Jenna’s málaga escape: from city strolls to beachfront bliss

After a smooth transfer from Málaga Airport, we began with a tour of the Meliá Costa del Sol. Every room offers a stunning sea view, with options ranging from classic to premium. Guests can upgrade to The Level (16+) for exclusive access to the rooftop pool, luxury extras, and early check-in/late check-out. The hotel features two rooftop pools with stunning views, as well as a ground-floor pool, but it's more suited to adults than families. We also sampled local dishes at the hotel's beach bar – a stylish 5-star experience.

Our base for the trip was Hotel Las Arenas Affiliated by Melia, where I stayed in a clean, modern sea-view room. Dinner at the buffet restaurant offered plenty of choice, and we rounded off the night with drinks at the rooftop bar.

Breakfast at Las Arenas was excellent, featuring a variety of hot dishes, fresh fruit, and juices. Afterwards, we headed into Málaga City for a guided walking tour. The lively streets, cafés, and authentic atmosphere made it feel bustling but not overcrowded. We learned about Picasso, the city's most famous son, and had free time to browse shops like Sephora and Zara.

Our next stop was Hotel Estival Torrequebrada, a fun and family-focused resort featuring kids' clubs, splash areas, sports courts, and shallow pools, as well as adult-only pools and an excellent beachfront location. Rooms sleep 2–5 people, many with sea views, and the buffet lunch was a standout, with endless variety to suit every taste.

Back at Las Arenas, we relaxed at the rooftop pool before heading to Ocean House Hotel for dinner. The manager gave us a quick tour of its stylish pool and bar areas, setting the scene for an evening of tapas, wine, chilled music, and beachfront views – a real highlight of the trip. We finished the night in Benalmádena's vibrant nightlife, from family bars, to karaoke, and Irish pubs, open late into the evening.

Our final day began at the Torremolinos Botanical Gardens, complete with waterfalls, lush plants, and a special wildlife talk where we had the opportunity to interact with snakes, parrots, and owls.

We then toured several hotels: Sol Puerto Marina impressed with its prime promenade location and good-value self-catering options; Sol Torremolinos Resort stood out for its huge beachfront setting, nine pools, and modern rooms; and Globales Los Patos buzzed with families enjoying its waterpark and lively atmosphere.

The trip ended with a farewell dinner at Best Triton, where excellent food and rooftop views over Benalmádena marina made for the perfect send-off.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

Everybody!! There was a great mix of adult and family hotels, with numerous restaurants and bars offering diverse vibes to suit everyone.

Accessibility is exceptional in Costa Del Sol, from the assistance teams at the airport to the lifts that access the pools in hotels, to the boardwalks that lead down from the beach to the sea. It does cater to people who may have different difficulties.

FAVOURITE HOTEL VISITED AND WHY?

Best Triton. It's a modern hotel with numerous kids' facilities. The food was incredible, and the location was just as good, with the beach on one side and the marina nearby, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants just outside. I would go with my own family!

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT VISITED?

The premium buffet restaurant at the Hotel Best Triton.

GENERAL COMMENTS AND TIPS:

Queues at Malaga airport are long; both arrivals and departures take quite a while to clear. If customers need any assistance, I would add it beforehand.

The majority of the beaches along the coast are wheelchair accessible.

AIRLINE COMMENTS:

Jet2 – Always offered meals and seats with all holidays, but didn't push it. However, now that I've tasted the meals myself and know you get 20% off for booking both together, they work out at such a good value for money.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

I've never been to the Costa Del Sol, and it wouldn't have been my first choice of destination; however, now that I've been there, it would be an option. When I thought of the Costa Del Sol, I just thought of Brits abroad and beaches; however, visiting Málaga City proved just how much the area has to offer!