorish rule, Casares became an important military and administrative center due to its fortified position and proximity to the coast. The Moors fortified Casares, adding a castle that still stands today and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside – on top of being part of the view itself.

Casares is also a hub for nature enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails offering visitors the chance to explore the rugged landscape of the Sierra Crestellina Natural Park. The village’s local eateries serve traditional Andalusian dishes, making it an excellent spot to experience regional cuisine in a serene setting.

How to go and where to stay in Casares

Casares is easily achievable from Estepona: take bus line L-77 both ways. Check the times, though; this bus line just runs twice a day. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Roman baths or to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the village square, where you can sip on locally made wine and watch the pace of life unfold. Choose below where to stay in Casares:

Ojén

Ojén is a charming village in the mountains just inland from Marbella that feels a world away from the bustling Costa del Sol. Its history is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, with evidence of prehistoric habitation in nearby caves. During the Moorish period, Ojén became known for its production of aguardiente, an anise-flavored spirit that is still celebrated today. The village’s location made it an ideal refuge during times of conflict, and its name is believed to derive from the Arabic word “Hoxan,” meaning “rough terrain.”

A visit to Ojén offers a blend of history and natural beauty. The village is home to the Museo del Molino, which highlights traditional olive oil production, and to the Cueva de las Columnas and Cueva de las Campanas, prehistoric groups of caves with fascinating rock formations. They are open to visitors!

Nature lovers will appreciate the trails that are part of the Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ojén’s central square is a perfect spot to relax and sample local delicacies, such as the region’s famous cured meats and cheeses.

How to go and where to stay in Ojén

Visiting Ojén is very easy from Marbella. The village is accessible by local buses (lines L-80 and L-82) departing from Marbella’s bus station several times a day. The trip takes only 20 minutes! You can explore more of Ojén staying for a few days; pick your place below: 😉

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is one of the most iconic white villages on the Costa del Sol, high above the coast with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Its origins date back to ancient Iberian settlements, with later influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, all of whom left their mark on its architecture and layout. The village’s strategic position made it a significant site during the Moorish period, and its narrow streets still reflect the town’s medieval past. After the Christian Reconquista in the 15th century, Mijas transformed into a tranquil farming community.

Today, it is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring its history and traditional Andalusian culture. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll find traditional whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and a sense of timelessness.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Mijas Pueblo’s rich heritage by visiting its landmarks, including the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel carved into the rock in the 17th century, the botanical route and the bullring, which is uniquely oval-shaped. The village is also known for its artisan workshops and the (small in itself) Museo de Miniaturas, which showcases an eclectic collection of tiny objects. To see more about this village, check our dedicated post, the beauty of Mijas Pueblo.

Visitors can see the donkey taxis, a nod to the village’s agricultural past, from when donkeys were the primary mode of transport for local farmers (but please don’t use them; there are serious concerns about how the donkeys are treated). The donkeys are, up to this day, the symbol of Mijas.

The village is a perfect spot for soaking in Andalusian culture, with artisan shops, tapas bars and panoramic viewpoints that make it worth a visit. You can spend lovely days in Mijas Pueblo, enjoying the view and the peace of this adorable village.

How to go and where to stay in Mijas pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is one of the easiest white villages to reach, as there are regular buses from Málaga (line M-112), Torremolinos and Benalmadena (lines M-112 and M-121) and especially, Fuengirola (M-122) several times per day. Click on the name of the line to see times and routes, and on the map below to choose your stay!

Benalmádena Pueblo

Benalmádena Pueblo, the oldest part of the modern municipality of Benalmádena, is a quaint village that retains much of its traditional Andalusian character. Its history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early settlements found in nearby caves. During the Moorish period, the village grew into a small but significant community, known for its agriculture and trade. Following the Reconquista, Benalmádena became a quiet, rural area until the 20th century, when tourism brought new life to the region.

The village’s key attractions include the Castillo de Colomares, a monument built in the 20th century to honor Christopher Columbus and his voyages, and the Benalmádena Stupa, a striking Buddhist temple offering panoramic views. Visitors can also wander through its narrow streets, discovering small plazas and hidden courtyards filled with flowers. Benalmádena Pueblo is a quieter alternative to the bustling coastal areas, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience. It is also home to Churros & You, that has the best churros on the planet.

Benalmádena Pueblo offers a peaceful contrast to the busy coastal areas of the Costa del Sol. This charming village is one of the three distinct areas that make up Benalmádena – the other two being Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa. I’ve dedicated a full post to discuss if it is worth visiting Benalmadena Pueblo (spoiler alert, it is)! The village is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with narrow streets, white houses, and colorful flowerpots adding to its charm.

How to go and where to stay in Benalmádena Pueblo

For those seeking both history and serenity, Benalmádena Pueblo is a must-visit. Getting there from Benalmadena is very easy with the with the bus lines M-103, M-112, M-121 and M-126. Some of these lines pass also in Malaga (M-126) and Torremolinos (M-112 and M-121). Check below great options of places to stay in Benalmadena Pueblo.

Frigiliana

Frigiliana is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages not only in the Costa, but in the whole Spain, with its roots stretching back to the Moorish era. The village’s historic quarter, known as the Barrio Mórisco, is a maze of steep, cobbled streets that preserve its medieval Islamic design.

After the fall of the Moors, Frigiliana became a center for sugarcane production, a tradition that continues to influence the village’s cultural identity. The annual Festival of Three Cultures, in the end of summer, celebrates the coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions that shaped its history.

Visitors can explore the village’s historic streets while learning about its past through the ceramic plaques that line the walls. The Museo Arqueológico de Frigiliana provides further insight into the area’s history, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. The village is also known for its local specialties, including miel de caña (sugarcane honey), which can be sampled in many local shops. With its proximity to the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, Frigiliana is a great base for hiking and enjoying nature.

How to go and where to stay in Frigiliana

As far as I know, there is no direct connection by bus from Malaga to Frigiliana; the best way to go there would be either by car or with one of the many excursions that reach the village. If you are planning to stay, here are the best places:

Conclusion

Visiting the white villages of the Costa del Sol is a unique and remarkable experience that enhances your Costa del Sol holidays. If you are looking for the authentic and traditional Spain, or if you just want a relaxing experience surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes, for hiking or for meditation, visiting a Pueblo Blanco is the right call. Be it as a day trip or for a longer stay, there is a Pueblo Blanco close to each of the main towns of the Costa del Sol. Come, relax and enjoy your time!

Marbella’s Starlite Festival is back for 2025, promising a summer filled with world-class music, glamorous vibes, and magical nights under the stars. As one of Europe’s most prestigious boutique festivals, Starlite, also known as Starlite Occident, continues to attract music legends, cultural icons, and fans from across the globe. The 2025 edition is shaping up to be a must-see event, both for seasoned festival-goers and for those new to the scene!

A Brief History of Starlite Festival

Founded in 2012, Starlite Festival has evolved from a local gem to an internationally acclaimed event. The festival’s venue itself is a star attraction: it is an open-air auditorium surrounded by the natural beauty of Marbella’s cliffs in the picturesque setting of La Cantera de Nagüeles.

Over the years, it has hosted iconic artists like Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Plácido Domingo, Lionel Richie and Sting, among many more. The festival’s unique mix of intimate performances, luxurious ambiance, and stellar line-ups has made it a magnet for celebrities and music lovers alike.

Starlite Festival Shows 2025

The artists in the Starlite Festival 2025 are a mix of contemporary and legendary artists, from Spain, the Spanish-speaking world and beyond. You are sure to find quite a few you know and look forward to seeing perform. Here is the complete list and show dates:

June 13 – Emilia
June 20 – Nathy Peluso
June 27 – Kool & The Gang

July 2 – Gente de Zona
July 3 – Marc Anthony
July 5 – Raphael
July 8 – Europe

July 10 – Seal
July 18 – Jhayco
July 19 – The Script
July 21 – Scorpions

July 23 and 24 – Miguel Bosé
July 25 – Il Divo
July 26 – Will Smith

July 27 – The beach boys
July 31 – Ana Belen
August 1 – Rels B
August 3 – Santana
August 6 – Clean Bandit
August 8 – Amaral
August 12 – Beret
August 14 – Los Secretos
August 19 – Siempre Así
August 20 – Alejandro Fernandez
August 23 – Fangoria + Nancy Rubias
August 29 – Camilo

Tips for Festival-Goers

Book Early: Tickets and accommodations sell out fast, especially for headline acts and VIP packages.

Dress to Impress: Starlite is as much about fashion as it is about music. Think chic summer evening wear.

Explore Marbella and the Costa del Sol: While you’re here, take some time to enjoy Marbella’s beaches, historic old town, and world-class dining, as well as the nearby towns of Mijas and Fuengirola.

Tickets and accommodation near the Festival

You can buy your tickets from the Starlite Festival site. The festival will happen in the Auditorio Marbella, in the Cantera de Nagüeles (Calle Albinoni, Marbella), marked below, to make your selection easier; pick your choice of stay and book fast – the best places are going to be taken soon!

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 edition of Starlite promises to raise the bar even higher. Here’s what’s in store:

1. A Star-Studded Line-Up Get ready for performances by global superstars across genres. From chart-topping pop acts and legendary rock bands to classical virtuosos and Latin music icons, there’s something for everyone. Some of the biggest names in music are making Marbella their summer stop, and the official line-up announcement has already sparked massive excitement.

2. Exclusive Experiences Starlite isn’t just about music—it’s an all-encompassing lifestyle experience. VIP lounges, gourmet dining, and premium hospitality make this festival stand out. Picture yourself sipping champagne as the Mediterranean breeze flows through, all while enjoying an electrifying performance.

3. Stunning Venue The unique amphitheater setting ensures exceptional acoustics and an intimate connection between artists and audiences. Imagine watching your favorite artist perform under a canopy of stars in one of the most breathtaking venues in the world.

4. Cultural Highlights Beyond music, Starlite 2025 will feature art exhibitions, film screenings, and charity galas, making it a cultural hotspot. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Marbella’s vibrant art scene.

Why Starlite 2025 is Unmissable

More than just a festival, Starlite is a celebration of life; it’s where a summer to remember will be made. Mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for an extraordinary summer: the Starlite Festival 2025 awaits you! Superstars, VIPs, gourmet dining under the stars, fashion… you get it all in Marbella. Let’s celebrate good times! It’s the final countdown to booking your tickets and hotel; the future is in the air with great times gettin’ jiggy wit it! 😉

Torremolinos Guide – Every now and then I hear someone saying there is nothing to do in Torremolinos beyond the beaches and the promenade. Well, I disagree! Let me show what Torremolinos has to offer in this Torremolinos Guide – and let me tell you: after almost 3 years living in the Costa del Sol, I still find more in and about Torremolinos!

