Benalmadena Marina – Puerto Marina Benalmadena

The Benalmadena Marina is one of the most beautiful pieces of marine architecture in the entire world. A fact that has been proven time and time again by it being named the ‘Worlds Best Marina’ many times over. No trip to Benalmadena, Costa del Sol will be complete without a stroll around this beautifully constructed Puerto Marina.

The Puerto Marina Benalmadena was designed by renowned marine architect Eduardo Oria and took over 10 years to construct. Its ‘doors’ were finally open to the public in 1982, and has been pleasing both locals and tourists with its aesthetic beauty ever since. It was Eduardo’s vision to merge the natural beauty of the sea with the functionality of the land by melding the marina into the township.

Eduardo’s vision for the Puerto Marina Benalmadena has been realized and was achieved by creating a number of artificial and natural islands, that both house and complement a number of residential and commercial buildings within the Benalmadena harbour. The look and feel of these buildings has been influenced by a number of different cultures and styles including Andalician, Arabin and Indian which has created a distinct and beautiful look and feel for the Benalmadena Harbour.

Benalmadena Marina Information

There are only two marinas in the entire Costa del Sol region and Benalmadena marina is one of them. This makes this Spanish Port a hugely popular destination for owners of sea vessels of all sizes and nationalities looking to visit the Costa del Sol region within Southern Spain. Puerto Marina Benalmadena has mooring space for just over 1100 boats and can comfortably accommodate vessels up to 6 meters long. The Benalmadena Port is found on the Eastern edge of Benalmadena and borders with the resort style neighbouring town Torremolinos.

Within the Puerto Marina on the islands that were created by Eduardo Oria, there are a great number of shops, restaurants and bars that cater to visitors of the area. From yachting supplies, to beach wear, to electronics to other goods that have absolutely nothing to do with the ocean or the marina, you will definitely be able to find a shop that has what you are looking for. However one word of caution, because this area is so tourist oriented shop owners have a tendency to overcharge for most goods. If you are looking to make an expensive purchase within the marina, you may be better served taking a trip into the actual township of Benalmadena Costa, where you should be able to find a better price for your goods.

As well as these shops you will notice upon arrival at the Puerto Marina that there are a huge number of street vendors offering their wares. These vendors will offer you a variety of market style goods including knock off sun glasses, clothing items, watches, belts, toys and other general knick knacks and antiquities.

These street vendors are generally very well mannered and well behaved, however because there are so many of them around it can become quite frustrating constantly declining their offers. Just remember that you are in somebody elses country and to be respectful of their customs and inhabitants, I just offer a politeful smile and a simple no thankyou and I’m on my way.

There is so much to do besides just simply taking a stroll around this beautiful marina and taking in its natural beauty. From visiting the sea life aquarium, to taking a boat ride throughout the harbour, to turtle and dolphin spotting there will be something to float your boat (no pun intended) no matter what your own personal tastes.

Things to do at the Benalmadena Marina

Sea Life Aquarium

Benalmadena Marina is home of the award winning Sea Life aquarium. The Sea Life is a fantastic, modern aquarium that has over 30 huge tank features. I highly recommend this aquarium, especially for those traveling with family, it has a truly stunning underwater tunnel that provides you with full 360 degree views of the ocean life, including sharks and other whopping sea creatures. Sea life opens year round from 10 am each day.

Dolphin Watching and a Chinese Junk Ride

If you want to experience the thrill of riding on one of the most ancient style sea vessels ever to have graced the water, then maybe you’d enjoy taking a ride on an ancient Chinese Junk! These are not as bad as their names suggest. A junk is a Chinese sailboat design dating from ancient times and still in use today, they were used as ocean going vessels as early as the 2nd Century AD.

On most of these stunning sea bound Junk trips you from the Benalmadena marina you will be able to keep an eye out for dolphins racing in the ships wake, and if you are indeed considerably lucky you may also be able to spot sunfish, turtles and whales.

Rent a Boat

If you want to be able to explore the Puerto Marina Benalmadena at your own pace and on your own terms from the ocean top, then your in luck. There are a huge number of boat dealers within the harbour that offer a range of vessels from row boats, to dinghies and even all the way up to luxury cruisers and yachts if you can afford it and are so inclined. If you’re not comfortable driving such a vessel but would like to indulge in this sort of activity anyway, then for a small extra fee you can have your very own boat chauffeur for the day.

Ocean Sports

If you’re the more adventurous type and really want to get your feet wet within the Benalmadena harbor then why not learn to sail, kayak, windsurf or scuba dive? All of these services are available within the marina and can be great fun for you and the whole family.

Benalmadena Puerto Marina Map

The following Benalmadena Marina map is a fully interactive Google Map offering you complete flexibility to explore the region from a birds eye view. Use the inbuilt controls to pan around, zoom in, zoom out and take a look at the region. For more comprehensive tourist maps and a map of the Costa del Sol area have a look at our Benalmadena map page.

Accommodation Near Benalmadena Marina

We are currently in the process of finding a travel partner that will provide you with the absolute best prices and service for finding a hotel in the Benalmadena region. Check back soon to find our most recommended accommodation near Puerto Marina Benalmadena.

Other Benalmadena Holiday Activities

The Puerto Marina Benalmadena while very very accomplished is far from complete. Eduardo Oria has mind boggling plans to expand the marina to be able to accommodate an additional 1000 vessels. As well as this he wants to incorporate additional facilities and services for visitors to the harbour.

The expansion to Benalmadena marina is set to take a number of years, however once it is done it is bound to make Benalmadena marina one of the most important recreational harbours in the whole of Europe.

There are a huge number of things to see and do within the Benalmadena Costa del Sol region. Benalmadena marina is definitely a must see on any visit to the region. For other potential things to do and see check out our following Benalmadena guides.

Guide to: Benalmadena Beach
Guide to: Benalmadena Golf