Benalmádena: Discovering the Coastal Treasures Hidden in Southern Spain
Benalmádena, Spain:
With COVID reaching its one year lockdown anniversary in Europe it would be an understatement to say that I have missed traveling. While so much of the world is still closed, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Benalmádena Spain for part of my break week. I know not everyone is comfortable with travel right now and everyone is entitled to make their own choices based on what’s best for them. For us, because we are essential workers who haven’t had a single day off during all the hard lockdowns, we decided to take all the necessary precautions and still make this trip happen. Below I will explain more of what it’s like to travel during these times.
Benalmádena Spain is where we decided to call “home base” for our trip. When originally planning our vacation we were mostly looking into Marbella. However when I went to book the flights I realized the airport was in Málaga (the larger region) and there was some distance between these two cities. I also knew we wanted to visit some other cities on day trips and Benalmádena was a great central hub for all of these different locations. Let’s take a look at what you can find in this article. Click the link for any section if you want to skip ahead:
Quick Guide:
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Traveling with COVID:
We knew that we would need to get a PCR test in order to travel to Spain. Right now every country has different requirements and they’re changing quite frequently. We almost had a big issue on our way back due to new regulations imposed the day before we returned to Vienna. On the trip there we flew from Vienna to Zurich and then to Málaga. All we needed to do was fill out the preregistration covid health forms. After this, we were sent a QR code which allowed us into a “fast pass” lane for the health screening once we landed in Spain. They randomly select someone in your group to check temperatures and that was all we had to do!
Our trip back was a bit more hectic. We arrived an hour earlier than we expected in order to give us some time to sort things out if any issues arose. Boy oh boy did we need it. The regulations originally said we could fly home and get an antigen test upon arrival within 24 hours. However, when we got to the airport they would not let us check in or get our boarding passes until we went to the health center to get the antigen test. This was honestly very stressful (but overall a straight forward, albeit, slow and somewhat painful process). Once we had our test it was simple once again! Just needed to show test, pre register to travel and you’re good to go!
TRANSPORTATION :
Transportation from Málaga airport:
We decided to take the train to our AirBnB. It was only €2.50 per person and our host recommended it. It took us half an hour (by car it would be about 10 minutes and €30). Our AMAZING host picked us up from the train station to save us from walking up hills with our bags. They actually have a private elevator from the street up to the apartment. This is helpful for day to day needs. We didn’t need to walk up and down the hill as long as you have the keys!
TRANSPORTATION in town:
For transportation we wanted to try to use public because the prices were so reasonable but the distances combined with the unreliable schedule of the buses all morning made us realize if we really wanted to have our freedom to enjoy the few days we have, we needed to rent a car. We spent around 4 hours trying to find a place that was open and could actually help us, and eventually we ended up at Good Morning rent a car. The guy was very friendly and gave us lots of recommendations for things outside of the car rental.
We rented for 4 days and we were given a day free so we spent €115 in total . The deposit is €400 which is a bit steep but as long as there are no issues with the return then it’s not a problem. The guy was kind enough to even drive us to the train station to get back to the airport. If you need a car in the Benalmádena area, I highly recommend them!
Address: Av. Antonio Machado, 60, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
ACCOMMODATION in Benalmádena:
We chose an AirBnB. This is usually the way I prefer to stay. I like some privacy and the ability to have control over my own time table most of the trip. We did consider two resorts, and trust me there are PLENTY to choose from, but ultimately (especially with COVID) we decided that an AirBnB would be best. Our host are truly amazing, I cannot stress this enough. Both of them are so friendly and informative. They gave us a quick tour of the surrounding area, and made sure we had everything we could need for our stay (bathrobes, toiletries, towels, sunscreen, yours mat, shopping bag, iron, a complete welcome packet and a welcome bottle of local wine on ice !). Our hosts were so quick to respond to any messages and gave lots of recommendations.
The apartment itself was lovely. Downstairs we had the living room and kitchen , with washer and fire place that leads into the bedroom. You can then go up to the roof via a spiral staircase. Up top there is the hot tub with wonderful views of the ocean! They also have a private infinity pool. My only complaint is that I didn’t realize how far we were from the actually cities of Marbella and Malaga. It was a trek to go to either city (1hr + by public) which is once again where the recommendations for a car really come into play.
If you want to take a look at a wide range of accommodation you can start here:
ACTIVITIES in Benalmádena:
For a lot of these activities I will write separate review post because there’s just SO much information and so many fascinating things I want to share. Below you can find summaries of the things we did from our home base in Benalmádena.
Castillo Monumento Colomares:
This miniature castle was one of the coolest things we went to and it was a total surprise for me from my partner. He told me to drive and didn’t tell me where we were going and when I saw it as we came down the hill I was so shocked! I absolutely adored this place. Highly recommend going and checking it out, you only need about half an hour to 45 minutes to really walk the full grounds. Bonus, there’s a little dog that greets you and “guards the gate” inside. Entrance was €2.50.
Address: Finca la Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga
Plenty of playas:
We were only about 100 meter walk down from the elevator to the cliff down to the beach. Depending on where you are you have rocky cliff beaches as well as sandy beaches.
Day trip to Marbella, Marbella old town:
Marbella is known for being one of the playgrounds of the rich and being extravagant. While it does live up to that reputation, it’s not all it has to offer. The Casco Antiguo (old town) was an enchanting surprise filled with balconies, flower boxes, churches and cafes aplenty. Marbella has a rich history that was once home to Phonecian, Visigoths, Romans and Moors. The old town is truly a historical legacy of the Islamic era 8th-15th century and the subsequent Christian conquest. The Islamic tradition of creating patterns, pictures designs out of pebbles/stones in the beautiful streets. This is also where so many of the fantastic restaurants are found. I can highly recommend Mia cafe in the old town. For full reviews please check my Marbella day trip post!
Day trip to Málaga:
Málaga is one of those places that has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re one of those people who loves to spend your time traipsing around from city to city , monument to monument then there are plenty of sites and day trips you can easily plan a week full of adventure. If you’re one of those people who’s aim is to do nothing but sprawl out on a lounger underneath the sunshine while you drink delicious sangria then look no further. The city has a slow paced , no rushing to be found- it’s just not the Spanish way. Some places I highly recommend to visit are Paseo De España, Castillo de Gobralfaro, and the Cathedral de la encarnacíon de Málaga. For full reviews please check my Málaga day trip post!
Day trip to Ronda:
Another wonderful little gem located 100 kilometers from Málaga makes a great morning day trip. You can even pair this with another city (such as old town Marbella) and make a full day adventure. The highlights of this town are Plaza de Toros de Ronda, Puente Nuevo and St Mary Major church. For reviews on all of these places please check out my Ronda day trip post!
Day trip to Puerto Banus and the golden mile:
Puerto Banus is the Harbor where you walk in and see the yachts and massive sailboats you always dream of owning. They have lots of restaurants, shops and other things to keep you entertained if “window shopping” for your favorite personal cruise liner isn’t your cup of tea.
What to Eat in Benalmádena:
Trocadero:
This was our one big splurge meal. It is definitely classified as fine dining. The food is incredible and the view is spectacular. The price point reflects these however so if traveling on a budget maybe skip unless you want one splurge like we did. 10/10
Yucas:
This is a place that’s all about the great views & drinks. 9/10
La Bella Bambina:
We ended up here late at night upon arrival and they had fantastic sangria and good tapas 9/10
Malibu beach bar:
This is the spot if you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and younger crowds 8/10
Happy Travels xx
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Trip: March 2021
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