What to do in Torremolinos?

So much! We will start close to the mountains, in the upper areas of Torremolinos, and move downhill towards the beaches, that we will see on the next section. If you need some help understanding the areas, check the map below or, better yet, our post explaining all 11 neighborhoods of Torremolinos. 😉 These two posts go hand in hand, but while there it was all about the areas, here, I want to focus on the most interesting things Torremolinos has to offer.

El Ranchito

Ritmo a Caballo (Horse Rythm) is a traditional spectacle that has been happening every Wednesday for more than 30 years. It mixes two Andalusian traditions, horse riding and Flamenco, in one show – yes, even the horses in Andalusia dance Flamenco. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind cultural tradition. The show at El Ranchito lasts 1:30h, but you can arrive early to take pictures with the horses!

Molino de Inca Botanical Garden

The Molino de Inca Botanical Garden is a luxurious place in Torremolinos. Tall, abundant green vegetation, birds, walks and water fountains in a large area of Torremolinos, close to the AP-7. There’s even a Japanese Garden in the premises, along a small museum with moving dioramas explaining how the mills, (molinos, in Spanish) that named the town, worked centuries ago. To know everything about this magnificent oasis, check our post about the Molino de Inca – prices, opening times, how to go, and many pictures – it’s all there.

Aqualand

Crocodile Park

Enjoy a day of safe adventures in Europe’s only crocodile park. Visit more than 200 crocs of different species and variable sizes – some weighing up to half a ton, some little babies you can hold in your hands and get a picture with. Only in Torremolinos! (Well, also in Florida; but there, without the safety fence).

Street markets in Torremolinos

The street market called Mercadillo de Torremolinos happens every Thursday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, at Avenida del Real, in the Recinto Ferial (fairground) of Torremolinos. The Rastro de Torremolinos happens in the same place and time on Sundays, and the difference between both is that the Rastro is a second-hand market, while the Mercadillo is a market for band new goods.

The closest train station to it is Montemar Alto, but it takes a good 20 minutes’ walk from the train to the market; from inside Torremolinos, the T-1 bus line leaves you by the entrance of the fairground.

There are Street markets in the Costa del Sol every day of the week. Thanks to the great train and bus connections between Torremolinos and the nearby towns, you can explore the other markets as well; check here the full list with places, days and locations. 😉

Torremolinos Center

There is so much to do and to see in Torremolinos center!! We have shown a lot of the center when we talked about the Torremolinos train station, right in center of Torremolinos, in the Plaza de la Nogalera. The famous Calle San Miguel, the ways to go from the center to the beach – both by stairs or using the elevators – Plaza de Andalucia, Plaza de la Unión Europea and Plaza de la Costa del Sol, they are all there.

To avoid repetition, here I just want to add one location that has been renamed and renovated in the end of 2023 and now has many a visitor trying to find: the Piano Key stairs. It’s in the Pasaje Pía Beck in Avenida Isabel Manoja:

Pía Beck was a Dutch pianist that lived in Torremolinos and opened the Blue Note Jazz bar in Pasaje Begoña, famous among the locals and part of the cultural scene of Torremolinos back when the city started to be noticed internationally. She was also an LGBT activist, which makes the tribute in the center of Torremolinos even more pertinent. The center of Torremolinos, particularly the area around the Nogalera square, is where most of the nightlife in Torremolinos happen, and where many of the LGBT bars and nightclubs are located.

Parque de la Batería

On another corner, it offers a playground that is 10 out of 10, loved by kids, be it because of the tower with a twisted slide or because of the elastic trampolines on the floor that let kids jump higher than in the sofa. A must!

But what really stands out about La Batería is the pond in the middle of the park, with crystalline light blue waters. It used to offer the possibility of renting a small boat to sail around, then they closed, then reopened, then reclosed… we never know. You may get lucky, but don’t count much on it.

Getting to La Batería is very easy by bus – line T1, stop La Batería – or by train, stopping at the Montemar Alto station. Both leave you close to the entrance of the park. We reviewed the Parque de la Batería in deep while going around the train stations in Torremolinos, so you can check that post to know all about the park. 😉

La Casa de los Navajas

The lovely Casa de los Navajas is the eye-candy of the Bajondillo. It was built to be a residence in 1925 (it turns 100 years in 2025!) by a wealthy family of the area, the Navajas. The building belongs currently to the municipality, is open for visitation (see times here), for free, and can be rented for weddings and other celebrations.

Inner La Carihuela

The Carihuela is not only a well-known beach in Torremolinos, but also the name of the neighborhood where the beach is. One of the reasons why La Carihuela stands out is that this neighborhood has a lovely walk-only part with shops and cafes. Here is a must-see place in Torremolinos that you shouldn’t skip on your next visit:

Above, Calle Carmen, with the Church of the Virgen del Carmen (from where the namesake parade departs in July) on the right side. Below, another view of the area, in Calle de San Ginés.

The promenade

The beautiful promenade of Torremolinos stretches along the whole shore of the town and connects all the beaches of Torremolinos. It is long, flat, sunny and – most importantly – full of life. Take a walk and watch the beach and the chiringuitos (seaside bars / restaurants) on one side, and Torremolinos blossoming on the other.

You’ll find plenty of interesting sites on your way, from the idyllic views of Los Alamos to the fun of the Plaza del Remo, in La Carihuela, where people dance on the streets (mostly during the Rockin’Race Jamboree. See below! More about it here).

Torremolinos beaches

You may find different names for the beaches in Torremolinos, partially because many of the chiringuitos name the beach where they are after themselves. Broadly (and officially!) speaking, though, Torremolinos is divided in 4 beaches – from north to south: Los Alamos, Playamar, Bajondillo and La Carihuela – as shown in the Turismo Torremolinos map in the beginning of this post.

Los Alamos

Playamar

Playamar is the second beach of Torremolinos coming from Malaga. It is more central and urban than Los Alamos and also has many oases and chiringuitos. The landscape is dominated by the tallest buildings in Torremolinos, the towers along Avenida de Benyamina.

Bajondillo

Bajondillo Beach is a very popular beach, right in the center of Torremolinos. Being the closest beach to the center, it is very popular both among passersby, that enjoy a great walk and people-watching along the promenade, and with beach goers. It is the most popular beach among the LGBTIQ + community, both due to the proximity to the Plaza de la Nogalera and because some of the chiringuitos of the area focus on the group. Check the Eden beach club in the area, a well-known and beloved place, that usually hosts special events during Pride!

Carihuela

By far the most popular beach in Torremolinos, La Carihuela starts where Bajondillo finishes, at the Castillo Santa Clara (not a real castle, but a rock formation by the shore with great views) and extends up to the Marina, already in Benalmadena. The beach is beautiful and the promenade in this area is fantastic, extending inside the Carihuela itself (as we talked about before, in the part about the inner La Carihuela).

There are plenty of beautiful hotels facing La Carihuela – the uber famous Ocean House among them – and the lively Plaza del Remo, where many events are held all year long. But what I really think makes the Carihuela special (and this may be only my biased opinion) is the proximity to the Marina of Benalmadena, a mix of harbor, shopping center, playground and foodie’s paradise, with many options of fine restaurants and bars.

Where to stay in Torremolinos

Being the tourist magnet Torremolinos is, there are plenty of accommodation options. Here are a few vacation rentals and hotels that stand out for having great locations and reviews, being super charming and offering a good bang for your buck:

Restaurants and bars in Torremolinos

If you are in the center, head to Calle Danza Invisible, where you’ll find many good options and my favorite in the area, El Armario. This is also the part of the town where much of the nightlife happens, and the LGBTQI+ heart of Torremolinos.

Around the Bajondillo area, another mouthwatering, great option is La Favorita, with a creative and varied menu, including gluten free and vegetarian options.

In La Carihuela, try the chiringuitos on the beach and one of the many restaurants in the inner, walkable part of the neighborhood; for a more upscale experience, head to the harbor zone in Benalmadena!

Torremolinos Weather

The weather in Torremolinos is mostly sunny all year round – as the name of the region, Costa del Sol, implies. If you have the impression that the town is empty during the winter, let me clarify – it is not; it is actually vibrant, filled with people enjoying the festivals, and some brave ones on the beach!!

Torremolinos has sunny, warm days even in February. You can check our overview of the weather month by month or, if you know when you are coming to Torremolinos, pick your month in the list under Festivals in Torremolinos (our next topic); each post offers a deeper analysis of the weather that month plus a lot of things to do!

Festivals in Torremolinos

Torremolinos never stops! Here is a list of the events that happen every year in Torremolinos, by month. Clicking on each month will take you to a page with a lot of information about things that happen in the Costa del Sol throughout the year, including (but not limited to) the ones mentioned here. Clicking on the events will take you either to a page dedicated to the most recent edition of that event in Torremolinos or to a page talking about that specific celebration broadly. Enjoy!

January: The 3 kings
February: Valentine’s, Carnival and Rockin’Race Jamboree
March or April: Holy Week and Feria del Residente Extranjero
May: Cruces de Mayo
June: Pride
July: Virgen del Carmen
September: Feria de San Miguel
August: Canela Party
October: Halloween
November and December: Christmas

Above: a bit of the celebrations in Torremolinos: Christmas on the left and Pride on the right. Torremolinos has plenty of attractions and festivals!

Torremolinos public transportation

Torremolinos is very well served by trains and buses. There are 5 train stations in Torremolinos, connecting much of the upper (closer to the mountains), more residential part of the town. You can get the train both to visit other parts of Torremolinos or to visit nearby towns, as well as to go to Malaga and to the airport. Until June 2025 you can actually use the train for free with the abono recurrente – something which I talked a lot about here, as well as ticket prices without the abono and a lot more information about the train.

On the bus side, Torremolinos counts on 2 internal lines, aptly named T-1 and T-2. T-1 covers the south (Carihuela) and the center of the city; T-2 covers the center and the north (Los Alamos). Both lines overlap at three bus stops in the center. The full price ticket for each of the lines costs € 1,30 as of this writing, but it is possible to get discount cards – no matter if you are a resident or a visitor. There are two main possible cards here:
– with the green bus card, this price drops to € 0,99 (from January 1, 2025);
– with the red card, it drops to €0,59.

The second (red) card gives more discounts, sure, but this card is valid only for lines T-1 and T-2, while the green is valid for these and all other lines that cross Torremolinos and connects to other towns (see them below!). Nothing stops you from getting both and using the one that is most convenient on each occasion. The red one costs € 1,80, and the green one, even less.

Day trips from Torremolinos

There’s plenty to do in Torremolinos, but it doesn’t mean you need to explore only one town while in the Costa del Sol; it is not cheating, you can like them all!!

