Sitting on the Costa del Sol, just a short train ride from Málaga, Benalmádena offers something of a split personality. It isn't just one place, but three distinct areas rolled into one. Living in Benalmádena gives you the chance to enjoy a lively coastal strip, a bustling Spanish town, as well as a quiet, traditional whitewashed village.
Is Benalmádena nice?
Down by the sea, you have Benalmádena Costa, which is the lively, tourist-focused part with its award-winning marina, long beaches and countless bars. In the middle is Arroyo de la Miel, a bustling town centre with a more local Spanish feel and the train station. Then, set back on the hillside, is Benalmádena Pueblo, a traditional and peaceful Andalusian whitewashed village with cobbled streets and fantastic views. This variety is its main strength; you can choose the energetic holiday atmosphere or a much quieter, more authentic experience, all within the same area.
Is Benalmádena safe?
In terms of safety, Benalmádena is generally considered a safe destination, but like any busy holiday spot, it pays to be sensible. You’ll want to keep an eye on your belongings around the more crowded tourist areas, particularly the marina and beachfront at night. The Pueblo, being much quieter, generally feels very safe and peaceful. Overall, serious crime is not a major concern; it’s more about being mindful of opportunistic petty theft, as you would in any popular resort.
5 reasons why you should live in Benalmadena
- The weather is a big one. You get those lovely, long summers, but because you're right on the coast, there's usually a bit of a sea breeze to stop things from getting too stifling. The winters are really mild, too.
- It’s dead easy to get around. You're right in the heart of the Costa del Sol and on the main train line, so you can pop into Málaga city in 20 minutes.
- It’s properly set up for real life. It’s not just a holiday resort that shuts down in winter. On a practical note, there are some great international schools, which is a big draw for families, and you’re well-covered for health centres and all the day-to-day stuff.
- You'll meet people from all over. It’s a real melting pot. You’ll hear English spoken just as much as Spanish, along with plenty of other languages.
- You can pick your pace of life. You can have a quiet life up in the peaceful, traditional Pueblo or find a calm residential area, but you’re only ever five minutes from the buzz of the marina and the beachfront when you fancy a bit of action.
Best neighbourhoods to live in Benalmadena
Choosing the right neighbourhood is key to enjoying life in Benalmádena. The town really has three or four different personalities, so it’s all about finding the one that fits you best.
Arroyo de la Miel
This is the functioning heart of Benalmádena, the commercial centre that connects the coast to the old village. It's where you'll find the train station, the main shops, and a genuine sense of everyday Spanish life away from the main tourist strip. It's a practical and down-to-earth place to live, popular with both Spanish residents and expats looking for year-round convenience.
Benalmádena Pueblo
Set back in the hills, the Pueblo is the original Benalmádena. It feels a world away from the coast, with its classic Andalusian look of whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and geranium-filled balconies. The atmosphere here is much quieter and more traditional, offering a slower pace of life for its residents.
Benalmádena Costa
This is the part of town dedicated to sun and sea. It's where you'll find the long sandy beaches, the extensive promenade lined with restaurants, and the majority of the holiday accommodation. Life here revolves around the coast, and it has a distinctly international and seasonal feel, being busiest during the summer months.
Solymar
Located right next to the Puerto Marina, Solymar is the main hub for nightlife. It’s particularly popular with a younger crowd due to its concentration of late-night bars and clubs around Plaza Solymar. During the day, it's a busy area with plenty of restaurants and activities, blending into the general energy of the Costa.
Cost of living in Benalmádena
The cost of living in Benalmádena is fairly typical for a popular spot on the Costa del Sol. It's not the cheapest place in Spain, but it's certainly more affordable than the bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Day-to-day expenses are quite reasonable. You can grab a simple lunch at a local spot for about €13, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back around €50. A cold beer by the sea is usually between €3 and €4. Getting around is easy on the wallet, too; a single bus journey is €1.55, and it’s cheaper if you get a travel pass, which is a good tip for anyone staying long-term. For a standard flat, you can expect your monthly utility bills to land somewhere between €100 and €200.
Housing will be your biggest outlay, as you'd expect. Based on data from August 2025, property prices in Benalmádena averaged around €3,903 per m², with apartments for sale starting from about €130,000. If you're looking to rent, average prices were around €16.1 per m². To put that in perspective, an 80 m² flat would cost you about €1,288 per month, though you can find studio flats starting from around €650 a month.
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