The Costa del Sol you know from the promenade changes completely when you look at it from the water. The buildings line up behind the beachfront, coves appear that can’t be seen from land and the profile of the mountains forms the backdrop to the whole coast. Sailing off Málaga is, above all, a different way of looking at a place you thought you knew. In this guide we compare what you see on each stretch of coast between Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Torremolinos, and the character of each route, so you get a real idea of the scenery before deciding where you fancy sailing.
The stretch towards Fuengirola: cliffs and coves to the south
Heading south-west from Benalmádena, the coast becomes more rugged. Small coves and stretches of cliff appear, hidden from anyone travelling by road, and in the background Sohail Castle stands out, watching over the river mouth. It’s a route of varied scenery, with the mountains ever-present and the chance to stop for a swim in calm water when the sea allows.
It’s also the longest of the three, so there’s time to sail at a leisurely pace. The route down to this coastline takes around 3h 30m, plenty of time to see the coast without rushing, make a stop and come back in the afternoon light. If you want more details on what you’ll find along the way, we cover them in our guide to what to see in Fuengirola from the sea.
The stretch towards Torremolinos: nooks to the north-east
If instead of heading south you set course north-east, the coast changes in tone. Off Torremolinos come the nooks and coves of La Carihuela, with the bustle of the beach falling away as the boat moves on. It’s a slightly shorter, more direct route, ideal for a mid-afternoon trip without straying too far from port.
The route to this coastline takes around 2h 30m, a comfortable format for anyone who wants to see the coast without giving up the whole day. To get to know this area’s specific coves and how they look from the boat, see our guide to Torremolinos from the water.
The open sea in a sailboat: the horizon and the silence
There’s a third option that isn’t about the coast, but quite the opposite: getting away from it. The open-sea trip in a sailboat swaps the landmarks on shore for the open horizon, and when there’s enough wind you sail under canvas, with the engine off and only the sound of the water against the hull. It’s the option for anyone after a real sense of sailing, rather than a postcard tour.
It’s worth being honest about what each plan offers: the open-sea sailing route depends on the wind, and in calm conditions you make way under engine like any other trip. We don’t offer guaranteed sailing under canvas, because the sea rules. What it does guarantee is a different perspective, with the whole coast reduced to a line in the background.
It’s also the plan where you notice most that you’re on a classic sailing boat and not an excursion speedboat. When the wind comes in and the skipper lets out the sails, the boat heels a touch, the engine falls silent and a sense of quiet sets in that captivates anyone trying sailing for the first time. For many it’s the moment that turns a lovely trip into a memory, though you should come aboard knowing that instant depends on the weather playing ball.
Comparison table: which stretch suits you
In short, this is what really changes between the three ways of seeing the coast:
| Route | What you see | Pace | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towards Fuengirola | Coves, cliffs and Sohail Castle in the background | Leisurely and long | Those who want varied scenery and time to swim |
| Towards Torremolinos | La Carihuela and nooks of the north-east coast | Direct and mid-afternoon | Those after a shorter trip close to port |
| Open sea in a sailboat | Open horizon and the coast as a line in the distance | Pure sailing, under canvas with wind | Those who want a sense of the sea, not the coast |
How to decide which stretch to sail
No single stretch is better than another; it’s simply a matter of which one suits what you’re after that day. If it’s your first trip and you want a gentle first taste, a short cruise around the bay of Benalmádena gives you the essence of the experience in a short time. If you’ve got the whole afternoon and the scenery calls to you, the stretch towards Fuengirola offers the most complete experience. If you’d rather something direct and close to port, Torremolinos delivers. And if sailing for real is your thing, the open sea is your place.
A quick note to avoid surprises: all these trips leave from Benalmádena, not from Fuengirola or Torremolinos. What changes is where the bow points, not the port of departure. To round off the day ashore before or after sailing, the guide to things to do in Benalmádena by the sea will come in handy.
What to bring and what to expect on board
Whatever stretch you choose, there are a couple of things worth keeping in mind to make the most of it. On deck, shade is limited, so a cap, sunglasses and sun cream are essential, while a light jacket comes in handy if you head out at sunset, because it gets cooler at sea sooner than on land. Footwear should be comfortable with non-marking soles, to move around the deck without slipping. Don’t forget to bring water for the group, especially in summer and on the longer routes.
And an honest expectation: you’re sailing on a classic wooden sailboat with its pace and its charm, not a speedboat or a mass-excursion catamaran. You’re there to enjoy the coast at a calm pace, with a welcome drink included on board, not to rush an out-and-back trip. Anyone who comes aboard with that idea steps off delighted; anyone expecting an express tour has the wrong boat. That, in the end, is the key to each stretch delivering exactly what it promises.
Check the route towards Fuengirola: dates and availability
If the stretch of coves and Sohail Castle is the one that tempts you most, here’s the duration, price and dates of the trip towards the Fuengirola coastline:
Price table
3h 30mDepartures
Add-ons
- Soft Drink Included · 1 per person per full hour
- Bottle of Cava +15,00 € per unit · max. 10
- Assorted Snacks +15,00 € per unit · max. 10
All prices include VAT.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see each stretch of coast?
It depends on the route. The trip towards Fuengirola takes around 3h 30m, while the one to Torremolinos is around 2h 30m. The open-sea route depends on the day’s sailing plan.
Can you stop for a swim during the route?
Yes, when the sea allows, a swim stop is made in a cove or in calm water. It’s not a rigid out-and-back timetable, but a trip designed to enjoy the coast, and the swim is part of the plan whenever conditions permit.
Which stretch is best with children?
When travelling with little ones, a gentle coastal route around the bay usually works better, as the sea is calmer than on the open-sea trip, where the swell is more noticeable. Sailing close to the shore is gentler and more entertaining for the youngest.
Which port do the routes leave from?
They all leave from the port of Benalmádena, regardless of where the route heads. There are no bases in Fuengirola or Torremolinos: those towns are the scenic destination of the route, not the boarding point.
Can I choose the stretch or is it fixed?
Each trip has its standard route, but the skipper adapts the plan to the sea and wind conditions of the day. If you have a preference for a particular area, mention it when booking and we’ll look for the best way to fit it into the trip, as long as the weather allows.