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A garden filled with various cacti and succulents, showcasing a vibrant and diverse plant collection.

Costa del Sol · Spain

Benalmádena

Benalmádena is a vibrant municipality on the Costa del Sol, located approximately 12 km west of Málaga, known for its diverse blend of traditional Andalusian culture and modern tourist amenities. With a population of over 78,000, the town is geographically divided into three distinct areas: the original white village of Benalmádena Pueblo, the commercial hub of Arroyo de la Miel, and the coastal strip of Benalmádena Costa. The area covers 27 km² and offers 9 km of coastline, providing a dynamic environment for both residents and visitors.

78.338
Population
3888
Sunshine hours/year
53m
Elevation
28
AQI (Fair)
2
Blue Flag Beaches
32
Hotels
Exterior view of a municipal building with wooden doors and a sign reading "Museo Municipal.
Diamond-shaped sign with crown, castle, and water, featuring "Benalmadena" text.
Alt text: White stupa with golden spire, steps leading up, clear blue sky, mountainous background.

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Benalmádena is defined by its variety, catering to different lifestyles through its three main urban centers. Benalmádena Pueblo offers a traditional atmosphere with white-washed houses and panoramic views, while Arroyo de la Miel serves as the active commercial center where the majority of the local population of 78,338 resides. The town is well-equipped with essential services, featuring 27 pharmacies and 22 banks within its boundaries. Dining is a significant part of the culture, with approximately 187 restaurants and 44 cafes offering a wide range of culinary options, from local tapas to international cuisine. The municipality maintains a high standard of public infrastructure, including 5 schools and various sports facilities, contributing to a well-rounded living environment.

Climate & Weather

Benalmádena enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, averaging 3,752 hours of sunshine annually. The average yearly temperature is approximately 16.1°C, with January being the coolest month at 10.1°C and August the warmest at 24.4°C. Rainfall is concentrated primarily in the winter months, with the town recording around 60 days of rain per year. The wettest month is typically November with 77 mm of precipitation, while the summer months of July and August are extremely dry, seeing only 1-2 mm of rain. This climate allows for outdoor activities to be enjoyed year-round.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 12.0° 16.3°8.5° 46 mm 253h
February 13.0° 17.1°9.4° 33 mm 267h
March 14.4° 18.4°10.4° 96 mm 299h
April 16.3° 20.1°12.4° 44 mm 334h
May 19.6° 23.4°15.5° 22 mm 390h
June 23.5° 27.4°19.3° 7 mm 402h
July 26.0° 30.0°21.9° 1 mm 408h
August 26.3° 30.1°22.4° 5 mm 391h
September 23.4° 27.1°19.7° 25 mm 337h
October 19.8° 23.6°16.3° 65 mm 294h
November 15.5° 19.6°12.1° 62 mm 260h
December 13.0° 17.0°9.7° 49 mm 253h

Getting Around

The town is highly accessible due to its strategic location within the Málaga metropolitan area and proximity to major transport links. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the closest air travel hub, located just 9.2 km away, while Gibraltar Airport is 88.6 km distant. Public transport is robust, managed by the CTAM with 9 bus lines and 15 stops connecting the different parts of the municipality. The area is also serviced by the Cercanías commuter train network, with stations including Benalmádena - Arroyo de la Miel (0.8 km), El Pinillo (2.0 km), and Torremuelle (3.7 km), facilitating easy travel to Málaga city and Fuengirola.

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

9.2 km

Gibraltar (GIB)

88.5 km

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

397.5 km

Lines

9

Stops

15

Cycling: steep (gradient 6.7%)

EV Charging Points

  • Fuengirola Supercharger (6.2 km)
  • Málaga Supercharger (7.9 km)
  • Powerdot (8.6 km)
  • Shell (8.6 km)
  • Iberdrola (9.7 km)

Nature & Beaches

The natural landscape of Benalmádena includes 9 km of coastline featuring several beaches of high quality. Notable beaches include Playa de Santa Ana, Playa de Bil Bil, and Playa Malapesquera, which are popular for their amenities and promenades. The town holds Blue Flag certifications for its commitment to environmental standards, specifically at Carvajal and Fuente de la Salud beaches. Inland, the area rises to an elevation of 53m, offering trails and viewpoints such as Mirador Los Cañones that provide views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains.

Blue Flag Beaches (2026)

Viewpoints

Marinas

Sports & Recreation

Benalmádena offers extensive options for sports and recreation, boasting 219 sports facilities and 412 distinct activity spaces. Tennis is particularly popular here, with 21 courts available, alongside 5 padel courts and 10 gyms. For golf enthusiasts, there are 9 golf-related facilities in the vicinity, including the nearby Golf Benalmádena Pitch & Putt and Campo de Golf Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Aquatic sports are well-supported by 264 swimming pools, including the Piscina Municipal Virgen del Carmen, while the coastline provides opportunities for water sports. The town also features viewpoints such as Mirador del Lobo and Pico Palomas for those interested in hiking and nature walks.

