If you fancy a bit of culture on your Costa del Sol holiday, you’re in luck because this part of southern Spain comes packed with festivals in 2023. From all genres of music and dance to film and flamenco, there’s something for everyone.
And from up and down the coast, inland and slightly further afield in Andalusia – just like our e-guides! Read on for our picks of the best festivals on the Costa del Sol in 2023 and book tickets to yours.
Music festivals on the Costa del Sol in 2023
Music in all styles takes the lion’s share of festivals and almost every location has at least one coming up this year.
Music festivals in Fuengirola – Marenostrum
In its seven years of history, Marenostrum has established itself as one of the best music festivals on the Costa del Sol. The 2023 edition is no exception and this year’s line-up includes international stars such as Robbie Williams and niche fests including the electronic Ultrabeach Costa del Sol.
From 13 May onwards. More information and links to tickets here.
Ronda Guitar Festival
The Spanish guitar takes centre stage at this festival in Ronda and artists celebrating the instrument in the 2023 edition come from Denmark, Italy, Croacia, Montenegro, France, Armenia, Portugal and Albania, as well as Spain.
6 to 10 June. Find out more here.
Music festivals near Marbella – Ojeando
If indie music is your thing, Ojén village in early July is your destination. This small village, just outside Marbella, offers two days of great music from Spain’s best indie bands, including newbies and veterans.
First weekend in July (1-2 July) – concerts and times to be announced. More information (in Spanish only) here.
Music festivals in Marbella – Starlite
Another veteran on the Costa del Sol music scene, this boutique festival has a stunning location in a disused quarry in the foothills of Sierra Blanca. 2023 concerts include global stars like Lionel Richie, Norah Jones and Ludovico Einaudi plus a good sprinkling of Spanish singers.
From 24 July onwards. Find out more here.
Music festivals in Torre del Mar – Festival Weekend Beach
A crowd-pleaser with a capital C (around 135,000 people attend this one), the 3-day festival focuses on DJ sessions and Spanish and Latino music. Maluma is the biggest star in 2023, but whoever’s on stage, expect great entertainment at this festival near Nerja.
5 to 8 July. More information and links to tickets here.
Music festivals in La Cala de Mijas – La Cala Mijas Festival
A relative newbie on the Costa del Sol festivals scene, this one in the beach resort of La Cala de Mijas (equidistant between Marbella and Fuengirola) has quickly made a name for its top lineup and excellent organisation. Biggies playing their hearts out in 2023 include Arcade, Florence and the Machine, and The Strokes.
Find out more here.
Music festivals in Malaga
Terral Festival
Named after the hot wind that sometimes scorches Malaga in the summer, this summer brings together a collection of singers and musicians from all corners of the world. Expect to hear African sounds, blues and jazz, a dose of flamenco and pop-rock.
During July – dates and concerts to be announced. Bookmark the Cervantes Theatre website for more information.
Jazz Festival
2023 will see the 37th edition of the Malaga Jazz Festival, one of the major events in this genre in Spain. Dates have yet to be released for the 2023 Festival, but expect it to be in early November, with the main concerts in the Cervantes Theatre.
Jazz performances also take place at open-air venues across the city during the Festival, usually with free entry. For more information, bookmark the Guide to Malaga Jazz Festival article.
Other festivals on the Costa del Sol in 2023
Malaga Film Festival
This fest of Spanish cinema takes place in March and brings together the crème de la crème of the industry in Spain and Latin America. As well as a long list of premieres and associated activities, the Malaga Film Festival also has red carpet appearances that may include local Antonio Banderas.
Read all the Malaga Film Festival.
Nerja Cave Music Festival
Now in its 62nd edition, this festival takes place in the iconic Nerja Cave during the summer months. The 15 performances include music and dance, with Spanish and international stars. The line-up for 2023 includes Les Luthiers, Sara Baras and Miguel Poveda.
Dates to be announced – bookmark this page (also with links for tickets).
Festivals in 2023 near the Costa del Sol
All our e-guides include optional side-trips to Cordoba, Granada and Seville because we think the three cities so near the Costa del Sol that they’re easy to visit. If you’re looking for festivals near the Costa del Sol, you might enjoy these:
Cordoba Guitar Festival
This celebration of the guitar is world famous and attracts the best performers. Concerts take place around the city – some are even in the gorgeous patios – and there are also masterclasses.
July 2023 – dates and concerts to be announced. Bookmark this page.
Festival de Granada
Few festivals in Spain have such iconic venues as this one, about to celebrate its 72nd edition. Concerts (music and dance) take place in the Alhambra and Generalife, truly magical surroundings for a dose of summer culture.
During June and July – programme for 2023 yet to be released. Bookmark this page.
Plan your trip
If any of these festivals have whetted your appetite, start planning your holiday on the Costa del Sol now. And to do so, get your guided road trip with all the information you need to plan and organise the perfect 6-night stay on the Costa del Sol for you, your people, your interests and in your time.