Benalmadena Short Break in the Sun!
We picked up a car at the airport and it was only a 20-minute drive to Benalmadena. Situated between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, I have to be honest I wasn't too sure if I would like this area as it can be a bit "touristy" but it was ideal for our needs. The hotel has an underground car park, so we left the car and checked into our room. A very spacious superior room on the 4th floor (top floor) with large secluded balcony overlooking the pool and promenade to the marina and beach.
The staff at the hotel are very welcoming and on hand should we need them for information or help. The hotel could not be in a better position, a few steps from the promenade to take you to Torremolinos one way and then passed the Marina to Benalmadena Costa the other way.
The hotel has a buffet restaurant, we were on B&B so only had breakfast, which had lots of choice to suit all needs. A bar area where they have entertainment like tribute singers but is not tacky. The restaurant and bar open out onto a very pretty courtyard where I am sure there is a great atmosphere in the Summer months with people having a drink before or after dinner or after being out for the day. A large pool and children's pool with sunbeds and pool bar, with a raised decking area that overlooks the sea and beach area. The hotel also has a hairdresser.
There are lots of restaurant options on the door step which were very good. we opted for Metro Italian overlooking the Marina, an American Diner called Jacks and another Italian Da Fano near the marina. Plenty of nice bars to choose from too and some shops to browse around, this is an ideal area whether you are looking for a base, like us, or just to chill out. The beach is very nice, and you can hire beds and parasols from about €5 for the day.
During our stay we drove down to Estepona as we had not been there before. We found a nice central car park which only cost €1 for the day! We had a wander along the front which had a nice beach and we could see Gibraltar in the distance. With some nice shops and pretty cobbled lanes that have different colored plant pots, this is ideal for a visit or event to stay a few days. We also wanted to see Mijas Pueblo and Costa. Mijas Pueblo is only a short drive from the coast and has amazing views of the Costa De Sol. I was expecting a pretty white washed mountain village and was not disappointed. With donkeys and horse and carts offering tours we decided to pick up a map from the tourist office and do a walking tour, following their map. It took up past pretty craft shops and lovely village houses with again lots of restaurants. We chose a café overlooking the main square to watch the world go by whilst we had out lunch. After a look around a street market we headed back to the car park which was again only €1! to drive down to Mijas Costa. A more typical Spanish resort with some shops/restaurants and a nice beach, we had a stroll around and then headed back to Benalmadena.
The Mac Puerto Marina is ideal if you are looking for a base like us for a break in the sun, to do some exploring, a family trip or just to chill out.