Benalmádena

Why visit Benalmádena

Benalmádena has three parts: the original white village of Benalmádena Pueblo on the hillside, Arroyo de la Miel in the middle, and Benalmádena Costa along the sea with its distinctive Puerto Marina. Together they offer more variety than most coastal towns, from quiet village squares to marine parks, beaches and nightlife. Benalmádena suits families, couples and anyone wanting a lively base close to Málaga airport.

What to see and do in Benalmádena

The cable car climbs from Arroyo de la Miel to the summit of Calamorro, with walks and views along the coast. Above town, the Buddhist Stupa is the largest in Europe, and the eccentric Colomares Castle tells the story of Columbus in stone. Benalmádena Pueblo has a church on a viewpoint and the Benalmádena Museum, with pre-Columbian archaeology. Families can choose between Selwo Marina, with dolphins and penguins, Sea Life Benalmádena and the Monowa Butterfly Park. Puerto Marina is full of restaurants and boat trips, and beaches include Santa Ana and Carvajal. Golfers have Torrequebrada and Benalmádena Golf, and there is mini golf on the front.

A day in Benalmádena

Ride the cable car to Calamorro in the morning, then visit the Buddhist Stupa and Colomares Castle. After lunch in Benalmádena Pueblo, spend the afternoon at Selwo Marina or Sea Life, and finish with a stroll and dinner around Puerto Marina.

Food and local life

Fried fish and espetos are the staples of the beach bars, and the village has traditional restaurants serving local dishes. The marina offers international cuisine and evening drinks by the boats. The Puerto Marina has bars and restaurants open late, and Arroyo de la Miel, the town's commercial centre, has a weekly market and plenty of local tapas bars.

Around Benalmádena

Benalmádena is in the Costa del Sol comarca, between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Mijas Pueblo is 15 minutes away, Málaga 20 minutes, and the coastal train makes car-free day trips easy. Benalmádena Pueblo, the original white village, is quieter than the coast and has traditional restaurants with views over the sea. Boat trips leave the marina to look for dolphins in the bay, and the seafront promenade continues to Torremolinos and Fuengirola, making long seaside walks and bike rides easy.

See every town and village on the Costa del Sol page.

Getting there and around

Benalmádena is in the Costa del Sol comarca, about 15 minutes from Málaga airport. The coastal train stops at Arroyo de la Miel and runs to Málaga and Fuengirola. Buses link the village and coast. The climate is mild year round.