Low-key
Laid-back & low-key
No fuss, no dress code — easy mornings and unhurried afternoons in relaxed surroundings.
Our pickNerja
Cala del Cañuelo
A secluded pebble cove tucked into the cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, where clear, sheltered water turns over a rocky seabed that rewards snorkellers and divers. Reaching it means leaving the car at the top and taking the seasonal shuttle down, which keeps the crowds thin and the setting wild. Best for couples and small groups after a quiet, unspoilt day by the sea.
Beachfront · View · Casual
Our pickCasares
CLUB DE GOLF FINCA CORTESIN — Casares
One of the most decorated golf venues on the Costa del Sol, set in the hills above Casares on a parkland championship course designed by Cabell Robinson. Wide fairways, mature planting and sweeping coastal views define the layout, which has staged the Solheim Cup and Volvo World Match Play. A polished, tranquil setting for serious golfers and resort guests alike.
Quiet · Design
Our pickMarbella
Elements Gym
A results-driven training facility on Calle Chipre in San Pedro de Alcántara, set across spacious industrial-style spaces fitted with serious strength equipment. The focus is one-to-one coaching, structured transformation programmes and body composition, with recovery touches like sauna and ice baths. It suits committed individuals who want measurable progress rather than a casual workout.
Quiet · Design
Our pickEstepona
Ikigai Food for Life
A bright, health-led café on Avenida España in Estepona, set almost on the beach with deck chairs, parasols and open sea views. The kitchen draws on Asian and Scandinavian influences, with vibrant bowls, fresh juices and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options made from organic produce. A relaxed, restorative spot for breakfast, brunch or a light lunch by the water.
Quiet · Design
Our pickMijas
Mirador del Paseo de la Muralla — Mijas
A shaded clifftop walkway tracing the old Arab fortress walls of Mijas Pueblo, with sweeping panoramas across the Costa del Sol to the Mediterranean. Year-round flowering gardens and a tall illuminated stone waterfall line the path, making it a favourite for an unhurried stroll and sunset views above the white village.
View · Quiet · Casual
Our pickMarbella
Rachel's Eco love
A serene plant-based kitchen tucked inside the Puente Romano resort on the Golden Mile, with a sunny terrace bordered by its own kitchen garden. Mornings bring organic grain bowls, avocado toast and vegan pastries, drawing a wellness-minded crowd that lingers over a slow, healthy brunch.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
11:11 Société
A stylish brunch and dining club in central Marbella where the design carries diners between Mexico and the Middle East. The kitchen sends out international fusion plates and signature lattes in a richly atmospheric room, making it a buzzy spot for groups and weekend brunch as easily as an evening out.
Dining · Quiet
Málaga
Alcazaba — Fortress in Málaga
An 11th-century Moorish citadel rising over the port from the city centre, ranked among Spain's best-preserved fortresses. Double walls, fortified gateways, courtyards and Nasrid palace rooms reward an unhurried climb, with serene gardens and far-reaching views across Málaga along the way. Rewarding for history lovers and walkers.
Casual · View
Marbella
Aloha Golf Club
A championship parkland course in Nueva Andalucía, set in the golf valley a short drive inland from Puerto Banús. Designed by the celebrated Javier Arana and opened in 1975, its mature trees and demanding layout have hosted European Tour and Ladies European Tour events. The clubhouse and restaurant make it an inviting base for a day on the greens.
Quiet · Design
Málaga
Bar La Tranca — Tapas Bar in Málaga
A lively, much-loved tasca in Málaga's Centro, pouring vermouth, moscatel and wines from the tap alongside honest homemade tapas. Barrels for tables, vintage album covers on the walls and bills chalked on the counter give it real character and a buzzing local crowd. A spirited, authentic stop for an aperitivo rather than a quiet sit-down meal.
Quiet · Design
Málaga
Calle Larios — Málaga
Málaga's grand marble boulevard runs through the heart of the old town, pedestrianised and lined with Spanish high-street names and international brands. Wide, elegant and always busy, it anchors the city's social life and rewards a half-day trip combined with the cathedral, tapas and the port.
