Choosing Benalmádena as your holiday destination and booking a hotel here promises a perfect blend of sun-soaked beaches, lively entertainment, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, Benalmádena is a charming coastal town that caters to a diverse range of vacation preferences.
Booking a hotel in Benalmádena ensures access to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, where golden sandy beaches stretch along the azure waters. Whether you seek relaxation under the Spanish sun, water sports adventures, or vibrant beachfront promenades, Benalmádena offers a coastal haven for every traveler.
The town's iconic Puerto Marina, often regarded as one of the most beautiful marinas in the world, adds a touch of glamour with its upscale shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the palm-lined promenade, savoring the sea breeze and the enchanting views of luxury yachts.
Benalmádena's rich cultural scene includes the historic Castillo de Colomares, a fairytale-like castle with a blend of architectural styles, and the engaging Butterfly Park, where exotic butterflies flutter amidst lush tropical gardens. For family-friendly fun, Tivoli World amusement park offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.
Booking a hotel in Benalmádena not only provides comfort and convenience but also introduces you to a dynamic destination where beachfront relaxation, cultural exploration, and lively entertainment converge, promising an unforgettable holiday on the Costa del Sol.
Map of Benalmadena
Popular hotels in Benalmadena
Medplaya Bali
Spain, Costa del Sol, Benalmadena
Holiday World POLYNESIA Hotel
Spain, Costa del Sol, Benalmadena
Globales Los Patos Park
Spain, Costa del Sol, Benalmadena
Holiday World Resort
Spain, Costa del Sol, Benalmadena
Pierre Vacances Benalmadena Principe (xArcosur)
Spain, Costa del Sol, Benalmadena
Places similar to Benalmadena to visit
Fuengirola
This once sleepy fishing village on the Costa del Sol has blossomed into one of the region’s leading resorts, loved for its sweeping golden coastline and traditional Spanish charm. The resort has a lively town centre focused on a breezy square, and enjoys a fast-paced nightlife scene and delicious local cuisine. The chic marina and towering Moorish fortress set Fuengirola apart from the crowd.
Things to do
Fuengirola’s beautiful Costa del Sol location is a beach paradise, with kilometres of smooth, golden sand curved around the coast. Pick a different beach every day and stroll along the sunny boardwalk that connects them, right the way up to the marina. The marina is the place to go for a relaxing boat excursion along the coast. It’s well worth the walk up to see the town’s landmark, Sohail Castle, perched on a hillside with fantastic views across the whole town. Fuengirola holidays have great nightlife, with a tempting array of waterfront bars, big clubs, tapas bars and pubs to spend the warm evenings in.
Excellent beaches
The resort has a huge eight kilometre stretch of beach, split into different sections so you’ll have no problem finding some sand to relax on. Medieval castles decorate the seafront, which provides stunning views of the glistening water and scenic coastline. The soft golden beaches are well equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable visit, including quaint restaurants and a wide variety of water sports to entertain the thrill seekers.
Shopping
Spend a day relaxing with a spot of retail therapy in Fuengirola’s wonderful malls and markets. You’ll be able to find a great selection of designer clothing as you browse idyllic boutiques and well known high street brands like Zara and Pull & Bear. There’s plenty of opportunity to buy handcrafted, traditional souvenirs and trinkets from the local markets too.
History
Once a peaceful fishing village on the beautiful Costa del Sol, Fuengirola can be dated back to Roman time and is now one of the region’s most favoured resorts. This is largely down to its beautiful beaches, traditional square and lively nightlife. Discover the Spanish history in the many historical sites around the town and explore the towering, 19th century fortress, Sohail Castle, along the coast.
Vibrant nightlife
Fuengirola has a fantastic array of after dark activities. Whether you want to watch live music, drink cocktails in a Spanish bar or dance until the sun comes up, this vibrant resort will keep you entertained. With the majority of the bars in short walking distance from one another, moving from place to place is easily done. With views of the stunning coast, the marina is where you’ll find energetic Irish pubs, jazz clubs and tropical nightclubs. Alternatively, you can enjoy the contemporary atmosphere of the town’s central square in one of the tapas bars and Mediterranean restaurants.
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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Benalmadena | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Marbella | Menorca | Nerja | Torremolinos
Marbella
Dubbed the Miami of Costa del Sol, holidays to Marbella are perfect for those seeking year-round sunshine, pristine beaches and glitzy nightlife. You can soak up more days of unspoilt sunshine here than you can in the Canaries. And when the sun sets, head down to the world-famous Golden Mile for an evening of high-profile clubbing.
There are plenty of things to do in Marbella with the kids, too, from the thrilling water parks to the beautiful eco reserves. And the region is full of old-world charm, from the pretty village of Mijas to the cobbled streets of Old Town. So if you want guaranteed sunshine, ancient architecture and a heavy dose of glamour, holidays to Marbella are for you!
Beaches
Marbella holidays are heaven for sun-seekers with over 20km of golden coastline. There are 23 beaches to explore, including six with Blue Flag status. The weather in Marbella is also calmer than its neighbour town, thanks to the towering Sierra Mountains, creating a sun-trap for sunbathers.
Playa de Puerto Banus
A popular choice for families, Playa de Puerto Banus, has soft golden sands and paddle-friendly waters. The shores are calm thanks to the breakwater, while full-time lifeguards monitor the area. Located alongside the famous Puerto Banús Marina, it's also one of the most glamorous beaches in Marbella.
Playa de la Fontanilla
Playa de la Fontanilla is popular among both tourists and locals. This is the place to be to get a real taste of Marbella. You'll find a wide variety of local shops and restaurants along the Paseo Marítimo – or promenade, where you can enjoy delicious regional specialities. This is also an excellent beach for jet-skiing.
