Book Flights To The Costa del Sol
Planning a trip to the Costa del Sol? One of the first things to look at is which airport makes the most sense for where you’re staying.
For most visitors, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is going to be the obvious starting point. It is right on the coast and has flights arriving from a large number of UK and European airports. Depending on where you’re staying, though, the airport is only part of the journey. Your arrival time, luggage and the cost of getting to your accommodation can all change which flight works out best.
Use the flight search below to see what’s available, then check the information on this page before making your booking.
Search for flights to the Costa del Sol
Enter your departure airport and travel dates to see what’s available.
A flight that looks cheapest at first isn’t always the best value. A late arrival, expensive baggage or a long transfer to your accommodation can soon add to the cost.
Before booking, check the baggage allowance, arrival and departure times and how you will get to your accommodation once you land.
Which airport should you use for the Costa del Sol?
The airport you choose can make a difference to both the price and how easy the rest of your journey is. For the Costa del Sol, Málaga is the main airport to look at, with other Spanish airports only really becoming useful if you find a particularly good flight and don’t mind the longer journey afterwards.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the main airport serving the Costa del Sol and is the one most people will use when visiting the area.
It is particularly convenient for Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona, although the journey time varies considerably depending on where you’re staying.
The airport has a large choice of routes, which means there are usually plenty of different flight times and prices to compare.
For most trips to the Costa del Sol, I’d start with Málaga before looking at alternatives.
Other airports
There are other airports in southern Spain, but they aren’t usually the first choice for a Costa del Sol holiday. Seville, Granada and Gibraltar can sometimes work depending on your destination and the flights available, but you’ll need to factor in the extra road journey.
If you find a cheaper flight into another airport, compare the complete trip rather than just the ticket price. A saving on the flight can disappear once you’ve added car hire, fuel, a transfer or a taxi.
Which airport is best for your holiday?
For most of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is going to be the simplest option. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will always be the cheapest, though.
Where you’re staying makes a big difference. Málaga city, Torremolinos and Benalmádena are relatively close to the airport, while Marbella and Estepona are further along the coast. If you’re staying inland, such as around Mijas or another town away from the coast, the transfer time needs to be considered too.
When comparing flights, look at the whole journey:
Flight price
Arrival and departure times
Baggage costs
Transfer or taxi price
Car hire costs
Journey time to your accommodation
Sometimes paying a little more for the flight can leave you with a cheaper and much easier journey overall.
Flying to Málaga for Marbella or Estepona?
If you’re staying in Marbella, Estepona or one of the resorts further west along the coast, Málaga Airport is still normally the airport to check first.
The important thing is to look at how you’ll make the final part of the journey. A flight arriving late at night can mean a more expensive taxi or transfer, while a hire car may be useful if you’re planning to visit several places during your stay.
The same applies if you’re staying around Fuengirola, Mijas, Benalmádena or Torremolinos. Málaga Airport is close enough that the available flight times may be more important than trying to find a different airport.
Check the flight times before booking
It is easy to concentrate on the price and overlook what time the plane actually lands.
A late-night arrival might mean paying more for transport or having to make special arrangements with your accommodation. If you’re staying in an apartment or holiday rental, check how you’ll collect the keys and whether there is someone available if your flight is delayed.
Car hire needs a bit of thought as well. Check the opening hours of the rental desk and find out what happens if your flight arrives after the expected time.
How much luggage do you need?
The price you see when you first search for a flight may not include everything you need. Different airlines have different rules for cabin bags and checked luggage, and adding a suitcase can make quite a difference to the final price.
For a short break, hand luggage may be enough. Longer stays, family holidays and trips where you need more clothes can make a checked bag worthwhile.
One option is to pack lighter and buy a few things once you arrive. There are plenty of shops around the Costa del Sol, so for some trips it can work out cheaper than paying for a large amount of extra luggage.
Driving to the airport? Compare your parking options
If you’re driving to your departure airport, don’t forget to include parking in the cost of the trip. The price can depend on how long you’re away, the airport and how close you want to be to the terminal.
There are usually a few different options. On-site parking is often the most convenient, with some car parks within walking distance of the terminal and others using a shuttle bus. Park and Ride can be cheaper, although you’ll need to allow extra time to leave your car and catch the shuttle to the airport.
