Experience authentic Spain in Costa del Sol
The Canadian director of the Tourist Office of Spain says Spain’s famed Costa del Sol does more than live up to its suitable name.
Isabel Martín says the Mediterranean Sea-fronting region has long drawn sun-seekers attracted by the beaches in a part of the world whose name translates as Coast of the Sun. But those beaches are only one side to a Costa del Sol vacation, she continues.
“It’s true that Costa del Sol is known for its beautiful coastline, but what surprises many visitors is how much more there is beyond the beach,” she says. “We always say the sea is just the beginning. The province of Málaga (home to the Costa del Sol) offers incredible gastronomy, charming inland villages, UNESCO sites, natural parks, and a vibrant cultural calendar all year round. It’s not just about sun and beach – it’s about soul, heritage, and genuine experiences. If you’re coming from Canada, you’re not traveling all that way just for a beach. You’re coming for a well-rounded, enriching experience – and Costa del Sol delivers exactly that.”
Martín says that one of the great advantages of Costa del Sol is its strategic location, adding that from Málaga visitors can easily combine their trip with other parts of Andalucía, such as Granada, Córdoba or Seville, with some of those prominent tourist draws just one to two hours away by train or car.
The Costa del Sol sees large numbers of European vacationers during summer, but Martín adds it’s an attractive vacation option outside that season as well.
“Autumn, winter, and spring are actually some of the best times to visit,” she states. “The weather is mild, the landscapes are green, and there are fewer crowds. It’s also when local life feels most authentic. Plus, we work hard to promote sustainable, year-round tourism, with experiences that go far beyond the traditional summer model: cultural events, culinary festivals, active tourism, rural escapes. The Costa del Sol shines in every season.”
Among specific Costa del Sol destinations is the seaside city of Malaga, which Martín says frequently surprises first-time visitors.
“It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 3,000 years of history but also incredibly modern and dynamic,” she reports. “You’ll find a thriving food scene, street art, flamenco, museums like the Picasso Museum or the Centre Pompidou, and a very walkable, welcoming atmosphere and the province of Málaga has much to discover.”
There are direct Montreal-Malaga flights year-round with Air Transat, and Málaga has one of the best-connected airports in Spain. “If you’re flying into Madrid or Barcelona, it’s just a quick domestic flight or a high-speed train ride away,” Martín adds of reaching Malaga.
Meanwhile, Martín says Costa del Sol vacations enable visitors to become acquainted with both the land and its inhabitants.
“Canadians who are looking for meaningful travel, authentic experiences, and a sustainable destination will find all of that and more in Costa del Sol,” she adds. “We’re not just offering a holiday; we’re inviting you to slow down, connect with the land, the people, and the culture. And once you come, you’ll understand why so many visitors end up coming back – or even staying.”
