Once the year starts heading into September, autumn is well on its way to the Costa del Sol. What does that mean, when compared to more northern climes? Let’s have a look at 10 reasons why this is the perfect time to travel to the Costa del Sol, whether enjoying the pleasures of Benalmadena Costa, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas or upmarket Marbella.
1. The weather
With the heat of July and August dwindling into the past, the temperatures are so much more comfortable. Pleasant, cool mornings and evenings are prevalent, while the day is still sunny and delightfully warm. With temperatures of around 20-24 degrees Celsius, it is finally a pleasure to stroll or sit in the sunshine again. Even better, while up north the jerseys and jackets are coming out of the cupboard, T-shirts and shorts are still the comfortable choice on the Costa, with maybe a light jacket or wrap in the evenings.
2. Quiet beaches
Instead of the crowds and endless beach umbrellas, the beaches are quieter and more enjoyable. Plunk down your beach chair, relax and read, or head into the still pleasantly warm water for a swim. The chiringuitos (or beach bars) are still open for a couple of months into autumn, offering beach service to your sun bed and thatched parasol. Cheers!
3. It’s easy to get a table
Heading to the many restaurants and bars, it is so much easier to get a table, have your order promptly served and enjoy the delicious cuisine of southern Spain. What a perfect time to share a delicious paella or seafood dish with a good bottle of Spanish wine!
4. Party time in Benalmadena Costa
The second weekend of September each year sees the popular “Zoco árabe,” or Arab Souk, held in Calle Real, where tents are set up, offering Arabic music, workshops, crafts, storytelling, theatre, dancing and games for all ages. The town holds a “Feria pescaíto,” or fish fair in the second week of October each year, where a seafood spread is laid on with drinks, all at very affordable prices.
5. Fuengirola and the annual fair
From 6-12 October, it’s party time in Fuengirola, one of the most popular seaside resorts. Dubbed locally as the “Feria and Fiesta del Rosario,” the whole town turns into one big celebration. At the fairgrounds in the centre of town, there is all the fun of the fair with colourful rides and stalls offering games and fun, while the various clubhouses offer the local cuisine, music and wine.
The streets of the town are full of elegant ladies in their beautiful flamenco dresses, while the men dress as “caballeros,” riding their horses in the streets. Take an elegant horse-drawn coach up to the fairgrounds or watch the flamenco dancing at the various bars in town. There are bull fights, horse displays and musical events held throughout the week.
6. Fairs in Marbella
On the 14th and 15th September, Marbella throws what are known as “verbenas,” popular festivals in various parts of the town, with many attractions, fireworks, horses and musical performances and plenty of paella to eat.
For a little culture, from 23rd to 26th September, Marbella also hosts the International Contemporary Art Fair (Marb Art) at the Palace of Congresses and Exhibitions.
7. Feria de San Pedro Alcántara
Close to Marbella, the Feria de San Pedro Alcántara is held every year during the week of 19th October. There is fun in the streets of town, as well as a night fair with all the attractions at the fairgrounds, with lots of fun and colour. As with Fuengirola, the streets are alive with ladies in their full flamenco attire, occasionally launching into an impromptu dance, accompanied by the best Spanish guitar.
8. Feria de Mijas Pueblo
In the first couple of weeks of September each year, the charming, whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo enjoys its own fair, held in honour of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Peña. With an extensive program of activities to suit all ages, the town comes alive with all the fun of the fair. On 14th September, Mijas Pueblo also acknowledges the loyal visitors to the town with its Tourist Day, with plenty on offer to eat, drink and enjoy.
9. Torremolinos and the annual fair
The Feria de San Miguel is held each year from around the 29th September to 2nd October, with many events both in the town centre and at the fairgrounds in the evenings. There is music, dancing, food and lots of fun. A few days prior to the fair, Torremolinos hosts the Pilgrimage of San Miguel, where several beautifully decorated carts drawn by bullocks head through the streets to a shrine in the forests close to town.
10. Halloween on the Costa del Sol
One event not to miss is the popular Halloween celebrations on October 31. Like many countries in the world, Spaniards thoroughly enjoy the holiday and are seen out and about in various inventive costumes, while parties are held in the bars and squares of the town.
With so much more on offer all along the Costa del Sol, come and enjoy the fun and good food, and stay for the gorgeous weather of the autumn months.
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