Travel guide
Benalmádena travel guide: Puerto Marina, the old village and where to stay
Benalmádena is three places in one: the beaches and marina by the sea, the town of Arroyo de la Miel and the white village up on the hillside. Here is what to do, and where to stay.
In short
Our first choice in Benalmádena is Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa, right on the beach at Benalmádena Costa. It has a spa and several pools, and guests on Hotels.com give it a perfect 10 out of 10. If you want restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep, stay near Puerto Marina.
Our first choice: See rooms at Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa
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From the cable car on its way up to Calamorro, Benalmádena shrinks to a map below you. Down by the sea is the marina with its white buildings, further up the busy streets of Arroyo de la Miel, and on the hillside the old village. On a clear day you can see the coast all the way towards Gibraltar.
Things to do in Benalmádena
Puerto Marina
Puerto Marina is Benalmádena's marina, built with white houses and little bridges over the water. Restaurants and bars crowd around the harbour, and in the evening this is the liveliest place in town.
Up to Calamorro
The cable car takes you from Arroyo de la Miel to the top of Calamorro.
The cable car to Calamorro
The cable car runs from Arroyo de la Miel to the top of Mount Calamorro. Up there you will find walking trails and views over the whole coast. Go early in the day in summer, before it gets too hot and the queues grow.
The white stupa
The stupa above Benalmádena can be seen from far out at sea.
The stupa and Colomares Castle
Above the town stands one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Europe, and its white dome can be seen from far out at sea. A little higher up is the Castillo de Colomares, a fanciful castle built as a monument to Columbus. Both are worth the trip if you have a car or take a taxi up.
Benalmádena Pueblo
Pueblo sits high above the sea, with whitewashed houses and small squares. It is calmer than the coast, and the view down to the sea from the church square is a fine one.
The beaches and Parque de la Paloma
Beaches run the length of Benalmádena Costa, with a promenade from Torremolinos in the east. In the middle of Arroyo de la Miel is Parque de la Paloma, a green park with ponds and animals. It is free and popular with families.
Where to stay in Benalmádena
A pool by the beach
The pool at Vincci Aleysa sits right by the beach at Benalmádena Costa.
Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa
Vincci sits right on the beach at Benalmádena Costa, ten minutes' walk from Parque de la Paloma. It has two outdoor pools facing the sea and a spa offering massages and treatments. A good choice for couples who want the beach outside and a little luxury.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa
Sunset by the pool
Sunset over the pool at Spirit Hotel Benalmádena Beach.
Spirit Hotel Benalmádena Beach
Spirit is on the beach, with a pool that looks straight out to sea and an indoor pool for cooler days. The spa offers massages and other treatments, and guests rate the hotel 9.2. Ideal if you want to watch the sunset from your lounger.
Book your stay: See rooms at Spirit Hotel Benalmádena Beach
Between marina and beach
Mac Puerto Marina lies between the marina and the beach.
Mac Puerto Marina
Mac Puerto Marina sits between the marina and the beach, with a garden and an outdoor pool. It has a spa, and the restaurants of Puerto Marina are a few minutes away. A good fit if you want both the beach and the nightlife within walking distance.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mac Puerto Marina
By Puerto Marina
Hotel Alay sits right by Puerto Marina.
Hotel Alay
Alay is recommended for adults and sits by Puerto Marina, with a beach bar and three outdoor pools. It also has a gym and hot tubs, and guests rate it 8.6. A good choice for couples who want calm by the pool with the marina close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Alay
Before you go
Take the train. The local train from Málaga airport stops at Arroyo de la Miel, and the journey takes about twenty minutes.
Choose your area by what you want to do. The Costa and Puerto Marina for beach and nightlife, Pueblo for calm and views.
Take a taxi up to Pueblo and the stupa. The hills are steep and buses are infrequent.
Benalmádena: frequently asked questions
Where is Benalmádena?
Benalmádena is on the Costa del Sol, between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. It is split into three: Benalmádena Costa by the sea, Arroyo de la Miel in the middle and Benalmádena Pueblo up on the hillside.
What is the best thing to do in Benalmádena?
Puerto Marina, the cable car to Calamorro and the stupa are the best known. Add an evening in Pueblo and a day on the beach and you have seen the essentials.
Where should I stay in Benalmádena?
Benalmádena Costa and the area around Puerto Marina suit most visitors, with the beach and restaurants within walking distance. Arroyo de la Miel has the train station, and Pueblo is the quietest.
Is Benalmádena good for families?
Yes. The park, the cable car and the beaches make it popular with families, and the Selwo Marina sea park is also in town.
How do I get from Málaga airport to Benalmádena?
The local train runs from the airport to Arroyo de la Miel in about twenty minutes. A taxi takes roughly the same time.