Short breaks in the Costa del Sol

Why should I choose the Costa del Sol for a short holiday?

One of the major advantages of the Costa del Sol is accessibility. There are over 25 UK airports with direct flights to Málaga, and the journey is short and sweet. Board in London and you'll be touching down just 2 hours 45 minutes later. Even if you're coming all the way from Belfast, you're just looking at a flight time of 3 hours 15 minutes. That means you'll spend less time in transit and more relaxing on the beach. When you arrive, you're in for a real treat. Málaga has around 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're almost guaranteed good weather.

Where should I stay in the Costa del Sol?

The first question to consider is what you want from your short break in the Costa del Sol. If you'd like a city break, complete with museums to explore and great shopping opportunities, then Málaga is the place to go. Want a luxury break? Look for holiday lettings in the Costa del Sol in areas like Marbella, the resort town that's a hit with the rich and famous. If you're travelling on a shoestring and want to keep things cheap and cheerful, Torremolinos and Fuengirola are great towns that won't break the bank.

Spend some time on the beach

If you're planning a weekend break in the Costa del Sol, then the beach has to be high on your list of priorities. Well, you're in luck: there are about 150km of coastline to explore here. For fun in the sun, try Playa de Burriana in Nerja. This is a popular destination with sports fans, as it has volleyball courts and kayaks to rent. In Torremolinos, Playa de la Carihuela is great if you're travelling with the family. The water here is shallow and clear, so it's very child-friendly. Craving some peace and quiet? El Cañuelo is on the outskirts of Torremolinos, and not many tourists venture this far. It's the ideal spot for chilling out or even relaxing with some yoga in the Costa del Sol.

Enjoy some indulgent dining

No trip to Spain would be complete without trying the local food. All along the Costa del Sol, you'll find "chiringuitos", beach bars that serve a mixture of full meals and tapas. As you might imagine, seafood is the star attraction. Skewered barbecued sardines are extremely popular, and locals love to nibble on a plate of "pescaíto frito" or fried little fish. If you're craving fresh veggies, then visit Málaga's Atarazanas Market, where you can pick up the finest produce from across Andalusia.

Party like a celebrity

Go big or go home, right? Travellers looking for a luxury short break in the Costa del Sol should make a beeline for Marbella, the most exclusive resort in the Costa del Sol. With its gourmet restaurant and adults-only pool, Nikki Beach is one of the hottest beach clubs around. Spend an afternoon relaxing on a sunlounger enjoying the finest cocktails. At night, explore the clubs on the Golden Mile, popular with footballers and other stars.

Hit the town for a spot of culture

It might sound impossible, but you can get tired of the beach sometimes. Don't worry - that just means it's time to explore Málaga. This city was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and the fabulous Picasso Museum celebrates his life and work. In fact, there are over 30 museums in the city, so culture vultures are in for a good time. You can also explore the Alcazaba, an old Moorish fortress built high on a hill overlooking the town. Be warned, though - you'll have to trek uphill to get there, so avoid it in the heat of the day.