Holidays to Benalmadena
Set on the sensational Costa del Sol, holidays to Benalmadena offer up endless golden sands, gentle waves and old school beach bars for the fly and floppers, and heavenly hilltop views, wondrous wildlife and a whole lotta history for the adventurers. Basically, the full holiday works.
Say hello to the sunshine coast
Benalmadena’s got bags of beautiful beaches. Soak up rays for days at Bil Bil Beach, splash about in gentle Mediterranean waters at Arroyo de la Miel or escape to the secluded sands of Las Yucas for a little peace and quiet.
This is also a brilliant base for exploring the dazzling Costa del Sol. A ten-minute coastal drive will see you tanning on the beaches of Torremolinos, while in 40 minutes, you could be vibing with VIPs in Marbella’s exclusive beach clubs.
Costa del Sky
You can spot plenty of Benalmadena’s sights from a cable car, with the whole coast stretching out in front of you. Hop aboard in the town centre for the 15-minute ride up to the top of Mount Calamorro. As well as mesmerising views of the Med, cast your eyes over the lush Guadalhorce Valley, Mijas peak, the Sierra Nevada – and even some falconry when you get to the top.
On a clear day, you can look all the way back to Blighty! Kind of. The Rock of Gibraltar sticks up in the sky to your southeast.
Have a wild one
Are you ready to unleash your inner Attenborough? Make a beeline for the Selwo Marina to spend your day with dolphins, say hello to sea lions and pay the penguins a visit.
If you prefer your wildlife winged, swoop over to Benalmadena Butterfly Park. The beautiful Thai temple is aflutter with over 1,500 freely flying friends. There’s more airborne action at Monte Calamorro’s peak, with a falconry show featuring eagles, owls, vultures and falcons.
Nighttime is the right time
Here to party? Make some noise! Plaza Solymar and Puerto Marina will hear your call. Start your night right at Kaleido – a waterside watering hole where you can drink and dance into the early hours. Sip cava, chug cervezas or dance to DJs with your favourite mocktail in hand.
To shimmy by the shore, head for Forever Beach Club and bop beneath the palms. It’s all neon lights, sea views and tropical tipples. Right on the marina, Los Brothers is the place to people watch pre- or post-party.
Sneak Peek
Best for... A bargain beach break (almost) all year round 💸
Go... To Playa de Bil-Bil for Benalmadena bronzing with castle views 🏰
You have to... See the sights from above on the Benalmadena cable car 🚡
Benalmadena holiday deals
Use the filters to narrow down by price, star rating, board basis, departure airport and more
Prices and availability may change, confirm with the provider before booking. Mandatory fees may not be included in all prices.
Holiday World Polynesia Hotel
8.6
Very Good
- 25 Oct 2026
- 4 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Belfast Intl
Prices from
Bali
8
Good
- 14 Nov 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Palmasol
8.7
Excellent
- 14 Nov 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
MedPlaya Hotel Alba Beach
8.4
Very Good
- 10 Jun 2027
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Belfast Intl
Prices from
Last-minute Benalmadena holidays
Prices and availability may change, confirm with the provider before booking. Mandatory fees may not be included in all prices.
Holiday World Polynesia Hotel
8.6
Very Good
- 1 Oct 2026
- 4 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Belfast Intl
Prices from
Bali
8
Good
- 20 Oct 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Palmasol
8.7
Excellent
- 20 Oct 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Key facts
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Spanish
Time difference
GMT+2
Cost of a beer
€2-4
3-course meal
€15-35
Flight time
3h
Things to explore
Top beaches: Seas the day!
If you come to Benalmadena, you’ve simply got to hit the beach. That’s pretty much the law here. With its castle backdrop, Playa de Bil-Bil is the king of all-in-one beach days. Golden sand and calm waters as standard with showers, sun beds and beach bars for refreshments between bronzing. If you prefer to earn your rest, work up a sweat on the water with banana boats and parasails at Arroyo de la Miel. Or escape the tourist trail on the serene Blue Flag sands of Carvajal and enjoy a more relaxed beach day.
Culture and history: Oldies as golden as the sand
It’s impossible to miss Bil-Bil castle. Built almost a century ago, it’s a bright red neo-Arabic palace right by the sea. Elsewhere, the Benalmadena Stupa is a dazzling Buddhist monument perched above the coast, perfect for a meditative moment with panoramic views of the Med. Built in the 1980s, Castillo de Colomares castle may be a historical whippersnapper. But its mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine finishes are like something out of a fairy tale. If you’ve still got room to be wowed, hit the Jardines del Muro to let out some final ooh and aahs.
Family-friendly: Plans for the whole clan
Benalmadena’s sheltered coves and warm shallow waters make for the best family beach days. But when everyone needs a little wander away from the waves, take young and old to Selwo Aventura. A who’s who of the animal kingdom, this wild adventure park is the place to peer at red pandas, gawp at gazelles and mimic meerkats. For the more adventurous, there’s ziplining and trampolining. If you prefer your wildlife under the waves, eyeball some sharks in the Jurassic Tunnel at Sea Life.
When to go to Benalmadena
The best time to bronze on Benalmadena’s beaches is between June and September. At this time of year, temps are teetering in the high 20Cs, and the locals have forgotten what rain clouds look like.
For a break that doesn’t cost-a lot, book cheap holidays to Benalmadena between November and April. With temperatures often still hitting the high teens, the beach is not off the table.
The sweet spot between bargains and beaming sunshine are the shoulder seasons in May and October. Low to mid-20Cs temps keep beach days in the picture. And with fewer tourists on the sand, you’ll have a little more room to siesta in the sun.
