The beaches of Benalmadena are a popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol, with more than 10 kilometres of coastline where you can find all types of beaches, from urban beaches to more natural and private beaches. Additionally, there are some nudist beaches hidden in small coves, and a canine beach where we can take our pets.
Benalmadena is a great place to stay on holiday, particularly if you are looking for a place near the sea to enjoy its high quality, perfectly equipped and well-signposted beaches. There are also lots of tourist sites to visit, making it an ideal place for a holiday with friends or family.
People wanting to visit these beaches on the Costa del Sol as a group can opt to hire a 7-9 seater car in Malaga, getting a spacious vehicle to start a trip full of stories to tell on the smooth sand beaches of Benalmadena.
Table of Contents
The best beaches in Benalmadena
Along its dozens of kilometres of coastline, Benalmadena has a plethora of beaches to suit all tastes. For that reason, this post contains a selection of some of the best, either because of their services, scenery or the characteristics they offer.
Urban beaches in Benalmadena
For lovers of crowded beaches, bursting with life, leisure activities, sports and restaurants nearby, Benalmadena’s urban beaches are the best option. You can find accommodation in the town and walk to the beach or use public transport.
Santa Ana Beach
This is possibly one of the best beaches in Benalmadena, since it is located in the heart of the town and is therefore well communicated and boasts all types of services. In addition, it has held the Blue Flag award since 2019.
This is a beach of golden sand and calm waters, ideal for families with children. There is also a wide variety of services, including parasol and hammock hire, sports, toilets and some of the most famous restaurants in Benalmadena.
Information of interest
- Location: Centre of Benalmadena
- The best: Central location and services
- The worst: Crowded
Bil-Bil Beach
Bil-Bil Beach in Benalmadena is popular among residents, stretching 400 metres in length and 20 metres wide, with dark sand and a moderate swell. Surrounded by a seafront promenade, its municipally-owned castle is a popular location for cultural events.
If you decide to visit this beach, we recommend you come prepared to spend the day and stay until the evening, since the lighting, exterior gardens and palm trees give it a unique charm.
Information of interest
- Location: Centre of Benalmadena
- The best: Unique setting with its castle and gardens
- The worst: Difficulty parking in August
Fuente de la Salud Beach
Bordering the municipality of Torremolinos, Fuente de la Salud beach is the most easterly beach in Benalmadena. This is possibly one of the most crowded beaches in the area, with a strategic location that makes it very popular with families and tourists.
Surrounded by vegetation, this beach boasts all types of services, including showers, hammocks, parasols, water activities, access for people with reduced mobility and parking in the area of the Puerto Marina Leisure Port, which borders this area of the coast.
Information of interest
- Location: Next to Puerto Marina
- The best: Plethora of activities, services and easy parking
- The worst: Proximity to the port
Los Melilleros Beach
Also known as Arroyo de la Miel beach, this beach in Benalmadena holds the Q for Tourism Quality and the Blue Flag certificate, making it one of the town’s best and most beautiful beaches.
Of a medium size with dark sand, this beach boasts all types of services, including an area with swings for those travelling as a family. It is divided into two areas by a rock, with one quieter area and another more crowded, so it offers an atmosphere to suit every taste.
Information of interest
- Location: Next to Bil-Bil beach
- The best: Beautiful beach with all types of services
- The worst: Crowded
Torrequebrada Beach
This is one of the smallest beaches in Benalmadena. At just 100 metres in length, this stony beach, which adjoins Yucacs Beach, is a much quieter urban beach than the ones mentioned above. Its rocky seabed doesn’t make it a favourite among those who enjoy swimming though, but snorkelling fans love it. Its crystal clear waters reveal a large number of sea urchins, so we recommend visitors wear appropriate footwear, such as water socks.
Information of interest
- Location: Below Torrequebrada Casino
- The best: Quiet beach, ideal for snorkelling
- The worst: Stony surface
Quiet beaches in Benalmadena
At the other end of the scale, visitors wanting to find a quiet beach in Benalmadena which is away from the crowds where they can switch off from the stresses of everyday life, will have an ample choice of small natural coves. Here, they can relax and enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
Las Yucas Beach
Continuing along Torrequebrada Beach, we find Las Yucas beach, somewhat longer and surrounded by trees that protect it from the road. This beach is characterised for its peace and quiet, since it doesn’t have many services, like restaurants or toilets, but it does offer clean and crystal clear waters where you can enjoy a swim away from the crowds.
