June 21, 2024
Last updated on July 25, 2024
July in the Costa del Sol is vibrant! The sun is at its peak, there are lively festivals and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. This Mediterranean paradise, known for its stunning coastline and charming towns, comes alive in July with the height of summer, drawing visitors from around the world. Whether you’re basking under the intense summer sun, partaking in local celebrations, or exploring cultural events, July in the Costa del Sol promises an unforgettable experience. With temperatures soaring and the sea invitingly warm, every moment spent here is a celebration of summer’s best.
Table of Contents
The weather in July in the Costa del Sol
July brings the height of summer to the Costa del Sol, with scorching temperatures and clear skies perfect for lazy days on the beach and balmy evenings spent sipping cocktails under the stars. From festivals to outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of excitement to be had in this sunny paradise. With temperatures soaring into the high 30s°C (90s°F), July is all about staying cool and refreshed on the Costa del Sol’s golden shores. Seek shade under a colorful parasol, take a dip in the sea, or build sandcastles with the kids – the options are endless when it comes to beachside fun. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the intense summer sun.
In July, the average high temperatures in the Costa del Sol are around 30oC and happen between 17:00h and 19:00h; the average lows are around 20oC, in the early morning, around 7:00h. It is hot! There is little chance of rain, but there may be strong winds.
Weather-related data for July in Malaga (data from Weather2travel):
🏊 sea temperature: +22oC
🌅 Sunrise times: 07:03 (July 1) – 07:23 (July 31)
🌙 Sunset times: 21:40 (July 1) – 21:25 (July 31)
🌼 Average number of daylight hours: 14
☀️ Average number of sunshine hours per day: 11
The weather information above is for Malaga (city), but as the towns are so close together, you can extend this information to the surrounding areas as well. Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox and Nerja, should not differ much.
Related posts:
Sensational Costa del Sol – the place of the best holidays
How is the weather on the Costa del Sol (month by month)
Summer on the Costa del Sol
Holidays
There are no national holidays on July 2024, nor holidays specific to Malaga province. There is a special date, though; Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola have holidays on July 16, in honor of the Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmen). Also, as Estepona will celebrate its Feria from July 02 to July 07 and La Cala de Mijas from July 24 to July 28, some of the commerce may be closed on those dates in each town.
Related Post:
Malaga holidays 2024
Events in the Costa del Sol
The events shown here are celebrations, fairs, exhibitions, parades or parties organized, in part or in total, by the local government of the towns of the Costa del Sol. They are usually great, free of charge and very much worth checking if you are around. The only downside is that the towns tend to publish them very close to the event’s date; two weeks before, often less. Therefore, much of what I can publish ahead is based on what usually happens. The events that mention date, time and location are already confirmed; the others will likely provide more information during the month.
Most cultural events are published by the town halls in their monthly planners; as fitting all of them here would make the post too big, just a selection is posted; you can check below the town of your choice for more options:
If you are spending July in the Costa del Sol, don’t forget bookmark this post, as I’ll be updating it every time I get some new information! 😉
Lasting the whole month: Mijas Flamenco and market
There are Flamenco shows every Wednesday and Saturdays, at noon, at the Virgen de la Peña Square, in Mijas Pueblo – for free – and several markets in Mijas everyday – and night! Check time and locations in the posters below, which have translations to English. 😉
Above: directions to the Virgen de la Peña Square, in Mijas Pueblo.
On top of that, during July Mijas Pueblo will also have market and music at night, also in the Virgen de la Peña Square (shown above). The nighttime market will happen from Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 pm to midnight, with live musice every Wednesday.
Related post:
The beauty of Mijas Pueblo
Every Saturday: Crafts Market in Torremolinos
Every Saturday of July, the walk-only stretch of Palma de Mallorca Avenue will be occupied by the talented artisans of the Atenea Association – an association of Torremolinos craftspeople which will be displaying and selling their creations in stalls from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Great time to go for a walk in the area and get an unique souvenir to take home! 😉
July 02 to 07: Feria de Estepona
Estepona hosts its main feria on July; this year, from July 02 to July 07. Can you imagine the garden of the Costa del Sol even prettier? The poster gives a hint of what we can expect of this mega event – flowers and flowers everywhere. Plus music, food, culture, fun and all the joy of a Feria!
