Benalmadena is one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol of Spain, with a variety of tourist attractions, including Tivoli World, Selwo Marina, Sealife Aquarium and a popular cable car as well as it’s fabulous beaches.
Below we guide you on the most important tourist information such as where to go and what to see in order to make the most of your holiday. I’m sure you want to know where the best bars, clubs, restaurants and beaches are – don’t you?
What does Benalmadena mean?
So where does the name Benalmadena originate from? Well it is thought to derive from the Arabic ‘Ben-al-madina’, meaning ‘Children of the Mines’, because many centuries ago, iron ore was mined in the area. Up and down the Costa del Sol you will see a lot of Arabic (the Moors) influences.
Benalmadena has a population of approximately 60,000 people and is situated in the province of Malaga in the Andalucia region of Spain – our Benalmadena map page helps you get there and find your way around.
Benalmadena Costa
Benalmadena is actually divided into two – Benalmadena Costa is the beach area where all the tourists flock to. This purpose-built area stretches for 8 km along the coastline with steep mountains behind.
We can definitely describe this as a high-rise area full of hotels and apartment blocks. Naturally all the amenities and facilities you would require such as bars, restaurants clubs and shops are here, nevertheless if you are looking for a more relaxing and traditional experience of Spain, Benalmadena is definitely not for you.
There is certainly plenty of variety in the restaurants and the types of food served here. Try some traditional Spanish foods such as tapas and paella. If you want to play it safe you will find lots of international restaurants as well as favourites such as fish and chips, Indian restaurants and Chinese restaurants.
Is it worth visiting Benalmadena?
Absolutely yes, Benalmadena is great for visiting families who have more attractions, sights and things to do than neighbouring tourist resorts on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Enjoy amazing views from the cable car ride, Selwo Marina, the butterfly park or relax on the superb beaches.
Perhaps the only disadvantage is Benalmadena’s old town is not as nice as other cities such as Fuengirola or Torremolinos which feel more historic and Spanish.
Thinking of Moving To Benalmadena?
The Costa del Sol coast is still the most popular area for people moving to Spain. We would love to hear from you if you have moved here and now live in the Benalmadena area.
Many people would be curious as to how you have got on. Tell us what it is like living in Benalmadena. Do you perhaps think you would have preferred to have moved to another part of Spain? Have you managed to make a living in Spain?
If you are thinking of moving to Benalmadena then we have two fantastic interviews from local estate agents packed with helpful advice and tips in our living and moving to Benalmadena page or read our expat moving to Spain section where we have many stories and interviews.
Is Benalmadena close to Benidorm?
People who like Benalmadena would love Benidorm but they are not close. Benidorm is far away on Spain’s Costa Blanca coast which is a distance of 530km and a drive time of 5 hours and 16 minutes. If you want more bars and clubs try Fuengirola, Marbella or Torremolinos instead.
Where is the best restaurant in Benalmadena?
This is subjective but we are told by many residents that the Restaurante La Fuente is one of the best with typical reviews saying “Set in the pretty square of Plaza de España in Benalmadena Pueblo, the food and service are superb. A good variety of international dishes with good vegetarian options which is sometimes hard to find in Spain.”
Restaurante La Fuente
Address: Plaza de Espana No 9, Benalmádena Pueblo, 29639, Spain
You must book ahead – Telephone: +34 952 569 466.
Website: https://www.aicorestaurants.com/web/index.php/es/
Probably the most popular area is the Puerto Deportivo marina which has been tastefully developed with a real luxury feel to it. Here you will find plenty of designer shops, fancy restaurants such as Jacks American Brassarie, bars and nightclubs.
The marina has won the award of best marina in the world several times and it has a feel of Venice because it has many bridges over to man-made islands where people live in luxury apartments.
See our dedicated Benalmadena nightlife page to find out which are the best bars and clubs to go to for a great night out.
The marina itself has space for over 1,000 boats and yachts, you can take boat trips here to Marbella and Fuengirola or enjoy some booze-cruise type sailing excursions, speed-boat rides and fishing trips.
Benalmadena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo is set up high on the mountain overlooking Benalmadena Costa.