Spring is the perfect time to travel to southern Spain, while the resorts are still free from summer crowds. The Costa del Sol coastline attracts visitors with its mild climate, Andalusian architecture, and authentic cuisine. Find out more about five locations to include in your spring itinerary

Spring is a wonderful time to travel to Spain, as popular resorts are not yet crowded with tourists, and the air temperature has already reached a comfortable 23–24°C. The Costa del Sol in the south of the country is particularly attractive during this period, where the Mediterranean climate, Andalusian architecture, and gastronomy create the atmosphere of a true European vacation. The Travel Off Path portal has compiled a selection of five locations on the Costa del Sol that are best enjoyed in the spring season.

We will tell you more about each of them in this article.

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Marbella: yacht harbor and the historic center of Casco Antiguo

Marbella remains one of the most famous cities on the Costa del Sol, and it is especially cozy here in the spring. The promenade along the marina, where yachts are moored, the golden beach of Playa de la Fontanilla, and numerous restaurants serving tapas and sangria allow you to experience the Mediterranean rhythm of life without the summer heat and queues. The spring season allows you to stroll through the city, stop for lunch at a seaside café, and enjoy the views without rushing.

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The historic Casco Antiguo district deserves special attention. Plaza de los Naranjos with its orange trees and the Baroque Iglesia de la Encarnación church are the main architectural highlights of the old town. The entire area can be explored in one day, enjoying the narrow streets, small shops, and local color. These walks are most enjoyable in the spring, as the streets are still free of large tourist groups.

By the way, in our previous article, we mentioned that the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona will be open to the public free of charge.

Nerja: The Balcony of Europe and the quiet beaches of the Costa del Sol

Nerja is a resort town with a more relaxed pace of life, attracting travelers with its intimate atmosphere and picturesque bays. Here you can watch the sunset over the sea, have an aperitif in one of the local bars, and simply relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Playa de Burriana beach — a long sandy strip between unpretentious beach bars and the blue Mediterranean Sea — is considered one of the best in the region for a peaceful vacation.

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The main attraction of Nerja is the Balcony of Europe. This observation deck is located on a cliff and offers a panoramic view of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea. The place has become a kind of calling card for the town and is a must-see for those traveling in the region. In spring, there are significantly fewer visitors, so you can take photos and enjoy the views in a peaceful atmosphere.

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Frigiliana: a whitewashed village in the Andalusian hills

Just a ten-minute drive from Nerja, nestled among the green hills of Andalusia, is Frigiliana, one of the best-preserved Moorish settlements in the region. The town impresses with its architectural integrity: a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, snow-white houses with balconies decorated with flower pots — all this creates the feeling of traveling back in time. Spring adds a special charm to these streets, as this is when the flowers on the balconies bloom most brightly.

Photo: Adobe Stock

The medieval quarter of Barribarto is the heart of Frigiliana. Stone steps, winding alleys, and ancient buildings have preserved the spirit of the Moorish era. A walk through this quarter allows you to immerse yourself in the region's multi-layered history and see how different cultural influences blend harmoniously here. Frigiliana is ideal for a day trip from Nerja or Malaga — compact, atmospheric, and photogenic.

About the new visa and immigration rules in Spain, which came into effect at the beginning of 2026 — read here.

Estepona: wall paintings and a quiet alternative to Marbella

Estepona is located west of Marbella and offers a more balanced pace of relaxation. The town combines all the necessary tourist infrastructure with an authentic Andalusian atmosphere. In the historic center of Casco Antiguo, there are whitewashed townhouses with well-kept windows and cozy squares with cafes where you can spend time without feeling crowded. A long promenade stretches along the sandy beach, and the local seafood restaurants have an excellent reputation among visitors.

Photo: Tripadvisor

A special feature of Estepona is the murals scattered throughout the city. These murals add bright accents to the white cityscape and turn an ordinary walk into a real art tour. Each painting has a unique artistic style, so exploring the streets of Estepona becomes a separate entertainment. In spring, without the summer heat, walking around the city and looking for these art objects is a real pleasure.

How to obtain a residence permit in Spain: the 9 most popular ways for foreigners are listed here.

San Luis de Sabinillas: authentic Andalusia without the crowds

San Luis de Sabinillas is located in a quieter part of the Costa del Sol and is much less known to mass tourists than Marbella or Estepona. This is what makes it attractive to those looking for a real Andalusian atmosphere without the tourist hype. There are no flashy entertainment complexes or overcrowded areas here — instead, there is peace and quiet, authenticity, and genuine local color.

Photo: Adobe Stock

The town's main beach is wide and long, with warm, shallow waters, making it comfortable for swimming as early as April. San Luis de Sabinillas is suitable for travelers who appreciate non-touristy locations and want to see everyday life on the Spanish coast. A spring visit to this town is an opportunity to discover the Costa del Sol from a different angle, without the rush and stereotypes of a mass resort.

When planning a spring trip, it is important to take care of the safety of your journey. On the Visit World portal, you can purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, flight delays, and other unforeseen situations abroad. It is a convenient and quick way to secure your vacation.

Take out an insurance policy online at Visit World and set off on your journey with peace of mind!

Reminder! Finding rental accommodation in Spain is often more difficult than it seems at first glance, especially for foreigners. High demand, financial requirements, and additional costs can significantly affect your budget and moving schedule. For more information about renting accommodation in Spain, rules, and important details for tenants, follow the link.

Photo: iStock

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