Costa del Sol – Birthday on the Sunshine Coast! What to See in Marbella and Beyond
June is my birthday month, and since I love travelling, this time we chose Marbella and Costa del Sol!
Costa del Sol, which literally means Sunshine Coast in Spanish, is located in southern Spain, in the beautiful region of Andalusia. The area is famous for its 300+ days of sunshine a year, Mediterranean beaches, whitewashed villages and amazing food.
June is one of my favourite months to visit Spain. The weather is already warm, the days are long, and the busiest summer season is just beginning.
If you’re planning a trip to Marbella, I’ve put together a list of places worth visiting, our favourite food spots and some ideas for day trips around Andalusia.
Marbella – From the Old Town to Puerto Banús
I recommend starting your Marbella adventure in Casco Antiguo, the historic Old Town. Whitewashed streets, colourful flowers, local restaurants and Plaza de los Naranjos make this one of the most charming parts of the city.
It’s also worth walking along Avenida del Mar, where you’ll find sculptures by Salvador Dalí, and exploring Paseo Marítimo, the beautiful promenade stretching along the coastline.
While in Marbella, make sure to visit Puente Romano, one of the city’s most exclusive resorts, known for its restaurants, beach clubs and Mediterranean atmosphere. Nearby, you’ll find Playa de Nagüeles, a beautiful beach along Marbella’s Golden Mile, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a seaside walk.
Another must-visit is Puerto Banús, the famous marina known for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants. I especially recommend visiting in the late afternoon or evening.
Yacht Experience – Meryl Prestige Yacht Charter
One experience I definitely recommend when visiting Marbella is taking a yacht trip along the Mediterranean coastline.
It’s a great idea for a birthday, anniversary, romantic afternoon or a special day with friends.
From the yacht, you can admire Marbella’s coastline, the surrounding mountains and the city from a completely different perspective.
We also have a special offer for you with Meryl Prestige Yacht Charter!
Simply use the code AGATA when making your enquiry to receive a special offer. Contact the team directly for the details and booking conditions.
Benalmádena – Castillo de Colomares
Around a 40-minute drive from Marbella, you’ll find Castillo de Colomares, a castle-like monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
Its architecture combines several different styles, with detailed towers, decorative elements and beautiful surroundings. It’s also a great location for taking photos.
Visitors can explore the outdoor areas of the monument and admire its architecture up close.
While you’re in the area, I recommend stopping by Benalmádena Pueblo, a traditional whitewashed village overlooking the coast.
Málaga – The Old Town and Muelle Uno Marina
Málaga is definitely worth adding to your Costa del Sol itinerary.
Some of the main attractions include Calle Larios, Málaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress and Castillo de Gibralfaro, which offers panoramic views over the city.
One of our favourite places is Muelle Uno, the modern waterfront area of Málaga’s port. Here you’ll find restaurants, cafés, shops and a promenade lined with boats and yachts.
I recommend walking towards the iconic La Farola lighthouse and the nearby La Malagueta beach. The area is especially lovely in the evening.
Ronda – The Famous Puente Nuevo Bridge
Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most recognisable towns, dramatically located above the El Tajo gorge.
Its main attraction is Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge connecting two parts of the town. Standing approximately 98 metres above the gorge, it offers incredible views from both the bridge itself and the viewpoints below.
It’s also worth exploring the historic centre, visiting Plaza de Toros and stopping by Jardines de Cuenca.
I recommend allowing at least half a day for Ronda. The drive from Marbella takes approximately 1–1.5 hours.
Caminito del Rey – A Walk Above the Gorge
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, make sure to add Caminito del Rey to your list.
It’s one of Spain’s most famous walking routes, following the steep cliffs of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.
The wooden walkways are suspended in places around 100 metres above the ground, and the route also includes a hanging bridge.
The full route, including access paths, is approximately 7.7 km long, and you should allow around 3–4 hours to complete it.
Tickets should be booked in advance through the official Caminito del Rey website.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection, especially during the summer months.
Nerja – Balcón de Europa and Beautiful Beaches
Nerja is located east of Málaga and is known for its Mediterranean coves, coastal cliffs and the famous Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint overlooking the sea.
Other places worth visiting include Burriana Beach and the Cuevas de Nerja, impressive caves filled with natural rock formations.
If you have some extra time, I recommend visiting nearby Frigiliana, a beautiful whitewashed village in the hills.
Beach Clubs – A Summer Essential!
We love spending summer days at beach clubs. Sun loungers, swimming pools, music and sea views make them some of our favourite places to relax between sightseeing trips.
It’s a great choice for a relaxing day by the sea, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends.
During the summer season, I recommend booking your sun loungers in advance.
Our Favourite Food Spots – Our Healthy Costa del Sol Trio!
No trip is complete without good food!
We love healthy breakfasts, açaí bowls, fresh fruit and cafés offering plant-based and gluten-free options.