Casual · Design
Marbella
Cappuccino Marbella
A polished all-day grand café on the seafront promenade near Avenida del Mar, part of the long-running Cappuccino group. The terrace looks out to the Mediterranean while the kitchen turns out generous breakfasts, fresh juices and Mediterranean plates, suiting couples and groups from morning coffee onward.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Celicioso
Marbella's pioneering fully gluten-free bakery and brunch spot, set within the Puente Romano resort on the Golden Mile. Built from the ground up to be coeliac-safe, it is loved for ricotta pancakes, fresh pastries and cakes, with garden-side seating that makes a relaxed stop for families and friends.
Dining · Quiet
Fuengirola
Centro Comercial Miramar — Fuengirola
A large covered mall a short drive east in Fuengirola, gathering high-street favourites, a multi-screen cinema and a generous food court. A rooftop terrace with a karting track and children's play area makes it especially easy with kids, and free parking keeps a rainy day simple.
Casual · Design
Marbella
Dezentral
A contemporary coffee shop in Nueva Andalucía, run by owners genuinely devoted to the cup and serving carefully sourced Italian coffee. Alongside the brew there are creative breakfasts, smoothies, waffles and a daily-changing healthy menu, with vegan options. A relaxed, modern room for a considered morning coffee.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
El Corte Inglés Puerto Banús
Spain's flagship department store rises over six floors a few steps from the Puerto Banús marina, gathering high-end fashion, beauty and accessories under one roof. The top-floor Gourmet Experience pairs a food hall with terrace dining, and the whole place suits an unhurried afternoon between brands and lunch.
Casual · Design
Marbella
El Txoco de Luis Salinero
A modern, elegant restaurant at Plaza Marina Banús in Nueva Andalucía, where chef Luis Salinero cooks a seasonal "north to south" menu spanning regional Spanish flavours. The open kitchen, refined plating and quality raw materials set the tone, with specialities such as ox and flamenquín. A confident choice for couples and groups dining near Puerto Banús.
Quiet · Design
Estepona
Estepona
A relaxed seaside town with one of Andalusia's prettiest old quarters, its whitewashed lanes spilling over with flowerpots and dozens of large-scale murals. The palm-lined promenade and golden-sand beaches give way to a lively marina by evening. Easygoing and unhurried, it suits families and slow afternoons by the water.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Gibraltar
Gibraltar
A British enclave crowned by its limestone Rock, rising sharply above the strait where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The summit nature reserve is home to Europe's only wild macaques, the cavernous St Michael's Cave and far-reaching views toward Morocco, with dolphin-watching cruises in the bay below. A novel, memorable day for families and groups.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Marbella
Ground by BREATHE
The ground-floor café of the BREATHE wellness concept in Nueva Andalucía, by the entrance to Puerto Banús. Bread and pastries are baked fresh each morning, paired with specialty coffee, seasonal bowls and egg dishes. A bright, design-led space that draws laptop workers and friends meeting over brunch.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Hustle n' Flow
A bright, health-driven eatery in the heart of San Pedro de Alcántara, known for vivid smoothie and açai bowls, avocado toasts and poached-egg plates. Many dishes are vegan and gluten-free, and the matcha has a following. A favourite of the active crowd for a colourful post-workout brunch.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Keto Royale Kafe
A low-carb, gluten- and sugar-free café in central Marbella with a dedicated in-house bakery. The menu leans on protein-rich brunch plates, keto breads and a long list of specialty coffees, from turmeric lattes to spiced cappuccinos. A calm, welcoming room that suits a quiet, health-conscious morning.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
La Cañada Shopping Centre
The largest centre on the Costa del Sol sits just above Marbella town, with more than 150 shops spanning international names and homeware alongside a multiplex cinema. Generous free parking and a relaxed food court make it the obvious choice for families, a rainy afternoon, or stocking up before a villa stay.
