Weather forecast Benalmadena

Benalmadena (including rainfall and temperature averages)

A short way away from the notorious Torremolinos and slightly lower key, Benalmadena is very popular with British holiday makers. This is unsurprising: with over three hundred days of sunshine each year, and temperatures as high as 35° in summer, it’s the perfect place to forget all about the terrible English weather. It was developed later than most of the Costa del Sol resorts and as a result it still has a feel of the fishing village it once was. Seventies concrete jungles have no place here!

The town is divided into Benalmadena Pueblo, the old village, and Benalmadena Resort, where most tourist activities take place. The Pueblo sits high on a hill overlooking the coast. The few British expats who have moved there have done so for reasons of privacy and tend to keep themselves very much to themselves, with the result that this remains a fairly authentic Andalusian village of whitewashed houses in cobbled streets. It’s the place to go if you want to sample local culture; in the street bars, tapas of fresh fish and shellfish accompanied by spicy patatas bravas are washed down with beer, sherry or tinto de verano – red wine and lemonade, which is what the locals drink instead of sangria.

Benalmadena Resort is far livelier, with a wide variety of leisure activities and a nightlife to rival any on the Costa del Sol. Families and singles alike will love the eight kilometres of white sand beaches, some wide and long and others hidden away in coves along the shoreline. For those who like walking the promenade is one of the most beautiful on the Costa del Sol, stretching for several kilometres between the Marina and Torremolinos, lined with chiringuitos (beach bars) and cafes, all shaded by beautiful palms. Two ancient watchtowers along the way remind you of the region’s Moorish heritage. You can try all kinds of water sports at the yacht club and there’s a selection of golf courses nearby. Tivoli amusement park in nearby Arroyo del Mar has Wild West and flamenco shows that appeal to all ages, and, rather bizarrely, a cable car ride. The Selwo Marina Dolphinarium and Marine Centre puts on fantastic dolphin acrobatic displays; it also has the biggest shark collection in Europe.

The Marina, which has space for over 1,000 yachts, has won several awards for its design, and it really comes into its own at night. There are hundreds of restaurants here, catering to all tastes, from fish and chips, to tapas, to Chinese, French and even Lebanese cuisine. Wherever you go, the seafood will be delicious. The bars and clubs are similarly varied; singles will love the foam parties at Solimar Plaza, while plenty of famous house DJs have regular nights in the town. Alternatively, there are a number of live jazz bars offering a more sophisticated feel, or salsa classes that turn into late late parties. With everything within easy walking distance, there’s no need to choose – just move on as the mood takes you!