Last minute holidays in the Costa del Sol

Why should I choose the Costa del Sol for my last minute getaway?

If you've decided to take a spontaneous holiday, the Costa del Sol is a great choice. More than 25 UK airports have direct flights to Málaga, and it's often possible to pick up some last minute bargain flights. This is a destination with something to offer everyone. If you're in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, grab your sun lounger and hit the beach. Prefer something more active? Try a spontaneous hiking trip in the Costa del Sol, with daring trails like the Caminito del Rey. With adventure parks, zoos, aquariums and more, the whole family will find something to do here.

Where are the best places to stay on the Costa del Sol?

Before you start looking for holiday lettings in the Costa del Sol, think about what you want from your getaway. Málaga city is a good choice if you'd like to do some sightseeing and visit cultural hotspots like the Picasso Museum or the beautiful cathedral. You'll also find an enormous number of bars and restaurants, often with a more authentic, local atmosphere than the resort towns. On the other hand, Benalmádena is a good choice for a last minute family trip to the Costa del Sol, thanks to its aquarium, theme park and child-friendly restaurants. Craving nature? Try Nerja, renowned for its superb options for diving, snorkelling and hiking.

Have fun in the great outdoors

Can't get enough sunshine? Then you'll want to spend as much of your spontaneous trip to the Costa del Sol as possible outdoors. Nerja is an excellent choice for nature lovers. The nearby Almijara mountains offer keen hikers plenty of options. If you're not up for El Cielo - a tough, mountainous endurance hike that takes 4 hours each way - try tackling El Fuerte, a gentle trail that takes about 2 and a half hours, reaching an altitude of 963m. You can also enjoy watersports here. Diving and snorkelling are both extremely popular and will allow you to explore the stunning Nerja Caves, declared a Spanish National Monument.

Have a night on the town

Want to let your hair down? The Costa del Sol is fun by day and night, with late-night parties to keep you busy on your last minute holiday. Without a doubt, the town with the most famous nightlife is Marbella, which has a reputation for glitz and glamour. In fact, the party starts in the early afternoon, when DJs begin to spin tunes at the exclusive Nikki Beach Club. There are similarly high-end clubs in the neighbouring Puerto Banús, which is popular with the rich and famous. If you prefer something more down to earth, head to Torremolinos. The bars are a bit cheaper here, and it's also known for having the liveliest LGBT scene in the region.

Enjoy a spot of retail therapy

There are some great places to do a spot of shopping around the Costa del Sol. Starting in the city centre, you can visit Málaga's Plaza Mayor to check out Spain's most popular high-street brands. Kick things up a notch at the Costa Marbella shopping centre in Puerto Banús. This shopping destination is all about luxury, with designer brands like Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. Prefer to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces? Marbella's Old Town is known for its vintage shops. You'll find clothes, jewellery, accessories and furniture, giving you plenty of options for unique souvenirs.

Explore the wonders of the beach

Of course, you might just be craving a last minute beach holiday. The Costa del Sol is known for its long sandy beaches. Many are very family-friendly, thanks to shallow, gentle water and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. Playa Bil Bil, in Benalmádena, is a particularly good beach for kids, with lots of handy facilities nearby. If you're staying in Málaga city, you'll also find a playground alongside Playa Pedregalejo. This beach is known for the quality of the nearby restaurants, making it a good choice for a gourmet getaway. The beaches in Nerja are often smaller. You won't see many sunbathers here, but the crystal-clear water is perfect for adventurous travellers.