Puerto Marina in Benalmádena: a visitor's guide

Puerto Marina is the nautical heart of Benalmádena, and many of the best days out on the Costa del Sol start right here, with one foot on the pontoon. If you’re spending a few days in the area and wondering what to see, where to park, where to eat and, above all, what you can do out at sea, this guide gives you an insider’s view, because it’s the marina we set sail from every day. You’ll find the port is worth a visit in its own right, and that the best experience is out on the water.

What Puerto Marina is and how to get there

Puerto Marina is no ordinary marina. It’s built on a cluster of artificial islands linked by canals and bridges, with white houses leaning over the water, and in its day it won awards for that very distinctive design. Strolling along its pontoons, between moored yachts and sailing boats, is an attraction in itself.

Getting there is easy. The marina sits at the foot of Benalmádena Costa, well signposted from the road, and has several car parks (some underground) that are worth using in summer, when the area fills up. Once inside, the best way to find your bearings is to look for the row of restaurants and shops: almost everything revolves around them.

And there’s one landmark that never fails to orientate you: among the modern yachts rises the mast of a classic wooden sailboat, moored level with the port’s shops and restaurants. That boat is our floating home, with over forty years of history and two trips around the world behind it. If you want the exact boarding point, it’s at the Dársena de Levante, C. Levante, Atraque 298, Benalmádena.

What to do in Puerto Marina: stroll, eat and head out to sea

The marina is good for a whole morning or afternoon, and it combines three activities nicely: wandering around, eating with views over the water and, the one that really makes the difference, heading out to sail.

Strolling and browsing. The marina’s islands invite you to wander with no fixed route: shop windows, terraces, an occasional street market and charming corners for a photo. It’s a relaxed activity, free and enjoyable at any time of day.

Eating by the water. The choice of restaurants is wide, from seafood and rice dishes to international cuisine, with tables at the edge of the canal. To help you find us, our sailboat is very close to that terrace area, so it’s easy to combine lunch and a trip out to sea on the same day.

Heading out to sail. This is where the marina shows its best side. These are the trips most requested by those who come over to ask at the pontoon:

The short bay cruise is the simplest and most affordable way to try the sea: a trip of around an hour, with an on-board toast included and, if the sea cooperates, a swim stop. It’s a shared ticket, so you go with other people. You’ll find full details on the hour-long cruise around the bay.

If you’re after the photo hour, the sunset cruise is the most romantic choice, with the sky turning pink over the bay. You’ll find it in the sunset boat trip in Benalmádena. For anyone hoping to see wildlife, going out to look for dolphins in the bay is a fantastic option, with a fair warning: they are wild animals and there’s never any guarantee of seeing them. And if you fancy sailing longer and in private, the private route to Fuengirola hugs the coast at your own pace.

Want to see the whole coast from the water before you decide? We cover it stretch by stretch in our guide to the Málaga coast from the sea.

With kids or as a couple: how to make the most of the marina

With kids, Puerto Marina is easy: you walk around without cars, there are ice-cream shops and casual places to eat, and the bay trip (early in the day, when the water is calmer) tends to delight them, especially if the dolphins show up. A word from the crew: out in the open sea there can be a little seasickness, so if anyone is prone to it, a tablet half an hour beforehand helps.

As a couple, the marina is best enjoyed at sunset: a wander along the pontoons, a drink on a terrace and, to round it off, a trip out to sea as the sun goes down. That said, if you have an elaborate surprise in mind (decorations, a sign, a photographer), bear in mind that this isn’t included and you bring it yourself; the boat provides the setting. If you’re going to organise it from home, it helps to plan your trip before you travel.

When to visit Puerto Marina

The marina is alive all year round, but every moment has its charm. In the morning the mood is calm and the sea is usually flatter, ideal for strolling and for trips with children. Midday is for terraces and full sun. And sunset is, without question, the magic hour: the sky lights up, the masts stand out against the orange sky and the marina looks its best for a photo.

As for timing, the sailing season runs from spring to autumn, with May to September offering the best light and temperature. In summer and at weekends it’s wise to book trips in advance, because they fill up; outside peak season there’s more room to choose your time. If your route also takes you west, take a look at what you can see of Fuengirola from the sea.

Prefer a full picture of the area on dry land? We’ve gathered the best ideas in our guide to things to do in Benalmádena.

If you’ve already made up your mind and want to start with the marina’s most popular trip, here it is:

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly do you board in Puerto Marina?

Boarding is at the Dársena de Levante, C. Levante, Atraque 298, Benalmádena, in the mooring area near the restaurants. The best visual landmark is the mast of the classic wooden sailboat, which stands out among the modern yachts. When you book, we confirm the exact point and time.

Do I need to book or can I turn up last minute?

In summer and at weekends, booking is the sensible choice: the daily trips fill up and turning up without a reservation is risky. Outside peak season there’s usually more availability, and some guests even book after a stroll around the port, on spotting the mast. Booking secures your place and the time slot you want.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?

No problem at all. The skipper and crew speak Spanish, English and French, so the safety briefing and the service during the trip will be in your language. It’s one of the things the families who visit us each summer appreciate most.

Can I go with small children?

Yes. The bay cruise is calm and is equipped with life jackets, including small sizes. For the little ones the early trip is best, when the sea is flattest, and it’s worth bringing something warm for the way back, as it gets cooler out on the water.

In short: Puerto Marina is worth a visit on its own, but if you’re wondering how to really make the most of it, the most honest answer is to head out and sail the bay, choose the option that fits your day and let the classic sailboat set the scene. You’ll spot us from the port, with the wooden mast among the yachts, and the sea takes care of the rest.