Puerto Marina, located in Benalmádena, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. This marina stands out for its impressive architecture and wide range of activities, making it a landmark for both tourists and locals.
In Puerto Marina, you will find incredible entertainment options for the whole family. Additionally, its proximity to Benalmádena’s beaches makes it the perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sea.
If you want to explore the region comfortably, an excellent option is to hire an automatic car at Malaga Airport. This way, you can easily travel and discover all the wonderful places that the Costa del Sol has to offer.
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History of Puerto Marina
The idea for the construction of Puerto Marina emerged in the 1970s, with the goal of combining a marina with residential and commercial areas. It was inaugurated in 1980, with an innovative design that reflects Andalusian and Mediterranean tradition, quickly becoming a tourist reference and receiving several awards for its quality and functionality.
The architect responsible for the design was Eduardo Oria, who worked on the vision of creating a port that was not only a docking area for boats but also a comfortable and beautiful space for residents and visitors.
This architectural model is characterized by its mix of Arabic, Andalusian, and Mediterranean styles with white buildings and blue details that evoke an atmosphere similar to that of a small coastal town in the Mediterranean.
Over the years, Puerto Marina has evolved and expanded its facilities to maintain its appeal.
Puerto Marina Today
Today, Puerto Marina remains one of the most visited tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. Its facilities include over 1,000 berths for boats of various sizes and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer a complete experience for both tourists and locals.
The port is not only a leisure and entertainment center but also the ideal place for nautical and sports activities where visitors can enjoy boat trips, fishing excursions, and water sports such as diving and paddle surfing. Additionally, the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium remains a particularly popular attraction among families visiting the area.
What to Do in Puerto Marina
Puerto Marina offers a wide range of activities and experiences for all tastes. Below, we talk about the most popular among visitors and locals.
Nautical and Sports Activities
You can rent boats to explore the coast, participate in dolphin watching tours, or simply enjoy sunset cruises that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline.
For water sports enthusiasts, Puerto Marina offers numerous activities such as diving or snorkeling to explore the region’s underwater life. It is also possible to practice paddle surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing, activities that will give you the adrenaline rush you seek on your vacation.
Puerto Marina Shopping Center
This shopping center is a landmark for shopping in Benalmádena. Located in the heart of Puerto Marina, it offers a wide variety of shops and services ranging from fashion boutiques to electronics stores, including both national and international brands.
One of the most outstanding features of Puerto Marina Shopping is its gastronomic offer, as the shopping center houses restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from traditional Spanish to international dishes.
Important Information:
- Hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Location: Puerto Deportivo s/n 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
Events and Cultural Activities
Puerto Marina is a place full of events and cultural activities throughout the year.
One of the most notable is the Craft Market, which takes place every year and offers visitors the chance to buy local products, crafts, and unique souvenirs. If you plan your visit during the summer, you are very likely to find this market on weekends.
In the cultural field, Puerto Marina usually organizes outdoor concerts during the summer months. These concerts are usually free and open to the public.
Malapesquera Beach
Located near Puerto Marina, this beach is one of the most well-known in Benalmádena and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. Additionally, the beach is equipped with showers, restrooms, and access ramps, making it accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Sea Life Benalmádena
This aquarium is one of the main attractions of the port, ideal for families and children. Here you can see a wide variety of marine life and learn about ocean conservation.
Among the most notable marine species that can be found in Sea Life Benalmádena are the shark and ray tanks, as well as the colorful coral reefs with tropical fish. The aquarium also houses smaller and fascinating species such as seahorses and jellyfish, offering a complete view of marine biodiversity.
One of the main attractions is the underwater tunnel, where visitors can walk surrounded by water and observe marine creatures from all angles, providing a unique experience. Additionally, the touch pool allows direct interaction (under staff supervision) with certain marine invertebrates, such as starfish.
Important Information:
- Hours: Every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Price: from 19.50 €
- Phone: 952 56 01 50
- Location: Puerto Deportivo s/n 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
Restaurants and Nightlife
Whether you prefer dancing until dawn in the nightclubs or relaxing in the beach bars or restaurants in Benalmádena by the sea, Puerto Marina has options for all tastes.
The nightclubs in Puerto Marina are known for their themed parties, live DJs, and dance floors that beat to the rhythm of the music until the early hours of the morning.
In addition to the nightclubs, if you are looking for a quieter option, you will also find beach bars with live music, outdoor dining where you can enjoy delicious paellas, and a cozy atmosphere that perfectly complements the warm Mediterranean nights.
How to Get to Puerto Marina
How to Get to Puerto Marina by Public Transport
Bus
Several bus lines connect Puerto Marina with nearby cities. The M-110 line is one of the most used, as it runs along the coast from Málaga to Benalmádena. Buses are frequent and have stops near the port, making it a good option to visit Puerto Marina. You can check the schedules and frequency here.
Train
The C1 commuter train that connects Málaga with Fuengirola passes through Benalmádena. The nearest station to Puerto Marina is Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel. From the station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the port in about 10 minutes.
How to Get to Puerto Marina by Car
To get to Puerto Marina by car, you can take the A-7 highway (also known as the Mediterranean Highway) and exit at exit number 222 towards Benalmádena/Arroyo de la Miel.
Once there, follow the signs to the port and you will find several public parking lots available near the area.
Map of Puerto Marina
Below, we mark on a map the main attractions mentioned in this post, hoping that it will help you organize your visit to Puerto Marina and make the most of everything this beautiful destination has to offer.
During your visit to Puerto Marina, you can also explore Parque de la Paloma, with its wide green areas and lake; Torremolinos, with its beaches and nightlife; and Mijas Pueblo, a charming white village that offers an authentic Andalusian experience.
