Arroyo de la Miel Beaches

Overview

Arroyo de la Miel serves as an excellent and vibrant base for your Andalusian beach holiday. While the town itself is nestled slightly uphill, it offers fantastic connections to the sun-drenched shores of Benalmádena Costa, making it easy to access a variety of coastal experiences. You'll find the beaches are just a short journey away, allowing you to enjoy the seaside while staying in an area with a distinct local charm.

The coastline near Arroyo de la Miel boasts beaches to suit every taste, with sand that typically ranges from fine and golden to darker, greyish tones. The Mediterranean waters here are inviting and generally wonderful for swimming. Among our editor's top recommendations are the lively Playa Malapesquera, perfect for action and water sports, and the iconic Playa de Bil Bil, famed for its unique Moorish-style castle. For utmost convenience from town, Playa Arroyo de la Miel is a Blue Flag favourite. Many visitors also flock to Playa de Santa Ana, a popular and family-friendly stretch known for its pleasant atmosphere.

For those seeking a dedicated naturist environment, Playa de Belnatura offers a private haven. Beyond these highlights, Benalmádena's shoreline presents a diverse mix, from bustling, well-equipped beaches to more secluded coves perfect for a quieter day by the sea. Our guide features a longer list of beaches, ensuring you can find the perfect spot to lay your towel and soak up the Spanish sun.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Arroyo de la Miel a good base for a beach holiday?

Yes, Arroyo de la Miel can be an excellent base for a beach holiday. While the town itself is set slightly back from the coast, it's a vibrant hub with plenty of shops, restaurants, and a lively local atmosphere. It offers great transport links, including frequent buses, to the nearby beaches of Benalmádena Costa, making it easy to enjoy the seaside while staying in an area with a more traditional Spanish feel and often more varied accommodation options like apartments.

Playa Arroyo de la Miel

How far is Arroyo de la Miel from the beach and how do I get there?

Arroyo de la Miel is situated just uphill from Benalmádena Costa, where the main beaches are located. The distance to the nearest beaches, such as Playa Arroyo de la Miel or Playa de Bil Bil, is typically between 1 and 3 kilometres. You can reach the beaches by a pleasant downhill walk (though the return is uphill), by taking a local bus which runs frequently, or by taxi.

Playa Arroyo de la Miel

Playa de Bil Bil

What is the sand like on Benalmádena's beaches?

The sand on Benalmádena's beaches varies. Many of the popular and larger beaches, such as Playa Malapesquera and Playa de Santa Ana, generally feature fine, dark golden or greyish sand. Some smaller coves or less accessible beaches might have coarser sand, pebbles, or a mix.

Playa Malapesquera

Playa de Santa Ana

Can you swim in the sea in Benalmádena and what's the water temperature like?

Yes, the sea in Benalmádena is great for swimming, especially during the warmer months. The most comfortable water temperatures are typically found from June to September, when the sea can reach around 22°C to 25°C. Outside of these peak summer months, the water will be cooler.

Should I stay in Arroyo de la Miel or closer to the beach in Benalmádena Costa?

This depends on your holiday preferences. Benalmádena Costa offers immediate beach access with many beachfront hotels. Arroyo de la Miel, set slightly inland, provides a more authentic Spanish town atmosphere with numerous local shops, tapas bars, the train station, and often a wider range of self-catering apartments. It's a short journey to the beaches from Arroyo, so it can be a convenient and lively base offering potentially better value.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What's the best time of year for a beach holiday in the Arroyo de la Miel / Benalmádena area?

The prime time for a beach holiday in Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena is from June to September. During these months, you'll experience the warmest weather, abundant sunshine, and ideal sea temperatures for swimming and water sports. May and October can also be very pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds, though the sea will be a bit cooler.

Playa Arroyo de la Miel

Are Benalmádena's beaches suitable for families with children?

Absolutely, Benalmádena is very family-friendly. Several beaches are particularly well-suited for children, including Playa Malapesquera, Playa de Santa Ana, and Playa de Carvajal. These beaches often feature calmer, shallower waters, good facilities like toilets and showers, lifeguard services during peak season, and sometimes children's play areas.

Playa Malapesquera

Playa de Santa Ana

Playa de Carvajal

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches in Benalmádena?

Yes, while Benalmádena's main beaches can be lively, especially in summer, there are several smaller coves and more secluded beaches for those seeking tranquility. Consider exploring Playa Las Yucas, Playa de Viborillas, or Playa Torremuelle, which are known for their natural beauty and more peaceful atmosphere.

Playa de Torremuelle

People Also Ask

Is there an official nudist beach in Benalmádena?

Yes, Benalmádena has an official nudist beach called Playa Benalnatura. It's a well-known and popular spot for naturists, situated in a secluded cove surrounded by vegetation, offering a degree of privacy. Some sources also mention parts of Torrequebrada beach as being nudist-friendly.

Playa de Belnatura

Playa de Torrequebrada

What kind of facilities are available on Benalmádena's beaches?

Most of Benalmádena's main beaches are well-equipped with a range of facilities. You can typically expect to find public toilets, showers, sunbed and parasol rentals, and numerous 'chiringuitos' (beach bars/restaurants). Lifeguard services are usually available during the high season, and many beaches offer access for people with reduced mobility.

How much does it typically cost to rent sunbeds on Benalmádena beaches?

The cost of renting sunbeds can vary slightly between beaches and chiringuitos, but as a general guide, you might expect to pay around €12 to €15 for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day. Some visitors also choose to buy their own chairs and umbrellas from local shops to save on daily rental fees.

What are 'chiringuitos' and are there good ones on the beaches near Arroyo de la Miel?

'Chiringuitos' are traditional Spanish beachside restaurants or bars, often located right on the sand. They are famous for serving fresh seafood, paella, tapas, and refreshing drinks, offering a quintessential Costa del Sol experience. You'll find a wide variety of chiringuitos along the beaches of Benalmádena Costa, easily accessible from Arroyo de la Miel, each with its own charm and specialties.

Can you walk along the coast in Benalmádena? Is there a promenade?

Yes, Benalmádena boasts a long and well-maintained maritime promenade (Paseo Marítimo). It stretches for several kilometres, connecting many of the main beaches from the area around Bil Bil Castle towards the Puerto Marina (marina). It's ideal for leisurely walks, jogging, or cycling, and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

How do Benalmádena's beaches compare to nearby Torremolinos or Fuengirola?

Benalmádena offers a diverse coastline with a mix of wider, sandy beaches and smaller, sheltered coves, generally considered very family-friendly with a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere than parts of Torremolinos. Torremolinos is known for its very long, expansive beaches and a very active nightlife. Fuengirola also features long, sandy beaches popular with families and has a well-known promenade. You can walk along the coast from Benalmádena to Torremolinos, and Carvajal beach in Benalmádena actually borders Fuengirola.

Playa de Carvajal

Are Benalmádena's beaches generally crowded?

During the peak summer months of July and August, the most popular beaches in Benalmádena, like Playa Malapesquera or Playa Santa Ana, can get quite crowded, especially during the middle of the day. However, if you visit in the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) or explore some of the smaller coves, you'll find more space. Arriving earlier in the day can also help secure a good spot on busier beaches.

Playa Malapesquera

Playa de Santa Ana