Playa del Faro
Playa del Faro boasts a wonderful children's play area. The sea is shallow and sheltered, making it ideal for paddling with your little ones. In a vibrant location, you'll find the marina and lighthouse to the west and plenty of attractions along the promenade. It's a short stroll from exclusive shops, terraces, and restaurants, too.
Playa de Artola
Playa de Artola lies away from the hustle and bustle of the glamorous Marbella shopping zones. Surrounded by sand dunes and lined with ancient watchtowers, it's one of the most remote spots in the city.
Playa de la Vibora
Famous for its stylish club, Nikki Beach Marbella, Playa de La Vibora is a hub for the rich and famous. Splurge on some opulent lunches or Champagne tastings. Or just enjoy some quiet time on the beach. It's remote enough to disconnect from the buzz of the city.
Nightlife
Marbella holidays have been a favourite amongst the rich and famous since the 60s. White villas meet the yacht-filled marina, making it look like something straight out of a James Bond film. Many celebs come simply for the nightlife, which bursts into life after dark on the legendary Golden Mile. Enjoy the glamour of the lavish nightclubs, where the party usually starts after midnight, so be prepared to dance until the sun comes up.
History & Culture
Marbella has a rich and fascinating history. Long before it attracted jet setters, it was home to civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, and later the Moors; you'll see architecture that stretches back to the 1st Century AD. Take a trip to Basilica Vega Del Mar to see the 4th-century Roman ruins. Here you can walk among some of the most ancient archaeological findings of early Christianity. Visit the public Guadalmina Thermal Baths and the unique mosaics in Rio Verde.
Shopping
Shoppers can flex their bargain-hunting muscles in Puerto Banus, which is also where you're likely to spot a celebrity or two. For booshy boutiques, head to Marbella Old Town. It's filled with cosmopolitan pavement cafés, vintage shops and Mediterranean restaurants. Order your travel money before you go, and you can practice your haggling skills at the famous Nueva Andalusia Market.
Natural Beauty
Standing at 1200m, La Concha Mountain in Spain is the highest point in Marbella. There are many viewing points on the way up, so you can make it as challenging as you want. Mirador del Macho has a well-marked path that will take you through the olive groves. If you're going to take on the peak, bring food, water and plenty of charge on your phone. It will take roughly 4 hours, and the views are breathtaking.
Places To Stay
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Nerja
Once a small fishing village, Nerja has blossomed into one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations. Blessed with beautiful, sun-kissed beaches and tiny, secluded coves, Nerja holidays are ideal for families and couples who want to spend some quality downtime together.
However, there’s much more to holidays to Nerja than soaking up the sun and splashing about in the sea: a town with a long and fascinating past, there are great sites and hundreds of years of history in between the golden beaches and buzzing plazas. The resort is home to one of Spain’s most visited sites, the vast pre-historic caves known as the Cuevas de Nerja. Along with dozens of bars and restaurants to please foodies, Nerja holidays have a little something for everyone.
Things to do
Despite being famed for its fabulous beaches, Nerja offers plenty of other activities and things to see and do. Its on-your-doorstep caves offer 4km of prehistoric paintings, Stone Age relics and subterranean stalactites and stalagmites. However, if you prefer to be above ground and soaking up the sun, the coast is full of award-winning beaches and secluded bays.
Foodies will find a gastronomic adventure almost everywhere they go, from beachfront tavernas selling traditional paella, to the restaurants in town serving everything from fast-food to authentic Italian meals. For a crafty cocktail, visit one of the bars in the cosmopolitan Plaza Tutti Frutti.
Miles of coastline
Nerja is renowned for its stunning beaches, from long golden stretches to small sandy coves. There’s around nine kilometres of coastline in total so if your ideal holiday is lazing in the sun on a gorgeous beach, then you’ll be spoilt for choice in Nerja, you could spend every day on a different stretch.
Stunning sights
Holidays to Nerja aren’t short of things to see and do. The historic Nerja Caves offers something for everyone. History buffs will love getting to know the story behind the caves from its early inhabitants to its discovery and if you’re not into the history side of things then they’re still a magnificent sight to look at. Speaking of magnificent sights, if you love beautiful views, head to the Balcon de Europa for panoramic views out to the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.
Family fun
Asides from the beautiful beaches and stunning sights, there’s plenty to do for families too. Nerja is close to two waterparks so you could spend a day at each of them if you have a family that loves the thrills of shooting down slides and splashing around in the water. In the evenings you can then head to the lively Plaza Tutti Frutti for a meal with live music playing in the background. If you’re holidaying with older kids then you can grab a drink at one of the many bars afterwards.
More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Benalmadena | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuengirola | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Marbella | Menorca | Torremolinos
Salou
Holidays in Salou on the famous Costa Dorada are perfect for all the family, and it’s easy to see why this is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, especially during the summer months. Located on the country’s northeastern coast, and within easy reach of the vibrant city of Barcelona, Salou is renowned for the great choice of activities it has on offer. As well as the beaches, bars, clubs, and shops, you’ll find the big theme park of PortAventura on the outskirts of the town, offering a multitude of exciting rides and live entertainments.
Enjoy a choice of water sports on the beaches of Capellans, Llarga, and Levante, or explore the old town with its stylish marina, long promenade, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. This is a real family-friendly resort, with play areas for the kids along the beaches so you can easily keep an eye on them while you relax and soak up the Spanish sun.
More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Cap Salou | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca | Portaventura