Related post:
The Amazing Ferias of the Costa del Sol
Feria de Estepona 2024 – full of surprises
July 04: USA Independence Day
The USA Independence Day will be celebrated in the Castillo Bil- Bil in Benalmadena, with drinks, burgers and food served all day! There will be also a lot of live music – a party not to be missed. The time is “from noon till late” so I’m thinking it will finish early on July 5th. 😛
July 04 to 07: Flavors of the World Festival on Wheels in San Pedro Alcantara, Marbella
Food Trucks Festival in San Pedro de Alcantara, from July 04 to 07, starting at 7 pm, with music and international food options! This same festival has happened (at least) twice in Benalmadena, and I’ve been to both. And I did a post about the experience, that you may check to know what to expect. 😉
Related post:
A night of Flamenco and Food Trucks
July 06: XIII Folk Festival in Torremolinos
Torremolinos will host a folk festival showcasing traditional dance and costumes of different Spanish areas. The event will start in La Nogalera Square, at 8:00 PM, followed by a parade from the square to the Calle San Miguel, Costa del Sol Square and Los Manantiales Avenue, up to Pablo Ruiz Picasso Square, where, at 9:30 PM, the dance presentations will take place.
July 06: Ham cutters contest in Las Lagunas, Mijas
Do you want to include something really unique to your trip? Take a look at this event: II National Ham Cutters Contest (!) in Las Lagunas, Mijas. It will happen on July 06, at 8:30 pm in the Parque Andalucía. There will be music from 7 pm and you can try some ham there, at 6 euros per plate, which is, frankly, a steal!
July 07: Unidos in Puerto Banús 2024
Unidos in Puerto Banús is a gastronomic experience with 6 chefs and 8 Michelin stars in Marbella. A seat on this unique night celebrating Malaga cuisine starts at 300 euros. More info: Puerto Banus
July 7 to 16: Veladilla de la Virgen del Carmen
Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmen), the patron saint of the sea and of the sailors, is celebrated all over the Costa del Sol, where each town developed its own traditions regarding the saint.
Torremolinos
In Torremolinos, a mass is customarily held on the morning of the 16th in the Our Lady of Carmen Church, in La Carihuela, followed by concerts and a procession in the afternoon, which transports the statue of Our Lady of Carmen through the streets and to the sea, in a boat. The statue is then returned to the shore and to its church.
In 2024, Torremolinos will have a real fair around the cellebration of Our lady of Carmen. I’ve translated a very short version of the program below, but you can find it in full on the images and here.
July 12: The plaza del Remo will host attractions with a reduced price (2 euros) for kids.
July 13 from 10 pm: Official inauguration of the Virgen del Carmen de la Carihyuela fair, with special illumination and and shows.
July 14 from 10 pm: Several shows at the Youth booth
July 15: Floral offering to the Virgen del Carmen, followed by procession that will depart from the Plaza del Colegio Albaida at 8:30 pm towards the Parroquia del Carmen. The transfer to the procession throne will take place starting at 00:00.
July 16: The main procession of the fair will leave at 7:00 pm from the Parroquia del Carmen
Benalmadena
In Benalmadena, the tradition is that divers collect Our Lady of Carmen statue, that rests under water, and bring it ashore, around the area of Benalmadena’s harbor. The image is then transported to Benalmadena’s Our Lady of Carmen Church, in Benalmadena Costa.
July 7 @ 1:00 pm – Divers bring the statue of our Lady of Carmen, known as Chiquita (because it is a small statue) to Malapesquera beach. Transfer to the Captaincy for the floral offering and the Salve with Rompeolas group.
July 13 @ 8:00 pm – Transfer of the image to the church, carried by our ladies of Carmen.
July 16 @ 10:00 pm – Meeting at the dock of the Chiquita Nautical Club.
From July 13 to 16, the harbor of Benalmadena will host shows in the context of the celebration of the Veladilla of Our Lady of Carmen:
July 14 @ 8:30 pm – And, because Spain is in the Final of Eurocopa, the harbor will also have a large screen showing the final – in the explanada de la Noria, the area near the Ferris wheel:
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is also preparing large celebrations for the virgen del Carmen. You can find the program in English (yes!!) below, and the link to the full program Ayuntaminto’s page here.
They have even included a map with the main locations of the events! 🙂
July 13: San Pedro Alcantara Flamenco Singing Festival
The traditional San Pedro Alcántara Flamenco Singing Festival will happen on July 13 at the La Alcoholera Performing Arts Center, in San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella. A great opportunity to enjoy some of the best artists of the genre!
July 13: Salt carpet and procession in Malaga
Malaga’s Calle Larios will be covered in salt on Saturday 13 July for the extraordinary procession of the Virgin of Peace. The Brotherhood of the Holy Supper preparing it for the special day, which marks the centenary of its foundation; it will also be an offering by the Brotherhood to the Virgin of Peace, in prayer for the end of wars in the world and in solidarity for the children who are suffering.
On the coating of white salt will be different motifs, made with salt dyed in different colours; red to represent the blood of Christ, blue to represent the Virgin, and ochre and gold for highlights.
The procession will depart from the house of the Cofradía del Rocío (see below) at 7 pm.
July 17: Dance performance El Paraiso de los Necios in Torremolinos
The Parque de la Batería will host the dance performance El Paraíso de los Necios’ (Fool’s paradise) on July 17, at 09:30 PM. This modern dance performance shows the decay of the relationship of a couple living under the same roof.
