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: http://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.
This is of course how Benalmadena started – a traditional Andalucian Spanish village three kilometres inland from Benalmadena Costa at a height of 200 metres above sea level.
It retains the typical postcard images of whitewashed houses with narrow cobbled streets that you would expect to find.
A visit here makes a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the beach area. Try eating out here in some of the wonderful Spanish restaurants.
Head for the centre and the pretty little square of Plaza de Espana with a statue of a small girl (La Nina).
The church of Santo Domingo is worth a visit as is the small museum which houses a number of ancient artifacts excavated from the area.
Close to the Pueblo is the landmark of a giant Buddhist Stupa topped by a huge gold-coloured dome.
Getting To Benalmadena
Benalmadena is situated between the similar large, high-rise beach resorts of Fuengirola and Torremolinos and is within easy reach of Malaga Airport which is only 12 km (7 miles) away.
Use these coordinates for sat nav to find your way here – 36°36′N 4°31′W.
Train from Malaga
There is a regular rail service from the airport to the train station in Arroyo de la Miel. The main bus stop is situated next to the tourist office in Avenida Antonio Machado. From here you can catch buses along the coast to Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, as well as inland to Mijas and Ronda.
Taxi from Malaga
The easiest way of getting from Malaga airport to Benalmadena is just to jump in a taxi directly outside the airport terminal. Other airport transfer options would be booking a shuttle bus which is much the same as a taxi. Once you come out of customs and you have collected your luggage you simply go to the transfers desk and you are then taken directly to your accommodation.
Shuttle Transfer
A private shuttle transfer is usually in a car and a shared shuttle is normally a minibus with a few other passengers which means it takes a little bit longer depending on who is getting dropped off before you.
You could also consider hiring a car but Benalmadena has good public transport systems and wherever you are staying you are likely to have enough bars and restaurants on your doorstep to not need to rent a car. If you fancy exploring the area you can always hire a car locally for a short duration.
See our Benalmadena car hire page for more details.
Of course the fantastic climate and usually reliable weather is a major attraction for tourists with an average temperature of 19°C or 66°F.
Do you want to see what the resort looks like? As well as the photos and pictures on this page we have a dedicated webcam page where you can see streaming live images and views in real time.
Things to Do For Families and Children
Of course the obvious thing is the beach but being in the sun all your holiday could be a bit much. Break things up by a trip to some of the many theme parks and water parks in this area which is very family-friendly.
Tivoli World (temporarily closed)
This is one of the best theme parks in Spain with a great variety of rides and attractions to keep all ages entertained. This amusement park has lots of rollercoasters, merry-go-round, big wheel, water rides and shows.
Sadly we have to report that Tivoli World has been closed since August 2021 due to bankruptcy of its owners. We will let you know as soon as the park reopens which the mayor is trying desperately to achieve.
Tivoli World is located in the commercial and residential area of Arroyo de la Miel, which translates as ‘Stream of Honey’.
Arroyo de la Miel once a small quiet village has grown to connect Benalmadena Pueblo to Benalmadena Costa.
Cable Car
This is perhaps slightly scary for youngsters but equally exhilarating. Get on opposite the Tivoli World and you will go up to the 770-metre high Calamorro Mountain.
What to do at the top?
Obviously the views are just spectacular, not just of Benalmadena, but of the Costa del Sol coast. As well you can enjoy falconry displays and horse riding shows so this is why it is fun for kids too.
Sealife Aquarium
Sealife is located down at the marina and it has an excellent collection of sharks, jellyfish, turtles and ray fish.
Selwo Marina
Next to La Paloma park you will find Selwo Marina whic is the sister park to Selwo Adventure Park (Selwo Aventura). The theme here is to replicate different locations in South America where you can see dolphins, sea lions, crocodiles, exotic birds and snakes.
Benalmádena Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park of Benalmádena is the largest space dedicated to butterflies in Europe at over 2,000 m2. See over 150 different species.
Built in an Asian temple style because in Asia the butterfly symbolizes the soul and spirituality. It was also in Asia that 4,000 years ago butterfly farming began.
Muérdago Street n/n 29639 – Benálmadena, Málaga, Spain
E-mail: mail@mariposariodebenalmadena.com
Telephone: (+34) 951 211 196
Website: www.mariposariodebenalmadena.com
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday: 10:00 to 19:00 h.
Did You Know?
Butterflies have a lifespan of just two weeks!
What To Do and See in Benalmadena
A short distance west is the four star Torrequebrada Hotel & Casino as well as the 18-hole Torrequebrada golf course. Of course this whole area is nicknamed the Costa del Golf as there are over 40 golf courses within easy reach.
Close to here is the naturist (nudist) beach known as Benalnatura.
Make sure you see the Torre Quebrada watchtower, Bil-bil Castle and Colomares Castle.
La Paloma Park (Parque de la Paloma) is right in the centre of Benalmadena Costa and covers a large area of over 200,00 sq metres. This beautiful park is full of colourful flowers, lake, waterfall and animals such as ducks, geese, peacocks, rabbits, emus and goats. There is a market here on Wednesdays.
