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. In hindsight would you have preferred to have moved to another part of Spain?
If you are thinking of moving to Spain be sure to see our expat section where we have many stories and interviews.
We interview locals and find out just what living in Benalmadena is REALLY like.
Should you move to Benalmadena?
We attempt to answer all your most popular questions to help you decide whether Benalmadena is the place for you or not.
Are you an expat in Benalmadena? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
Thinking of Moving To Benalmadena?
If you are thinking of moving to Benalmádena, then you HAVE TO read our expat interview with Daniel Martinez of Property Benalmadena below:
Daniel, what would you say are the advantages to living in Benalmádena compared to other Costa del Sol towns?
First of all Benalmádena is one of the closest coastal towns to Malaga Airport which is just 12km away, that’s approximately 12min drive on motorway, but most conveniently the train from Malaga Airport stops at several stations within Benalmádena making it ideal not just for tourists but also for also for residents who commute to work, either to the airport, Plaza Mayor shopping centre or Malaga city.
The motorway which is situated above the entirety of Benalmádena also gives good connection to the rest of the Costa del Sol and other popular destinations like “Sierra Nevada” which is one of the main Ski resort around a 2 hour drive away meaning you can enjoy a holiday on the Beach and Snow all on the same day!
In addition Benalmadena has a good infrastructure of taxi stands, and bus services. This coupled with its many tourist attractions (see below) as well large public park with lake, Championship Golf course, high street with shops, award winning marina, lovely beaches and its beautiful Andalucian mountain village “Benalmadena Pueblo” make it one of the most desirable destinations as it clearly has something to interest all members of the family. The variety of family activities in Benalmadena (as we will see further down) is immense. Some of Benalmadena popular tourist attractions include Selwomarina Dolphin Park, Sealife , Tivoli World Adventure Park, Butterfly Park, Cable cars to Mountain, Buddhist Temple, Colamares Castle and Puertomarina.
Would Benalmadena not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
The area of Benalmadena is so diverse that there should be an area that suits everyone, but I would say one of the biggest downsides like much of the Costa del Sol is that Benalmádena is set upon mountain so as we walk away from the beach in most areas this becomes an uphill walk, therefore unless you are just walking along the beach then most probably you will have some hilly walks
What proportion of the local population of Benalmadena are Spanish?
In 2019, just under 70% of the local population in Benalmádena were Spanish, but Benalmádena has different zones and the percentage of foreign born nationals in each differs.
What are your favourite things to do in Benalmadena?
I personally love nature and the Andalucian way of living, so when I can will spend some time in its Andalucian Village (Benalmadena Pueblo), have a meal there after which you can take a walk through the village centre towards the chapel and take in the lovely raised panoramic sea views as far as the eye can see. Al