We’ve found our favourite trio that we keep coming back to:
OAKBERRY AÇAÍ – An absolute must on every trip! Açaí bowls topped with fruit and our favourite extras are something we could eat every single day.
BRUNCHIT – The perfect place for brunch, good coffee and breakfast before heading out to explore.
THE ORGANIC – Another one of our favourite spots for healthy food, with plant-based options and a lovely atmosphere.
Additional sweet spot – Yummy Málaga! If you’re looking for something sweet, check out Yummy Málaga for delicious gluten-free and vegan treats. A great little stop while exploring the city!
If you’re looking for gluten-free food, save these places and check their current menus. If you have coeliac disease, make sure to ask about ingredients and cross-contamination.
Noche de San Juan – June 23rd, a Night Full of Fireworks!
During our trip, we were lucky enough to experience one of Spain’s most popular summer celebrations – Noche de San Juan, celebrated on the night of June 23rd into June 24th.
And it was such an amazing experience!
Beaches filled with people, so many dressed in white, music, bonfires and fireworks lighting up the sky above the sea.
San Juan is a traditional Spanish celebration associated with the arrival of summer. According to local customs, entering the sea at midnight symbolises purification and is believed to bring good luck.
The atmosphere was unforgettable, especially with all the fireworks reflecting on the water.
If you’re planning to visit Costa del Sol towards the end of June, definitely check out the local San Juan celebrations!
Flamenco and a Few Interesting Facts About Andalusia
While visiting Andalusia, it’s worth experiencing flamenco, a traditional form of dance, singing and music deeply connected to the region’s culture.
Rhythmic handclapping, powerful footwork and live guitar music make flamenco performances worth seeing. Flamenco was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
Here are a few other things worth knowing before your trip:
- Chiringuito – A traditional Spanish beach bar or seaside restaurant.
- Pueblos blancos – Whitewashed villages typical of Andalusia.
- Siesta – An afternoon break, still common in smaller towns.
- Tapas – Small dishes often ordered to share.
Another interesting fact is that dinner in Spain often starts around 9 PM. During summer, restaurants and promenades stay busy until late at night.
More Day Trips – Sevilla, Cádiz and Gibraltar
For those who enjoy longer road trips around Andalusia, here are three more places worth exploring.
Sevilla – The Capital of Andalusia
Sevilla is famous for flamenco, historical landmarks and its distinctive architecture.
One place you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Plaza de España, one of Spain’s most recognisable squares, with its canal, bridges and beautiful ceramic decorations.
Other highlights include the Royal Alcázar, Sevilla Cathedral with its Giralda tower, and the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
I recommend spending at least a full day in Sevilla, although staying overnight would give you more time to explore.
The drive from Marbella takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Cádiz – A Coastal City on the Atlantic Ocean
Cádiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, located on Spain’s Atlantic coast.
Some of its main attractions include Cádiz Cathedral with its golden dome, La Caleta Beach, the Campo del Sur waterfront promenade and Parque Genovés.
I also recommend exploring the Old Town and watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
The drive from Marbella takes approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Gibraltar – A Little Piece of Britain in Southern Europe
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula.
Its most famous attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, home to the well-known Barbary macaques.
Other places worth visiting include St. Michael’s Cave, Europa Point and Main Street, where you’ll find traditional red British telephone boxes.
On clear days, you can even see the African coastline from the Rock.
Do you need a passport to visit Gibraltar?
Polish citizens can enter Gibraltar with a valid national identity card or passport. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
The drive from Marbella takes approximately one hour, although you should allow extra time for possible queues at the border.
Shopping in Marbella – El Corte Inglés
If you love shopping, make sure to visit El Corte Inglés in Puerto Banús, a popular Spanish department store offering designer fashion, beauty products, accessories and much more.
A Little Spanish Cheat Sheet
Here are a few useful Spanish phrases to remember before your holiday!
| Spanish | English | Polish |
|---|---|---|
| ¡Hola! | Hello! | Cześć! |
| Buenos días | Good morning | Dzień dobry |
| Gracias | Thank you | Dziękuję |
| Por favor | Please | Proszę |
| ¡Qué bonito! | How beautiful! | Jak pięknie! |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | Poproszę rachunek |
| ¡Salud! | Cheers! | Na zdrowie! |
| ¡Hasta luego! | See you later! | Do zobaczenia! |
Is June a Good Time to Visit Costa del Sol?
Absolutely! June is a great month for beach days, sightseeing and exploring Andalusia by car.
We love coming back to this part of Spain for the sunshine, local atmosphere, great food and the variety of places you can visit during a single trip.
For me, this June getaway was even more special because of my birthday and the opportunity to experience Noche de San Juan.
I hope our recommendations help you plan your own trip to Costa del Sol – the Sunshine Coast.
¡Hasta pronto, Andalucía! ☀️
