Puerto Marina in Benalmádena: Getting there, harbour information and destinations

This page was translated automatically from German. View the original

Puerto Marina is the yacht harbour of Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol, about nine kilometres as the crow flies south of Málaga airport, and has over 1,000 berths. Here you can read how to get there for your trip start, where to shop, what winds to expect, which destinations are nearby and what skippers need to bear in mind when approaching and berthing.

Where is Puerto Marina in Benalmádena?

Puerto Marina is located in Benalmádena Costa, the district by the sea, between Torremolinos to the northeast and Fuengirola to the southwest. Around 1.5 nm southwest of the harbour, Punta Negra juts out into the sea; to the harbour of Málaga it's around 16 kilometres as the crow flies to the northeast.

Map from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.

More Information

View Map Always Allow

Puerto Marina is both yacht harbour and residential complex: apartment buildings, restaurants and bars stand right on the water. The municipality of Benalmádena has three districts: Benalmádena Costa on the coast, Arroyo de la Miel halfway between coast and mountains, and Benalmádena Pueblo in the mountains.

The harbour is operated by a municipal company wholly owned by the municipality of Benalmádena. In the harbour of Málaga, Real Club Mediterráneo operates a small marina with 83 berths; there is seldom space available there for visiting yachts.

Arriving for your trip start at Puerto Marina

The nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol. From there you can reach Benalmádena via the motorway or by local train.

From Málaga airport to Benalmádena

Taxis are right outside the terminal; via the motorway you're at Puerto Marina in about 15 minutes.

Cheaper is the local train. Aeropuerto station is right at Terminal 3. There stops line C1, which connects Málaga with Fuengirola. You travel towards Fuengirola and get off after around 18 minutes at Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel. The station is in Arroyo de la Miel above the coast, so not at the harbour.

By train and bus

If you're coming from the centre of Málaga, get on line C1 at Málaga Centro-Alameda station. It continues via the airport to Benalmádena; to the airport takes about 12 minutes. The main bus stop in Benalmádena is on Avenida Antonio Machado next to the tourist office. From there buses run along the coast and inland.

Showers and sanitary facilities

Puerto Marina has three washroom areas with showers and a laundry.

Shopping for the trip

The nearest supermarket is a Carrefour Market around 700 metres as the crow flies from the harbour basin; a Lidl is around 750 metres away. Two further supermarkets, a Maxi Dia and an Aldi, you can reach after around 1.2 kilometres. Ice and some provisions are also sold at the fuel station in the harbour.

distress call

These numbers apply in Benalmádena and at sea off the Costa del Sol:

• 112: general emergency number for ambulance, fire brigade and police
• 900 202 202: free emergency number of the Spanish sea rescue service Salvamento Marítimo, if you are reporting someone in distress at sea from land
• At sea: emergency call via VHF channel 16 or distress alert via DSC on channel 70

Puerto Marina at a glance

Puerto Marina accommodates boats from 6 to 35 metres in length; berths are at quays and finger pontoons. The key details at a glance:

Feature	Details
Position of harbour entrance (south mole)	36° 35,6′ N, 004° 30,8′ W
Operator	Puerto Deportivo Benalmádena S.A.M., municipal company of the municipality of Benalmádena
Address	Edificio Capitanía, 29630 Benalmádena
Phone	+34 952 57 70 22
Berths	over 1,000, boats from 6 to 35 m
Water depth	Outer harbour 5–6 m, inner harbour 2–5 m
VHF channel	9, Marinería manned around the clock
Harbour office	daily 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fuel station	at the waiting quay, daily 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 3–9 p.m., petrol and diesel
Technology	Travellift 50 t, crane 5 t, slipway

The opening times for the harbour office and fuel berth are correct as of October 2026. All berths have 220-volt electricity and water; the harbour also has Wi-Fi and waste separation. For boat work there is a chandlery, a boatyard and mechanics on site.

What is the weather like in Benalmádena for sailing?

In the Strait of Gibraltar and along the adjacent coast, two winds prevail: the Levante from the east and the Poniente from the west. Both arise from the pressure difference between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; the strait funnels them. They are strongest in the winter half of the year and weakest in summer.

Also typical for the coast around Málaga is the Terral, a wind that blows from the land out to sea. In summer it brings great heat to the coast, but it also occurs in spring, autumn and winter.

For coastal waters, the Spanish weather service AEMET issues a yellow warning from wind force 7, an orange warning from force 8 and a red warning from force 10.

What sailing destinations are near Benalmádena?

From Puerto Marina you can sail either south-westwards along the coast towards Marbella and Gibraltar, or north-eastwards into the Bay of Málaga.

Distances are rounded figures over the water on the usual route from Puerto Marina; for precise planning the sea chart applies.

• Fuengirola: around 6 nm south-west
• Málaga: around 9 nm north-east
• Cabopino: around 14 nm, beyond Punta de Calaburras
• Marbella: around 20 nm
• Puerto Banús: around 24 nm
• Caleta de Vélez: around 23 nm, straight across the Bay of Málaga
• Estepona: around 34 nm
• Gibraltar: around 53 nm, round Europa Point

Beyond Gibraltar lies the Atlantic; the strait also marks the route to the Canary Islands. Read more about the destination on Gran Canaria in the profile of the ports of Las Palmas. We introduce a further Spanish sailing area in the Mediterranean in our profile of Marinas in Palma de Mallorca .

What can you do on a harbour day in Benalmádena?