From Torremolinos to Malaga

Depending on where in Malaga you are going, you should choose between getting a bus or a train. To put it simply, here are the places you can reach by train:

– Plaza Mayor, a beautiful and pleasant open air shopping center;
– The Airport of Málaga;
– Málaga Maria Zambrano station, that is the transportation hub of Malaga, from where you can get a long distance train to Sevilla, Madrid, etc
– Málaga Centro Alameda, which takes you very close to the center of Malaga, the Alcazaba and the Muelle Uno.

To get to Malaga from Torremolinos by train, take the train towards Málaga Centro Alameda. To know more about each of the stops – with a lot of pictures – check our post about the train stations in Malaga. 🙂

To other places within Malaga, it may be better to get a bus. Check the available lines below – the links show times and stops on a map:
M-110 Málaga – Torremolinos – Benalmádena Costa
M-112 Málaga – Mijas
M-116 Benalmádena – Torremolinos – Teatinos (Universidad)
M-123 Churriana – Torremolinos – Benalmádena Costa

Check also the bus lines inside Malaga. Depending on where you are going, you may need to take a local bus or use the metro.

From Torremolinos to Benalmadena

Easy peasy. Take the train towards Fuengirola and stop on Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel station, to see the center of Benalmadena – enjoy the cable car, visit the market in Benalmadena (on Fridays), walk around the shops and restaurants. From there, you can take a bus (103 line) towards Benalmadena Pueblo, which is super super cute, or towards the beach. You can also stop at Torremuelle, but this is a more residential side of Benalmadena. Check both on train stations in Benalmadena.

By bus, you can get the same line as to Malaga – in the opposite direction – plus these:
M-124 Carola – Torremolinos
M-125 Torremolinos – Patronato
M-126 Benalmádena – Torremolinos

From Torremolinos to Fuengirola

Did you say train? Yes! It’s the best and fastest way. You can stop to visit Los Boliches, a seaside fishing village part of Fuengirola, full of charm, or go straight to the center of the action in the last station, Fuengirola. You can see all 4 train stations of Fuengirola on our post! Tip: Fuengirola train station is also sort of a hubby; there is a bus stop nearby that connects to Mijas, Marbella and Estepona.

If you do prefer the bus, get line M-120 Torremolinos – Fuengirola.

Conclusion

It already feels like a trip! I hope this Torremolinos guide helps you get to know the town and plan better vacations; you can pick the right places to be and the right months to come based on the events you plan to visit; and you can go see everything else in between events. Enjoy the weather, the promenade and the beaches, as well as the botanical garden, the horse show, the crocodiles… and next time someone says there isn’t much going on in Torremolinos, please send them the link to this page! If I find more – which I don’t doubt – I’ll come back to add; please let me know your findings, too, in the comments. 😉 Best travels!

Have you ever wondered if supermarkets in Spain are a bit different from those in your country? Odds are they are!! There are a few things I find unique to supermarkets in Spain that I think you will find interesting to know too. These unique traits are closely related to Spanish produce, traditions and habits; and knowing the way people shop and what they buy is a way of knowing a culture from inside. So, let’s spy (I mean, observe) the unique traits of a Spanish supermarket!

People bring their own shopping bag / cart

Most people bring their shopping bags in carts, like the ones shown above, and lock them in the entrance of the supermarket, in an area designated just for that. When they finish shopping, they pack the goods in those bags, just like people would do with plastic or paper bags in other countries. Ironically, these rolling bags are rarely sold in supermarkets (though I believe I’ve seen some in Carrefour).

It is possible to use plastic bags too, or to bring one’s own shopping bags. The plastic bags are large and resistant, and cost about 0,20 euro per unit in the market counter. People usually buy plastic bags only if they are buying a very small amount of goods or if going to the market was a last-minute decision; for the most part, Spaniards go to the market with their own rolling shopping bags.

We are expected to put on gloves to touch the fruit

One may think this is a Covid-times precaution that lingered on but, no, it is not. In Spain, people were already expected to put on plastic gloves provided by the supermarket before touching the vegetables years before. Not everybody does, though; personally, I think it is a waste of plastic, especially considering the whole process of food distribution, where each fruit has probably been through many hands and machines… nevertheless, that is a thing.

Wine is super cheap – but good!

And plentiful! The wines in this picture range from € 1,60 to € 6,00 only. Quite affordable. There is usually a long section of good and pocket-friendly wine on the market. I guess this may be one of the reasons why Spaniards live long – wine is, after all, part of the Mediterranean diet. Be healthy, dear reader, grab a few!

Cheese comes from… goats, sheep, and perhaps, cows.

Cheese in Spain is often made from a mix of goat, sheep and perhaps cow milk. The ones on the picture above show what animal milk entered on their composition, but that is not always the case; if you want to be specific, you have to pay attention to the ingredients list.

Cheddar, Emmental, Gouda, Brie, Grana Padano and other known cheeses are also available. As a matter of fact, the variety of cheese available in the supermarket is quite large, and it may take a while to figure out which are your favorite local cheeses. Good thing there is plenty of wine to pair with! 🙂

Seasonal foods

Sure thing most supermarkets worldwide offer a selection of seasonal foods, but the selection itself is quite specific to each place. In Spain, during Christmas you will find a lot of Turrón (shown above), as well as chocolate (advent calendar, but not only), and panettones (yummy!); right after New Year, the shops are full of Roscón de Reyes; during easter, the traditional chocolate eggs and bunnies abound; on Halloween there are candies in all sort of scary/funny shapes. Food is, after all, an important part of most celebrations – and the supermarkets provide it.

Typical foods

Well, well, when in Spain… you are sure to at least try the local, typical foods, right? And then you fall in love with them and come back for more. Gazpacho was a staple in my home for our first year in Spain, so, besides preparing it at home, we also bought it often from the supermarket (we used to get the one in the red box, above). Now we have calmed down, but during summer, it is a great option for a simple, fast, good and refreshing meal. Same for salmorejo, which, tastewise, I can’t differentiate very well from gazpacho.

And the tortilla de patatas, potato pie! With or without onion, as you prefer. Pretty much a national symbol of Spain, readily available in the supermarket, because it is quite a popular dish. Have a slice after a bowl of salmorejo, followed by a bit of olives while drinking wine – fancy, local meal for two or more for less than € 10,00. It is well worth it eating local foods and knowing the supermarkets in Spain!!

You may also want to try an Horchata de Chufa, which is kind of like a vegetable milk. It is quite healthy, full of minerals and is said to help lower cholesterol and hypertension. It is sweet and consumed more in the summer, as it is served very cold. You can usually find it in ice cream shops (or in the supermarkets, of course), but not so much in restaurants. It is a drinkable dessert, and we’ve talked a bit about it on the Spanish breakfasts and desserts post. 😉

Jamón

Now, if you want to add Jamón (dry, cured ham) to the meal, the sky is the limit of how much you gonna spend. True that there are many different kinds and prices, as well as the possibility of buying a small tray of Jamón instead of a full leg – both shown above. As a matter of fact, in Carrefour you can even buy a bag to carry a full Jamón leg; it looks a bit like a violin case, just made with fabric and closed with a zipper. A sort of Jamón backpack, so to speak.

Dry meat in all its shapes and variations are very popular in Spain, as well as chorizos, and sausages. Pork seems to be the most popular kind of meat around.

It’s hard to find tomato sauce

I didn’t expect this one, but I have a hard time finding simple tomato sauce for pasta. The market seems to be dominated by tomate frito (fried tomato sauce), which is a kind of tomato sauce that is oily. I have only two options of traditional tomato sauce – a small jar in Mercadona or an expensive one in Carrefour – from what I’ve found so far; all the rest is tomate frito in different shapes, brands or packages.

DIY fresh orange juice

This is a good reason to go to Mercadona: they have these machines that can squeeze oranges automatically – my dream of consumption. Just choose the size of your bottle and have freshly squeezed orange juice on the go. So good! Of course, you can only drink it after finishing and paying, but you can get it right before going to the cashier and have a perfect fresh juice while going home – this must be one of the best things in Spain. Not to mention that Spain is famous for its citrus fruits, which just makes it perfect. By the way, oranges are at their best on January!

Olive oil sizes 🙂

I’d call it appropriate, the 3 liters olive oil bottles shown in the picture. Personally, I prefer the ones that fit 5 liters – just because knowing one of those is (always) in my kitchen brings me a smile. But 3L is good too. Sure, they do have smaller bottles as well, as sometimes people are traveling and because the smaller ones are better to have on the table.

I am a olive oil fanatic and the olive oil would be on a list of my top 10 favorite things about Spain; if you are too, check the post about the Casa de la Cultura, which I visited for the first time precisely when they were having an exposition about the olive oil production in the ancient Roman villas of Benalmadena; yummy!

Local tip: I do like the olive oil in the picture, but my favorite extra virgin olive oils in Spain come from small distributors – find them in small groceries around where you are staying; grab a bread there too and have a traditional Andalucian breakfast at your home / vacation rental. You’ll thank me later.

Olives, olives, olives

Ah, the olives. We find them in every possible way here 🙂 the ones shown in the picture are with or without pits; filled with anchovies, bell pepper or even lemon; and, of course, “dressed”. Dressed olives (aceitunas aliñadas) are olives combined with sour oranges, salt, water, red peppers, fennel, thyme, oregano and maybe more dressings. The sizes of olive jars are a bit like those of olive oils – from small to very large – so there is no way to go wrong with olives; when in doubt, get a larger one.

Lupin beans

Lupin beans (altramuces) are a well-kept Iberian secret, and that’s why I put it last – only those that read all the way deserve to know… This precious delicacy is rarely appreciated as it should be. It is wonderful, a simple, salty, very healthy snack – full of proteins; vegetarians, take notice! – that should be on every plate around the globe but is consumed mostly on the Iberian Peninsula, and even more in Portugal than in Spain. Luckily, it is always available in the supermarkets, and finding it was one of my greatest joys when I went to a market in Spain for the first time. In the USA, I could get it only on Amazon.

If you are new to lupin beans, let me tell you how to eat them: they have a peel, that looks a bit like plastic (but it is not). You don’t eat the peel; you remove it – for each bean – in less than a second, just by squeezing the bean with your fingers in opposite directions; a bit like finger snapping. You then eat the yellow bean. It has a soft, light, salty deliciousness taste and slightly firm texture. It is so good.

Supermarkets are a good place to park

It is a bit of a Goldilocks situation: markets that are small may not have a parking garage; those that are too big will be far away from everything; but the middle-sized supermarkets are just right – they both have garage and are close to interesting places. Given how hard it is to find parking in the Costa del Sol, it is a good thing to keep in mind that you can park at supermarket garages. They will require that you buy something inside – around 20 euros of goods – and, other than that, the parking is free of charge. So, you both visit a nice place and do the shopping.

