Every morning when I open my window and breathe in that unique air, half saltwater and half pine, I remember why I love Benalmádena. It’s not just another tourist destination on the Costa del Sol; it’s a place where the traditional and the modern meet leisurely, just like we, the inhabitants of this town, do on the terraces while the sun sets.
I live 20 kilometers from Málaga, in that privileged stretch between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Our 27.2 km² are home to about 75,801 residents (according to the latest official census), although in summer this number multiplies to the point where we joke that “in August, even the streetlights speak English.”
Index
Benalmádena in 3 Areas: Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Costa
What few visitors understand at first is that Benalmádena is not a single place, but three connected worlds: Benalmádena Pueblo, Benalmádena Costa, and Arroyo de la Miel.
When my friends from Madrid come to visit me, I always take them on the same tour: we start in the Pueblo with its whitewashed streets, where my neighbor Conchi still waters her geraniums as her grandmother did. Then I take them to Arroyo de la Miel, our bustling center where I do my daily shopping, and where the commercial hustle contrasts with the slow pace of the interior. We always finish at the Costa, where the Mediterranean seems to apologize for being so blue.
Living History: The Past of Benalmádena You Didn’t Know
Living here is like stumbling upon history every day. Sometimes, while walking through the old town, I think about all the feet that have stepped on these same stones: Phoenicians, Romans, and especially the Muslims, who left their mark even in our name.
My grandfather, who was passionate about local etymology, always defended the theory that “Benalmádena” comes from “Ibn al-ma’ din” (son of the mines). “Don’t you see that this whole mountain range was full of mines?” he would repeat while pointing towards the mountains. The truth is that, since we joined the Crown of Castile in 1485, we’ve had a history of ups and downs: from devastating earthquakes to pirate attacks that kept the coastal population on edge.
But we are resilient. The 18th century brought a renaissance with the paper industry and the vineyards that made a lot of noise. Now, of course, we mainly live off tourism, though some old residents like Paco, who has his vegetable garden on the outskirts, still cultivate as if time hadn’t passed.
Between Sky and Sea: Our Privileged Geography
My favorite place is that point in the Sierra de Mijas where you can see everything: from the mountain peaks to the most hidden coves. The landscape transition is fascinating: you start among pines and end among palm trees in just a few kilometers.
The climate is another gift that we sometimes take for granted. While my family from the north were shivering this February at 5°C, I was having coffee in a shirt at 17°C. Our summers are warm (around 30°C), but the sea breeze makes them bearable. The annual average of 19°C and the absence of frost allow us to boast of eternal good weather, although the people of Benalmádena know that January can sometimes be treacherous with those damp winds that seem to seep right into your bones.
| Feature | What Defines Us |
|---|---|
| Area | 27.287 km² |
| Population | 75,801 (2023) |
| Climate | 19°C average, no frost |
| Terrain | From sea level to 280 meters |
Festivals and Traditions: Experience the Culture of Benalmádena
If you want to get to know the true spirit of a place, attend its festivals. Ours is a vibrant culture where the sacred and the profane coexist without problem.
The Carnival takes me back to my childhood, when my mother would sew my costume for the parade for weeks. Today, the comparsas (groups) keep that irreverent spirit alive that has always characterized Andalusian carnival.
But if there is something that sends chills down my spine, it’s Holy Week, especially the procession of the Virgin of Solitude. That absolute silence that falls over the normally bustling streets is something awe-inspiring. Last year, during the procession, a tourist next to me commented in surprise, “I’ve never heard such a loud silence.”
The Corpus Christi transforms our streets into ephemeral gardens. My aunt Carmen still gets up at dawn to decorate her balcony with flowers and mantillas, while the neighbors compete to create the most elaborate flower carpets.
The San Juan Fair (June 24-29) is our explosion of summer joy. Between rebujitos, impromptu sevillanas, and those nights that end at dawn, we celebrate the solstice with fireworks that reflect on the sea.
