The Best Areas to Stay in Benalmádena, Spain
The Best Areas to Stay in Benalmádena, Spain

Best Areas to Stay in Benalmádena, Spain

Where to Stay in Benalmádena: A Guide to this Costa del Sol Town

Benalmádena is a city located in the south of Andalusia, about 20 kilometres from Málaga. This coastal city is one of the most visited towns on the Costa del Sol and is famous for its beaches and wide range of tourist attractions. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Benalmádena, Malaga.


Why visit Benalmádena

Benalmádena has experienced exponential growth in recent decades. Its privileged location between the Sierra de Mijas and the Mediterranean Sea, on the main route that connects the tourist centres of Malaga and Marbella, has helped cement its thriving tourist industry. This town is known for its beautiful beaches, well-preserved historic centre, and many natural sights in the nearby mountains. In addition, Benalmádena has several manmade attractions, including a theme park, an international casino, a tourist cable car, two aquariums and an award-winning marina. See accommodation in Benalmádena

Benalmádena is roughly divided into three main urban settlements; Benalmádena Pueblo, the city’s historic area located on the slope of Pico Mijas, Benalmádena Costa, near the beaches, and Arroyo de la Miel, the most densely populated district.

The main attractions in Benalmádena are spread over these three areas. They include the Colomares Monument, Paloma Park, the city’s cable car, Battery Park, the Benalmádena Museum and the Benalmádena Exhibition Centre.

If you’re travelling with kids, Benalmádena is home to many family-friendly attractions, such as the Tivoli World theme park, the Selwo Marina and Sea Life Benalmádena and the Benalmádena Butterfly Park. Benalmádena’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, coves and bathing areas. Some of the most popular beaches in Benalmádena include those of Santa Ana, Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, Malapesquera and Torre Vigía. See accommodation near the beach.

For nature lovers, Benalmádena is at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas. This scenic natural area is full of hiking trails, impressive viewpoints and charming traditional farms. Mount Calamorro, accessible by cable car, offers stunning views of the Costa del Sol, the Mediterranean Sea and Africa.


When to visit Benalmádena

Like most destinations on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, the high season in Benalmádena occurs during the summer, from the end of June to August, coinciding with holidays in Spain and most European countries. During the summer, airfare and accommodation rates increase considerably on the Costa del Sol.

On the other hand, the best time to visit Benalmádena is during spring, especially during May and June. At the end of spring, the Costa del Sol temperatures are warm enough to enjoy the beach, and accommodations don’t yet have their high season rates. The quietest month to visit Benalmádena is December. There are barely any tourists around in the winter, and room prices drop, but many hotels, restaurants and bars are closed, and temperatures are unsuitable for going to the beach.


Getting there and around

Benalmádena is connected by air through Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP). Located 10 km from Benalmádena, in Torremolinos, this important airport, the busiest in Andalusia, offers connections to most Spanish cities, many destinations in Europe (especially the United Kingdom, Germany and France) and some long-haul flights to Africa and the Middle East.

Benalmádena is part of a select group of cities on the Costa del Sol connected by train. Line C1 connects the town with Malaga (including the AVE high-speed station), the airport and other towns on the coast such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Additionally, Benalmádena has excellent bus connections with many destinations on the Costa del Sol, such as Marbella, Puerto Banús or Estepona and other places in southern Andalusia. See train and coach schedules, fares & routes.

To move between Benalmádena and the towns of the Costa del Sol, you can use Málaga commuter trains, buses, taxis, mobile applications such as Uber or Cabify, or rent a car for your trip.


Where to stay in Benalmádena

The best area to stay in Benalmádena, especially if you plan to go to the beach, is Benalmádena Costa. The coastal area of Benalmádena is home to the lively marina, incredible beaches and some must-see attractions like Sea Life Benalmádena. The beach area is also where you will find some of the best restaurants, nightlife venues and accommodations in Benalmádena. See accommodation in Benalmádena Costa.

Other great areas to consider when choosing the best location in Benalmádena include Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Pueblo and Benalmádena Golf.

Keep on reading to find out more info about the best areas to stay in Benalmádena, Spain.

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The Best Areas to Say in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol

The coast of Benalmádena is the tourist epicentre of this town on the Costa del Sol.

This lively beach area is crossed by Antonio Machado and del Sol avenues and is home to the Benalmádena Marina.

Puerto Marina Benalmádena is home to many restaurants, shops, attractions and nightlife venues and has won the “Best Marina in the World” award on several occasions.

Nearby, the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium has 25 tanks with different habitats from around the world and over 5,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, anemones and turtles.

The Benalmádena Exhibition Centre, also located in the vicinity of the port, is the main museum and event centre in this Costa del Sol Town. It offers exhibitions covering different artistic disciplines.

As expected, Benalmádena Costa is also where the main beaches of the city are located. Some of the best beaches in Benalmádena include those of Fuente Salud, Malapesquera, Santa Ana and Bil Bil. Most of the urban beaches of Benalmádena are fully-serviced and offer beach bars, restaurants, and watersports equipment rental stands.

