Costa BridgeSpain Relocation Preparation

Benalmádena

A lively resort town with a world-class marina, hilltop village and cable car — mid-way between Málaga and Fuengirola.

Suited to: Families · Retirees · Holiday-rental investors · Marina lovers

Costa
Costa del Sol
Province
Málaga
Population
~71,000
British Community
~3,700
Airport
Málaga–Costa del Sol (~15 km direct train)
Train
Cercanías Málaga C1

Photo by Valentina Sotnikova on Unsplash

About this place

Benalmádena is one of the Costa del Sol's original resorts and it still delivers. The town is a three-part package: Benalmádena Costa (the beach resort), Arroyo de la Miel (the commercial hub with restaurants and nightlife) and Benalmádena Pueblo (the whitewashed Andalusian village in the hills above).
The Puerto Marina is a highlight — once voted 'best marina in the world' and still one of Málaga province's most popular destinations. The Selwo Marina, Sea Life aquarium and Butterfly Park add to the family appeal.
For British relocation planners, Benalmádena offers established infrastructure, direct train access, year-round activity and a busy social scene. It is more affordable than Marbella, more touristy than Fuengirola, and has a cable car to the top of Mount Calamorro.

Explore Benalmádena

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Coming soon

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Coming soon

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Coming soon

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

Coming soon

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Coming soon

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Coming soon

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Coming soon

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Coming soon

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Coming soon

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Last updated: 05/07/2026

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