Casual · Design · Hidden Gem
Marbella
Lagom! Café
A Scandinavian-inspired café at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, built around the Swedish idea of lagom, just the right amount. The kitchen pairs serious coffee with freshly baked pastries, breakfasts and light plates, much of it gluten- and sugar-free. Pet-friendly outdoor seating makes it an easy, balanced stop.
Dining · Quiet
Benahavís
Los Abanicos
A long-standing family restaurant in the centre of Benahavís, the hillside village known as the dining room of the Costa del Sol. Now run by a second generation, it blends Spanish and Mediterranean cooking, with tables spilling onto a narrow, atmospheric street. Warm, welcoming service and dishes such as slow-cooked lamb make it a dependable village favourite.
Quiet · Design
Málaga
Málaga
Picasso's birthplace pairs a walkable old quarter of marble-paved lanes and tapas terraces with serious culture. The hilltop Alcazaba fortress and adjoining Roman theatre frame sweeping views over the port, while the Museo Picasso anchors a dense cluster of galleries. An easy, rewarding day for couples and culture-minded travellers alike.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Marbella
Marbella Old Town boutiques
Independent and Spanish designer shops thread through the whitewashed lanes of the casco antiguo, around Calle Nueva and the orange trees of Plaza de los Naranjos. Handmade jewellery, leather and one-off pieces fill the storefronts, and the cobbled, car-free setting makes the shopping as much about the wander as the buying.
Casual · Design
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo
A whitewashed hilltop village on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas, its narrow Moorish-era lanes trimmed with wrought iron and bright flowerpots. Panoramic terraces survey the coast far below, and the village's signature donkey carriages add a touch of tradition. Compact and charming, it makes for an easy half-day wander.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Nerja
Nerja
A clifftop town east of Málaga, best known for the Balcón de Europa terrace and its turquoise coves below. Nearby, the vast Nerja Caves shelter some of the world's largest stalactite formations, while the wild Maro cliffs draw kayakers and snorkellers. A scenic coastal escape that suits couples and active families.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Marbella
Organic Market & Food Marbella
A casual organic café and market near the Forum on the Golden Mile, focused on clean, health-minded eating. Mornings bring breakfast plates, freshly squeezed juices and an endless run of smoothies, all made to order from organic ingredients. An unfussy, wholesome spot for a fresh start to the day.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Ottro Café
A small, design-conscious specialty coffee and brunch spot in the Nueva Andalucía area, near Río Verde. The focus stays squarely on the cup, with a carefully made brew at the centre and a short, well-judged offering around it. An intimate, unpretentious room for those who take their coffee seriously.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Paisana Cookhouse & Coffee
An artisan cookhouse in Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía, a short walk from Puerto Banús. The kitchen focuses on organic, farm-to-table cooking with house sourdough, smoothie bowls and specialty coffee. Light-filled and greenery-filled, with terrace views toward La Concha that suit a long, leisurely brunch.
Dining · Quiet
Fuengirola
Paseo Marítimo Rey de España — Fuengirola
The longest seafront promenade on the Costa del Sol, running more than seven kilometres past Carvajal, Los Boliches and Fuengirola's other main beaches beneath palm trees and shaded pergolas. Chiringuitos and seafood terraces line the route, with statues and monuments marking the beach access points. An easy, lively stretch for families, walkers and long sunset strolls.
Beachfront · View · Casual
Marbella
Planta Bistrot
A vibrant plant-forward bistrot in the Forum centre on the Golden Mile, stylish yet unfussy and welcoming to everyone from vegans to the curious. Breakfasts and indulgent brunches share the menu with creative lunches, including a lively Sunday brunch. Plant-based without restriction, healthy yet genuinely indulgent.
Dining · Quiet
Nerja
Playa de Maro
A small beach of sand and pebbles hidden below the cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, watched over by an old Arab tower and framed by rock formations that make the swimming feel wild. The clear water and protected coastline draw snorkellers, and it serves as the launch point for kayaking the coast to the Maro waterfall. Suited to couples and adventurous families seeking a natural, off-the-grid stretch.