July 18 to 21: Birra&Art in Benalmadena Pueblo
The craft and international beer festival will take place in the Recinto Ferial of Benalmadena Pueblo from July 18 to 21, always from 7:00 pm to 01:00 am. On the first day they will even have kids animation at 8:00 pm – wait, what? Only in Benalmadena!! Kids are really included in every event here!
Above:
Above: location and directions to the Recinto Ferial los Nadales, Benalmadena Pueblo
July 20: Friends Day
Benalmadean and the Cudeca Foundation are organizing the friendship day, in the Torrevigia beach. The idea is that all atendees wear white and bring a towel to put on the sand, as well as their own food and drinks, to watch the shows that will happen from 9 pm to 1 am.
Above: location and directions to the Torrevigía Beach
July 21: Black Eyed Peas in Malaga!
Black Eyed Peas will do a show in Malaga on July 21, as part of the Selvatic Malaga Fest!!! The event will happen in the Malaga Forum (see below). Tickets can be bought on Enterticket. I gotta feeling that tonight is gonna be a good night!!! 😉
Above: location and directions to Malaga Forum
Related post:
The Amazing Ferias of the Costa del Sol
July 25 to 28: GastroWorld Festival in Marbella
Marbella will host a GastroWorld Festival from July 25 to July 28, at the Aparcamiento El Barronal de la Morera, El Rosario, Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella. I think I gotta the location right, or at least close, but I’d recommend you to confirm with someone that lives in the area; the event looks promissing, and as the sponsors are the same as for the Birra & Art in Benalmadena Pueblo (July 18-21), I bet the beer is gonna be good too!
Above: possible location and directions to the GastroWorld Festival
July 24 to 28: Feria de La Cala de Mijas
La Cala de Mijas fair will happen in the end of July. Expect a lot of music, dance, food and a beautiful funfair all set in the lovely seaside La Cala de Mijas. I’m looking forward to it! Here is the cover of the 2024 program; see the program of the La Cala de Mijas Fair 2024, in English, here. Beautiful!
July 26: Pride in Benalmadena
Benalmádena will host its first Pride party at Castillo El Bil Bil and on the surrounding promenade of the Costa del Sol town from 9.30 pm on July 26. The party will offer live music performances, DJs and drag shows!
Activities
Outdoor Escape Game in Benalmadena by Mama Malaga!!
Dear readers, big news!! I’ve written an outdoor escape game for Questo, and it is set in Benalmadena! First things first, though: Do you know what is an outdoor escape game? It is a kind of game that guides you through a part of a town or city, solving challenges that lead to the next location, while sightseeing and learning about the place. It’s like a guided tour, just more fun and you can do it anytime you want, alone or with friends.
In this one, you are a knight that has to take a concoction made by the iconic Ibn al-Baytar (Benalmadena-born botanist and pharmacologist from the thirteenth century) to Captain Isabella, whose ship has been wrecked somewhere along the shores of Benalmadena. You have no idea where to find Isabella, though, but Don Quixote will find you and be of help. Or not so much help, if you know the guy; he mixes things up a bit, but I’m sure you can find her!
The whole game is set along Benalmadena’s promenade – it is actually a very nice walk, and I used the heck out of the beautiful views to make the game. Through the storyline and the “Did you know?” section I tell the stories of Castle Bil-Bil, Los Molinillos, that castle-that-is-not-a-castle on the promenade, the story of the real Isabella’s shipwreck, where the good drinks along the shore are, and many more Benalmadena stories that I should not spoil here. The game allows for pauses, and you can even stop and continue another day if you wish – that is actually the idea; this way you can enjoy the game a bit longer and do it at a comfortable pace.
The best part is that it is fun; there are plenty of directions with pictures and maps so you won’t get lost, and you can use hints if some challenge is too difficult; the second-best part is that it is for free (for a limited time). Just go to the page of the game on Questo and follow instructions there. You can download it anywhere and anytime, but the game is only playable in Benalmadena. Once you download it, it’s yours forever and you will not need the internet to play the game – you’ll need to download it on a phone or tablet, tough, that you should take with you to play.
I hope you enjoy the game. If you do, pretty-please-with-cherry-on-top leave a good review. 🙂 Captain Isabella and I thank you in advance!
Conclusion
As July unfolds, the Costa del Sol continues to captivate with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the festive Ferias de Estepona and La Cala to the traditional Virgen del Carmen processions, the month is filled with events that showcase the region’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re navigating through Benalmadena with Don Quixote or enjoying a serene flamenco performance in Mijas, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the warmth, the culture, and the festivities that make July on the Costa del Sol a truly magical time of the year.
Next: The best of August 2024 in the Costa del Sol
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