As the main tourist centre in Benalmádena, the coast is also home to most of the city’s hotel offer. Here, you can find accommodation of all kinds; from small family-run properties to the most exclusive tourist apartments and five-star hotels.

Benalmádena Costa has excellent public transport connections thanks to the 8 bus routes connecting this area with the rest of the city and other Costa del Sol towns.

Where to stay in Benalmádena, Spain - Benalmádena Costa
Where to stay in Benalmádena, Spain – Benalmádena Costa
Best area for tourists in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol - Benalmádena Beaches
Best area for tourists in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol – Benalmádena Beaches
Accommodation near the beach in Benalmádena - Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area
Accommodation near the beach in Benalmádena – Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Benalmádena, Spain:

  • Best area for tourists
  • Wide range of accommodation
  • Restaurants and excellent nightlife
  • Well-connected by public transport
  • Best area for families
  • Beaches of Benalmádena
  • Benalmádena Marina

2. Benalmádena Pueblo (Old Town Benalmádena)

Benalmádena Pueblo is the name given to the oldest area of Costa del Sol town.

This historic quarter has its origin in a walled settlement from the Nasrid period and displays the typical architecture found in the White Villages of Andalusia; narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with tile roofs.

Benalmádena Pueblo is at the foot of Pico Mijas and its charming sloping streets lead to small squares and terraces from where you can catch incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.

In the heart of Benalmádena Pueblo lies Plaza de España, a picturesque central square surrounded by restaurants and cafes.

However, perhaps the most impressive attraction in this area is the Castillo de Colomares. Located south of the Old Town, this peculiar building is dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus.

Other attractions in Benalmádena’s Historic Town Centre include Jardines del Muro, the Benalmádena Museum and the Benalmádena Butterfly House.

The accommodation offer in Benalmádena Pueblo is quite varied. This area has a large number of boutique properties housed in historic houses with spectacular views.

Where to stay in Benalmádena - Benalmádena Pueblo (Historic City Centre)
Where to stay in Benalmádena – Benalmádena Pueblo (Historic City Centre)
Accommodation in Benalmádena Pueblo - Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Benalmádena Pueblo – Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Benalmádena, Málaga:

  • Historic and cultural attractions
  • Typical architecture
  • Boutique hotels
  • Great views

3. Arroyo de la Miel

Arroyo de la Miel is one of the three towns that make up Benalmádena. It is located a couple of kilometers north of the Benalmádena marina.

In the old times, Arroyo was a rural town with farms dedicated to agriculture and honey production. In fact, it was the area’s beekeeping activity that gave Arroyo de la Miel its name (loosely translated as Honey Creek). The area experienced tremendous growth with the opening of the train station at the beginning of the 20th century and is currently the most densely populated district and the unofficial city centre of Benalmádena.

The Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel train station, which connects the town with Fuengirola, Torremolinos, the airport and Málaga, is the main reason you should choose Arroyo as the best location in Benalmádena.

Arroyo de la Miel is also an excellent area to stay if you are travelling with kids, as it is home to family-friendly attractions such as the Tivoli World amusement park and the Benalmádena Cable Car station, which connects the city with the top of Mount Calamorro.

This 700-metre high mountain offers breathtaking views of the city, the Costa del Sol, and, on clear days, you can even see the coasts of Africa in the distance.

Other attractions in Arroyo de la Miel include the busy Plaza de la Mezquita and Casa de la Cultura.

Although Arroyo de la Miel lacks Benalmádena Costa’s beaches or Benalmádena Pueblo’s old town charm, its excellent transport connections and its cheap accommodation make it an excellent area to stay in Benalmádena.

Most convenient area to stay in Benalmádena, España - Arroyo de la Miel
Most convenient area to stay in Benalmádena, España – Arroyo de la Miel
Cheapest area for tourists in Benalmádena - Arroyo de la Miel
Cheapest area for tourists in Benalmádena – Arroyo de la Miel
Accommodation in Arroyo de la Miel - Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Arroyo de la Miel – Click on the map to see all the accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Benalmádena, Spain:

  • Tivoli World theme park
  • RENFE station with connections to Malaga
  • Cable car station
  • Cheap accommodation in Benalmádena

4. Benalmádena Golf

Benalmádena Golf is located in the north of the town, on the road that connects Arroyo de la Miel with Benalmádena Pueblo.

This golf club offers a nine-hole course and a golf training school. Its facilities also include a driving range, night lighting and a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, shop and changing rooms. In addition to the Municipal Golf School courses, this course also offers local tournaments and camps.

With spectacular views of the sea and the Sierra de Mijas, Benalmádena Golf is surrounded by some of the most exclusive residential developments in Benalmádena.

The accommodation offer in this area of Benalmádena is mainly made up of palatial villas, tourist houses, and luxury apartments.

Zona de lujo en Benalmádena - Benalmádena Golf
Zona de lujo en Benalmádena – Benalmádena Golf

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Benalmádena, Málaga:

  • Golf courses
  • Exclusive area
  • Villas & luxury apartments

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