This works only for a few hours of parking, not for overnight parking, or your car may be towed. Remember to buy only at the end, after you visit the place you intend to go: when paying for your goods in the supermarket, tell the cashier that you have a car in the garage, and she will validate your ticket; after that, you have about 20 minutes to leave the garage without incurring a new parking / purchase requirement.

Main Supermarket chains in Spain

And since we are talking about supermarkets, let me give you a few links so you can check them. 😉 The main chains present in Spain are Mercadona (that owns the brand Hacendado, that appears in a lot of the pictures of this post), Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl – judging by the ones I see most often. Día, Supercor and Maskom are also large, and this last one I believe exists only in Malaga province; they take pride in offering a large selection of products made in Malaga, so it is very local and even more unique.

Conclusion

Grab your rolling bag and visit a market nearby. There, grab some wine, gazpacho, a tortilla, cheese, olives and olive oil, bread, jamon and a jar of lupin beans; last but not least, a bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice, that you want to drink before everything else. That is the recipe of happiness. You can do it regardless of if you live in Spain or if you are just visiting; bring a bit of Spain inside your place and enjoy it after a day of work or sightseeing. Cheers to Spain!

2024/25 New Year’s Restaurants and Parties in the Costa del Sol – It is a bit last minute, but here is a list of places that are planning something special for the celebration of the New Year. We have a mix of dinner and parties going on in different areas of the costa on December 31. Don’t forget to check exactly when they will be open while booking. The good thing is that you may end up celebrating more than once – from a dinner straight into a party! 😉

Related Posts:
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Mijas 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
What to expect of Christmas in the Costa del Sol
December in the Costa del Sol

Torremolinos

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Benalmadena

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Fuengirola

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Mijas

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Marbella

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Estepona

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Conclusion

To know a lot more about New Year’s related activities in the Costa del Sol, check our post on December in the Costa del Sol. And the posts about Christmas in each town; after all, it is still Christmas in the Costa del Sol until January 6th!

If you have a restaurant or pub that is planning something special this Christmas and would like to appear in this post, let me know. Send me an email with details and I’ll add here. 😉

I wish you a very Happy New Year and great meals and parties as well! May the New Year bring you lots of Champagne, cavas, grapes, sun, healthy, amazing views, and of course, a lot of time enjoying the Costa del Sol! 

La Cala de Mijas is special. It is an adorable part of the town of Mijas, right by the coast, but different from most of the Costa del Sol, because it really has managed to preserve the fishing village feel of its origins; it’s calm and reserved, but at the same time, has plenty of restaurants and beautiful beaches and promenade. Come see this interesting part of the Costa del Sol!

Getting there

To go to La Cala de Mijas, I took the train to Fuengirola and then the bus M-220 to the bus stop called… La Cala de Mijas. It was an easy and pleasant journey, especially the bus part, by the sea. Check on the map below the best way to get there from where you are. 😉

What La Cala de Mijas is famous for

The Torreon de La Cala is very close to the beach, by a large square, the promenade and the beach.

Above: La Cala de Mijas Watchtower seen from Calle Reina Fabiola and the cover of 2024’s Feria de La Cala de Mijas, figuring the village’s Watchtower.

But La Cala is more than it’s watchtower. It is essentially a residential and touristic part of Mijas that is not as built up as the neighboring towns; a little village within the town, with a bit of a Pueblo feel and a large shore, where you can still see the fishing boats. It is not your usual bubbly Costa del Sol town; it is more discreet and very laid back. It has houses up to the promenade, flowers on the streets, a big hotel by the shore and plenty of restaurants.

La Cala de Mijas restaurants

La Cala de Mijas has many restaurant options – Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Indian – and several options of pubs as well. These facilities are distributed throughout the town, but there is a great concentration of restaurants in the center of La Cala, the area close to the main access to the village. Look for restaurants along the Boulevard de La Cala, Calle Torrox and Calle Marbella, which connects the center to the Watchtower of La Cala, and you’ll find plenty!

Where to stay in La Cala de Mijas

If you are planning to visit La Cala, here is an interactive map with hotels and vacation rentals. Pick your dates and enjoy!

Promenade and beaches of La Cala de Mijas

The beaches of La Cala de Mijas – Playa La Cala, Playa de la Butibamba and Playa El Bombo – all form one large stretch of sand. The first one, closest to the center (Playa la Cala) is the most developed of the 3 and probably the most touristic. This is the beach by the Watchtower; it has a tiled promenade, with several public bathrooms, areas for yoga sessions, playgrounds, chiringuitos (seaside restaurants) and workout equipment.

La Cala is true to its origins, with a still-active fishing community and whitewashed houses along the shore, mixed with tourism-related facilities. Going south from La Cal Beach, the next two beaches have a more rustic or natural feel, with a smaller number of Chiringuitos, less facilities and a wooden promenade.

Inner streets of La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas is built mostly of houses or small buildings. There are lines of houses along La Butibamba Beach (shown below) that feel a bit dreamy, so close to the sea and so private at the same time.

The region closer to La Cala Beach has small buildings, larger houses and commerce along the streets.

Getting close to the Boulevard de La Cala, the center area, there are also buildings and more local commerce.

Parque La Butibamba

A bit more about La Cala de Mijas

There are few connections to the rest of the Costa del Sol; a car, here, is probably a need. In terms of public transportation, one can get to or from Fuengirola, by bus, in about 40 to 50 min. The bus line M-220 runs about every half an hour during daytime; there is no train in Mijas. This relative remoteness is probably part of the reason why La Cala de Mijas has managed to stay as preserved as it is.

La Cala de Mijas is part of Mijas; more specifically, it is a part of Mijas Costa, one of the three main parts of the town of Mijas – the other two being Las Lagunas (right by Fuengirola) and Mijas Pueblo, by the mountains.

La Cala de Mijas has a bit less than 5.000 inhabitants – as a comparison, Fuengirola has a bit more than 80.000, and Malaga, around half a million. La Cala has a gas station, a supermarket (Carrefour), a sports court, a school for kids up to 12 years old (CEIP García del Olmo) and a secondary school (IES La Cala de Mijas), this last one a bit inland, close to the one health center of La Cala. There are no hospitals in La Cala de Mijas, as far as I know.

La Cala de Mijas also has a Tenencia de la Alcadia, which is sort of an advanced post of Mijas Town Hall. This is a plus, as it makes dealing with documents – padrón comes to mind – a lot easier for residents.

The main event in La Cala de Mijas is its Feria, that happens in the end of July and lasts about a week. La Cala also celebrates Carnival, Halloween and, of course, Christmas, as the decorative lights you see spread on the images above show – I visited in December!

Overall, though Mijas celebrates the same festivities as the other towns of the Costa del Sol, I have this impression (and this may be just my opinion) that Mijas is a bit more discreet in its celebrations; their events tend to last fewer days and to be less publicized than those of the nearby towns, which makes Mijas – and La Cala – a bit more reserved.

Conclusion

La Cala de Mijas is a very nice part of Mijas – and of the Costa del Sol. It’s a favorite area among many, particularly those that want to rest along the beach and enjoy a peaceful stay (or life) without the stress of a large city, the multitude of neighbors and traffic. It’s also a calm area, with relative few events during the year, with the charm of a small fishing village by the Mediterranean shore. It is adorable and visitors inevitably fall in love.

It is difficult to figure out the buses in the Costa del Sol. Frankly, it is sort of messy, with several operators, some joined together in the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga, some not, and some partially; there are different systems, prices and cards depending on the operator, a lot of cards overlapping and limited, dispersed information online.

Above: two buses from Avanza. The one on the left (line M-220) is part of the Consorcio Malaga; the one on the right (line L-304) is not.

The goal of this post is to collect as much information as possible in a single place and help untangling this mess. I’ve added every link to every relevant page on the text below, so it should be easy (or a bit less difficult!) to find how to get anywhere your heart wants in the Costa del Sol! But first, let me explain how to pay for the bus.

How to pay for the bus in the Costa del Sol

As a rule of thumb, you can pay for the trips with cash (small bill or coins), directly to the driver, entering through the front door of the bus. Debit or credit cards are accepted on EMT buses (which run inside Malaga city) and may be accepted by Interbus buses, which run inside Fuengirola – some people online say they do, but I am yet to confirm this information – but you cannot pay for the bus with bank cards in the rest of the Costa del Sol, unfortunately.

Avanza, the main bus operator in the Costa del Sol, only accepts bank cards in their offices, which sell their own bus cards, not inside the buses. I asked a driver and even called Avanza to confirm – they really do not accept bank card payment (neither debit nor credit card) on the buses.

But if you are staying longer, if you want to travel often by bus, and especially if you live in the Costa del Sol, you should get a few bus cards that give substantial discounts and make the trips easier, as you just tap the card as you enter, instead of counting coins. It’s the next best thing as to paying directly with a bank card, or even better because of the discounts. In this post, we explain and link to all information about these bus cards.

Malaga city buses

The main bus operator of Malaga city is EMT, which is responsible for most of the bus lines that travel within the city. You can find their prices, discount cards, lines and times on the respective linked pages of their website. They do accept the green bus card, despite not being part of the Consorcio Málaga.

To go to the neighboring towns, though, you wouldn’t use EMT. Malaga is connected to the rest of the province by several different operators, many of them bundled on the Consorcio Málaga – an attempt by the government to give some uniformity to the public transportation system, by joining several operators under the Consorcio guidelines. It is helpful, but not complete, as many bus operators are not part of the Consorcio; the Consorcio also has a limited range – it is focused on the city of Malaga, not on the Costa del Sol as a whole.

You can check the lines of the buses operated by companies that belong to the Consorcio on their website. The Consorcio also includes, beyond buses, the 2 train lines of Malaga and Malaga’s subway. You can use the green bus card that we discussed on Bus and Train Cards in the Costa del Sol in the lines operated by the Consorcio Malaga (EMT buses, Consorcio buses, train and subway). By the way, it looks like the trains in the Costa del Sol will continue to be free of charge until at least June 2025!

Among the operators of the Consorcio, Avanza is the one that offers more lines in the Costa del Sol, and the main one at our next stop, Torremolinos.

Torremolinos buses

Torremolinos has two bus lines that stay only in the town, lines T-1 and T-2, both operated by Avanza, and several lines connecting Torremolinos to nearby towns (choose Torremolinos on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town). These are also all operated by Avanza, except for line M-136, which connects Los Álamos, in Torremolinos, to Alhaurín de la Torre and Cártama, operated by Autocares Vázquez Olmedo. As both operators belong to the Consorcio Málaga, I believe it is possible to use the Consorcio green card on every bus of Torremolinos.

