Located on the sun-soaked Spanish coast of the Costa del Sol, this gorgeous resort has everything you need - beaches, bars and a town to explore.
Destination highlights
Blue Flag beaches
Mediterranean sunshine
Hotels for every holiday
Fun and friendly atmosphere
What are the best beaches in Benalmadena?
The Costa del Sol is lined with award-winning shores, and choosing a beach holiday in Benalmádena will put you in easy reach of ten whole kilometres of them! These are a few of our favourite places to inspire you:
Malapesquera Beach – a place to wander along the boardwalk at sunset, get stuck into some watersports, or simply relax under the palms
Playa Arroyo de La Miel – the place to go for a casual dip in the sea before hitting the nearby bars, with ramps and boardwalks for easy access
Playa Bonita – a calm beach with space to play and gradual depth into the sea, perfect for family holidays to Benalmádena
Playa de Benalnatura – a laidback nudist beach - the perfect place to get your kit off in peace!
Playa La Viborilla – a gorgeous little beach surrounded by trees, with coves to explore in the nearby cliffs
Playa de Bil Bil - a truly unique pocket of sun and sand in Benalmadena with a castle right next to it with events hosted - we deffo recommend sticking around until the sun sets to make full use of the gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmsophere.
What are the top hotels in Benalmadena?
This town attracts travellers of all kinds, so you’ll find everything from huge palaces of family fun to luxury lodgings for a peaceful break. Here are some of our favourites, right next to the beach (of course):
Sunset Beach Club - there's plenty to keep you busy, from the pools and on-site dive school to several lively bars to choose from each night.
Hotel Aleysa Playa - enjoy the lap of luxury at this five-star getaway, with stylish rooms, amazing sea views and top-class accessible facilities.
Benalmádena Palace - enjoy the high life for a reasonable price at this well-equipped hillside hotel.
Globales Los Patos - if your family loves to slip ‘n’ slide, this modern hotel with its own waterpark won't disappoint.
Holiday World Resort- get the most bang for your buck on an All Inclusive holiday to Benalmádena, with something for the entire family.
Medplay Riviera - an adults-only hotel with everything you need for a comfortable break with evening entertainment.
Hotel Benalmadena Beach - a perfect family pick right on the beachfront - the clues in the name.
Popular Benalmadena hotels
Weather in Benalmadena
JAN
13°C
FEB
14°C
MAR
16°C
APR
18°C
MAY
22°C
JUN
23°C
JUL
26°C
AUG
26°C
SEP
24°C
OCT
21°C
NOV
17°C
DEC
14°C
If you're after a breakdown of the Benalmadena weather then you're looking in the right place - the weather graphics probs gave it away. It's never a bad thing to be clued up on the weather for your jolly whether you're looking for some winter sun, or a summer time jaunt, we've got you covered.
Spring doesn't shy away from showers, but they are not and should never be considered the star of the show, oh no, in Spring it's all about the mild temps that tip the celsius above 20. We're talking temps reaching up to 25°C in May - so beat the Summer crowds and make this a holiday to Benalmadena where you can explore the place to your hearts content.
If your dying to see that dial rise above 30 - then you already know Summer is your gal, we're talking highs of 33°C during July and August. It's not even like June dips much either, it's the cooler lil sister of the big, heat months, but it still racks up a toasty 28°C at its worst which really ain't too shabby for all the beach bums and pool pleasers out there.
Autumn is low-key becoming the new Summer - the temp holds steady at around 30°C in September, the perfect time to go when the school holiday crowds have died down but the heat deffo hasn't. Even into November you're still looking at low 20's on the celsius, although the rainfall does pick up around this time too, maybe pack a mack and some hiking boots and get lost in the city streets.
When winter whooshes in to Benalmadena, you can still expect things to stay relatively mild - way more than back home anyway - with temps sitting pretty around 16°C - 18°C. You might not be inclined to kick back on a beach during these months, but the option is definitely still there - or, if you'd rather make the most of the surroundings while the suns less intense, this might be your best time to do it!
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Benalmadena?
It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to fly to Benalmadena from the UK/Ireland - enough time for a film... make sure you pick a long one and you'll be there by the credits.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland - that's one hour less of drinking time on arrival day, just a heads up from us there.
What currency do they use in Benalmadena?
The official currency of Benalmadena is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Benalmadena?
The official language spoken in Benalmadena is Spanish.
Ride the cable car to the summit of Monte Calamorro and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views as far as Africa on clear days. There’s also a daily falconry show to enjoy, or - if you’re keen to stretch those legs - you can follow a trail to the very top.
Be a nosey parker
For a relaxing day out on cheap holidays to Benalmádena, visit the Parque De La Paloma which is full of interesting cacti and critters. After spotting some peacocks and turtles, you can enjoy a picnic in the shade while the kids take over the adventure playground.
Capture the castle
If you’re always on the lookout for amazing backdrops for your holiday pics, head to the Castillo de Colomares. For a couple of euros, you can enter the fairytale castle dedicated to Christopher Colombus, making it a great trip for history and architecture buffs.
All aboard!
The seafaring folk of Benalmádena are renowned for their friendly manner, and they know how to offer tourists amazing days out. Into the Blue Diving will show you a good time under the waves whatever your experience level, but if dolphin-spotting with champagne is more your speed then give Kan Aima Boat Trips a try.
Selwo Marina
With so much marine life throughout the Mediterranean, it seems odd that we wouldn't include a classic marine park complete with shows, animal interraction and conservation knowhow. What better way to spend a day on your Benalmadena holiday in 2024 than with a day out for the little ones who wanna explore the deep blue sea from the comfort of their own two feet on solid ground, it's much less of a headache for you to organise, too.
What events can I go to in Benalmadena?