There are usually several types of airport parking. On-site parking can be the easiest if you want to be close to the terminal, while Park and Ride services involve leaving your car at a nearby car park and taking a shuttle bus.
Meet and Greet is another option. You drive to a meeting point at the airport, hand over the car and continue into the terminal. The car is then returned when you come back.
Whichever option you use, check the location, transfer time and what the arrangements are if your flight is delayed or you return later than planned. If you’re not driving to the airport, a taxi, lift, public transport or another form of airport transfer may make more sense.
Getting from Málaga Airport to your accommodation
Once you’ve chosen your flight, there is still the question of getting from Málaga Airport to wherever you’re staying. The best option depends on your destination, how much luggage you’re carrying and whether you plan to have a car during your holiday.
Airport transfer
A pre-booked transfer is an option if you want to get from the airport to your accommodation without having to work out the transport when you land. This can be particularly handy for families, groups or anyone staying further along the coast. Check the price for the whole journey and make sure the company covers your arrival time.
It’s also useful if you’re staying somewhere where public transport isn’t particularly convenient.
Hire a car
A hire car can be useful if you’re planning to explore more than one part of the Costa del Sol. It gives you more freedom to visit coastal towns, inland villages and places that aren’t as easy to reach by public transport.
Before booking, look beyond the advertised daily price. Check the deposit, excess, fuel arrangements and any additional charges so you know what the actual cost will be.
Compare car rental prices
Public transport
Public transport can work well for some parts of the Costa del Sol, particularly if you’re staying close to the coast and don’t need a car for the whole holiday. Before travelling, check the route from Málaga Airport to your accommodation and see whether you’ll need to change buses or trains.
Do you need to transfer or exchange money?
Currencies Direct specialise in helping people move money between different countries and currencies. They have been doing this since 1996, helping people with everything from buying property overseas and moving savings to making regular transfers between countries.
They have offices in Spain as well as online and telephone services the closest Office to Torrevieja is in Quesada, so you can arrange a transfer yourself or speak to someone if you need a bit of help. They are also authorised by the Bank of Spain, which gives customers some added reassurance when moving money.
Why use Currencies Direct?
For many people, the main reason to use a specialist currency company rather than simply transferring money through their bank is the potential to get a better exchange rate. When you’re moving a large amount, even a small difference in the rate can mean hundreds or even thousands more euros or pounds. Currencies Direct offers competitive exchange rates, no transfer fees on most transfers and tools such as rate alerts and regular payments.
You can also speak to currency specialists if you’re planning a larger transfer, which can be particularly useful when buying or selling a property in Spain. It’s still worth comparing your options, but Currencies Direct gives you another way of moving your money that could leave you with more at the other end.
Where are you staying?
The Costa del Sol is a long stretch of coastline and the experience can be very different depending on where you choose to stay. Your destination can also affect the cost and length of your journey from Málaga Airport.
Málaga
Málaga is a good choice if you want a city break rather than a traditional resort holiday. There are beaches, restaurants, museums, shops and plenty to see around the historic centre.
It also has good public transport connections, making it possible to get around without hiring a car.
Torremolinos
Torremolinos is close to Málaga and the airport, making it a popular choice for people who want a straightforward transfer after landing.
There are long beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars, and a lot of accommodation aimed at holidaymakers.
Benalmádena
Benalmádena gives you a mix of beaches, restaurants, bars and attractions, with the marina being one of the better-known parts of the resort.
It is also close enough to Málaga that getting to and from the airport is relatively straightforward.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is another popular coastal resort, with a long beachfront and plenty of places to eat and stay.
It can suit families, couples and people who want to be close to the coast without staying in Málaga itself.
Marbella
Marbella is one of the best-known destinations on the Costa del Sol. It has beaches, restaurants, shops, nightlife and the old town, with plenty of different types of accommodation.
It is further from Málaga Airport than the resorts around the eastern end of the coast, so remember to allow for the extra journey when choosing your flight.
Estepona
Estepona sits towards the western end of the Costa del Sol and is known for its beaches, old town and seafront.
Because it is further from Málaga Airport, the transfer or car journey is something to consider when comparing flights.
Find your flight
Once you’ve decided where you’re staying, compare the flights available for your dates and look at the journey as a whole.
The cheapest ticket isn’t necessarily the cheapest option once you’ve added baggage, parking and transport from the airport. A flight that costs a little more can sometimes make the rest of the journey easier and cheaper.