Located in the centre of Benalmadena, these beaches start just below the popular restaurant El Embarcadero and end just behind the Playa Bonita Hotel. The calm water and the amenities make these very popular beaches among holidaymakers who are staying in holiday homes in Benalmadena. Even local residents enjoy the beaches during the summer months.
Beaches: Malibu, Arroyo Hondo, Bonita
The beach actually consists of three beaches in one. Basically, it's only one beach, which is divided into several smaller parts. Playa Arroyo Hondo, Playa Malibu and Playa Bonita are situated next to Playa La Viborilla in the west and Playa Torremuelle in the east. Breakwaters stop larger waves from entering the coves and thus the water is very calm and perfect for children to go swimming. It's a popular spot for families to spend the weekend and even residents of Torremuelle and visitors of Playa Bonita Hotel choose this place for sunbathing.
The three beaches together are 610 metres long and 15-20 metres wide, depending on the stretch of beach. The sand is dark and flat. In the water there are some large and small rocks, so pay close attention when you go into the water.
Amenities
First of all, the beach does not have access to the promenade, which makes it difficult for disabled people to get on the beach.
There are showers, toilets and sun lounger and umbrella rental. On top of this, the beach is regularly cleaned. Visitors can deposit their garbage in the trash cans along the beach.
If you decide to come by car, you can park in the wide lane starting at the restaurant El Embarcadero. As it's a popular beach, we'd advise you coming early as to secure your parking spot.
On the beach you'll find several restaurants and chiringuitos. El Embarcadero is very popular thanks to its location with stunning views of the sea. The restaurant serves typical Mediterranean dishes including fish, seafood and several types of meat.
If you fancy a snack and some drinks, Malibu Bar is another good option.
El Parador II is another very popular restaurant which is hidden between lush vegetation. This chiringuito specialises in fresh seafood. At lunchtime the restaurant is very often packed with hungry beachgoers looking to get good value for money. As the Spaniards say: bueno, bonito, barato (good, nice, cheap).
How to get there?
The beach can be reached by bus or by car (M120 - Benalmadena - Fuengirola). Finding a parking spot should not be a problem, but still it's better to come a bit earlier. If you are coming from the Torremolinos/Malaga direction, take the old coastal road, the MA-21, which becomes Av. Antonio Machado and later Carretera de Cadiz, just as you enter Benalmadena.
Keep following signs for Fuengirola and you'll pass through several roundabouts. Just after the Torrequebrada Casino (on the left), you'll reach the exit of Torremuelle estate. Keep going straight to the roundabout and turn left into a tunnel, then you'll reach a roundabout.
Keep going straight ahead to Avenida de la Armada and at the next roundabout you'll see Hotel Playa Bonita. You can park in the local car park or try and find a parking spot along the main road.