The Spanish spirit of fiesta is alive and kicking here, so your 2024 holiday to Benalmádena is a great chance to get stuck in with the local culture. Here’s a selection of our favourites from the town’s calendar:
Carnival (February) - all of the life, colour and sound you’d imagine from a carnival week, plus a well-loved drag queen contest.
International Day of Theatre (March) - all the theatre geeks and culture vultures out there, this one is definitely for you - a day dedicated to celebrating all the goods of theatre with live performances, workshops and cultural events taking place.
Semana Santa (April) - Easter parades take place across the region, including a vivid outdoor re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ.
Corpus Christi (May/June) - the old town is transformed in this religious celebration, where residents create a stunning carpet of flower petals and herbs on the streets.
San Juan celebrations (June) - various events dedicated to San Juan, including huge bonfire nights on the beach and a vibrant fair held in Arroyo de la Miel.
Feria de San Miguel (August) - if you aren't opposed to a pint or 3 then you'll wanna join in the celebrations at this one - traditional music, dance and delish food at the San Miguel fair.
Benalfest (October) - the town’s biggest music festival showcasing the best Spanish pop and rock talents.
Benalmádena Flamenco Week (November) - a whole week of incredible dance moves and enough sequins to rival that ever-popular Saturday night dance show.
International Folklore Festival (November) - a true peek behind the curtain at the worlds range of diverse cultures including folk dances, music performances and cultural exhibitions.
New Year’s Eve (December) - Arroyo de la Miel throws a free open-air party with a live band - the perfect way to celebrate the New Year in Benalmádena.
Where's the best nightlife in Benalmadena?
Young Brits gravitate towards the bright lights of the 24-Hour Square, while the marina has its own party scene favoured by locals and the cocktail crowd. The famous LGBTQ+ clubs of Torremolinos are just ten minutes away by bus, too. We always have a great night at these local spots:
Buddy’s Bar - enjoy cocktails in the open air or pitch up at the bar for a chat and a laugh. The owners are some of the friendliest you’ll meet on your Benalmádena holiday.
Bonanza Show Bar - this bar delivers the complete package of dinner, drinks, and a fab show for the whole family.
Palm 5 Beach Bar - the perfect spot by the boardwalk to drink cocktails and people-watch at sunset.
Forever Beach Club - a place to watch the marina go by with a drink in hand, or get some serious dancing done - this popular club does both.
Kiu Nightclub - it's big, it's boisterous and it'll end your night with a bang, this popular nightclub is a must visit spot if you'e all about drinking and dancing til dawn (okay, maybe not dawn).
What’s the food like in Benalmadena?
Seafood fans will be in heaven, as the Andalusian cuisine is full of flavourful recipes using the catch of the day. There are also some great sweet treats to enjoy with your morning coffee. Look out for these dishes:
Espetos - skewered sardines, grilled until crispy and then doused in lemon and olive oil
Gambas al Pil-Pil - freshly-caught prawns, flash-fried in a garlic, paprika and white wine sauce
Fritura Malagueña - deep-fried seafood served with a squeeze of lemon, often served around the marina
Tarta Malagueña - a tasty cake made with almonds and soaked in sweet Moscatel wine
Borrachuelos - a citrussy dough filled with pumpkin, fried and then coated in icing sugar and honey
The area is known for providing international cuisine of every kind, but if you’re looking for Spanish flavours then you can’t beat these restaurants:
Lime & Lemon - a family-friendly restaurant offering freshly-cooked tapas with creative twists, tasty cocktails, and amazing service.
Almarina Beach - go straight from sunbathing to supper at this beachside restaurant which serves the best seafood dishes.
Panorama Bistro Bar - as the name suggests, you’ll get great views over the sea along with top-class meals at this beachside bistro.
Sollo - for a special night away from the crowds, head inland to this Michelin-starred eatery serving the finest contemporary recipes.
Restaurante Los Remos - this delish dining spot is smackdab on the waterfront in Benalmadena Marina, so naturally it specialises in seafood and all the best the Meddy has to offer - we're talking grilled fish and seafood paella for dayyyys.
Places to visit
Paloma Park
The perfect place to take a low-key day up a notch - we're not talking anything crazy, but El Parque de la Paloma, or Dove Park to you and us is a beautiful haven of nature in the heart of Benalmadena. A gorge green space where you can stroll, enjoy some tan time, or even stop off for a cheeky tipple or two, this is the ultimate nature lovers dream with a dash of holiday vibes - we're talking getting away from the crowds but with that all important summer holiday sunshine. There are even free roaming animals here for you to catch a glimpse of from rabbits and chickens to ducks and parrots - sounds like nothing but positives to us.
Pueblo
Benalmadena's Old-Town is a stunning treasure trove waiting to be discovered with white-washed houses and the cutest cobbled streets. This is the perfect place to get your souvenir shopping done, try some delish tapas and sample some crisp, cold wines. Take the town at your pace, there's two levels to explore, religious sites to marvel at and even the El Muro Gardens which offer gorge panoramic views of the area. If you want our advice, beat the crowds and make this one for your bucket list during a Spring trip - you'll still get all the heat and sun you're craving, without all the pesky hustle and bustle.
Benalmadena Cable Car
What better way to soak the Costa Del Sol in than from way up high in the sky - that's right, you can hop on one of these cable cars and feel like Charlie in the Glass Elevator (too niche?). From the coast to the summit of Mount Calamorro you'll be treated to stunning vistas that are to die for, and once you've reached the peak you can make the most of it, strap on your fave boots and take to the hiking trails. Maybe not one for anyone who's scared of heights - we feel you - but if you're feeling brave, then this is by far the best way to see Benalmadena.
Key facts about Benalmadena
Flight Time
2 hr 45 mins
Time difference
+1 hr
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Benalmadena?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Benalmadena?