Must-See Places: What to See in Benalmádena
As a local, I sometimes forget how lucky we are to have so many unique places. The Colomares Castle is not just a monument to Columbus, but an architectural fantasy that mixes styles like a three-dimensional collage. My favorite spot is that little shaded bench where you can see the whole structure without interruptions.
The Budhist Stupa, with its 33 meters, still surprises me every time I visit. It’s curious the peace you can feel there, even in the high season when the tourist buses unload visitors non-stop.
Puerto Marina deservedly won the title of “Best Marina in the World” in 1995 and 1997. Its design, which we all criticized when it was built (“it looks like a movie set,” my dad would say), is now part of our identity. The summer nights, when its lights reflect on the water, have a special magic.
The Cable Car is my weekend escape. Going up to Mount Calamorro offers a different perspective of our town, and on clear days, you can even see Africa.
Tivoli World marked the childhood of all Benalmádena residents of my generation. Although now it faces competition from newer parks, it still retains that retro charm. It closed its doors in 2020, but it is expected to reopen in 2028.
Selwo Marina and the Paloma Park complete our leisure offerings. The latter, considered among the 25 most beautiful parks in Europe with its 200,000 m², is where I usually run in the mornings, greeting the same ducks that seem to recognize me.
A little-known secret is our Butterfly Park. The more than 1,500 exotic butterflies flying freely create a surreal spectacle that I always recommend to anyone looking for something different.
From Adrenaline to Relaxation: What to Do in Benalmádena
Life here can be as calm or intense as you want. Our beaches offer everything from the calm of a hammock to the adrenaline of kitesurfing when the Levante wind blows.
The Sierra de Mijas is our playground for hikers and cyclists. My favorite route is the one that goes up to the Eagle’s viewpoint, especially in spring when the almond trees bloom.
For golfers, we have the Torrequebrada course, where I occasionally play (and usually badly) with friends on Sundays. And if you’re drawn to the underwater world, several PADI centers allow you to explore the seabed of the Costa del Sol.
Flea markets are another of my weaknesses. The one on Fridays in Arroyo de la Miel reminds me of the one I used to visit with my grandmother, though now, among the fruit and vegetable stalls, you’ll find international craft vendors.
Here’s a guide with everything you can see and do in Benalmádena.
Benalmádena Cuisine: Where to Eat and What to Try
Our cuisine is where our mixed identity is best expressed: traditional but open to the world. The pescaíto frito (fried fish) is still king, especially in those beach bars where the fish goes from the boat to the table in a matter of hours.
But we also have lesser-known dishes like migas con leche, which my grandmother used to make on rainy days, or the cazuela cachorreña, that hearty stew that reconciles you with winter.
Among my favorite restaurants is La Niña in Plaza de España, where Manolo still prepares the best tapas in town. For something more modern, Lime and Lemon surprises with innovative combinations and meticulously prepared cocktails.
A typical Saturday for me would include a late breakfast with toasted bread, oil, and tomato at Café Central, followed by some shopping, and maybe a meal with friends at one of the beach bars.
Where to Stay in Benalmádena: Hotels and Options for All Budgets
When family comes to visit, they always ask me where to stay. The options are wide:
For those seeking luxury, I recommend the Vincci Selección Aleysa, with its privileged views of the Mediterranean and the spa that looks like something out of the Arabian Nights.
For families, the Hotel Pueblo – Boutique Hotel offers a cozy atmosphere that makes children feel at home.
Budget travelers will find hostels and apartments in Benalmádena Costa affordable yet worthy options.
And for long stays, vacation rentals in Arroyo de la Miel allow you to live temporarily like a local, away from the tourist hustle but just a stone’s throw from everything.
Getting Around Benalmádena: Practical Transportation
Living here without a car is perfectly feasible. Málaga airport is only 19 km away, and the train connection is excellent (line C1 every 20 minutes, with a main stop in Arroyo de la Miel).
