If you’re doing research around holiday destinations on Costa del Sol, you might be wondering: where is Benalmadena?
This article has the answers to all the questions you might have, along with tips from a local expat that will make your trip much more enjoyable, and save you a lot of time and money.
But first things first: if you’re wondering if Benalmadena is worth visiting, the answer is – certainly YES!
Benalmadena has a lot of beautiful places to explore, whether for adults or kids. You get the best of both worlds – a coastal resort with all the trimmings, but also a chance to explore a traditional Andalusian village up in the hills. For kids there is Sea Life Park, Selwo Marina Park, Benalmadena Marina for boat trips and plenty of places for eating out and night life.
Let me tell you a bit more about the location of Benalmadena.
Where is Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is a beautiful coastal town in Andalusia, Southern Spain.
It is located within the district of Malaga, between the cities of Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The town of Benalmadena covers an area of just 27 square kilometers, so its certainly not one of the biggest towns on Costa del Sol.
You can reach Benalmadena via the AP-7 highway (where you have to pay tolls) or the toll free Mediterranean highway A-7. Both motorways connect Benalmadena to the closest airport, which is Malaga airport.
The location of Benalmadena is marked on the map below.
Benalmadena: Three in One
Benalmadena actually consists of three separate locations that together are known as Benalmadena: Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel.
Benalmadena Costa is the area by the coast, stretching from Torequebrada towards Torremolinos. That’s where most of the holiday resorts are, and the highest concentration of restaurants and small shops.
Benalmadena Pueblo is the oldest part of Benalmadena, sometimes called ‘the old town’. It’s actually quite far off from the coastal area, up in the hills (marked on the map below). To me it’s the prettiest part of Benalmadena as it still has the charm of an old village, with an added benefit of the gorgeous views.
Arroyo de la Miel is the upper part above Benalmadena Costa, where you will find the main train station and some of the main tourist attractions (Paloma Park, the Feria grounds and Selwo Marina).
Location of Benalmadena Pueblo:
Most Popular Activities & Day Trips in Benalmadena
Here is a selection of some fun activities and day trips from Benalmadena – these are independently organized tours with pick-up from the town. To see available dates and check the prices please click on the link for each activity.
- Caminito Del Rey Guided Tour – with pick up from Benalmadena, a guided tour of the famous walkway along the El Chorro Gorge, with transportation, entrance fees and tour guide included.
- Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Benalmadena – explore the coast of Benalmadena from a boat, enjoy a trip that includes spotting dolphins in their natural habitat, swimming and sunbathing on the boat.
- Day Trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas – see one of the wonders of Andalusia, the Puente Nuevo in Ronda with one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and admire the houses built into massive rock formations in Setenil. Includes pick up from Benalmadena, a tour guide, a glass of Ronda wine, and entry to Palacio Mondragon.
- Day Trip to Granada with Tour of Alhambra – see one of the most famous monuments in Andalusia, the palace complex of Alhambra with a tour guide with a pick up from Benalmadena.
- Day Trip to Gibraltar – enjoy a trip to the UK territory with free time for shopping and an optional visit to the Nature Reserve with a guide.
Common Mispellings of Benalmadena
The name of Benalmadena is commonly misspelt and mixed up, here are some of the frequent names you might encounter:
- Belamadena
- Belmadena
- Bellamadina
- Bellamadena
- Benelmadena
- Benalmedina
- Balamadena
- Belamadina
- Belanmadena
- Belemadena
- Belmadina
- Benalmaden
- Benamadena
- Benimadina
- Benlamadena
Quite the list, isn’t it?
How to Get to Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is well connected to the main cities and towns by bus and train.
How to get to Benalmadena from Malaga?
The fastest travel connection between Benalmadena and Malaga is a train going in the direction of Fuengirola – these run every approx 20 mins and leave from Maria Zambrano Train station.
Get your tickets at the machine at the station. By car the journey takes approximately 20 mins (16km).
How to get to Benalmadena from Marbella?
Marbella is not connected to the coastal cities by train, so the only option is to take a bus or car.
The bus leaves from the main station in Marbella and stops in the Marina in Benalmadena, the journey takes approx 45 mins. With a car the journey takes approx 35 mins (44km).
How to get to Benalmadena from Fuengirola?
There is a direct frequent train connection between Benalmadena and Fuengirola (train towards Malaga). The train stops at the Northside of the town, just between Pueblo and the coastal town.
From the train station, it takes about 15 mins to walk down to the coastline. By car the trip takes approx 19 mins (17km).
Explore More in Benalmadena
15 Fantastic Things to Do in Benalmadena: Recommended by a Local
Mariposario de Benalmadena (Butterfly Park)
Yucas Mare Restaurant, Benalmadena
Paloma Park, Benalmadena – Spain
Castillo de Colomares: The Fairy Tale Castle in Benalmadena
How to Spend One Day in Benalmadena
The Best Benalmadena Restaurants: Top Picks by a Local Expat
Selwo Marina in Benalmadena: Worth a Visit?
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