Complete Travel Guide To Benalmadena Pueblo

We’ve recently returned from a trip to Benalmadena Pueblo, a postcard-perfect Andalusian village famous for its whitewashed streets. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do, where to stay, and a few restaurant recommendations in Benalmadena Pueblo, Spain.

By: Lesley Stewart | March 2025

Among the charming pueblos blancos of Southern Spain, Benalmadena Pueblo is a treasure trove of picture-perfect corners and breathtaking views, with its rich history reflected in its distinctive white-washed houses, pretty church, and cobblestone streets.

Admittedly, when I visited Andalusia last year, Benalmadena Pueblo wasn’t on my radar.

However, a day trip from the coastal town left me speechless, and this tiny village remains one of my favourite destinations on our Southern Spain road trip. Lesser-visited than its increasingly famous counterparts, Mijas and Frigiliana, it is undoubtedly one of the region’s prettiest places.

Benalmadena Pueblo is essentially the old town of Benalmadena, the buzzy beach resort loved by fly-and-chill holidaymakers.

It’s only a short drive from the coast and into the mountains, yet visiting Benalmadena Pueblo felt like stepping into another world — the sheer beauty of its gleaming white streets blew me away, and I was amazed at how peaceful and idyllic it was.

I had the chance to spend a whole day exploring all the beauty this little town has to offer, and can confirm it is perfect for those looking to experience the authentic charm of Andalusia.

One of the region’s renowned white villages, the best things to do in Benalmadena Pueblo are wrapped up in its historic old town streets. Stroll through narrow, cobbled alleys and visit the local shops, quaint cafés, and terraces bars offering al fresco dining.

This guide covers everything to help you make the most of your time in the charming village, how to get to Benalmadena Pueblo, and a few restaurant recommendations.

Benalmadena Pueblo’s Best Hotels & Boutique Getaways

We visited Benalmadena Pueblo on a day trip from the coast and stayed in Hotel Las Arenas (which we highly recommend). However, if you’d like a weekend to explore the village, our favourite stylish stays and boutique small hotels are:

• Hotel Casa Rosa: for the best chic hotel with sea views.

• Boutique Hotel Pueblo: for the best traditional hotel.

• BenalLove: for the best stylish apartment stay (sleeps 2).

• Hotel Las Arenas: for poolside lounging and sea views; the best hotel on the coast.

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Travel tip: The best way to explore Andalusia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Spain is easy, and driving in Southern Spain is safe and straightforward. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

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Southern Spain Trip Planning Guides

If you’re planning a trip to Southern Spain, don’t miss my Andalusia road trip itinerary and white village itinerary, travel guides to Estepona, Marbella, Nerja, Malaga, Benalmadena and guides on day trips to Mijas, Frigiliana, Casares, and San Pedro.

BENALMADENA PUEBLO TRAVEL GUIDE

About the area

An ancient Moorish town, Benalmadena Pueblo’s story stretches back over the centuries, and it is very much worth visiting. With settlements from the Romans to the Arabs and finally Spanish, the village's historical and cultural journey is evident in its church, picturesque streets, and the panoramic views sweeping the countryside to the Mediterranean.

Each corner of the village offers a new discovery, from ancient architecture to vibrant local festivals. We were lucky to visit during the summer feria, a lively week-long festival celebrating Spanish culture and traditions; it very much brought the village’s rich heritage to life.

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BENALMADENA PUEBLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Things to do in Benalmadena Pueblo

1. Wander through the old town

The best way to see Benalmadena’s old town is to wander around on foot. The streets of the historic center weave around the hilltop in a maze of cobblestone alleys and narrow streets, where white-washed buildings are punctuated with vibrant flower boxes and terracotta plant pots.

In traditional pueblo blanco style, you’ll not walk far before you come to a viewpoint, trickling fountain, or pretty courtyard. Don’t worry about losing your way - it’s a compact little village and easy to wander around.

I recommend passing by the early 16th century Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Nearby, you’ll discover gorgeous views over the village from the viewing platform and shaded, leafy gardens at Jardines del Muro.

2. Relax in Plaza de España

As you stroll through the town, you'll find winding streets leading to Benalmadena Pueblos most beautiful plaza, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes, perfect for people-watching and enjoying the local atmosphere.

Around the perimeter, under the shade of umbrellas and canvas, are a scattering of bars serving local beers, wines, and tapas. We enjoyed people-watching from the terrace of Restaurant La Fuente, but for something more formal head to Salu Grill & Wine Restaurant.

3. Churros & coffee

We found one of the best places to eat churros in Benalmadena Pueblo and I suggest making time to order a plate of crispy treats, a pot of chocolate, and a cafe con leche in Churros & You.

4. Visit nearby attractions

Just a short drive away, explore the famous Colomares Castle and learn about this architecturally unique monument honoring Christopher Columbus.

There are also more charming towns and scenic landscapes in the picturesque region of Andalusia to explore, including Frigiliana, Mijas, Casares in the mountains, and Marbella, Estepona and Nerja on the coast.

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How to visit Benalmadena Pueblo

Located in the hills above the town, Benalmadena Pueblo is a day trip from Benalmadena, Torremolinos, or Malaga that can easily be paired with an Andalusia itinerary.

Or stay a little longer and spend the night in a charming whitewashed hotel.

Only a short drive from the buzzy beach resorts and coastal towns, the easiest way to visit is by car. But a regular local bus also whisks you from Benalmadena beachfront to the mountain village in around 30 minutes. Take the M-112, M-121, M-124 or M-126 service from the bus stop in front of the windmill roundabout.

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NEARBY COASTAL TOWNS & VILLAGES

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Finally, if you have any questions about the destination above, get in touch!

Lesley x

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