Costa del Sol on a tight budget: where to stay, budget-friendly entertainment

The Costa del Sol is a beautiful coast in southern Spain, known for its snow-white beaches, warm climate and crystal clear sea. Many tourists dream of spending their vacation here, but often the cost of travel can be too high. But all is not lost, it is possible to rest on the Costa del Sol and with a limited budget? writes TravelWise.

How not to spend all your savings and get to the Costa del Sol?

From Great Britain to the Costa del Sol you can get cheaply, first of all, by plane. The cost of airfare depends on the time of year and the date of purchase. The cheapest tickets can be bought in advance, best 3-4 months before your trip. It's also worth looking for special deals on airline websites and search engines. Consider also alternative airports - for example, Malaga or Almeria may be cheaper for the flight.

Several ways to choose the cheapest airfare to Costa del Sol:

1. Look at ticket search sites such as Skyscanner, Kayak or Momondo. They look at prices from different airlines and are convenient for quick price comparisons.

1. Register on airline websites and keep an eye out for their special offers and promotions. They may offer discounts on tickets that won't be available on other sites.

1. Use flexible date options when searching for tickets. You may find that tickets one or two days earlier or later can be much cheaper.

Regardless of which way you choose, it is important to keep an eye on prices and remember that prices can change over time.

Renting a car

If you prefer to travel by car, it is possible to rent a car. If you plan to drive around the area, it may be cheaper than taking a cab or using public transport. However, please note that you can rent a car only for those who are over 21 years old and have at least 1 year of driving experience.

And do not forget about the many toll roads.

If you decide to rent a car, you can focus on the following costs:

• Renting a car averages between 25 and 60 euros per day, depending on the class of the car and the season;
• Fuel in Spain costs about 1.25 euros per liter of gasoline or diesel;
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Public transportation

Another option is to take the bus. There are several bus companies on the Costa del Sol that offer flights to many popular resorts. The cost of tickets depends on the distance and time of year.

The bus fare is usually between 1.5 and 3 euros, depending on the destination.

Another economy option is to take the train. In this region it is quite a convenient and cheap alternative. For example, a train ticket from Alicante to Benidorm costs about 5-6 euros.

Where to stay in the Costa del Sol and stay with the money?

On the Costa del Sol there are many accommodation options for different tastes and budgets. Cheap hostels and five-star hotels. On the coast and somewhere inland.

Booking in advance, you can save a lot of money.

You can use room booking sites such as booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor to find accommodation.

Approximate prices for accommodation

The cost of living on the Costa del Sol can vary greatly depending on the season, location, hotel class, services and booking date. However, on average, you can focus on the following prices:

- Hostels and guest houses: 15 to 40 euros per night, depending on location and comfort;

- 2 to 3-star hotels and hotels: from 40 to 80 euros per night;

- 4-5 star hotels and resorts: from 100 to 300 Euros per night;

- Apartments and apartments for rent: from 50 to 150 Euros per night depending on the size, location and rental conditions.

The highest prices tend to exist in the high season, from June to August, when many tourists visit the area. Prices are usually slightly lower in the off-season, and in the suburban areas, far from the main tourist spots.

Resorts in Sunny Beach

There are several cheap resorts in the Spanish Mediterranean Costa del Sol that offer many vacation options on a limited budget. Below are reviews of some of them:

1. Torremolinos is a cheap resort in the south of Spain with beautiful beaches, many restaurants and cafes, and nightlife.
2. Benalmadena is a tourist town with a Mediterranean temperament and excellent public transportation. There is also a beautiful Tivoli Park with live music, restaurants and attractions.
3. Fuengirola is a small town on the coast, where you can relax from the large number of tourists. There are great beaches, the park Los Boliches and a lot of stores.
4. Marbella - a sophisticated resort town on the coast, where you can find many bars and cafes, as well as interesting places to walk in the historic city center.
5. Nerja is a small resort, which will impress you with its beauty of mountain scenery and beautiful beaches. Here you can enjoy the unusual view of the mountains against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cost-effective entertainment.

There are many free and affordable activities on the Costa del Sol.

A walk along the beach and promenade can be one of the most pleasant memories. It is also worth paying attention to the old town, where you can find many cozy cafes, stores and museums that offer free admission or are available at a low price. For example, the Museum of Glass and Crystal in Malga or the Museum Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente, dedicated to the history of Chimera in Benalmadena.

Another budget option for entertainment in the Costa del Sol is to visit parks, among which Tivoli Park in Benalmadena is worth mentioning. Here you can spend the day, join free walking tours with local guides, go on rides and attend local concerts.

If you are traveling to the Costa del Sol with children and you are on a tight budget, you can visit the Benalmadena Zoo, which is home not only to local animals, but also animals from Africa and the Americas. You can also go on a trip to the mountains and enjoy the beautiful views from high up.

There are many beautiful historic towns and villages around the Costa del Sol. For example, Malga, with its beautiful Alcabassa and Gibralfaro Castle, as well as the towns of Ronda and Antequera.

Prices for entertainment

The Costa del Sol has many different activities for tourists of all ages and interests, including cheap ones. Here are some sample prices for some of them:

• The largest water park in the region, Aqualandia: from 27 euros per admission ticket;
• Ferry trip around the Gulf of Altea: about 10-15 euros per ticket, the duration of the trip is about 1-2 hours;
• Water sports: from 20 euros for half an hour;
• Catamaran excursion: from 40 euros for an adult;
• Terra Natura Zoo: from 25 euros per admission ticket;
• Terra Mitica Amusement Park: from 27 euros per admission ticket.

Prices may vary depending on seasonality, the duration of the program, the age of the tourist, as well as on the pre-selected package.

Where to eat cheap on the Costa del Sol?

Although many restaurants and cafes here are not cheap, you can find many places to eat out and save money.

Most restaurants offer lunch menus that include soup, main course, drink and dessert. Such menus cost about 10-15 euros per person. Another way to save money on food is to visit local supermarkets and cook your own food.

Approximate prices in the cafe

• Breakfast: 3-10 euros
• Lunch: from 8-10 euros for a dish
• Dinner: from 15-20 euros for a dish
• Glass of beer: from 1,5-2,5 Euros
• Bottle of Wine: from 10-15 Euros
• Tapas: Spanish snacks: 2 to 3 Euros per serving.

Some tips not to eat through the entire budget:

1. Look for specials: Many restaurants offer specials or fixed-price menus that may be cheaper than ordering food individually.
2. Visit restaurants away from touristy places: Such establishments often offer more affordable prices.
3. Eat on the road: the Costa del Sol has many grocery stores and street cafes where you can eat inexpensively.
4. Buy your groceries in supermarkets: if you live in an apartment with its own kitchen, buying groceries in a store may be a cheaper alternative.
5. Explore local markets: many towns and villages around the Costa del Sol have colorful fairs where you can buy fresh fruit and other products.

Conclusions

The Costa del Sol can be a great vacation destination even with a limited budget. By choosing the most affordable flight, lodging, dining and entertainment options, you can cut costs significantly and have a great vacation with family or friends.