Beachfront · View · Casual
Marbella
Puerto Banús Marina Boutiques
The waterfront promenade is lined with the great fashion houses, where Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermès trade beside moored yachts. Compact and walkable, the strip turns browsing into people-watching, and works best paired with a drink at one of the marina terraces.
Casual · Design
Sotogrande
Real Club Valderrama
A legendary Robert Trent Jones course in Sotogrande, long regarded among the finest in continental Europe. It hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the first staged outside the British Isles, and years of the Volvo Masters. Tight, tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens reward precision over power, drawing serious golfers to one of Spain's most storied private clubs.
Quiet · Design
Nerja
Restaurante Oliva — Nerja
A contemporary Mediterranean restaurant on Nerja's Plaza de España, founded by a Dutch-Spanish partnership and recommended in the Michelin Guide for several years. Locally sourced, seasonal cooking spans an à la carte and a tasting menu, served in a stylish room with an inviting terrace on the square. A refined option for a considered lunch or dinner in the old town.
Quiet · Design
Fuengirola
Restaurante Tánicos — Fuengirola
A respected Mediterranean and Spanish kitchen in central Fuengirola, built on market cuisine and proximity produce since 2008. The cooking is unfussy and product-led, with homemade croquettes, seafood and slow-cooked classics at its heart. An assured, neighbourhood-favourite address that rewards a relaxed lunch or dinner away from the busier seafront.
Quiet · Design
Ronda
Ronda
One of Andalusia's most dramatic white towns, split by the hundred-metre El Tajo gorge and stitched together by the Puente Nuevo bridge. The historic Plaza de Toros, among Spain's oldest bullrings, and cliff-edge viewpoints reward the inland drive. A scenic, romantic day out roughly an hour from the coast.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
Marbella
Rosas Café
A romantic café in Puerto Banús, instantly recognisable for the thousands of silk roses that fill the room. The kitchen leans organic and healthy, from eggs Benedict and granola to fine patisserie, served alongside award-winning Tunki coffee. Walk-in only and well suited to a pretty, unhurried breakfast.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Saturday Flea Market — Nueva Andalucía
The weekly mercadillo sets up beside the Nueva Andalucía bullring every Saturday morning, with well over a hundred stalls. Vintage clothing, antiques, Moroccan ceramics, leather and fresh produce share the aisles, and a little friendly haggling is part of the experience. Arrive early before the crowds build.
Casual · Design · Hidden Gem
Sierra Bermeja
Sierra Bermeja
The russet-toned mountain range rising sharply behind Estepona, home to rare Spanish fir forests and the Los Reales summit at around 1,450 metres. Walking trails thread through the pinsapo pines to viewpoints that, on clear days, take in Gibraltar and the mountains of Morocco. A quiet, restorative day for hikers and nature lovers.
View · Casual · Hidden Gem
San Roque
Sotogrande Golf / Marina — San Roque
The waterfront heart of Sotogrande in San Roque, where an elegant marina of yachts, boutiques and bars sits within one of Andalucía's most exclusive golf and polo enclaves. Waterside restaurants serve Mediterranean cooking and seafood, with the area's celebrated courses moments away. A sophisticated, unhurried setting that suits golfing groups, couples and families.
Quiet · Design
Marbella
SOUL Nueva Alcántara
An all-day lounge, bar and eatery from the BREATHE team, set within a sports and social club in Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro. Mornings open with fresh coffee, juices and healthy plates beside tropical gardens and padel courts; by evening it turns to refined dining and cocktails. A favoured weekend brunch hangout.
Dining · Quiet
Marbella
Zoco Café
An organic café set inside the Zoco Home design showroom near Puerto Banús, where woven lighting, warm wood and greenery create a calm, light-filled room. The menu runs to freshly brewed coffee, pastries, sandwiches and fresh, healthy plates. A refined yet easy spot for a quiet morning coffee or unhurried brunch.
Dining · Quiet
Where to stay