Benalmadena Costa del Sol: A Perfect Destination for Your Next Holiday.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the sun, the sea and the culture of Andalusia, look no further than Benalmadena on the sunny Costa del Sol. This charming coastal town offers a variety of attractions and activities for all tastes and ages. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the historical village, have fun at the amusement park or admire the views from the cable car, Benalmadena Costa del Sol has something for you.

What to see and do in Benalmadena

Benalmadena holiday resort on the Costa del Sol is divided into three main areas: Benalmadena Pueblo, Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel. Each one has its own character and charm, and you can easily move between them by bus, taxi or car.

Benalmadena Pueblo

Benalmadena Pueblo is the oldest and most traditional part of the town, located in the upper part of the municipality. Here you can admire the whitewashed houses, the narrow streets and the flower-filled balconies that reflect the Moorish heritage of the region. You can also visit some interesting monuments, such as:

  • The Colomares Castle, a fantasy-like structure built in honor of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. It features different architectural styles and symbols related to his voyages.
  • The Buddhist Stupa, a large white dome that represents peace and harmony. It is one of the largest stupas in Europe and offers stunning views of the coast.
  • The Butterfly Park, a tropical paradise where you can see hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world. Situated just 5 minutes drive from Benalmadena pueblo.

Benalmadena pueblo, it really is as pretty as this!

Benalmadena Costa

The resort of Benalmadena is the most modern and touristy part of the town, where you can find most of the hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. It also boasts a long promenade and several sandy beaches where you can sunbathe, swim or practice water sports. Some of the highlights of this area are:

  • The Puerto Marina, a beautiful and lively marina that has won several awards for its design and services. It has more than 1,000 berths for boats and yachts, as well as a shopping center, an aquarium, a sea life center and a nightlife area.
  • The Bil-Bil Castle, a curious building built in Neo-Arabic style in 1934. It is now used for cultural purposes by the local council and hosts exhibitions, concerts and weddings.
  • The Paloma Park, a large green area with lakes, fountains, gardens and animals. It is a great place to relax, have a picnic or enjoy some activities for children.
Benalmadena Marina on the Costa del Sol

Arroyo de la Miel

Arroyo de la Miel is the commercial and residential center of Benalmadena Costa del Sol, where most of the population lives. It has a variety of shops, markets, cafes and restaurants, as well as some attractions such as:

  • The Tivoli World, an amusement park with rides, shows and entertainment for all ages. It also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year. The amusement park is currently closed until further notice during 2023. We will keep you updated if there are plans to re-open.
  • The Cable Car, a scenic ride that takes you from Arroyo de la Miel to the top of Mount Calamorro. There you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast, the mountains and even Africa on a clear day. You can also watch falconry shows or hike along some trails.
  • The Ice Rink, a modern facility where you can skate on ice or play ice hockey.

How to get to Benalmadena Costa del Sol

Benalmadena is located on the western part of the Costa del Sol, about 20 km from Malaga city and 12 km from Malaga airport. You can easily reach it by:

  • Car: You can take the A-7 motorway or the MA-20 coastal road and follow the signs to Benalmadena Costa del Sol.
  • Bus: You can take one of the buses that connect Malaga city or airport with Benalmadena Costa del Sol. The main bus stop is located near Puerto Marina.
  • Train: You can take one of the trains that run along the Cercanias line C1 from Malaga city or airport to Arroyo de la Miel station.

Where to stay in Benalmadena Costa del Sol

Benalmadena offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, apartments, villas, hostels or campsites. Some of the most popular and recommended places to stay are:

  • Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol, a beachfront hotel with a garden, a fitness center, a bar and a restaurant. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, an entertainment staff and a kids’ club. It offers all-inclusive rates with free dinner at the on-site La Carte Restaurant for each 7 or more nights stay.
  • Holiday World Polynesia Hotel, a themed hotel inspired by the Polynesian islands. It has a spa, a water park, a casino and a bowling alley. It also has several restaurants and bars, as well as a free shuttle service to the beach.
  • Medplaya Hotel Bali, a family-friendly hotel with three swimming pools, two bars and a buffet restaurant. It also has a playground, a mini club and a games room. It offers free cancellation and no prepayment.

Where to enjoy the nightlife in Benalmadena Costa del Sol

Benalmadena as a resort on the Costa del Sol is also a great place to have fun at night, as it offers a wide range of nightlife options for all tastes and moods. You can find bars, clubs, pubs, karaoke, cabaret and live music venues in different areas of the town, such as:

  • 24-hour Square, a lively and noisy area on the coast road, where you can find some of the largest and most popular clubs in Benalmadena Costa del Sol, such as Kiu, El Elefante and Mango. Here you can dance to the latest hits, enjoy some drinks and meet new people until the early hours of the morning.
  • Puerto Marina, a beautiful and sophisticated area in the marina, where you can find some of the more elegant and stylish bars and clubs in Benalmadena Costa del Sol, such as Boals Ice Bar, Kaleido and Luna Beach Club. Here you can chill out on the terraces overlooking the boats, sip some cocktails, listen to live music or watch some shows.
  • Arroyo de la Miel, a commercial and residential area in the center of the town, where you can find some of the more traditional and cozy bars and pubs in Benalmadena Costa del Sol, such as Scanlon’s Shamrock Bar, Bar Ole and Cj’s Karaoke Bar. Here you can enjoy some beers, wines or spirits, sing along to your favorite songs or watch some sports on TV.

No matter what kind of nightlife you are looking for, Benalmadena Costa del Sol has something for you. Just remember to drink responsibly and have fun!

Nighlife Malaga and the Costa del Sol

When to visit Benalmadena Costa del Sol

Benalmadena and the Costa del Sol enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature is around 18°C, with highs of 30°C in July and August and lows of 8°C in January and February. The average rainfall is around 600 mm per year, with most of it falling between November and March.

The best time to visit Benalmadena depends on your preferences and plans. If you enjoy the beach and the outdoor activities, the summer months are ideal, but also the busiest and most expensive. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and the heat, the spring and autumn months are perfect, as they offer pleasant weather and lower prices. For those that want to experience the local culture and traditions, you can visit during some of the festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as:

  • The Carnival, in February or March, with parades, costumes, music and dancing.
  • The Holy Week, in March or April, with processions, floats, candles and incense.
  • The Feria de San Juan, in June, with bonfires, fireworks, music and dancing on the beach.
  • The Feria de Benalmadena Pueblo, in August, with stalls, rides, shows and bullfights.
  • The Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, in July, with a maritime procession of the patron saint of fishermen.

Why visit Benalmadena Costa del Sol

Benalmadena is a perfect destination for your next holiday. Great for families, fantastic weather and also because it offers:

  • A beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and clear waters.
  • A rich history and culture with Moorish influences and monuments.
  • A variety of attractions and activities for all ages and interests.
  • A lively nightlife with bars, clubs and casinos.
  • A friendly and welcoming atmosphere with hospitable people.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Benalmadena Costa del Sol today and discover this amazing place for yourself!