Villa VR7 · Area guide · 7 days

7 days from Benalmádena, no rushing

The itinerary we recommend to guests staying a week: culture, beach, whitewashed villages and time to do absolutely nothing.

Day 1 · Arrival and holiday mode

Settle in, throw open the terraces and christen the pool and jacuzzi. An afternoon swim at Torremuelle beach (8 min on foot) and an easy dinner at Lucena II or a pizza from Pompei.

Day 2 · Málaga city

C1 train to Málaga Centro Alameda (40 min). A morning at the Picasso Museum and a wander around the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre; tapas along Calle Larios, then an afternoon at Muelle Uno, the harbour promenade with views of the cathedral, "La Manquita". Ride the train home as the sun sets.

Day 3 · Essential Benalmádena

A morning on the Calamorro cable car and a visit to Colomares Castle. Afternoon at Puerto Marina — one of Spain's most distinctive marinas — with an ice cream and a stroll. With kids, add Selwo Marina or the Butterfly Park.

Day 4 · Beach and espetos in Carvajal

A textbook beach day: one train stop to Carvajal, a morning of swimming, then an espeto de sardinas (sardine skewers) at a beach bar. Siesta, then a jacuzzi afternoon back at the villa. (More options in our beach guide.)

Day 5 · Mijas Pueblo, the whitewashed village

The most accessible white village on the coast: whitewashed lanes, viewpoints over the sea, donkey taxis and craft shops. On the way down, stop in Fuengirola: Sohail castle or the Bioparc, then dinner — if you're in the mood for a treat, Los Marinos José (Michelin star, book ahead).

Day 6 · Marbella and Puerto Banús

A day trip to the most glamorous stretch of the coast: Marbella's old town (Plaza de los Naranjos), the seafront promenade and Puerto Banús with its yachts and boutiques. Go by car (35–40 min), organised excursion or bus from Fuengirola.

Day 7 · Shopping and a slow goodbye

A morning at Plaza Mayor and the McArthurGlen outlet (by train, with its own stop) for those last gifts. An afternoon by the pool, sunset from the chill-out rooftop and a farewell dinner at La Viborilla, right on the beach.

One last tip

Don't try to squeeze everything in: half the charm of the Costa del Sol is its unhurried pace. Any day of this plan can happily be swapped for "market in the morning, pool and a book in the afternoon".