Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Costa del Sol has been named one of the 12 finalists for National Destination of the Year in the prestigious Premios Condé Nast Traveler España 2026, putting it in direct competition with top Spanish spots including Mallorca, Sevilla, Madrid, Tenerife, and others.
The announcement, made by the most highly-respected travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler to coincide with FITUR week, highlights the Costa del Sol as one of the favourites to win. The organizers praise the Malaga coast for being “one place” that combines a vibrant cultural pulse, thriving cuisine, and an increasingly sophisticated and serene form of luxury.
South Spain’s creative capital
The publication claims that the Costa del Sol is no longer a place of outdated stereotypes. It has refined its own identity. Malaga, the creative center of southern Spain has been transformed into a bustling city with an exciting calendar of festivals, exhibitions and new openings. The culinary scene is also thriving. Marbella is still the epitome of Mediterranean glamour with its more relaxed, contemporary approach.
They say that the Costa del Sol embraces a modern travel approach, with hotels that are designed for longer stays. Beach clubs that blend design and nature, restaurants that reinvent local recipes, while maintaining authenticity, and white villages in the inland encourage visitors to take it easy and slow down.
The great Costa del Sol transformation
The magazine says: “The Costa del Sol is no longer defined by its past, but by the destination it has become. It’s a destination that is constantly evolving and capable of providing unique experiences to all types of travellers.”
Other finalists for National Destination of the Year include A Coruña, Caceres, Girona, Huesca, Madrid, Mallorca, Navarra, Santander, Sevilla, Tenerife, and Valladolid. These awards, among the most influential in the global travel industry, recognise excellence based on votes from Condé Nast Traveler‘s readers. Voting categories such as hotels, destinations and resorts are expected to open up in March. The winners will be announced in June at a grand gala.
The award shows Costa del Sol’s continuous transformation into a multifaceted destination with high-end amenities, yet one that is approachable. New luxury developments have been added to the mix, as well as a renewed focus on culture and cuisine.
