Is Benalmadena Safe? Tips From A Local (2026)

“Is Benalmadena safe?” It’s probably one of the questions that comes to your mind when planning your trip to Benalmadena.

I’m from Costa del Sol, so I can tell you from personal experience about how safe Benalmadena is and tips to make your experience better.

I’ve never had a bad experience in Benalmadena, and neither have my family who used to work there or my friends.

Does it mean it’s completely safe? No, as with any other destination, there are some things to be aware of.

I’ve curated this guide for you with all the important information about safety in Benalmadena.

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Important: This article is based on research and my experience as a Costa del Sol local who has visited Benalmadena numerous times. It’s a guide to understanding what safety is like in Benalmadena and provides local tips to help you have a better holiday.

Table of Contents

Is it safe to travel to Benalmadena? An overview

Things happen in Benalmadena as well as in the rest of Costa del Sol and other destinations.

But overall, Benalmadena is safe for travellers and expats. It’s multicultural, police patrol busy areas and events, and there aren’t major concerns regarding extreme weather.

So, what are the most common crimes in Benalmadena?

One of the first things to be aware of is drugs. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in drug traffic in Benalmadena and its surroundings.

However, you shouldn’t come across any drug dealers unless you visit a marginal area. Also, it’s good to watch out for drugs in nightclubs.

Pickpocketing isn’t a big deal in Benalmadena, but keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, such as the beaches, street markets, or buses.

The best areas in Benalmadena

Benalmadena Pueblo

Benalmadena is always seen as a touristy destination, and don’t get me wrong, there are touristy areas with lots of international restaurants and everything in English.

However, if you prefer a more authentic experience, you can do so by visiting Benalmádena Pueblo.

The old town of Benalmadena hasn’t lost its charm and continues to be the most authentic area. Enjoy the stunning coastal views, walk on beautiful whitewashed streets and make the most of the quietness. Not only is this part charming, but safe, too.

When visiting Benalmadena Pueblo, I wouldn’t miss the Castillo de Colomares (Colomares Castle), one of the prettiest castles in Malaga and the Estupa de la Iluminación de Benalmádena (Buddhist Temple).

If you have kids, you might also want to check out the Mariposario de Benalmadena (Butterfly Park).

Torrequebrada

Torrequebrada is a safe residential area known for its luxurious houses and golf course. It’s a tranquil place near all the essential facilities you need: shops, restaurants, hospitals, schools and sports centres.

If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay in Benalmadena, this is your place.

Some of the best things to do and see in Torrequebrada are playing golf at Golf Torrequebrada, visiting La Yuca Beach and going to a beach club and restaurant like Trocadero.

Benalmadena Costa

Benalmadena Costa is the most touristy part of Benalmadena and also the liviest.

You can find many hotels, attractions, shops, restaurants and bars here. You’re close to the marina, beaches and a lovely promenade that goes all the way from Puerto Marina to Bil Bil Castle.

The area is safe, but it’s probably the part of Benalmadena where you need to watch out for your belongings the most, as more people are around.

However, there aren’t any other safety concerns around the area. It’s a good place for those looking for a family summer holiday because of the wide range of attractions for children you can find, from Parque de la Paloma (Paloma Park) to Selwo Marina and SEALIFE.

Some of the best things to do and see in Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel are wandering Puerto Marina, having a picnic at Parque de la Paloma, seeing Bil Bil Castle and taking the Benalmadena cable car.

This is also the best area in Benalmadena to practice water sports!

Are there any dangerous areas in Benalmadena?

No. Overall, Benalmadena is a very safe destination, so there isn’t a reason to worry about the safety of this coastal town near Malaga.

Tips for sightseeing in Benalmadena

I’ve visited Benalmadena many times as I don’t live far from it, and I’ve never had any concerns while walking or visiting Benalmadena attractions.

