Andalusia Travel Guide – Málaga & Costa del Sol
















Panoramic view of Málaga with the La Malagueta bullring and the Mediterranean Sea.

Andalusia travel guide

Discover the real Andalusia.

Practical travel guides and honest local tips – from Málaga and the Costa del Sol
to white villages, cities like Ronda and Córdoba, day trips, beaches and everyday life
in southern Spain.

Explore Andalusia
Start with where to stay, how to get around, and what is really worth your time.

Welcome to SunnyAndalusia.com

Your clear, English-friendly guide to Andalusia.

SunnyAndalusia.com is an independent Andalusia travel guide created for travellers,
digital nomads and expats who want more than generic lists of “top 10 things to do”.
Here you’ll find realistic itineraries, hostel and area recommendations, simple transport guides
and honest notes from someone who actually spends time on the Costa del Sol.

Itineraries that actually fit your days

Three days in Málaga, a week on the Costa del Sol, or a road trip including Granada, Córdoba and Ronda –
each itinerary is built around travel times, opening hours and realistic energy levels.

See sample itineraries →

Where to stay without overpaying

From budget hostels in Málaga and Granada to relaxed coastal stays in Nerja or Benalmádena.
You’ll get area breakdowns, not just random hotel lists.

Explore where to stay →

Transport made simple

Clear, step-by-step guides for getting from Málaga Airport to the city, Costa del Sol towns and popular day-trip spots –
by train, bus, car or shared shuttle.

Read transport guides →

Plan your trip

Andalusia itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days.

Whether you’re flying into Málaga for a long weekend or planning a full week on the Costa del Sol,
you don’t need a complicated spreadsheet. Start with one of these simple outlines and adjust them to your pace.

  • 3 days in Málaga – historic centre, Gibralfaro views, beach time and an easy day trip to Nerja.
  • 5 days: Málaga + white village – mix city life with Frigiliana or Mijas Pueblo and one proper coastal hike.
  • 7 days: Costa del Sol & Ronda – beaches, tapas and a memorable day in the dramatic gorge of Ronda.

Each itinerary comes with suggestions for when to book tickets in advance, how to avoid the busiest times,
and where you can slow down instead of rushing from sight to sight.

Coming soon on SunnyAndalusia.com

Detailed day-by-day breakdowns with maps, public transport options and price ranges.
If you’d like to be notified when new itineraries go live, you’ll be able to join a small email list with practical updates only – no spam.

In the meantime, you can already use the outlines above as a base and combine them with the
“Where to stay” and “Transport” sections below.

Where to stay

Choose the right base in Málaga and along the coast.

Picking the right area often matters more than the exact hotel.
SunnyAndalusia.com focuses on explaining neighbourhoods and towns first,
then highlights a few reliable stays in each category – from hostels to simple apartments.

Málaga city

Ideal if you want museums, food, nightlife and easy day trips by train or bus.
The historic centre, Soho and areas near the port are great for first-timers.

Best for: short stays, city breaks, travellers without a car.

Costa del Sol towns

Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola or Nerja – each town has a different energy.
Some are more local, some more resort-like. You’ll find clear pros and cons for each.

Best for: beach-first holidays, families, remote workers near the sea.

White villages & inland

If you prefer quiet evenings, mountain views and traditional streets, a white village near the coast
or around Ronda can be a perfect base for a few nights.

Best for: slower trips, photography lovers, couples.

Getting around

Málaga Airport, local buses and day-trip logistics.

Andalusia looks large on the map, but many key places are very well connected.
This travel guide focuses on clear, step-by-step instructions so you always know which option makes sense:
train, bus, rental car or organised tour.

  • Málaga Airport → city centre – train vs. bus vs. taxi, with real travel times and typical prices.
  • Málaga Airport → Costa del Sol – how to reach Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola or Nerja.
  • Day trips – what is comfortable as a day trip (Nerja, Ronda, Granada) and what deserves at least one night.

Practical, not perfect

You won’t find every single bus timetable here – that’s what official websites are for.
Instead, you’ll see simple explanations of how routes work, where to change, and what locals actually do.

The goal is to help you feel confident enough to move around Andalusia without spending hours
cross-checking every step on multiple apps.

FAQ

Quick questions about Andalusia, answered simply.

Is Andalusia safe for solo travellers?

Yes – most areas of Andalusia, especially Málaga and the coastal towns, feel safe during the day and in the evening.
As everywhere, use common sense, keep valuables close in crowded areas and avoid very quiet streets late at night.

When is the best time to visit Málaga and the Costa del Sol?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer warm weather without extreme heat and fewer crowds.
July and August are hottest and busiest; winter is milder and can be perfect for long stays and remote work.

Do I need a car to explore Andalusia?

You can see a lot using trains and buses – for example Málaga, Córdoba, Granada, Nerja and many Costa del Sol towns.
A car becomes useful if you want to combine several white villages in one day or stay in more remote areas.

Is this Andalusia travel guide sponsored by any hotel or tour company?

SunnyAndalusia.com is independent. Some links may be affiliate links, but recommendations are based on real experience,
transparent pros and cons and what makes sense for different travel styles and budgets.