Hotels in Nerja

Set in the centre of the Costa del Sol’s sun-splashed coast, Benalmadena is an ideal holiday destination for those travelling with children and the perfect escape for couples looking to spend some quiet, quality downtime together. In addition, the vibrant nightlife makes it something of a hotspot for those who like their nights filled with dancing and music and their days spent relaxing on the beach.

Holidays to Benalmadena are packed with attractions for everyone. Kids will enjoy days out at the Sea Life Aquarium, while if you’ve got an interest in the region’s culture and history you’ll enjoy a trip to the Picasso Museum. With so much to see and do, you can make your Benalmadena holidays exactly what you want them to be!

Things to do

This part of the Sunshine Coast is blessed with more than 10 stunning beaches, from tiny, secluded coves fringed by fragrant pines, to vast, sweeping stretches of golden sand. Benalmadena marina is packed with bobbing boats, many of which are available for hire or offering tours of the coastline. The beachfront restaurants offer an extensive range of cuisine, from quick and easy fast food, to authentic tavernas serving traditional paellas.

There’s family entertainment on tap, so you could take the kids to meet the dolphins and feed penguins at the fantastic Selwo Marina for starters. This town comes alive in the evenings, with a whirlwind of dance clubs, sports pubs and bars in the town centre, plus great places to eat Spanish-style at the marina. 

Excellent beaches

Benalmadena has a huge 10 kilometre stretch of golden sand that’s split into sections, but they all provide a sun-drenched location to relax in. The majority of beaches have excellent amenities such as umbrellas and showers to make the most of your visit. Unwind on sun loungers along the soft sand for spectacular views of the glistening sea.

The Blue Flag Santa Ana Beach is Benalmadena’s water sports hotspot, with everything from banana boats to jet skis and pedalos. It’s really well maintained and close to several seafront restaurants, so spending a whole day at the beach is easily done. Tropical palm trees fringe all the beaches along the resort’s picturesque coast.

Culture

Benalmadena is next door to Torremolinos and is one of Spain’s much loved holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol. You’ll find a mix of contemporary hotel blocks, Spanish cobbled streets and traditional buildings. You can find authentic charm flowing through The Old Village of Benalmadena Pueblo. The popular markets sell everything from leather, art and clothing to homemade souvenirs and trinkets. Holidaymakers flock to Benalmadena for its beaches and vibrant nightlife found along the seafront and the bustling 24 Hour Square.

Vibrant nightlife

The atmosphere transforms from being a laidback sandy resort by day, into a bustling, neon-lit, party hotspot by night. The main nightlife can be found in the famous 24 Hour Square where there’s plenty of choice of entertainment. Enjoy the sports pubs, watch live music and drink delicious cocktails in one of the contemporary bars before heading to dance the night away in the vibrant nightclubs.
For something with a little more tradition, the picturesque marina has a wide selection of Spanish style restaurants and a great range of bars.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuengirola | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Marbella | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca | Nerja | Torremolinos

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.

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 | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Marbella | Menorca | Nerja | Torremolinos

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.

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 | Menorca | Nerja | Torremolinos