Above: T-1 and T-2, the two bus lines that ride inside Torremolinos, as shown in Avanza App.

The full price ticket within Torremolinos costs € 1,30 as of this writing, and the town does not offer free bus lines for residents (Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella do, as we’ll see ahead). With the green bus card this price drops to € 0,50 (up to the end of 2024) or € 0,99 (from January 1, 2025). Avanza also has their own discount cards with better discounts than the green bus card of the Consorcio, but they are valid just for lines T-1 and T-2. You can read about Avanza cards here and buy one for €1,80 at Avanza’s office in Terminal Torremolinos (Calle Hoyo 10, shown below).

Above: Avanza’s office in Terminal Torremolinos, one of the main stops of the town.

In Torremolinos, the Avanza cards are sold only at the office in Calle Hoyo, but can be recharged in the bus. Notice, though, that this card is valid only for lines T-1 and T-2, the lines that stay within Torremolinos, referred to as Transporte Urbano de Torremolinos; the green bus card is valid for these lines and all other lines of the Consorcio Málaga. Nothing stops you from getting both and using the one that is more convenient on each occasion – I would certainly do that if I used the T-1 and T-2 lines often. Both Avanza and the green bus cards are available for visitors and residents alike.

Benalmadena buses

Like Torremolinos, Benalmadena has two lines that circulate only within the town – lines M-103 and M-107, both operated by Avanza. It is also connected to nearby towns by several bus lines, all of them by Avanza (choose Benalmádena on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town). On top of the two internal lines, buses that connect to other towns are used daily just to move inside Benalmadena; and like Torremolinos, Malaga and Fuengirola, Benalmadena also has the train.

Above: M-103 and M-107, the two bus lines that ride inside Benalmadena, as shown in Avanza App.

Residents of Benalmadena can use the two internal lines – M-103 and M-107 – for free, as long as they have the transport card which we’ve discussed in detail in Bus and Train Cards in the Costa del Sol; everybody – local or not – can benefit of the discounts of the green bus card in these two lines and in all other lines of the Consorcio. The fares for these two lines in Benalmadena, as of this writing, are € 1,55 (full price) and € 0,50 (up to the end of 2024) or € 0,99 (from January 1, 2025) with the green bus card.

The fares for the bus lines connecting Benalmadena to the other towns remain too tangled for my understanding, but you always get a good discount with the green bus card. I think almost each line has their own fare, but go down to around € 0,40 to €0,50 (in 2024; probably € 0,99 in 2025) with the green bus card.

Fuengirola buses

Fuengirola bus system is completely different from the previous two towns we have seen so far, something that took me long to understand. 😳 But I did it! (I think). Here is the catch: much like Malaga, Fuengirola is served internally by a bus operator that is not part of the Consorcio, but connected to the other towns by Consorcio’s bus lines. That explains, among other things, why it is so hard to buy a green bus card in Fuengirola!

There are 5 bus lines that run within Fuengirola, all operated by Interbus. They are called L1 (blue), L2 (green), L3 (pink), L4 (yellow) and L5 (dark red).

All 5 are free for Fuengirola residents – an example! For everybody else, the current fare is €1,20 per person and € 0,60 for pets; it is possible to buy a 10-trip pass for € 10,00. The town also has their own app, called Fuengirola Transporte Urbano, but no transportation card.

But when leaving Fuengirola by bus, you’ll get one from Avanza, and there the green bus card makes sense. You can check the lines that connect Fuengirola to the nearby towns on the page of the Consorcio (choose Fuengirola on ‘Municipio’ to see all the Consorcio bus lines that pass in the town).

Mijas buses

Mijas is a bit different from the previous towns, but not like Fuengirola. It’s quite unique. There are no internal bus lines in Mijas connecting the different parts of the town; when moving between La Cala de Mijas and Mijas Pueblo, for instance, one would need to go to Fuengirola and then take another bus. Sad, I think.

Nevertheless, Mijas Town Hall says that Las Lagunas has 3 urban lines that allow for good communication within the different parts of the city… but doesn’t name or show them. The same page points at the Consorcio Málaga (choose Mijas on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town) as the provider of buses for the town – all of them by Avanza. At least the green bus card is valid here!

Marbella buses

Up to now we got it easy, dear reader, thanks to the Consorcio Málaga. It just turns out that, for reasons beyond my understanding, the Consorcio Malaga does not include Marbella (nor Estepona). This is the Consorcio’s range:

There are 13 bus lines that run inside Marbella – all provided by Avanza but completely unrelated to the Consorcio, which means the green bus card is not valid here at all. These 13 lines are free for residents that have the local bus card! There are discount cards available as well, one of which, called Tarjebus, lowers the fare from € 1,18 to € 0,83. You can check information on Marbella cards and fares here. Besides the resident’s bus card and Tarjebus, Avanza offers one more option of bus card that make sense for frequent Marbella visitors: it is the Avanza Costa del Sol card, that we will discuss ahead, because it also matters for Estepona visitors.

The problem is the connection between Marbella and nearby cities. It’s deficient, to put it lightly. The Consorcio has one bus line, M-320, named Malaga-Marbella and another one, M-220, named Fuengirola-Marbella but, as you would expect, it doesn’t really reach Marbella – at least not with the green bus card.

It’s very confusing: the page for the M-220 line on Consorcio says it goes only until Leila Playa, in Calahonda (Mijas) close to the border of Las Chapas (Marbella), but several kilometers away from Marbella’s center; the page for the same M-220 line on Avanza says it goes way beyond Leila Playa, reaching the center of Marbella and beyond. I guess the lines that reach beyond the Consorcio borders have this particularity, that you would have to inform the bus driver of where you are going and be charged accordingly, either being allowed or not to use the green card! Because why not make it complex, right?

To go to Marbella Center from Benalmadena or vice-versa, by bus, it would take at least two buses and about two hours; there seems to be only one bus line (L-304, Málaga-Ronda), and it passes only twice a day. It is also more expensive than the usual bus (around € 6,00 each way), as it is actually an inter-city, travel bus. By car, it takes around 40 minutes – but parking in Marbella’s Center is expensive, around € 4,00 per hour. Uber / taxi should cost around € 30 to € 40.

To find the ways to go to Marbella from where you are, I’d recommend checking Google Maps first (you can do it from the map below!), and then confirming times and lines on Avanza. Even better if, instead of using Avanza’s website, you can confirm on Avanza’s app, which updates in real time.

Google gives many more options than looking directly on Avanza’s website; they also show local lines, which can come in handy – but the bus lines may be outdated. Avanza’s website shows less options, takes time to load and is not always user friendly, but seems to be up to date – or so we hope! Avanza app I have used on the street a few times, and so far, it has been spot on.

I think the best way to get to Marbella from Malaga, Torremolinos or Fuengirola using public transportation would actually include taking the train to the last stop – Fuengirola – and from there, the L-60. This bus passes several times per day – way more than two! – which is already a big plus. The full fare is € 3,75, but less with Avanza’s Costa del Sol card. And the bus stop is very close to the train station, so you can time yourself according to your needs. 😉

Above: the bus stop in Fuengirola (Terminal Fuengirola) where we can get the L-60, that goes to Marbella. This stop is very close to the train station. On the right of the image, we can see Fuengirola’s obelisk (Monumento Mare Nostrum), which is right at the exit of Fuengirola’s train station.

Estepona buses

Estepona is quite large, but has only 3 bus lines, all by Avanza. Checking the Town Hall’s information on the matter takes you straight to a page in Avanza website about buses in Estepona. And you know what? It is an improvement. Up to August 2024, the buses in Estepona were being provided by another company, much smaller; it was even harder to find information, and there were only 2 lines.

Above: E-1, E-2 and E-3, the bus lines that ride inside Estepona, as shown in Avanza App.

The regular fare for the internal lines in Estepona is € 1,20, but it lowers to 0,70 with the Avanza Costa del Sol bus card. There are no bus cards in Estepona besides the Avanza bus card, that we will see in the next topic.

Estepona, like Marbella, is not connected to the Consorcio Malaga, and getting there is like getting to Marbella on steroids. From Benalmadena, there are ways to reach the town by taking two buses, but most options use three; there are less lines than to Marbella, and, of course, the trip is more expensive and longer – about 3 hours, while by car it is close to one. You can check directions and lines from where you are on the map below:

Avanza Costa del Sol Card

The Avanza Costa del Sol bus card works for a limited number of lines, which are not covered by the Consorcios’s green bus card but are specified on the previous link. It also works for the lines within Estepona (with discount) and for those within Marbella (without discount). It can be purchased in the Avanza offices listed here and recharged in the same offices, in the bus or even online.

I have never used this card, and it seems a bit complex; according to the previously linked page about the card, you’d have to inform the bus driver about where you would like to go, as for some lines this card is valid only for origin or arrival outside of the borders of the Consorcio. So, in the same bus line, this card can be both valid and not valid. A Schrödinger’s card, so to speak…

From the Airport to Marbella or Estepona by bus

Getting to Marbella or Estepona from the airport by bus is confusing, to say the least. Take Avanza’s line L-602, for instance, that looks very convenient: it has one stop in the airport, next on Marbella and then Estepona. Fantastic, right?

But it offers only one time – get to Malaga in the morning or no deal! Clicking on the pdf link that says “consulta aqui todos los horarios de media y larga distancia” (check here all the times for medium and long distances), though, gives you this fabulous list with all the lines and times from Malaga to pretty much anywhere – Marbella, Estepona, even La Línea and Algeciras:

Check those that show times both from the airport and to where you want to go. I assume arrows means no-stop, times mean stop / arrival times and a dash means the bus doesn’t get there. Right after Algeciras there’s a field with tiny, tiny numbers – these are the bus lines you are looking for! As this information may vary overtime, don’t trust the list I put here too much; follow the steps I did to find this pdf in Avanza to get data straight from the source. 😉

Conclusion

Right, now let’s do a test! Just kidding; I feel more like eating spaghetti, after all those lines. I hope we untangled the buses a bit, but at least now we have a lot of relevant information about buses in the Costa del Sol linked in one page. That’s a win! Don’t forget to bookmark this page, so you get a bit less lost when riding the buses around the Costa; and if you know more or want to know more, please leave a comment – let’s improve this mess together!

Have you ever wondered how we celebrate Christmas in the Costa del Sol? I’ll tell you all about it in this post. But before we start, let me warn you: it is a huge celebration, filled with lights, colors, music, joy and activities everywhere you look. It also lasts 40+ days, is collectively made and very well organized. It is amazing!

