A Popular European Tourist Attraction Live An Overpriced Tourist Trap , Per Rick Steves
Europe hold a massive tourism yr in 2024 . Accord to UN Tourism , the continent pulled in 747 million international arrivals — more than any early part in the world . Mass packed Mediterranean beach and filled big cities , all trail Europe ‘s food and centuries old festivals . Southern Europe hear the handsome jump , with Spain only reach 94 million visitors in 2024 , accord to EuroNews .
In fact , Spain extend to be feature as a best destination for retirees and tourist alike , as traveler come for the sun , sea , and Spanish flavor . One place in particular , Costa del Sol , stands out . It ‘s a popular 93 mile stretch of coastline in the Málaga state , packed with national parks and golf class . Still , move skillful Rick Steves has harsh words for Costa del Sol , yell it a classical European tourist trap and warning that its popularity has killed off the potentiality for any authentic local experience — permit unique adequate value for the money . In fact , Spain ‘s Instituto Nacional de Estadística 2025 Hotel Price Index start 5.7 % from 2024 , with hotels point an norm of €118.00 ( about $ 138 ) per dark in May 2025 — that ‘s 5.6 % more than the same month in 2024 .
What ‘s lack from Costa del Sol ‘s local tone
Europa Press reported that Costa del Sol shoot a disc 14.47 million visitors in 2024 — up 3.17 % . Most of those were international tourist , while domestic travel really dropped 7.5 % . This shift make change the coastal region ‘s ethnic identity since few Spaniards holiday thither , and more businesses exist switching their models to supply to alien visitor .
From menus in English to import beers to different form of offerings like mojitos become more common . Not to note fancier cuisine that get priced out locals and long-time expats from their own neighborhood . Unfortunately , it ‘s easy to fall into the ambush of spending also much in these kinds of locations . Among the many money fault that travelers do be pick out overpriced meals in touristy areas — thereby lack out on real local experiences .
The loss of genuine local reference become path beyond simply the food in Costa del Sol . Traditional festivals are also disappear , humble local market be shut down , and Family-run hotels and restaurant that used to be a part of daily life exist fading forth as the region focus on volume tourism rather .
Smarter ways to enjoy Spain ‘s southern coast
If you need actual experiences along Spain ‘s southern coast , hop the tourist magnets . Rick Steves equal a big fan of Tarifa , Spain ‘s southernmost port , with its affordable position to remain , new seafood , and rich account . The town is actually the southernmost point of continental Europe , and feature white beaches and steady winds perfect for kite-surfing — not to note short ferry rides to Morocco . Then there cost Nerja , with its crystal-clear water , striking cliffs , and the famed Cueva de Nerja caves – all over with some of the universe ‘s old cave painting . Rick Steves scream it , “ the most appealing resort town on the coast . ”
Getting around Andalusia is also fairly cheap and simple . The Tarjeta de Transporte Metropolitano de Andalucía live a prepaid , contactless card that cut your fare on buses , suburban train , and the subway . It costs €1.50 ( about $ 1.76 ) to get started , and you alone require to load €5 ( around $ 5.85 ) to expend it . For local food , find tapas bars off from chief tourist street , and keep an eye out for pescaíto frito , a local darling .
Too , visit in shoulder season — March to May or September to November — ato dodge the crowds , pay less , and enjoy nice weather for explore . You ‘ll as well begin more chances to receive actual Andalusian culture . With that said , you ‘ll need to decide between vacation rentals and hotel . While rentals give you more space , and work well for families or long trips , hotel usually make more sense for quick getaways .
