Shopping in the Costa del Sol is one more attraction that the Costa del Sol offers its visitors.
Shopping has had a significant impact on all the markets over the last few years, not only as a personal activity but, internationally, as a form of individual tourism, separate from the traditional or cultural tourism of which it was a subset until now. Shopping tourism has become a legitimate form of tourism in its own right, an independent activity that motivates millions of people to travel exclusively for this purpose. This phenomenon could be related to the growing and unstoppable race to consume and to the globalization of markets and cultures.
The Costa del Sol is presently considered an international destination Capital for this kind of tourism.
With more than 30 shopping centers, parks and superstores throughout the province and a great many stores offering from traditional handcrafted products to the most exclusive articles of prestigious international firms, the Costa del Sol provides the visitor with a wide range of establishments. These can meet the most diverse requirements, always offering good value, which will no doubt leave both nationals and foreigners pleasantly surprised.
Malaga boasts a vast offering of shopping centres or department stores which are true leisure centres providing easy parking and a variety of establishments.
You can also choose to go shopping in our Historic Downtown walking around the pedestrian malls. The starting point would be the iconic Larios street, animated and stylish, where the most exclusive stores are located. One can also find great "tapas" at the numerous patios on the streets which cross Larios, as well as Nueva and Granada Streets. From there we can go to the oldest area of the city which surrounds the shores of the Guadalmedina River and crosses Carretería, Álamos or Alcazabilla Streets. The latter, located between the Arab Palace of the Alcazaba, the Museo Picasso and the Roman Theatre, offers centuries of history along one street. These are some of the reasons why shopping in Malaga can also be a cultural, pleasant and relaxing activity.
Antequera or Coin, located in the interior of the province, Rincon de la Victoria o Velez Malaga, in the Eastern area of the coast, and Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas or Estepona, in the Western Costa del Sol, are some other great areas for shopping in the province. These towns have well-known department stores and shopping centers which receive throngs of visitors every day, many of them travellers.
But, undoubtedly the benchmark for this segment continues to be Marbella, a city that can boast about having the largest number of shops in Andalusia and one of the largest, most outstanding and exclusive shopping areas: Puerto Banus. The most well-known international companies, clothing, accessories and perfume designers in the market and the most exclusive boutiques are located in this privileged enclave, known all over Europe as the Mecca of elite tourism; a place where you can lose yourself and be captivated not only by the extraordinary beauty of its surroundings, but also by the attractive shop windows and stores.
The ritual of shopping in Andalusia is worth mentioning. Markets, such as the Central Market in Malaga abound, full of colour and life, where merchants liven up the sale of their fish, fruit and vegetables with their songs. One of the most elegant in Spain, this market is characterized by its XIV century Nazari facade, which was the old access to the Arab shipyards. This is why it was declared cultural heritage site in 1979.
Let's not forget as well the so called flea markets, outdoor areas of hawkers' stands, which benefit from the mild climate and the picturesque spots of this destination. Some of them are generic and sell all kinds of products; others are specialized, such as the antique or the stamp-collecting markets. Among the busiest ones are the street markets of Nerja, open Tuesdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and those in Fuengirola or Puerto Banus, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This whole shopping world makes it difficult for travellers to leave this land without bringing home some kind of souvenir from Malaga.
With such a variety, the Costa del Sol provides shoppers with the services of the best shoppers assistants, who can offer advice and guidance for any type of purchase and are specialized in fashion, personal image and lifestyle trends.
Clients are offered a quality service for image advice, shopping for fashion, accessories and perfumes.
The personal shopper, shopping and tourism advisor, also provides the client the most comprehensive information on personalized routes, both through Malaga's Historic Downtown and the Costa del Sol.
1. Unavoidable because of the large number of free-standing stores and shopping centers.
2. Inescapable because of the many different alternatives, from the most prestigious fashion firms to gifts, select gastronomic products, our production of exclusive wines, furniture and decor or the latest design articles.
3. Imperative also because of its traditional shops and its street markets.
4. A must because of its lovely antique shops and their superb location in the historic downtown.
5. Delightful because of its mild climate, even when it is not summer.
6. Entertaining because of the live art that can be enjoyed almost in every street of the city.
7. Captivating because of the kindness of our people.
8. Magical because of the wonderful charm of our culture.
For more information download our Shopping Guide 