The many associations that belong to the different towns of the Costa del Sol organize, in full or in part, different events. These are religious associations connected to the local churches or brotherhoods, cultural associations, dance and music schools that take the opportunity to promote their services, as well as the senior citizens associations, gathered around the active participation centers, and the commercial associations, that promote markets and some of the parades. In Marbella, the neighborhood associations are also heavily invested. On top of it all, come the Town Halls and their subdivisions (delegations) that coordinate and tie the events together. You see, Christmas in the Costa del Sol is really a collectively made celebration!

All forces combined make each year and town unique. Every year brings new surprises, which may or not be added to the list of traditions for the following years. Let’s take a closer look at what is already part of the traditional celebrations of Christmas in the Costa del Sol, so you know what you can expect.

It all starts with a program

Around the end of November, each town publishes their Christmas program on their official websites. These are lengthy programs that gather all Christmas related events that are being prepared by the different associations of each city, plus those that are prepared by the Town Hall. The programs list all public Christmas events of a given town, in Spanish, informing briefly, for each event, what is happening, where and when. You can see examples of such programs in the related posts below – I collect them, translate each into English and post the English version of the program on the blog! 🙂

The notable exception is Mijas, that tends to prepare several events just as the other cities, but do not combine them in a program. The traditional Christmas events are all there, regardless. Program or not, in every single town of the Costa del Sol, Christmas season does not happen or start – it inaugurates. Yep, it’s a big deal!

Inauguration and switching on of the Christmas lights

The Christmas season is inaugurated in each town following a rather standardized pattern: there is the switching on of the Christmas illumination, followed by a speech by a notable local citizen, often followed by a party. The local authorities – the mayor and counselors – are also present at the event.

The moment when the lights go on for the first time is much anticipated. The cities start to put up the Christmas lights around October, and during November everywhere we go there are Christmas lights – but they are off. Once they inaugurate, the main streets and squares become lively and colorful. A lot of people gather to see the lights go on for the first time in the season, and to enjoy the show. After this first day, lights are turned on every evening and off early morning throughout the season, which lasts up to January 06.

The inauguration of the Christmas season happens traditionally on the last Friday of November, though it is completely up to the towns to decide it, and variations do occur. The inauguration shows, location and time are, of course, informed in the program – that is, if the Town Hall has already released the program, which sometimes happen a few days after the season has already inaugurated!

Christmas trees in the Costa del Sol

In the plural, dear reader. Because you won’t find just one Christmas tree in no city, town, nor pueblo – there are always a few. Of course, it is likely to be a main one, probably in a place of great confluence of people, but most areas will have their own as well.

A few Christmas trees in the Costa del Sol. The top left one is in Torremolinos, the others in Benalmadena.

The Christmas trees become lit up together with the other Christmas lights, and the towns tend to vary the drawings on the structure from one year to the following. Some trees allow people to take cool pictures inside the Christmas tree itself – even the Christmas trees are fun in the Costa del Sol!

Nativity Scenes all around

Another Christmas in the Costa del Sol staple is the Municipal Nativity Scene. During the Christmas season, the towns tend to display a large and detailed nativity scene (a representation of the birth of Christ), prepared, usually, in coordination with or by one or more local religious Brotherhoods or churches. These scenes tend to be displayed either in the city center or in one of the town’s cultural centers.

Benalmadena’s Municipal Nativity Scene, for instance, is displayed in Plaza Pueblosol, in the city center, in a structure built just for it. It measures about 20m² and is quite detailed. It is more than just a Nativity Scene; in reality, it’s more like a Bethlehem diorama that contains, among other many scenes, a nativity scene. People go around the diorama to absorb all its details.

The Municipal one is certainly not the only nativity scene in a town. Practically every church, brotherhood and many of the cultural places also display their own – it is associated with Christmas almost as much as the Christmas Tree itself. Moreover, there are even live nativity scenes, where the local citizens take the roles of the Bethlehem citizens of the time when Christ was born!

Christmas markets

Oh, so good. As you walk along admiring the Christmas lights, there’s nothing better than a good Churros to go, some hot beverage (glögg!) and even a last-minute gift to the people back home – all goodies you can find in the cute stalls of the traditional Christmas markets that are part of the celebration in most towns of the Costa.

Not all the stalls in the Christmas markets are Christmas-related, though. There is some variation. In Fuengirola, most stalls are on theme and are displaced along a square (Plaza de la Constitución), giving it a little village feel. Fuengirola also innovates bringing artificial snow to the market, which makes it even more special!

Christmas parades

Every celebration in the Costa del Sol has at least one parade, and Christmas is no exception. These tend to be relatively short during Christmas, and can have a variety of themes. They are often oriented to kids, with dancers in cartoon costumes jugglers, stilt walkers and Santa Claus’s helpers. They are lovely; small kids and adults enjoy it best.

Christmas music

There are plenty of Christmas music events going on in the Costa del Sol and the best part is that none includes Mariah Carrey. Spanish culture is so musically rich, with so much variation, that you may not hear the same song twice (except for Feliz Navidad / prospero año y felicidad, because that one plays all the time). Christmas-themed Flamenco could be a whole subgenre of Flamenco (maybe it is).

Among the musical events, the ones we see more often in public spaces are Pastorals, Candelas and Zambombas. They are each special on their own way:

Pastorals

Pastorals are related to either a church or to a Brotherhood. They are a mix of choir and instruments group, that sing Spanish villancicos (Christmas carols) and other traditional songs.

Candelas

Candelas are beautiful both visually and musically. They are Flamenco shows that take place around a bonfire – the candela (literally: candle). In the cold of December, the idea of hearing a Flamenco guitar by the fire is extremely appealing!

Zambombas

Zambombas are extremely popular, probably because they are generally the most festive of the musical events. 😉 Their choice of repertoire is more livelier, meant to make people move. Not dance music, but the same idea.

Besides these, there are many presentations that take place in auditoriums and theaters, and the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra usually greets us with some beautiful concerts.

Christmas Food

Food is present in the Christmas market stalls and in the stalls built around traditional music presentations that take place in open spaces. The most traditional in these stalls are pastries; for more substantial meals, there are the restaurants, many of which create special menus for the Christmas season.

There are all kinds of Christmas menus; some served only on Christmas day, some only on Christmas eve (which in Spanish is called nochebuena – literally: good night – !) some to be picked up ahead and so on. The important thing to keep in mind is that if you want to have a special Christmas meal in a restaurant, you have to book ahead. I have made a list of restaurants that are serving Christmas meals in 2024; take a look; it can be a good starting point!

Santa Claus Village

Most towns set up a way for kids to meet Santa Claus. There will be a small house, with Santa Claus inside (and a big line outside); kids enter with their parents, talk, take pictures and leave. It is usually called Santa’s house or Santa’s village.

There can be attractions for kids around the village, either full-time or, most commonly, on a few days. These can be workshops, theater, circus pocket shows, magician shows, balloon twisting, face painting or something along those lines, to entertain small kids.

Senior activities

Every town in the Costa del sol has Active Participation Centers (CPA, Centro de Participación Activa) which are centers dedicated to the welfare of the population above 60 years old. During Christmas, some of these centers create their own Christmas events, usually around meals and music or dance shows, to entertain and include their associates at the festivities.

Christmas Sports

Did you expect this one? I didn’t. But having translated some 10 or more Christmas programs so far, I always notice there are several sport competitions going on during the Christmas season, and they make it into the program. My guess is that the sports associations also want to contribute to their town’s Christmas. And why not? Sports are a big deal in the Costa del Sol! Check around and you may find fencing tournaments in Torremolinos, the traditional Turkey Race in Benalmadena (where people, not turkeys, run in costumes), jiu jitsu in Fuengirola, races in Marbella and gymkhanas in Estepona, just to name a few.

Surprises

Expect the unexpected, dear reader. Every year the towns innovate and add a bit more to the Christmas programs. Estepona has a Cheese Fair – it’s already traditional, but quite surprising (and welcome!) – Malaga and Benalmadena have been displaying video mappings (like in the video below); pastry contests, workshops, a crocheted Christmas tree in Torremolinos – anything can happen. The element of surprise adds some variation to the tradition and is a traditional element in itself!

Christmas’ eve and day

Locals tend to celebrate Christmas at home, with family. Many Spaniards that have family in the Costa del Sol, but live elsewhere, come during the festive season to meet their loved ones. That’s why Christmas is also high season in the Costa del Sol!

But the Costa is also home to people of many nationalities, and not everybody can have their family together during the season. Many travelers or smaller families opt to celebrate Christmas in one of the local restaurants that open on the date – much easier to prepare and surrounded by people on the same vibe.

Christmas does not finish on the 25th of December, though. In the Costa del Sol, it lasts until January 6, which used to be the date when Spanish kids would open their Christmas gifts till a few decades ago. The tradition, currently, is that kids get gifts on December 24 or 25, and then, again, some more on January 6. While the ones in December are toys, the ones on January are more school related – books, backpacks, clothes – or just chocolates.

New Year in the Costa del Sol

If the night of Christmas eve (December 24) is called nochebuena in Spanish, New Year’s Eve is nochevieja (old night). Tradition has it that one should eat 12 grapes before midnight – during the 12 clock bell strikes – to guarantee a good year ahead. Quite difficult. Try not to choke! I’m sure we can get by with 12 halves of grapes.

There isn’t much going on in terms of fireworks, unfortunately. Some hotels do have firework displays, some individuals do it on their own, but I see it happening less and less – I think it is a shame. Most people spend New Year’s Eve at home, with family, but there are several places that host New Year’s parties in the Costa del Sol. Just as with Christmas restaurants, you would have to book ahead, as such places tend to fill up fast.

The Three Kings from the East

For some Spaniards, the Three King’s Day is as important as Christmas – or even, it is Christmas. Costa del Sol cities celebrate the occasion with a big (and beautiful, colorful) parade for the kids. This parade usually happens on January 05 (and January 06 is a national holiday).

The 3 Kings arrive in the city either by boat or by helicopter (in Fuengirola), then are received by the mayor and later, take central stage at the 3 Kings Parade, in which candies are thrown from the parade’s floats to those that come to watch the event.

It is beautiful, very popular and can’t get more traditional, but I, as a foreigner, do have two remarks about this parade: 1) the candies are hard, and they are thrown with quite some strength in order to reach the kids on the back. It hurts, and you, as an adult watching over your kid, will be inevitably hit multiple times – there’s nowhere to hide. 2) Kids are all over the floor collecting candies, so adults moving out of the fire zone put many little hands at risk.

If you don’t have kids crazy about this parade, I’d recommend negotiating – give them candies on the condition that you both can enjoy the parade from a safe distance, not trying to collect the little rocks. You’d both enjoy a beautiful event, have better candies and no injuries.

