There are few things in life that are more uplifting that the prospect of spending a long sun-drenched summer on the Costa del Sol. This magical stretch of coastline is awash with outdoor activities, beaches and plenty of opportunities to relaxation. It is also offering a fantastic array of cultural events such as the recent annual Malaga Film and Contemporary Arts Festivals and the current celebrations for Santa Semana.
If you have already relocated and are lucky enough to have snapped up on of the much-sought-after luxury homes in Marbella, you’ll know that the Costa del Sol is one of the worlds most popular hotspots, not just for investment property but for the international community, outdoor lifestyle, natural beauty and of course the warmth and rich culture of the Spanish people.
Whether you visiting, working and living on the Coast or you are planning a viewing trip to find the perfect property for sale on the Costa del Sol, here is our planning guide to help you get the most out of your time on the sunshine coast this year (2025).
1. Easter – Holy Week (14th – 21st April)
One of the most colourful events in the religious and social calendar on the Costa del sol (and throughout Spain) is the Holy Week (Semana Santa), which features a series of processions, where highly ornate, extremely heavy floats are carried through the streets accompanied by solemn music with images of Jesus, Mary and other saints. This is a centuries old tradition which features penitents who wear the pointed white hoods to cover their faces.
2. Feria de los Pueblos, Fuengirola (30th April – 4th May)
This colourful and vibrant event takes place every year in Fuengirola, offering the visitors the opportunity to discover the food, music, culture and crafts of 33 different countries. The event will officially will take place on 25th April at 20.00 in the Plaza de la Constitucion. This will be followed on 1st May with a parade though the Plaza de España, Condes de San Isidro Ave., Matías Saenz de Tejada Ave., Alfonso XII St., Paseo Jesús Santos Rein and finally arriving at the Fair Ground.
You can download a programme from the website.
3. Malaga Book Fair (3rd – 9th May)
This week-long event is held in several locations throughout Malaga, attracting authors, publishers and avid readers alike. There are opportunities for book signings, discussions and you may even discover a buddy best selling author. Browse books on various bookstore stands, selling everything from rare editions to maps. You may have to book in advance for meet and greet sessions with popular authors.
4. Malaga Fashion Week (15th – 20th May)
Andalucía’s premier fashion event, showcasing innovative, sometime avant-garde original clothing. There will be pop-up stalls, installations and you can get a sneaky-peak behind the scenes to find out about the creative process, attend seminars, networking and much more. It is a must- do for anyone with an interest in fashion or who is in the industry.
5. Marenostrum Fuengirola (3rd May -19th September)
The website bills this festival as “the best open-air venue in Europe”. Acts include a wide range of talent, from Marta Santos, Juanlu Montoya to Chayenne, Rosario to Carl Cox and old favourites such as Bonnie Tyler. One of the highest attendance events over the last few years, which is down to the varied line-up and the superb seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean, with VIP boxes, multiple bars and restaurants on site.
6. Starlight Occidental Marbella (13th June – 16th August)
Hard to believe we are already talking about the annual Starlight Festival again… but its nearly time! As usual there is an eclectic and impressive line-up, combining home grown Spanish, Latin and international stars. This year the big names include Marc Anthony, Camila Cabello, Kool & the Gang, Duran Duran, The Script, Pet Shop Boys, Texas and Amaral to name but a few. In addition to the concerts, there will be usual VIP boxes, gastro experiences and after parties. Tickets can be bought online.
7. 2025 Ferias
You can add to this busy schedule of events the many different Ferias held in each town and city to celebrate their patron saints. Here are the dates for the most high-profile events:
- Malaga Feria – 16 -23 August
The largest annual fair on the Costa del Sol, celebrating the expulsion of the Moors from the city.
- Fuengirola Feria – 6th – 12th October
Held to celebrate the city’s patron the Virgen del Rosario.
- Marbella Feria – 9th – 14th June
Celebrating the day of San Bernabé on the 11th June.
- Estepona Feria -1st – 6th July
Feria in honour of La Virgen del Carmen (although the official day is the 16th July, the fair commemorating the saint will take place on the first week of the month).
Of course, there are just a few of the organised events that are available throughout the summer of 2025 on the Costa del Sol. When you own real estate on the Costa del Sol, there are plenty of other activities on offer, including outdoor activities, such as water sports, hiking, cycling, swimming, tennis and golf.
If you would like further information about villas for sale in Marbella Spain, would like to discuss a real estate development project or you are looking for investment property to buy in the Costa del Sol’s other hotspots, contact [email protected].
