Guide to Benalmadena

'With its huge marina and buzzing atmosphere, Benalmadena is lively seaside spot.'

Butting up against Torremolinos, life in lively Benalmadena revolves around its massive marina. Packed to the gunwales with million dollar yachts and sleek speedboats, this happening harbour is also the hub of the resort's social scene. It's lined with bars, restaurants and nightspots where tourists mingle with young clubbers from nearby Malaga. History-wise, there are a few Moorish watchtowers and the Castle del Bil-Bil along the promenade. Plus there's an interesting archaeological museum with exhibits of Neolithic remains found locally. But that's where Benalmadena's links with the past end. This is very much a modern spot where chill out beach days rub shoulders with cosmopolitan nights and plenty of disco glitter. All sand and shingle, the beach is perfect if you're in search of some serious sun time. And when you ready to cool off, it's got the full range of watersports to tempt you off your beach towel. You can also pop in to the SeaLife centre next to the marina. It's a veritable 'shark city', with the biggest collection you'll find anywhere in Europe. As for the kids, they can work off some energy at the nearby Tivoli World amusement park, which has exciting rides, as well as Wild West and flamenco shows. For a taste of traditional Andalucia, head up to Benalmadena Pueblo. It's a pretty white-washed village that's home to the 'Garden of Eagles' falconry centre, housed in a building straight out of a Gothic horror movie.

Lively Benalmadena basks in the sun on its excellent sand and shingle beach. It is home to an elegant marina that's surrounded by a host of cafes and bars that overlook yachts and boats moored up in the harbour. The resort also boasts a weekly market plus a good range of shops and even an amusement park called Tivoli World. By day, you can enjoy beachside watersports or a round of golf at nearby Torrequebrada and by night why not head down to one of the lively discos or salsa bars for an evening of fun and laughter?

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Recommended Benalmadena hotels and apartments

Hotel Riviera

Hotel Las Arenas

Hotel Riu Puerto Marina Benalmadena

Benalmadena hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Benalmadena include Aparthotel Vistamar, Bali Hotel And Studios, Hotel Betania, Hotel H10 Palmasol, Hotel Las Arenas, Hotel Polynesia, Hotel Riu Puerto Marina Benalmadena, Hotel Riviera and Sunset Beach Club Apartments.

More Costa Del Sol holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Costa Del Sol? Our Costa Del Sol holiday destinations include Benalmadena, Benalmadena Pueblo, Calahonda, Estepona, Frigiliana, Fuengirola, Marbella, Mijas Costa, Nerja, Ojen, Puerto Banus, San Pedro De Alcantara, Torremolinos and Torrox.

Beaches

Interspersed with rocky outcrops, Benalmadena has a long, narrow beach made up of sand and shingle - some stretches have benefited from imported sand. The beach is flanked by a waterfront promenade that overlooks the sea. Neighbouring Torremolinos and Fuengirola have large beaches which are definitely worth checking out.

Eating out

Absolutely every taste is catered for in Benalmadena. The resort has a host of restaurants serving international cuisine from French creperies to Italian pizzerias, from Spanish tapas bars to British-style pubs. If you want to try some traditional Spanish fare why not order the local stews and soups or choose from a wide range of tapas and salads?

Nightlife

Benalmadena has plenty to do at night. A number of bars, cafes and pubs line the main coastal road - many of which stage live acts in the evenings such as comedians and cabaret singers. However, most nightlife tends to revolve around the marina where you can dine al fresco in one of the waterside restaurants or perhaps take to the dance floor at a salsa bar or sophisticated nightclub. Benalmadena also boasts a lively area known as the 24 hour square. Unsurprisingly, this part of town is host to numerous disco bars which are open until the early hours. Alternatively, there is a large casino at Torrequebrada where you can try your luck at roulette!

Shopping

Benalmadena's elegant marina is the place to head if you want to indulge in a spot of shopping. The area around the quayside brims with chic boutiques and also has an array of souvenir stores for all those holiday essentials. Slightly further afield, the city of Malaga is home a large department store and an extensive shopping mall.

Local information

Benalmadena is perfectly positioned if you want to explore some of southern Spain's prettiest and most famous cities. Why not take a trip out to the capital of Andalucia, Seville. The home of flamenco and tapas, Seville is a treasure trove of history and art. The city's immense cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world and is home to the tomb of Christopher Colombus. The city's Arabic past can be unearthed with a visit to the 'Alcazar', a stunning Moorish palace, and the 12th century 'La Giralda' bell tower. Another Andalucian jewel worth discovering is the magnificent city of Granada. Marvel at the beauty of the Alhambra Palace and wander through the lush Generalife Gardens surrounded by glittering pools and gurgling water channels.