Edit and tip: I went (alone) to the 3 Kings’ parade in 2025 in Benalmadena. I realized that if you can pick the less crowded areas along the parade, it is much safer and, therefore, much more fun. Also, the candies in 2025 were not as hard as in 2024; I’m planning to bring Kiddo along again in 2026 – he will have a blast! It was also good that the Parade happened during daytime in 2025 (because there was a big chance of rain later). Daytime does improve little hands’ safety.

Conclusion

In a way, you could expect Christmas in the Costa del Sol would be a big deal. The towns in the area pride themselves in organizing beautiful celebrations; that, coupled with the Catholic traditions very much alive in Spain, would already give a clue that Christmas would be special. Still, 40 days long is perhaps more than expected, right? But the towns do need it to be long to fit all the activities that the different associations of the towns plan. It is fantastic to have so much of something great, and so much local participation.

Now you may be wondering which Costa del Sol town does the best Christmas. Personally, I find the lights in Torremolinos tend to be the best; Fuengirola wins my vote on the market category and the kids’ parades in Benalmadena are super adorable – I like it more than most kids, but there are adults that enjoy it even more!!

I think there is nothing like going out with family and coming back home easily – no transportation involved; just go for a walk, see beautiful lights and a spectacular music show, have some churros with chocolate and head back home at ease – 40 days in a row. 🙂 The best Christmas is, indeed, the one you spend with your loved ones, and I should add, close to your home, hotel or holiday rental. All Costa del Sol towns prepare great Christmas – they are all magical and there is no wrong choice here.

Christmas in Mijas 2024 will be a bit different than in the other cities of the Costa del Sol: Mijas Town Hall has not issued a program combining all their Christmas related activities, so it seems that the events will be announced as they approach, much like individual events. Last year it happened this way, so, as all other towns have already published their Christmas programs, it seems that, once again, Mijas opted for a more discreet approach.

So I put on my online detective hat and searched all over the internet for Mijas’ Christmas plans and events, so that we could have something as close as possible to a Christmas program. It didn’t yield soooo much but, hey, way better than nothing; there are quite a few events being cooked in Mijas this season (which reminds me of something called Mijas Christmas Gourmet that was mentioned as planned for December, but I think vanished, at least for now.)

Related Posts:
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
2024 Christmas Restaurants and Parties

The best we got, listed here, is an overview of activities planned to happen in the nearby future. We will see what has already been published about Christmas in the website of the Ayuntamiento de Mijas and, with some luck, get to know and to add more events as this Christmas season progresses. So far, the main events have been delineated in the page linked above, in Spanish; I added here all I could find there and in other pages of the Town Hall, as follows:

Christmas Illumination

The special Christmas illumination of Mijas has been switched on for the first time this season on November 29, as did most of the Costa del Sol, and are probably going to keep brightening the nights until January 6. There are 4 million led lights distributed through streets and squares of the 3 districts of Mijas, this way:

In Mijas Pueblo, there are special lights in Osunillas, in plaza de la Constitución and in the Carril, Compás, Caños, Málaga and San Sebastián streets, as well as in the Avenida de Méjico and in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

In La Cala de Mijas, Christmas illumination can be found in the Cártama, Marbella, Torremolinos and Torreón streets, by the Bulevar de La Cala and along the Paseo Costa del Sol.

In Las Lagunas, Christmas is shining along the avenues Miguel Hernández, Mijas Alta, Mijas, Los Lirios, Margaritas and Andalucía, as well as in the Camino de Coín, Camino de Campanales, Camino del Albero, in the park by the Parroquia San Manuel and in Doña Ermita; in the streets María Zambrano, Vicente Aleixandre, San Javier, Antonio Machado, Virgen de la Paz, Virgen de la Concepción, de la Unión, Río Aguas, Río Las Pasadas, Dinamarca, Geranio and in the streets by the Corte Inglés, besides the roundabouts. Wow!

Christmas Market

Mijas Pueblo will have a Christmas Market in the Plaza de la Constitución, from November 29 to December 31, from 11 am to 7 pm, selling Christmas crafts.

Santa Claus, the Christmas Musical

On December 8, at noon, Santa Claus, the Christmas Musical will fill the space of the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas, with Christmas spirit. Tickets cost € 7,50, and can be purchased in advance through the QR code that appear on the poster (same link here) and, from two hours before the show, in the theater’s ticket office.

Christmas Gala

 On December 11, from 5:30 pm, there will be the UP de Mijas Christmas Gala, called The Magic of Christmas, in the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas. Admission is free of charge!

Santa’s Village

In the Village, Santa Claus will have his own little house where he can receive the children who want to come and greet him and leave their wishes. Santa Claus’s Village will also have workshops on various themes taught by elves and other Christmas characters. This town will be present in the three centers of the municipality: on Boulevard de La Cala, Parque de Andalucía in Las Lagunas and Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. Unfortunately, we don’t have the dates and times for Santa’s Village.

Pastorals

On December 22, starting from noon, the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, in Mijas Pueblo, will host a large tent with a stage where the different groups from all over Andalusia will perform as part of the 39th edition of the Villa de Mijas Pastoral Contest.

Christmas City with Royal Postman

The Christmas City with Royal Postman will have free inflatable games for all attendees, as well as a Royal Postman area that will collect the letters that the little ones address to the Three Wise Men of the East. The Parque de la Butibamba in La Cala, Parque Fernán Caballero in Las Lagunas and the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo have been the places chosen for this event. Unfortunately, we don’t have the dates and times for the Christmas City.

New Year’s Concert

On December 27, starting at 8:00 pm, the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas will host the Malaga Symphony Orchestra, which will be performing a recital with pieces from Strauss and Tchaikovsky, with free admission.

Three Kings Parade

The celebration of the Three Kings Parade will take place on January 4. The parade was originally scheduled to happen on January 5 but, due to the weather forecast of rain, it was changed to January 4. The itineraries planned in the three centers are the following:

In Mijas Pueblo it will leave at 4:30 pm from Avenida Virgen de la Peña, continue along Avenida de Méjico, Calle Málaga Street, Calle Carril, Calle Coín, Calle Barrio Santana, Plaza Siete Caños, Calle Barrio Santana, Plaza de la Constitución, Avenida del Compás and will end in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

In La Cala de Mijas the parade will depart at 5:00 pm from the Boulevard in front of the cultural center, to continue through the streets Torremolinos, Torreón, Marbella and Cártama and end in the Parque de la Butibamba.

In Las Lagunas, the parade will depart at 5:30 pm from the Mijas Water Park, continue through the streets San Cristóbal, San Bartolomé, San Javier, La Unión, Avenida de Mijas, the Ford roundabout, then streets Santa Laura, Santa Gema, Camino de Campanales, Avenida de Mijas, Camino del Albero and Antonio Machado street, ending at Avenida Miguel Hernández.

Conclusion

Yes, I’m spoiled by the other cities, which publish 20+ pages of events for their Christmas seasons. On a close approach, Mijas has everything that defines Christmas season in the Costa del Sol – Christmas lights, pastorals, market, Santa Claus and the Royal Postman villages, concerts and parades. It just really lacks a program, but there is certainly Christmas magic in Mijas!

Christmas in Estepona 2024 wil be unique. There will be almost everything imaginable – from an ice rink to a cheese fair, with a lot of events in between. Beautiful Christmas lights, a Charity Christmas market, lots of choirs, sports, movies… Come see all Estepona has prepared up close (and in English)!

Related posts:
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara
Christmas in Marbella
Christmas in Fuengirola

You can check here, in Spanish (click on the cover of the program to access it) the program issued by the Ayuntamineto de Estepona. Below, the translation of the full program, that extends up to January 5, with the 3 Kings Parade. Click on any date on the table of contents to go straight to that day’s program, and don’t forget to bookmark this post! 😉

About the program

Estepona’s 2024 Christmas program differs from all others in the Costa del Sol by using something called fliphtml5, which allows us to flip the pages as if we were reading a book. It does look pretty, but doesn’t help much finding the dates within the pages – scrolling would probably be faster. It certainly didn’t help me do the translation… One good thing, though, is that the program includes beautiful posters for almost every event; I added many of such posters here.

This one, for instance, shows the location of each of the Nativity Scenes on display this Christmas in Estepona:

The program also includes two pages with the events hosted or promoted by each Brotherhood of Estepona, at the end, separated from the core of the events. I opted for including them along the main program – some are quite interesting, in particular because the Brotherhoods look closely after local traditions. Their activities tend to be quite a good way to get to get to know – or to continue to enjoy – the local Christmas.

Now, to the translation of the program:

November 29

Official Inauguration of Calle Terraza
7:00 pm – Paseíllo, Calle Real.
Local authorities will proceed with the inaugural ribbon cutting of the comprehensive remodeling of Calle Terraza.

Switch on the Christmas Lights
7:15 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero.
Switching on of the Christmas lights, with the accompaniment of the Children’s Carol Choir directed by Tina Kids, winner of the 2020 Latin Grammy for best children’s music album, and the Estepona Pastorals Nostalgia Navideña and Jesús Cautivo.

Juanlu Montoya concert
9:30 pm – Orquidario Botanical Park.

November 30

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:00 pm – Brotherhood House of Santa María de los Remedios, in Plaza Francisco Umbral.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Reverend Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero.

Christmas from the Rocio
8:00 pm – El Rocío Booth.
Performances of the Pastorals of the Brotherhoods and Associations of Estepona.
Free access until full capacity.

December 2 to 4

Painting Workshop ‘My First Birth’
From 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
The Estepona City Council, in collaboration with the Association of Nativity Scene Makers ‘Sierra Bermeja, organizes this free workshop for children from 8 years old.
Registration in Estepona at Tel.: 952809000 – Ext. 1405, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Capacity limited to 12 participants.

December 5

Flamenco Zambomba
7:00 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
With the performance of “Al Son de la Navidad” and “El Callejón Grupo Flamenco”.

December 6

Arrival of Saint Nicholas of Bari
Noon – Fishing Port
San Nicolás de Bari will be received with can drags. Subsequently, the Saint will be transferred to the Ermita del Carmen, where the children will be able to deliver their letters. Then, he will tour the streets : Calle San Roque, Avenida de España, Calle Terraza and Plaza Antonia Guerrero.

Flamenco Zambomba
Noon – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
 with the performance of “Son D’Santiago” and “D’Repente Flamenco”

December 7

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:00 pm – House of Las Tejerinas
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood of San Isidro Labrador, the Rev. Mr. D. J. Javier García, with Pastoral accompaniment.
Visits from Monday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Traditional Christmas Carols Concert
8:30 pm – Santa María de los Remedios Church.
By Los Remedios Christmas Choir.