Locally, we get around with:
- Buses that connect the three urban centers with reasonable frequency (although on Sundays, the service is considerably reduced).
- Taxis, abundant at strategic points like Puerto Marina or the station.
- Book your car in Benalmádena at the best price and discover unique spots like Mijas, Ronda, or even Gibraltar comfortably.
However, the best part is that many areas are easily walkable, especially Benalmádena Pueblo, where you would lose its charm if you visited it by car.
Tranquility and Precautions in Benalmádena: Enjoy Without Worries
One of the reasons I love living here is the safety. Violent crime is rare, although, like in any tourist destination, pickpockets take advantage of visitors’ relaxed state.
Having reliable local services can make your stay in Benalmádena much more comfortable. Companies like Albacars are part of the daily life of the town, offering quality and personalized attention to both residents and visitors.
The advice I give to my friends when they visit is simple:
- In crowded areas, keep your belongings where you can see them.
- Avoid displaying jewelry or flashy technology in very touristy areas.
- In summer, pay attention to fire warnings when visiting mountain areas.
- On the beach, respect the flags: the Mediterranean can be treacherous when you least expect it.
The emergency phone number (112) works efficiently, and the police presence is visible but not intrusive in the most frequented areas.
Local Economy: Tourism and Beyond
Although tourism is our daily bread (hotels, restaurants, the casino, and theme parks generate most of the jobs), it’s not our only activity.
Agriculture still persists in small plots where avocados, ornamental flowers, and olives are grown. Fishing, although marginal, maintains the connection to our maritime tradition, though the harbor now primarily serves for water sports.
The transformation has been deep in recent decades. My grandfather still remembers when most families lived off farming and fishing, while today, young people study tourism and marketing.
Famous People Among Us
Although we don’t have many permanent celebrity residents, Benalmádena has been visited by figures like Antonio Banderas, a Málaga native who occasionally strolls along our seafront.
During the summer, it’s not uncommon to bump into football players, actors, or musicians enjoying discreet vacations. Respect for their privacy is part of our character; here they can be normal people without the media harassment.
Events and Festivals in Benalmádena:
In addition to our traditional festivals, the cultural calendar has been enriched in recent years:
The International Film Festival in November has brought figures like Guillermo del Toro, creating a cinephile atmosphere that was once unthinkable.
Benalfest, our indie music festival in October, has positioned the town in the music circuit with bands like Izal and Amaral filling the venue.
The International Christmas Festival turns December into a cultural mosaic, with markets and performances representing traditions from the many foreigners living here.
Shopping in Benalmádena
The shopping options are as varied as its visitors:
Puerto Marina concentrates fashion shops, souvenirs, and that visitor-oriented commerce that offers something special.
Plaza Solymar and its open commercial spaces offer everything from brand clothing to local crafts.
The weekly markets are my favorite option for fresh products that are part of our culture.
For more extensive shopping, the Miramar Shopping Center just 20 minutes by car satisfies even the most demanding shoppers.
Nightlife in Benalmádena: Bars, Pubs, and Nightclubs
The nightlife in Benalmádena has many faces:
Puerto Marina concentrates cosmopolitan venues like Nösha Vip Club, where the dress code points to a sophisticated night.
Plaza Solymar attracts a younger crowd with pubs and nightclubs like KIU, that huge four-floor venue where each level offers a different musical style.
Bonanza Square is perfect for those looking for a lively night without pretensions, with live music and more moderate prices.
The variety is such that on the same night you can start with a pint at an Irish pub, move on to sophisticated cocktails at the marina, and end up dancing until dawn at a nightclub.
As you can see, Benalmádena is not just a tourist destination; it’s a place where the traditional and the modern, the local and the international, coexist, creating a unique space. Whether you seek relaxation on the beach, adventures in the mountains, or cultural immersion, my town has something special waiting for you.
