Benalmadena Costa: Beautiful Beaches, Puerto Marina Harbour and Unforgettable Experiences on the Costa del Sol

Benalmadena Costa is that privileged stretch of coastline between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, where the Mediterranean laps the shores with fine sand and calm waters. Here, the relaxed vibe of a classic seaside resort blends with the energy of one of Europe’s most important marinas: Puerto Marina. It is a place designed for all kinds of travellers – from families seeking sunny days by the sea and beach bars, to couples dreaming of romantic sunsets, or groups of friends who want to combine good food with evening entertainment.

What makes Benalmadena Costa special is its perfect balance. You have kilometres of promenade for walking or cycling, a fresh and varied gastronomic offering right in the harbour, golf courses just minutes away and an unbeatable location: only 13-15 minutes from Malaga Airport. Whether you are travelling with the family, planning a romantic weekend or simply want to unwind by the sea, this part of the Costa del Sol has everything conveniently at hand.

Discover why thousands of visitors return every year. This is not just a place to lie on the beach: it is a chance to experience an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle – with excellent food, lively atmosphere and the feeling of being exactly where you should be on the Costa del Sol.

What to see and do in Benalmadena Costa

The beaches of Benalmadena Costa

The beaches here stand out for their quality and upkeep. Golden sand, calm waters and a long promenade that invites leisurely strolls. They are ideal for families because most have facilities, shaded areas and lifeguards during the high season. You can lie back with a book, walk as far as Torremolinos or try watersports such as paddleboarding, kayaking or parasailing. The beach bars (known locally as chiringuitos) offer everything from a coffee with sea views to freshly grilled fish right by the water.

The area is perfect for relaxing all day or combining beach time with a walk to the marina. In summer the atmosphere is lively but never overwhelming, and outside peak season it remains a wonderful place to enjoy the sun and sea in greater peace.

Practical information
• Free access
• Several beaches with Blue Flag status
• Beach bars and restaurants right on the seafront
• Watersports available
• Parking nearby (paid in summer)

View beaches on the map

Puerto Marina: The heart of the coast

This is the undisputed star of Benalmadena Costa. A large, well-maintained marina with hundreds of boats, pedestrian bridges and an atmosphere that changes throughout the day. In the morning and afternoon it is perfect for a stroll, a drink on the terraces or booking a boat trip to watch dolphins. As the sun sets the lights come on and the harbour transforms into the ideal spot for dinner with sea views or a glass of wine in the waterside pubs.

The gastronomic offering is wide-ranging: from restaurants specialising in fresh fish and seafood to international cuisine and cocktails. You can easily spend the whole afternoon and evening here without needing a car. During the day the atmosphere is family-friendly; in the evening it becomes more lively – always safe and welcoming.

Practical information
• Free access to the harbour
• Wide choice of restaurants and bars
• Boat trips and dolphin watching
• Shops and evening atmosphere
• Parking available (paid)

View the harbour on the map

Golf Torrequebrada: Golfing with Mediterranean views

Just ten minutes from the harbour you will find one of the most popular golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Designed by Pepe Gancedo, Golf Torrequebrada offers 18 holes between the sea and the mountains with a pleasant layout and spectacular views. It is an excellent choice for both experienced golfers and beginners, with a comfortable clubhouse and good dining options.

Many visitors combine a morning round with an afternoon on the beach or dinner in the harbour. It is one of those activities that make Benalmadena Costa attractive all year round – especially in spring and autumn when the climate is perfect.

Practical information
• 18-hole course
• Green fees from around £45–£95 (depending on season)
• Only 10 minutes from the harbour
• Advance booking recommended
• Clubhouse with restaurant

View the golf course on the map

Nightlife: From the harbour to Plaza Solymar

When the sun goes down, Benalmadena Costa changes character without losing its essence. In Puerto Marina harbour you will find pubs and bars with terraces, ideal for a relaxed evening with good music and pleasant atmosphere. Very nearby, in Plaza Solymar, you will find the largest concentration of nightclubs, including well-known venues such as Nosha Vip Club (formerly KIU) that attract visitors from across the province.

This area is perfect for groups of friends or couples who want to combine a good dinner with some entertainment afterwards. The atmosphere is lively but controlled, and there is something for every taste: from cocktails with sea views to dancing until the early hours.

Practical information
• Harbour: pubs and terrace atmosphere
• Plaza Solymar: large nightclubs
• Safe and lively atmosphere in summer
• Easy to reach on foot from most hotels

View the nightlife area on the map

Tivoli World and the future of family fun

For decades the legendary Tivoli World was the reference family amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Although it is currently closed to the public, the site is undergoing a major transformation. An ambitious project worth over €100 million is turning the area into a modern leisure complex with updated attractions, a shopping zone and hotels, with a planned reopening between 2028 and 2029.

Until then, Benalmadena Costa continues to offer excellent alternatives for a family day out: the beaches, the promenade, boat trips from the harbour and nearby green spaces. The project promises to bring back the magic for families with modern and sustainable facilities.

Current status (2026)
• Park currently closed for redevelopment
• Major renovation project underway
• Reopening expected 2028–2029
• Site remains safe and accessible

View location on the map

How to get to Benalmadena Costa

Benalmadena Costa is very well connected and easy to reach, both from Malaga Airport and from anywhere along the Costa del Sol. It is only 13-15 minutes by car from the airport and has good bus and train links. Whether you are travelling with the family or on your own or as a couple, you have comfortable and quick options.

Car hire: the most flexible option

In less than 15 minutes via the A-7 you will be in Benalmadena Costa. Ideal for moving between beaches, the marina and the golf course without depending on timetables. Perfect if you also want to explore Torremolinos or Fuengirola at your own pace.

Hire a car in Malaga

Taxi or private transfer: maximum comfort

The most convenient choice if you are arriving with children, lots of luggage or simply want to go straight to your hotel or the marina. The journey from the airport takes about 13-15 minutes. Book in advance and you will be picked up right at arrivals.

Book a taxi or transfer

*You do not need to enter credit card details or pay in advance. We recommend booking with sufficient notice.

Other transport options

Public transport works very well. Bus lines 110 and 120 operated by Portillo take you directly to the centre of Malaga or to Fuengirola. If you prefer the train (C1 line), it stops at Arroyo de la Miel, from where it is a short taxi or bus ride to the coastal area. Many visitors also walk from Torremolinos (around 30-45 minutes along the promenade) or even from Fuengirola (about 2 hours).

Practical tips

• • Best time to visit: May to October for beach and lively atmosphere. Spring and autumn are ideal for golf and more peaceful walks.
• • Comfortable footwear: The promenade is long and pleasant. Bring good shoes if you plan to walk to Torremolinos.
• • Reservations in the harbour: In high season the restaurants in Puerto Marina fill up quickly. Book a table if you want dinner with sea views.
• • Families with children: The beaches are safe and well equipped. During the day the atmosphere in the harbour is very family-friendly.
• • Parking: There is parking at the marina and main beaches (paid in summer). It is better to arrive early or use public transport at weekends.
• • Golf: Book in advance at Torrequebrada, especially in high season. The course is very well maintained and enjoyable to play.
• • Evenings: If you want to go out, start in the harbour and head to Plaza Solymar later. The atmosphere is lively but safe.
• • Respect for the environment: The beaches and harbour are kept very clean. Use the bins and help look after the natural surroundings.