Benalmadena Beaches
Benalmadena is also well known for its beaches and there are twelve of them which are well worth a visit. There is 8km of blue flag rated beaches to explore with a number of coves and rocks good for snorkelling. The sand isn’t so great but the beaches are at least well-kept and clean with plenty of facilities.
Benalmadena beaches to put on your tourist agenda include the Playa Torre Bemeja, Playa Santa Ana, Playa Arroyo de Miel, Playa Torrevieja, Playa Las Yucas, Playa Viborillas, Playa Aroyo Hondo, Playa Torremuelle, Playa La Perla, Playa La Meorera, Playa Tajo de la Soga and the Playa Carvajal.
Which is the best beach in Benalmadena?
Malapesquera Beach is probably the most popular and best Benalmadena beach. The location is key – right next to the marina makes it a busy beach and there is lots going on such as beach volleyball and the Nautical centre hires jet-skis and sailing boats.
Areas Near Benalmadena
Heading up the coast towards Torremolinos you will come across across Cerro del Toril, La Carihuela, Solymar, Torre Bermeja, El Pinillo, Arroyo de la Miel and Punta Negra.
The main areas surrounding Benalmadena are Arroyo de la Miel, Benamaida, Torrequebrada golf, Torrequebrada, Torremuelle, Pueblo Monterrey, Rancho Domingo, Serrezuela and Santana.
Heading down the coast towards the well-known towns of Mijas and Fuengirola are Torre de Benalmadena, Mi Jardin, Carvajal, Cabena, Torremar and Torreblanca.
Are there any international schools nearby?
In Benalmadena, you can find the Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada which offers infant education, primary education, secondary education and international baccalaureate in the curriculum. It also provides a number of services that include canteen, school bus, activities abroad, educational excursions and summer camps among others.
Accommodation
4 Star Hotels
There are plenty of options in all categories. For luxury choose the 4 star Torrequebrada Hotel & Casino or the Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace right in the heart of town and near the beach.
3 Star Hotels
Most hotels are 3 star standard. Try the El Greco Hotel in the Los Pintores Tourist Complex. Here you also find the three-star hotels of Velazquez Hotel and Hotel Goya. This is a good location as these hotels have their own swimming pool, there is a nightclub in the complex and you are only 400m from the beach and near the Benalmadena Marina.
Self-catering Apartments
Apartments such as the Residencia Don Gustavo are a good option if you fancy going self-catering which is handy as you can try a different restaurant each evening of your holiday.
Staying near the popular marina is possible at the Apartments Timor Sol, Imperial Apartments or the Hotel Aloha Puerto Sol.
10 Essential Benalmadena Excursions
If you are going on a holiday to Benalmadena, here are some of our ideas for excursions so you make the most of your trip to the Costa del Sol:
- Trip to the glamourous tourist resort of Marbella known for its rich and famous residents and visitors. Marbella is the place for shopping and seeing the luxury yachts at the marina.
- Mijas is a lovely white-washed village in the mountains.
- Nerja is a pretty former fishing village with caves.
- Malaga is the main city on the Costa del Sol with the Picasso museum and the Moorish ruins of the Gibralfaro – trains leave every 30 mins.
- Granada to visit the Moorish Alhambra Palace.
- Take a trip over the Mediterranean across to Morocco.
- Day trip to Sevilla (Seville).
- Day trip to Cordoba.
- Go inland to the pretty town of Ronda.
- Visit the Rock of Gibraltar which is not much further down the Costa del Sol.
Tourist Information Office
Benalmadena Tourist Office
Address: Avenida Antonio Machado 10, 29630, Benalmadena( Malaga)
Telephone Number +34 952 442 494
Email Address: turismo@benalmadena.com
Website: https://www.benalmadena.es/
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Page Summary – This page contains unique content about the beach resort of Benalmadena, a popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol coast of Spain.
Related Benalmadena Pages:
- Benalmadena Car Hire
- Benalmadena Estate Agents
- Benalmadena Long Term Rentals
- Benalmadena Map
- Benalmadena Nightlife
- Benalmadena Weather
- Benalmadena Webcams
Near to Benalmadena:
Maxine McCance says
I am trying to book an apartment in Puerto Marina Benalmadina the ones that are over the venetian bridge
Can you help at all ?
kareb says
How long is the train journey from torromlinas to Gibraltar
what is the cost
MRS JILL MASON says
WOULD YOU PLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION OF THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET FROM BENALMADENA TO MOROCCO
Scarlett o'hara says
can we get a bus from Benalmadena to Gibraltar. How much does it cost and how often do the buses run and most importantly, can we get back to Benalmadena easily!!
Mary Crowley says
I love this newsletter even though I don’t live in Spain but am a constant visitor to the Costas. The information about areas is great for the visitors. It really makes you want to visit different places.