Beach, promenade and restaurants are right next to Puerto Marina. For trips into the mountains or to Málaga, take the cable car, bus or train.

• Beaches at the harbour: Sheltered beaches accessible all year round lie to the left and right of Puerto Marina.
• Cable car to Monte Calamorro: The Benalmádena cable car runs about three kilometres up to the summit at around 800 metres altitude. From the top you can see across the Costa del Sol as far as the Sierra Nevada and Gibraltar; in very clear conditions you can see as far as the African coast.
• Stupa of Enlightenment: The Buddhist stupa is over 33 metres high and was consecrated in 2003; you can see its golden tip from the coast between Benalmádena and Fuengirola. It is open Tuesday to Sunday; it is closed on Mondays.
• Benalmádena Pueblo: The old town centre lies in the mountains above the coast. Buses into the hinterland depart from the stop in Avenida Antonio Machado.
• Málaga: Line C1 takes you to Málaga Centro-Alameda in the city centre. Above the town lies the Gibralfaro castle, which you can already see from the water when approaching the harbour of Málaga.

For skippers: Berthing and sea conditions in Benalmádena

The marinería of Puerto Marina is manned around the clock and can be reached on VHF channel 9, so you can announce your arrival before entering.

Registration and Berthing

Visiting yachts without a permanent berth first make fast at the waiting quay. According to the harbour regulations, you register there with the harbour office. State how many days you wish to stay and what services you need, plus the length, beam, draught and propulsion of the boat. The harbour office is manned daily from 08:00 to 15:00; you can reach it by telephone on +34 952 57 70 22. The harbour is often full, even outside the high season, so advance booking is worthwhile.

The waiting quay is a concrete pier which lies exposed in swell and strong wind. Rig plenty of fenders there; the boat can be pressed against the quay wall. The fuel berth with petrol and diesel is also located here. When fuelling, the engine remains off; smoking is prohibited.

A berthing day runs from 12:00 to 12:00 the following day; part days count as full days.

Harbour rules

The harbour regulations of Puerto Marina stipulate for guests, among other things:

• In the entrance and in the harbour basins you proceed at a maximum of 3 knots.
• Swimming, bathing and fishing are prohibited in the harbour, as is open fire.
• You connect electricity and water only after clearance by the harbour office.
• You secure halyards so that they do not strike the mast.
• If you leave the boat without crew, you provide in writing a responsible contact person.

Approach

The coast around Benalmádena is steep and rocky, broken by small sandy beaches. The harbour entrance is about 180 metres wide; in the outer harbour you have 5 to 6 metres of water, in the harbour basin 2 to 5 metres.

West of the entrance lies the shoal Laja Bermeja with only 2.5 metres of water over it. It is marked by an east cardinal buoy (white flashing light, three flashes every 10 seconds) at approximately 36° 35.4′ N, 004° 30.9′ W. You enter between the buoy and the breakwater, thus passing the buoy on its eastern side. The lights at the entrance: green light at the southwest head of the southern outer breakwater, red light at the head of the western breakwater.

In strong easterly winds the entrance is dangerous. Coming from Málaga, you keep about 2 nautical miles offshore in front of the ammonia terminal.

Which sea weather forecast applies in Benalmádena?

For Benalmádena the coastal forecast of the Spanish meteorological service AEMET for the coastal waters of Málaga applies. It extends to 20 nautical miles offshore and gives wind, sea state, visibility and warnings. For longer passages over open water, sea area Alborán is additionally relevant.

You can read the current report on the AEMET sea weather page. Whilst under way, the Salvamento Marítimo rescue coordination centres broadcast the coastal forecast over VHF. You can receive Tarifa station via NAVTEX, in English under identifier G on 518 kHz.

Trips from Benalmádena on Törnfinder

In October 2026 there are 7 trip dates on Törnfinder in the next twelve months with departure or destination at Puerto Marina Benalmádena. Most start in August, July and December; 10 days is typical.

All current offers are in the trip overview. An overview of the whole country is given on the page Sailing in Spain; you will find trips in the wider sailing area under Sailing in the Mediterranean.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Málaga airport to Puerto Marina?

By car you're at the harbour in about 15 minutes via the motorway. Cheaper is the local train line C1 towards Fuengirola, which reaches Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel in around 18 minutes. The station is above the coast, not directly at Puerto Marina.

Is there a marina for visiting yachts in the harbour of Málaga?

Only a small one: the Real Club Mediterráneo has 83 berths in the harbour of Málaga and a few visitor berths. Visiting yachts are therefore often sent on to the Puerto Marina at Benalmádena.

Are there showers at Puerto Marina?

Yes, the harbour has three sanitary blocks with showers and a laundry.

Are there electricity and water at the berths at Puerto Marina?

Yes, all berths have electricity at 220 volts and water. According to the harbour regulations, you only connect both once the harbour office has authorised it, that is, after you've registered at the harbour.

Where can I provision in Benalmádena for the trip?

At supermarkets a good kilometre around Puerto Marina: a Carrefour Market is around 700 metres from the harbour basin, a Lidl around 750 metres, a Maxi Dia and an Aldi around 1.2 kilometres.

On which VHF channel can I reach Puerto Marina?

On channel 9. The marina office is manned round the clock.

How far is it from Benalmádena to Gibraltar?

Around 53 nautical miles by sea, round Europa Point. That's a long day's passage; shorter destinations on the way are Marbella at around 20 nautical miles and Estepona at around 34 nautical miles.