Gyms

10

Swimming Pools

264

Golf

9

Basketball Courts

1

Tennis Courts

21

Football Fields

3

Padel Courts

5

Athletics

3

Golf Courses

Hotels & Tourism

32 hotels in Benalmadena

5★
1
4★
18
3★
5
2★
4
1★
3
0★
1

Top Hotels

Amenities

Restaurant

185

School

5

Pharmacy

27

Bank

22

Cafe

44

Dentist

8

Official Statistics

Businesses

875

Housing transactions/year

800

Air Quality

PM2.5

8.7

µg/m³

PM10

17.1

µg/m³

NO²

12.6

µg/m³

Ozone

71.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

The municipality provides a solid foundation for education with a total of 5 schools catering to different age groups. Beyond the public system, the Costa del Sol region is well-known for its international schools, many of which are accessible in nearby towns such as Torremolinos and Málaga, offering British and International curriculums. This makes the area suitable for expatriate families looking for continuity in their children's education.

Primary Schools

1

Secondary Schools

0

Economy & Income

The local economy is heavily driven by tourism, services, and the real estate sector, with a population that swells significantly during the summer months. Economic data indicates a net annual income per person of approximately €12,950 and a median income of €16,450. The municipality hosts 875 registered businesses, reflecting a dynamic commercial environment supported by the high influx of international visitors and residents.

Net income/person

€12.950

2023

Net/household

€33.868

Median income

€16.450

Gross/person

€15.602

Local Holidays (34)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Population of 78,338 spread across Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Costa.
  • Located 12 km west of Málaga, covering an area of 27 km².
  • Average of 3,752 sunshine hours and 60 rain days per year.
  • Home to 219 sports facilities, including 21 tennis courts and 9 golf courses.
  • Closest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) at just 9.2 km distance.
  • Features 187 restaurants and 27 pharmacies.
  • Real estate market offers 225 properties, averaging €1.08M.
  • Holds Blue Flag status for Carvajal and Fuente de la Salud beaches.

Neighbourhoods

Benalmadena Pueblo
38 real estate
→
Guadalmar
4 real estate
→
Higueron
62 real estate
→
Los Prados
1 real estate
→
Santa Rosalía
1 real estate
→
Torremuelle
25 real estate
→
Torrequebrada
46 real estate
→

Browse by Property Type

New Build
186 real estate
→
Apartments
80 real estate
→
Villas
67 real estate
→
Penthouses
36 real estate
→
Townhouses
11 real estate
→
New Build
18 real estate
→
Land & Plots
13 real estate
→
Commercial
6 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Benalmádena is active and diverse, currently featuring 225 available properties with prices ranging from €136,000 to €8,500,000. The average property price is approximately €1,086,381, reflecting the mix of luxury villas and standard apartments. Detached villas are the most common listing type with 61 on the market, followed by middle-floor apartments (52) and penthouses (27). This inventory indicates a healthy market for both permanent residences and holiday homes, appealing to a broad spectrum of investors.
New Build (186) Apartments (80) Villas (67) Penthouses (36) Townhouses (11) New Build (18) Land & Plots (13) Commercial (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Benalmádena from Málaga Airport?
Benalmádena is very conveniently located just 9.2 km (approximately 5.7 miles) from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, making it one of the most accessible towns on the coast.
What are the three main parts of Benalmádena?
The town is divided into Benalmádena Pueblo (the traditional white village), Arroyo de la Miel (the commercial and residential center), and Benalmádena Costa (the coastal tourist zone).
Is there a train station in Benalmádena?
Yes, the main station is Benalmádena - Arroyo de la Miel, which connects to Málaga city centre and Fuengirola via the C-1 Cercanías line. Other nearby stops include El Pinillo and Torremuelle.
What is the climate like in the winter?
Winters are mild with an average temperature of 10.1°C in January. It is the wetter season, but the town still experiences plenty of sunny days.
Are there good beaches in Benalmádena?
Yes, the town has several popular beaches including Playa de Santa Ana and Playa de Bil Bil. Carvajal and Fuente de la Salud beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status.
What is the average price of a property in Benalmádena?
Currently, the average property price is approximately €1,086,381, though the market offers a wide range from apartments around €136,000 to luxury villas over €8 million.
Is Benalmádena suitable for families?
Yes, it is very family-friendly with numerous schools, 219 sports facilities, parks, and family attractions like the cable car and Selwo Marina.
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Worth knowing

Buying Process steps to buy apartment Costa del Sol → Costs & Fees buying costs property Spain percentage → Tax & Legal non-resident property tax Spain explained → Living in Spain living on the Costa del Sol as British expat → New Build new build Costa del Sol 2025 completion overview → Rankings Blue Flag Beaches Costa del Sol 2026 →