Hotels in Benalmadena

Take in the sunshine of Spain's lively resort of Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, where a swish marina nestles up against lovely bays of golden sand and clean warm waters.

A firm favourite among holidaying Brits, hotels in Benalmadena offer everything you could need for a fun-filled break...

Sandwiched between miles of sands and a stunning mountainous backdrop, the popular and large resort of Benalmadena basks in Mediterranean sunshine and has a reputation for good times and great facilities.

Days are filled with fun in the sun on the pristine beaches or at hotel pools, while evenings are enjoyed dining out at the resort's many restaurants, sipping drinks in cool bars, and, for those that fancy it, dancing into the small hours in the nightclubs. Although nowhere near as buzzing as the nightlife in neighbours Torremolinos or Fuengirola, there are still plenty of tunes to shake your body to in Benalmadena.

In Benalmadena, hotels cater for a range of travellers, from those on cheap holidays to those relaxing on spa breaks...

Hotels in Benalmadena accommodate those on holiday packages as well as independent travellers, with most of the resort's hotels located within minutes of the beaches. You can stay in budget hotels that offer basic facilities or splash out on luxury hotels that spoil guests with excellent amenities, wonderful service and sublime views of the sea. The best luxury hotels are mostly located around the fabulous marina, where expensive yachts bob on the waves. The resort has a number of boutique hotels in pleasant buildings too, though some of these don't have swimming pools. Most of the large hotels have at least one pool, as do the spa hotels in Benalmadena.

Benalmadena Pueblo is the old part of the resort. This historic and traditional area is away from the main bars and restaurants of the seafront and hotels here are in small residences. They are generally basic, but guests experience time-honoured Spanish hospitality.

There are some all-inclusive hotels in Benalmadena, though most offer bed and breakfast or room-only. This is no hardship, as Benalmadena dishes up a varied menu of global cuisine at its cafés and restaurants and prices are reasonable.

Visitors looking to provide for themselves can book self-catering apartments in the heart of the resort or villas on the outskirts. Taking the self-catering route means you can explore the resort's best eateries for a real taste of Spain.

If you can summon the energy to leave the sun lounger you'll be rewarded with an array of attractions...

Families are particularly well catered for by the main tourist highlights of Benalmadena.

Top five attractions

Tivoli World

People come from all along the Costa del Sol to ride the rides and see the daily shows in this sprawling theme park in Benalmadena.

Cable car

Board the cable car and ascend to the top of Calamorro Mountain for magnificent views of the coastline and beyond.

Paloma Park 

This lovely bundle of parkland near the coast allows families to relish lake-side picnics, playgrounds, and tree-lined trails where peacocks and rabbits roam freely.

Sea Life Centre 

Children will love spotting creatures of the sea at this aquarium in the marina. There are sharks, turtles, jellyfish and many other marine species to see.

Puerto Marina

Stay in the marina or spend some time here to shop for designer goods, eat at first-rate restaurants or revel in the famed nightlife of this upmarket area.

Predominantly a summer destination, most of the events in Benalmadena take place when the weather heats up...

There are events throughout the year, but most of this resort's events are held in late spring, summer, and early autumn. Check what's on before you travel and join in the fun - you'll be most welcome.

San Juan Festival; June: This party in Arroyo de la Miel heralds the summer months and culminates in a display of fireworks.

Music Festival; July: The auditorium in Paloma Park is the main venue for a series of musical performances as well as theatre and dance.

Fiesta de Virgen del Carmen; July: The patron saint of sailors is honoured by this seaside destination in the traditional way: a statue of the virgin is blessed and paraded through the streets before setting sail and being followed into the sea by locals. Parties and fireworks always follow.