However, here are a few tips for sightseeing in Benalmadena:

Wear SPF 50, especially during the summer months. Benalmadena, as well as the rest of Costa del Sol, enjoys plenty of sunshine. During the summer, the sun’s rays are very high, and it’s easy to get sunburned even when you aren’t sunbathing on the beach.
Book attraction tickets in advance. I’ve never encountered a situation where they sold out tickets, but this can happen during the peak season. You can sometimes find cheaper tickets online.
Avoid tourist trap restaurants. There are many tourist traps in Benalmadena Costa because it’s the most popular area among travellers. The clearest sign you’re about to eat in a tourist trap is national flags and translations on the menu.
Keep an eye on your belongings in Puerto Marina.

Benalmadena has plenty of attractions to see; however, if you have enough time, I highly recommend going on day trips from Benalmadena.

Mijas Pueblo is one of my favourite Andalusian whitewashed towns near Benalmadena. You can explore the picturesque streets with flower pots, admire the coastal views and have delicious tapas. Other popular excursions include Caminito del Rey and Gibraltar.

Safety tips for beaches in Benalmadena

Cristina in the swing located in Torremuelle Beach, Benalmadena, Spain

Benalmadena has some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol. Many have blue flags that showcase their cleanliness and great facilities, including for travellers with reduced mobility.

Beaches in Benalmadena are safe, and many are sandy beaches. You’ll find lifeguards during the summer months, and some beaches also have Red Cross stalls in case of any small injuries or incidents on the beach.

There aren’t any specific safety tips for going to the beach in Benalmadena; just follow the same rules as you’d do on other beaches. For example:

Avoid sunbathing at the beach during the strongest sun hours (from 1 pm to 5 pm) in July and August.
Check out the beach flag before swimming in the sea. Don’t risk it if it’s red!
Don’t leave your things unattended. If you go with a group of friends or family, I highly recommend someone staying where your things are, especially if you have your purse, phone, etc.
Keep the beach clean. Be a responsible traveller and tidy up after yourself.

Safety tips for driving in Benalmadena

Driving in Benalmadena and its surroundings isn’t difficult. The roads are well-maintained across the town, and the same applies to the motorways.

I’ve driven many times in Malaga and nearby towns, but I also used to drive in the UK, so if you’re from the UK or other countries where people drive on the left-hand side of the road, you want to know a few things about driving in Spain:

We, Spaniards, drive on the right-hand side of the road. I’d be careful with roundabouts as you take them differently.
Avoid the traffic by driving outside the peak hours. Most locals go to work between 7 and 9 a.m. and go back home between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Check out the speed limits; they differ from the UK. Also, there’s a major presence of speed cameras in Spain, so be careful with that. The last thing you want is to get a fine!

🚗 If you’re looking for a rental car, Discover Cars offers the best car hire deals.

Frequently asked questions about safety in Benalmadena, Spain

Is Benalmadena safe at night?

Yes, Benalmadena is safe at night.

Is Benalmadena safe to live in?

Yes, Benalmadena is a safe place to live in Costa del Sol.

Is Benalmadena good for families?

Yes, Benalmadena is the best coastal town near Malaga for families. There are many family-friendly attractions, parks and beaches.

Is Benalmadena tacky?

I wouldn’t say Benalmadena is tacky, but some areas can feel a bit too touristy.

Can you drink tap water in Benalmadena?

Tap water in Benalmadena is safe to drink; however, I recommend filtering your water with a filtered bottle.

Conclusion: Is Benalmadena safe?

Benalmadena is among the safest places to visit in Costa del Sol, and it’s also a fantastic destination for families because there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. And, if you’ve visited them all, Benalmadena is next to other beautiful coastal towns and traditional villages, so you’re spoilt for choice.

I hope this article has helped you understand what safety is like in Benalmadena. A good website to keep updated with the latest news in Costa del Sol is SUR in English.

Do you have any questions about this beautiful beach resort? Drop them in the comments.

Enjoy your time in Benalmadena!

Cristina xx

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Things to do before visiting Benalmadena

Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga Airport with Skyscanner.
Are you looking for accommodation in Benalmadena? Get the best deals on Booking.com
Check out this food guide to discover the traditional food in Andalusia.
Rent a car to travel with ease around Benalmadena and Costa del Sol.
Book travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing for your trip. This is a must for any holiday.

Is Benalmadena Safe? Tips From a Local