December 8

Ballet The Nutcracker
6:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
For the benefit of APRONA, Foundation for People with Functional Diversity of Estepona.
The Russian Ballet School presents The Nutcracker, the Magical Christmas Show. A ballet for the whole family.
Ticket sales at eternityeventos.com and at the Auditorium box office, from one hour before the performance.

December 9

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:30 pm – Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House on Calle Jesús Cautivo.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Rev. Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero, with the performance of the Pastoral Jesús Cautivo.

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
7:00 pm – Brotherhood House of the Holy Christ of La Vera+Cruz, on Calle Veracruz.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Rev. Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero.
Visiting hours, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

December 10

Christmas Candy Contest
06:00 pm – Cancelada Mayor’s Office, Calle Montemayor.
The Mayor’s Office of Cancelada organizes this traditional contest, which establishes three lots of pastry products as prizes.

December 11

Ben Roels Piano Recital
7:30 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
The Belgian performer is one of the last pianists who had the honor of studying with the legendary Italian pianist Aldo Ciccolini. In this recital, he will perform works by Debussy, Chopin and Liszt.
Reservation and sale of tickets (unnumbered seats): €15, by calling 674226614 (WhatsApp and Bizum) and at the box office, from one hour before the start of the concert.

December 12

IX School’s Christmas Tournament
4:00 pm – La Lobilla Sports Center. The Futsal teams from the different Educational Centers will enjoy a day that will reward the values ​​of sport and teamwork. Organized by the 24 Sports Hours Foundation, with the collaboration of the City Council.

Christmas Snack for Seniors
06:00 pm –  CEIP Ramón Lago, in Cancelada.,
with the performance of the ‘Los Jubis Choir, from the Center for Active Participation of the Elderly. The neighbor’s associations of Cancelada, Eladio Fruits and Vegetables, and the Los Remedios Pastry Shop collaborate.

Cine-Club ‘Roubaix, a lumière’
7:00 pm Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
2019 crime thriller, by Arnaud Desplechin, with Roschy Zem, Léa Seydoux, Sara Forestier and Antoine Reinartz, among others. It’s Christmas night in Roubaix. Police investigate the brutal murder of an elderly woman. They only have two suspects. The French Alliance of Malaga collaborates. Screening in original version in French, subtitled in Spanish. Free entry until capacity is reached.

December 13

Christmas Zambomba
6:00 pm – Calle Montemayor, in Cancelada
with the participation of Ana Soto’s Zambomba, Baraka and company, and the Ana Guerrero Dance School. There will be a tasting of Pepa’s Christmas sweets and chestnut tostón. Free Access.

International Choir ‘Love to sing’
7:30 pm – Mirador del Carmen Cultural Center.
Formed in 2017, the Choir is made up of more than 45 members from various countries, who will present a program of Christmas Carols and Popular Songs, among others, under the musical direction of Shirley Helleur. Free entry. Donation to benefit the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Estepona.

December 14

Collection of toys
From 10:00 am to 9:00 pm – in MGI, LIDL (Estepona and Cancelada) and Carrefour.
In favor of Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital and the ‘Frente Bolillón’ Association.
The house of the Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Coronada will collect food in favor of Cáritas de la Parroquia del Carmen; toys and school supplies at the Papelería Técnica and Papelería Acuarela in favor of Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital throughout the Christmas Campaign.

Representation of the Living Nativity Scene of Nueva Atalaya
7:30 pm – Avenida Finca Pernet, in Nueva Atalaya.
Organized by the neighbor’s association San Cristóbal de Nueva Atalaya, with the collaboration of the City Council.

Extraordinary Christmas Concert
8:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
Concert ‘Poetry and Music at Christmas’, by the Estepona Municipal Band, under the direction of José Antonio López Camacho, with accompaniment by the Magnum Mysterium Choir of Estepona and the tenor Miguel Machado Orozco.
XXIII Christmas Speech, by José María Guerrero.
Pick up of invitations at the headquarters of the ’24 Sports Hours Foundation’

Zambomba de Jerez
8:30 pm – Caseta El Rocío
performances by Flamenkería and Alex Bellido.

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
8:30 pm – House of the Brotherhood of Nazarenes of the Triumphal Entrance in Jerusalem, in Pasaje Cristo del Amor.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Reverend Mr. Luis Aguilar Castillo.

December 15

Children’s Show “Salacadula”
Noon – Auditorio Felipe VI
Tribute to Disney songs in the key of Jazz. Captained by Laura León, ‘Salacadula’ is more than just a concert; It is a musical experience that aims to bring Jazz to families in a fun way, through the most famous Disney themes; from Pinocchio to Aladdin, passing through the Aristocats.
Buy your tickets ahead (€10 + management fees) at Ticketmaster, or at the box office (€15) on the day of the event, from one hour before the start. Organized by the Unicorn Association, in collaboration with the Estepona City Council.

Final of the Pastry Contest Sweet Christmas Esteponera: Festival of Flavors and Traditions
From 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – CESMA, Estepona Hospitality School. Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos.
Organized by the Estepona City Council, with the collaboration of the Center for Higher Hospitality Studies of Málaga, and Frutas y Verduras Acosta.

December 17

XIII School Musical Meeting
5:00 pm – Municipal Booth of the Fairgrounds.
Different school musical groups will perform popular Christmas carols. Organized by: “24 Sports Hours Foundation”, with the collaboration of the City Council and the Educational Centers. Admission: 1 kilo of non-perishable food to benefit Cáritas.

Blessing and Enthronement of the Child Jesus in the Municipal Nativity Scene
8:00 pm – Plaza del Rocío.
Departure of the Child Jesus from the Church of San José. Blessing by the Rev. Pastor. Mr. José Javier García Pascual.

December 19

Cine-Club: ‘Wonka’ (2023)
7:00 pm
Musical fantasy film directed by Paul King, with Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key and Paterson Joseph, among others. It tells the wonderful story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolatier became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Screening in original version in English subtitled in Spanish. Free entry until capacity is reached.

Christmas Concert by the Magnum Mysterium Choir ‘The Joy of Christmas’
8:00 pm – Parroquia Santa Maria de los Remedios.
Under the direction of Miguel Ángel Garrido Sánchez, the choral group will perform a program composed of a set of Christmas carols and popular music from different periods and nationalities. Free entry until capacity is reached.

December 20

Cello and Piano Concerto ‘Beyond words’
7:00 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
Cello and Piano Concert with Adriana Rojo and Ángel Moya. Both musicians will perform pieces by great composers, such as Bach, Pärt, Schubert, Saint-Saëns, Gounod and Massenet, among others.
Ticket sales: €15 at the box office, from one hour before the start of the concert.

Flamenco Zambomba
7:00 pm – Caseta Ajetreo
with the performance of “Al Son de la Navidad” and “Compás Flamenco”.
Ticket sales at Cielo Sky Bar, Grupo Holding Offices and Hermandad Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

December 21

Zambomba ‘From Écija to Jerez’
7:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
With the performance of the Jerez guitarist Fernando del Morao; Kiko Peña, guitar and singing; Guillermo Ruiz, percussion; Esperanza Soria, Fernando Soto, Sandra Rincón and Sole Soria, singing; and Coral de los Reyes and Eva Cristo.
Invitations can be collected from the 9th at the Padre Manuel Cultural Center, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Christmas Concert by the Choir of the Illustrious Brotherhood of Rocío de Estepona
8:00 pm – Parroquia San José.
Free access until capacity is reached

Christmas Zambomba
8:00 pm – Brotherhood House of Santa María de los Remedios

December 22

Visit of the ‘Jesús Cautivo’ Pastoral to the ‘Virgen del Carmen’ residence for the elderly in Estepona
5:00 pm

“Charity Snack” offered by “Las Niñas de San Isidro”
5:00 pm – Plaza del Reloj
Delicious chocolate and churros, as well as Christmas performances, prize distribution and bar service.

December 27

Solemn Mass in honor of Saint John the Evangelist, Patron of the Youth Cofrade.
10:30 am – Parroquia Santa María de los Remedios
Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo de La Vera+Cruz

December 28

Christmas Gymkhana through the Old Town
Noon – departure from the Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House

Show ‘The Spirit of Christmas‘
6:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI Auditorium
Family event to benefit the Red Cross. La Gatika Producciones presents a theatrical show with music and animation, which combines games and Christmas carols. In a world where summer has made winter and Christmas disappear, Santa Claus faces a desperate situation. Will the Christmas spirit and tradition return? Ticket sales (€8 + management fees) at wegow.es, and at the Auditorium box office, from one hour before the performance.

December 31

Popular End of the Year Party
11:00 pm – Plaza del Reloj
with the show Perfect Band, free distribution of party favors, traditional chimes to welcome the New Year 2025 and a great display of fireworks.

January 3

Visit of the Three Wise Men to the APRONA Residence.
5:00 pm

The Royal Postman Collects Letters Addressed to the 3 Kings
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
The Royal Mailbox will remain installed in Plaza Antonia Guerrero, where all children will be able to deposit their letters addressed to His Majesty Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar.

January 4*

Visit of the Three Wise Men of the East.
5:00 pm – Brotherhood House of the Holy Christ of La Vera+Cruz, on Calle Veracruz

Children’s Festival
7:00 pm – El Rocío Booth.
performances “Compañía de Estreno” and “El Bambi”.
Free access until capacity is reached.

New Year Concert 2025 by Málaga Philarmonic Orchestra (OFM)
8:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
Under the direction of maestro Julio García-Vico. Concert to benefit the Unicorn Association. Tickets: €20 (+ administration fees) at enterticket.es, and at the box office, from two hours before the start of the concert, until capacity is reached.

Royal Parade of the Three Kings
5:00 pm – Ayuntamiento, Avenida Juan Carlos 1
Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar will arrive in Estepona loaded with thousands of candies and toys to distribute to the little ones. The ‘Cine Fantastic’ float parade will start from the Town Hall, on Avenida Juan Carlos 1, and will end in Plaza Antonia Guerrero, where children will be able to deliver their letters to the Three Wise Men of the East.
* The parade was originally scheduled to happen on January 5 but, due to the weather forecast of rain, it was changed to January 4. This may affect the other events planned for both January 4 and 5.

January 5*

Children’s Party to Welcome the 3 Kings, and Show ‘In Search of the Magic Star’
11:30 am – Fairgrounds
Show by the company La Gatika Producciones. The children will enjoy a great party to welcome Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, who will arrive in Estepona by helicopter, and will accompany the friendly and mischievous elves, Lila and Elora, to search for the lost pieces of the Magic Star that guides them, so that they arrive in time to deliver their gifts.

Royal Parade of the Three Kings in Cancelada
6:00 pm – starting at Calle Montemayor.
*It is not clear if the scheduled of this parade will remain or be moved to January 4.

Conclusion

It is going to be fun to spend Christmas in Estepona this 2024. You risk having too much fun and never leaving!