Information of interest
- Location: Next to Torrequebrada Beach
- The best: Clean and quiet
- The worst: Not accessible for people with reduced mobility
Torrevigia Beach
Torrevigia Beach is one of the smallest and quietest beaches in the area, recommended for families. Stretching 350 metres and with an average width of around 35 metres, it is surrounded by breakwaters and is accessible on foot.
It is equipped with a wide variety of services and infrastructure, including security, lifeguards, showers, hammocks and parasols, parking, restaurants and water sports companies. It is the ideal place for diving since its rocky seabed with crystal clear waters are home to a wide variety of native species.
Information of interest
- Location: Avenida del Sol, near to Torrequebrada Casino
- The best: Quiet beach with all of the services
- The worst: Crowded
Arroyo Hondo Beach
Arroyo Hondo Beach owes its name to the stream that flows onto it. It is situated between the beaches of La Viborilla and Torremuelle, just before you reach Fuengirola. This beach is surrounded by vegetation, dark sand, clean waters and calm waves, ideal for enjoying as a family.
The beach stretches 400 metres in length, with several beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants where you can enjoy something to eat in Benalmadena. Arriving early is recommended since it is usually rather crowded, especially during the summer months.
Information of interest
- Location: Next to the mouth of the Arroyo Hondo river
- The best: Beach with gentle waves and vegetation
- The worst: Crowded because of its proximity to a hotel
Nudist beaches in Benalmadena
Naturist lovers will be able to find two nudist beaches in Benalmadena where they can enjoy an open, yet private, atmosphere with the feel of the sand, sun and saltwater on the skin. Both are located in the same area.
Benalnatura Beach
Benalnatura is a unique nudist beach in Benalmadena and one of the few on the coast of Malaga. Situated between La Viborilla and Las Yucas, it is located in a small cove surrounded by lush vegetation.
The beach is around 100 metres in length and 40 metres wide, and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and a lot of vegetation, providing a quiet atmosphere away from prying eyes. Access to the beach is hidden behind the dense vegetation. This beach has a nudist beach bar (chiringuito) where you can enjoy delicious dishes from its varied menu.
Information of interest
- Location: Avenida del Sol, near to Yuca beach
- The best: Nudist beach bar (chiringuito) and open atmosphere
- The worst: Busy because of its popularity
Viborillas Beach
For those who arrive in Benalmadena looking for a private and quiet beach, Viborillas Beach is the best choice. Surrounded by vegetation and nature, this beach which stretches 500 metres in length has access for people with reduced mobility and is ideal for people looking to enjoy naturism with privacy.
Its waters contain a plethora of marine species and native vegetation from the area, so it is a perfect beach for lovers of diving.
Information of interest
- Location: Avenida del Sol, near to Yuca beach
- The best: Privacy and nature
- The worst: Rocky seabed
Canine beaches in Benalmadena
Visitors wanting to discover the beaches of Benalmadena with their canine friends will find Benalcan beach for pets is perfectly equipped to attend to their fluffy animals.
Benalcan Beach
This beach is situated at the side of Arroyo Hondo beach and boasts all of the services, like showers for dogs, drinking bowls, dog poo bin, notice boards and posts to define the area.
Given that the users of the beach are pets, special attention is given to cleaning the sand, its entrances and collecting the contents of the bins. Although it is a small beach, of no more than 70 metres in length, it is a haven for dog lovers.
Information of interest
- Location: Arroyo Hondo Beach
- The best: Equipment for pets’ comfort
- The worst: Small area and delimited by another beach
Map of the best beaches in Benalmadena
Have you already decided which is the best beach in Benalmadena for your visit to the town? Do you prefer crowded beaches or are you looking for peace and quiet? If you still haven’t decided, you can see the location of all of the beaches mentioned in this post on this map, so you can find them easily and enjoy a fantastic day in the sun.
If you want to know the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, you can consult our post, and visit as many as you can on your trip.