Hotels in Benalmádena

Benalmádena is really three towns stitched together: the old hill village of Benalmádena Pueblo, the marina development of Puerto Marina, and the beachfront sprawl of Benalmádena Costa, which is where most visitors actually stay. It's a package-holiday resort in the classic Costa del Sol mould, built up fast from the seventies onward, with a Sea Life aquarium, a cable car up Mount Calamorro, and a casino among its draws.

Be honest: the coastal strip is dense with high-rise apartment blocks and chain restaurants, and it doesn't have the historic charm of towns further along the coast. Puerto Marina, though, is genuinely well done, with yachts, seafood restaurants and a lively evening promenade. It's a short drive from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which makes it easy to reach but also means summer crowds and traffic.