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Benalmádena occupies a stretch of the Costa del Sol between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, with the mountains behind it and the Mediterranean ahead. It has three distinct parts: a whitewashed hillside village, a residential hub in the middle and a coastal strip with a marina and beaches.
That’s why there’s more than one answer to the question of where to stay in Benalmádena. Here, we explain what each area has to offer and suggest places to stay that we select one by one.
How to choose an area
Distances are short, but the atmosphere changes a lot from one part to another:
- Benalmádena Costa: the marina, seafront promenade and beaches. The liveliest area, and the most convenient with children.
- Arroyo de la Miel: the most populous hub, with shops, a train station and a cable car. Convenient and less touristy.
- Benalmádena Pueblo: the whitewashed old town, perched above the coast around Plaza de España. Peaceful, with views, but far from the beach.
If your plans revolve around the sea, stay on the Costa; if you’re after peace and viewpoints, choose the Pueblo. Arroyo de la Miel is a good fit if you’re travelling by train to Málaga or Fuengirola.
Where to stay in Benalmádena: our picks
These six places cater to different kinds of trip: a five-star hotel by the beach, two small hotels in the Pueblo and three villas for groups. You’ll find the rest of the options on our page of places to stay in Benalmádena.
Vincci Selección Aleysa
It’s right by the sea, with its own beach area, and many of the suites and penthouses have sea-view terraces. On cloudy days, there’s a spa with a sauna and hammam. Bear in mind that parking costs extra and breakfast isn’t always included in the rate.
Villa Paradise
Four bedrooms sleeping up to eight, with a private pool, garden and a terrace overlooking the sea. It’s next to Torremolinos, 50 metres from La Carihuela beach and a six-minute walk from the marina, with free parking. Check-in times are strict: arrival by 22:00 and departure before 10:00.
"Ample Villa at Benalmádena Coast"
A 400 m² home with six bedrooms for up to twelve people, plus a pool, garden, hot tub and children’s play area. La Cala and Santa Ana beach are less than 500 metres away. The upper floors are accessible only by stairs, a cash deposit is required and parties aren’t allowed.
White Village Boutique, Benalmádena - Self Check-in
A small hotel in the Pueblo, 300 metres from Plaza de España, with an outdoor pool open year-round, a sauna and a hot tub. Some rooms have terraces, while others have a kitchen and sofa bed; parking is free. There’s no lift, check-in closes at 21:00 and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Majestic Villa by the Beach Heated Private Pool & Jacuzzi
The largest place in our selection: 500 m², eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, with a private pool, hot tub, sauna and fully equipped kitchen, 150 metres from Santa Ana beach. Heating the pool costs extra, free parking must be reserved in advance and a cash deposit is required.
Hotel Casa Rosa
A simple, family-run hotel in the Pueblo, a short walk from Plaza de España. It has rooms with terraces and sea views, suites with kitchens and patios, and a three-bedroom house. There’s no parking, breakfast costs extra and the nearest beach, Torremuelle, is about two kilometres away.
What to see in Benalmádena
In the Pueblo, start your visit in Plaza de España, home to the Niña de Benalmádena fountain, then follow the whitewashed streets to the viewpoints. Nearby are the Stupa of Enlightenment, opened in 2003 and considered the largest in the Western world, and Colomares Castle, a monument to Christopher Columbus.
From Arroyo de la Miel, the cable car climbs Mount Calamorro. At the top, you’ll find walking trails and, on very clear days, views of the African coast. Down below, next to Parque de la Paloma, is Selwo Marina, with dolphins and penguins. From the station, you can reach Torremolinos, Fuengirola or Málaga in just a few minutes; Mijas is a short drive away.
On the Costa, Puerto Marina takes centre stage: a marina of white buildings that seem to float, with terraces and the Sea Life aquarium. Follow the seafront promenade to Bil-Bil Castle, built in a Neo-Moorish style. In 2026, the beaches of Fuente de la Salud and Torrebermeja-Santa Ana have Blue Flag status.
When to visit Benalmádena
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking or going up to Calamorro without the heat; July and August are best for the beach, though busier; winter is mild and peaceful.
During Easter Week, El Paso stages the Passion before thousands of people in El Retamar rural park. Next come the San Juan Fair in Arroyo de la Miel in late June, and the seafaring Veladilla del Carmen in July. And on the morning of 2 August 2027, the path of totality for the solar eclipse crosses Benalmádena: book well ahead if you’d like to experience it here.
How to get there and get around
Málaga Airport is about 12 kilometres away. The easiest option is the C1 commuter train towards Fuengirola: it runs roughly every 20 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to reach Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel or Torremuelle. From María Zambrano station, the high-speed train station, the journey takes about half an hour. There’s no direct bus from the terminal; a taxi takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
You can get around the Costa and Arroyo de la Miel on foot or by local bus; a car comes in handy for the Pueblo and the inland area. For the rest of your trip, browse our places to stay in Andalusia.
If you’re continuing along the Costa del Sol, see where to stay in Málaga and where to stay in Marbella; if you fancy heading inland, where to stay in Ronda. For the bigger picture, see where to stay in Andalusia.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from people planning a few days in Benalmádena.
What’s the best area to stay in Benalmádena?
It depends on your trip. For the beach, children and the seafront promenade, choose Benalmádena Costa, between the marina and Santa Ana and Torrebermeja beaches. For quiet evenings and views, choose the Pueblo around Plaza de España, though it’s far from the sea. Arroyo de la Miel is the practical choice if you’re travelling by train: it has a station, shops and a cable car, but less charm.
How do you get to Benalmádena from Málaga Airport?
The easiest option is the C1 commuter train towards Fuengirola: it stops at the airport, runs roughly every 20 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to reach Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel or Torremuelle. There’s no direct bus. By taxi or rental car, the journey of about 12 kilometres takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the area.
Do you need a car in Benalmádena?
You don’t need one for the Costa and Arroyo de la Miel: the train, local bus and walking routes cover the marina, beaches and cable car. A car is useful if you’re staying in the Pueblo or in a villa on the hillside, or if you want to visit Mijas and the inland area. Check the parking situation before booking: some places charge for it, while others don’t have any.
Where should you stay in Benalmádena when travelling as a group?
Villas with private pools are the best option for groups and large families. Our picks include homes with four, six and eight bedrooms, all with kitchens and close to beaches such as Santa Ana and La Carihuela. Some require a cash deposit on arrival or have strict check-in times, so read the conditions carefully before confirming.
When’s the best time to visit Benalmádena?
Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures, sea that’s still warm in September and fewer crowds. Summer is peak beach season, while winter is mild and quiet. Regular events include El Paso during Easter Week and the San Juan Fair in Arroyo de la Miel in late June. Benalmádena will see a total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, so accommodation will book up quickly around that date.
