Some travelers recommended Benalmadena for a lively atmosphere suitable for families and younger visitors. It offers various entertainment options, including lively bars and water parks, while being close to other resorts and beaches. The area is also noted for its reasonable prices for dining and its proximity to the airport.

For those seeking luxury, Marbella is often mentioned, with specific recommendations for the Marbella Club and Don Carlos. These locations provide luxurious amenities and are positioned slightly out of the main town, offering a quieter environment but still accessible to local attractions.

Torremolinos is frequently suggested for its accessibility and variety of accommodation options. The Sol House and RIU Nautilus in Torremolinos are highlighted for their proximity to the beach and large swimming pools. The area is also well-regarded for its dining options and ease of access to transportation.

La Carihuela, located between Torremolinos and Benalmadena, is praised for its scenic beauty and quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking for a more relaxed stay. The area is known for its good access to local markets and cultural points of interest.

According to forum posts, Costa del Sol offers a generally pleasant climate, though it can be quite chilly at night during the winter months. Some travelers suggested considering the Canary Islands during January and February for warmer weather and more consistent conditions favorable for wearing shorts.

Travelers have called out Costa del Sol's diverse offerings, from outdoor activities like beach walks to cultural sites such as old churches, historical sites, and museums. The area is also noted for its live music scenes, although availability can vary seasonally, particularly in quieter months.

For many users, the appeal of Costa del Sol also lies in its lifestyle, with options to explore local markets, enjoy Spanish cuisine at various chiringuitos and restaurants, and experience the area's vibrant nightlife, albeit more subdued outside the summer season.

Based on traveler feedback, towns like Estepona and Nerja are recommended for their relative tranquility, local Spanish feel, and opportunities to integrate with both local and international communities. Moreover, places like Fuengirola are recognized for maintaining a lively atmosphere even during off-peak seasons.

According to forum posts, the Costa del Sol offers extensive bus services connecting major towns like Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and Fuengirola. Routes such as M-220 and other local services are mentioned, providing convenient connections along the coast and to inland destinations like Mijas and Ronda.

Some travelers have highlighted the train services from Malaga Airport to Fuengirola as highly convenient. Trains reportedly run every 20 minutes, making it easier for visitors to access various parts of the region efficiently.

For direct routes or less accessible destinations, taxis are recommended by users for convenience, especially from train stations to specific resorts or hotels. For instance, a taxi from Fuengirola to nearby resorts can cost around 25 euros, which travelers find reasonable for the ease of travel direct to accommodations.

Overall, the public transportation system in Costa del Sol is described as good and not expensive, making it a viable option for tourists to explore the region without the need for personal vehicles.

Some travelers mentioned taxi services directly from Malaga Airport, with fares to nearby destinations like Benalmadena Beach Hotel around €25 and to Riviera del Sol approximately €40. A partial taxi strike was noted, affecting pickups from the airport during specific hours.

According to forum posts, there are direct buses to Marbella and Alhaurin el Grande, with the service to Marbella available at least twice every hour for most of the day. For Fuengirola, travelers have called out the convenience of using the local train directly from the airport, which is more cost-effective compared to taxis.

In instances of taxi strikes or disruptions, forum users have suggested using the train service, which remains operational and reliable. This service can be accessed even during disruptions, offering an alternative to taxis and buses from the airport.

Some travelers have highlighted that Malaga offers good public transportation options for day trips. It is feasible to use buses and trains for excursions to nearby towns like Ronda, where a tourist-timed train service is available, and buses offer more frequent journeys.

According to forum posts, popular day trip destinations from Malaga include Nerja, Frigiliana, Marbella, and Ronda. Nerja and Frigiliana offer a mix of beautiful beaches and charming villages, while Marbella is known for its upscale atmosphere and beaches. Ronda attracts with its dramatic landscapes and historic sites.

For many users, Ronda is a highly recommended day trip, accessible by a specific train service that caters to tourists, making it convenient for day travelers. Additionally, the towns of Nerja and Frigiliana are favored for their cultural and scenic appeal, easily reachable for a leisurely day out from Malaga.

Malagas Christmas lights are scheduled to be illuminated starting from 26th November, with displays using energy-efficient LED technology. The lights are on for two hours less per day compared to previous years to promote energy savings.

This year, the display features new decorations including large heavenly angels over four meters tall along Calle Larios. Additionally, the highlight includes drone shows and videomapping on the cathedral tower, offering a modern twist to the traditional light displays.

The main light shows in Calle Larios occur three times daily at 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. Drone shows and videomapping sessions are also scheduled, enhancing the festive atmosphere throughout the city.

The adjustment in the lighting schedule is expected to save around €7,000 in energy costs. Since 2010, all Christmas lighting in Malaga has utilized low-consumption LED technology, reflecting the city's commitment to environmental sustainability.

According to forum posts, Malaga is highly recommended for its spectacular Christmas lights, which are considered some of the best in Spain. The city transforms with magical light displays that are on until January 6 each year, creating a festive atmosphere that draws visitors and locals alike.

Travelers have highlighted that despite cooler temperatures, the Costa del Sol offers the possibility of beach visits and sunbathing in sheltered spots during December. Additionally, Malaga, being a cultural hub, boasts numerous museums and historical sites that remain open and are perfect for daytime exploration.

For many users, the holiday season in the Costa del Sol is a time for family gatherings, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when many locals have extended family meals. This period sees less activity in terms of open restaurants and bars until later in the evening, but picks up with lively celebrations at midnight on December 31st.

According to forum posts, Benalmádena may offer a livelier nightlife compared to Fuengirola and Torremolinos. Some travelers suggested that Benalmádena has more nightlife options, including live music in bars, especially around the marina area. However, it is noted that the area is hilly away from the promenade.

Travelers have called out that Fuengirola provides better flat walks and easier access due to its train station's close proximity to the center and promenade. This contrasts with Torremolinos and Benalmádena, where the train stations are located uphill or require steps, making frequent travel by train less convenient.

Many users indicated that all three locations are suitable for various types of travelers, from those seeking nightlife to those preferring quieter, more relaxed environments. Fuengirola is mentioned as flatter and more accessible, while Benalmádena is seen as more spread out and hilly. Torremolinos, while offering good beach access and amenities, is perceived as less British by some travelers.