Benalmadena Marina: A Marine Paradise on the Costa del Sol

If you have arrived here, you are most probably searching for a Benalmadena Marina review article. Maybe you have been told you should visit it, or perhaps you have seen some photos and are thinking of visiting the marina. In this blog, I will give you the best Benalmadena Marina review possible to help you decide if you should visit. First, let us start with Benalmadena’s Marinas history.

History and Construction

Benalmadena marina was born from a visionary project that aimed to transform Benalmadena into a city with the best harbour in the world. The idea emerged in the early 1960s, but it faced many challenges and obstacles, such as financial, administrative and political difficulties. The port was officially inaugurated in 1979, with the name “Port-au-Prince”, but in 1982 it was renamed Puerto Marina Benalmadena. The design of the marina has a distinctive architecture that mixes Arab, Indian and Andalusian elements in shades of white, contrasting with the blue sky and sea. Benalmadena marina has been awarded twice as the Best Marina in the World. and holds since 1987, It also holds a European Blue Flag for the quality of its services, nearby beaches and its waters.

Things to Do

So, if you are a sailing enthusiast or a water sports lover, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea in different ways at Benalmadena marina. Here are some of the activities you can try:

• Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore the coast and admire the views from a different perspective. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the marina or join guided tours.
• Fishing: Experience the thrill of fishing in the Mediterranean Sea. You can book fishing trips with professional guides and equipment at the marina.
• Dolphin watching: Join a boat tour and see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. You might also spot whales, turtles and other marine life.
• Parasailing: Fly over the sea and enjoy the panoramic views of the coast. You can book parasailing flights at the marina or online.
• Boat rental: Rent a boat with or without a license and sail along the coast at your own pace. You can choose from different types of boats and durations.

If the above seems a bit too energetic, don’t worry, Benalmadena marina has plenty of other things to do. Next we will explore the less aquatic side and more leisurely things to do.

What to See

Benalmadena marina is not only a place for water activities, but also a place to admire the beauty and architecture of the port. Here are some of the sights you should not miss:

• The island buildings: These are the distinctive white buildings that resemble Arabic and Andalusian villages. They house apartments, shops, restaurants and bars.
• The Sea Life aquarium: This is a great place to learn about the marine life of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. You can see sharks, rays, turtles, octopuses and more.
• The Chamber of Secrets: This is a magic show that will amaze you with illusions, comedy and surprises. You can book your tickets online or at the box office.
• The Ferris wheel: This is a 40-meter-high panoramic wheel that offers stunning views of the coast and the mountains. You can find it in the parking area of the marina.

Nightlife

Benalmadena marina is also one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan places on the Costa del Sol when it comes to nightlife. You will find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs to suit your taste and mood. Here are some of the options:

• Restaurants: You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Spanish tapas and seafood to Italian pizza and pasta, Indian curry and Thai noodles. Some of the popular restaurants are La Pala d’Oro, Restaurante Angus, La Cala and Taj Mahal.
• Bars: You can have a drink and relax in one of the many bars that line the marina. Some of them have live music, karaoke or sports screens. Some of the popular bars are Kaleido Music Bar, The Irish Times Pub, The Dutch Inn and Cheers Bar.
• Clubs: You can dance the night away in one of the clubs that offer different styles of music, from pop and rock to salsa and flamenco. Some of the popular clubs are Disco Kiu, Disco Innova, Disco Marina Beach Club and Disco Liceo.

The Benalmadena nightlife area “the 24 hour square” as it is known locally, is just 10 minutes walk from Benalmadena marina. The 24-hour square is full of disco pubs that get quite busy at the weekend. Being so close to Benalmadena marina means you can incorporate both areas for a night out. Most people start enjoying the Benalmadena nightlife at the marina, ending at the 24-hour square.

Beaches

If you want to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming, you can easily access several beaches from Benalmadena marina. Here are some of them:

Beach	Distance from marina	Features
Malapesquera	5 minutes walk	Wide sandy beach with showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports
Torrebermeja	10 minutes walk	Smaller sandy beach with showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports
Santa Ana	15 minutes walk	Long sandy beach with showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports
Bil Bil	20 minutes walk	Sandy beach with showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas and a castle-like building

Other Attractions

Benalmadena marina is a great place to start the day. However, there are many other attractions to explore in the area. Here are some of the best places to visit under 10 minutes drive from Benalmadena marina:

• Benalmadena Pueblo: This is the old town of Benalmadena, where you can see whitewashed houses, narrow streets, flower pots and a charming church. You can also visit the Butterfly Park, the Buddhist Stupa and the Colomares Castle.
• Benalmadena Cable Car: This is a cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Calamorro, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the coast and the mountains. You can also see birds of prey shows and hiking trails.
• Tivoli World: This is an amusement park that offers rides, shows, restaurants and gardens for all ages. Tivoli World is currently closed due to some internal problems. We will inform you here if it re-opens. You can visit the Selwo Marina, a marine park that features dolphins, sea lions, penguins and more. This is located within the Benalmadena marina complex.

Summary of our Benalmadena Marina Review

• Benalmadena marina was born from a visionary project that aimed to transform Benalmadena into a city with the best harbour in the world. The port was officially inaugurated in 1979 and has a distinctive architecture that mixes Arab, Indian and Andalusian elements.
• You can enjoy a variety of water activities at the marina, such as kayaking, fishing, dolphin watching, parasailing and boat rental.
• You can admire the beauty and architecture of the port, such as the island buildings, the Sea Life aquarium, the Chamber of Secrets and the Ferris wheel.
• You can enjoy a vibrant and cosmopolitan nightlife at the marina, with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs.
• You can easily access several beaches from the marina, such as Malapesquera, Torrebermeja, Santa Ana and Bil Bil.
• You can also explore other attractions in the area, such as Benalmadena Pueblo, Benalmadena Cable Car, Tivoli World and Selwo Marina.

Benalmadena marina has won many awards for it design. It is no surprise that this is a unique marina and well worth a visit. If you go during the day, you can also visit nearby beaches. Evenings are great for a stroll around the marina and a meal at the many restaurants. Later at night, Benalmadena marina comes to life as a major nightlife spot. Whatever time of day, I can guarantee that you will love your visit to Benalmadena marina. Make sure you add it now to your travel itinerary.