Coastal Ferry between Benalmadena and Fuengirola Malaga

Benalmádena port and Puerto Marina

Benalmádena's marina, Puerto Marina, is one of the most photographed ports in Spain, with white buildings shaped like a fantasy village, domed rooftops, little islands and rows of yachts. Shops, cafés and ice-cream parlours line the quays, and the beaches of Benalmádena Costa stretch out on both sides. It is the perfect place to start the Benalmádena to Fuengirola ferry.

Morning departures leave Benalmádena at 10:30, with more crossings later in the day depending on the option. If you return to Benalmádena in the afternoon, stroll around the marina, relax on the sandy beaches, or visit the butterfly park in the upper town. Local markets are held on Wednesdays and Fridays, and an eco-friendly market on the first and third Sunday of the month.

Watchtowers and Castillo de El Bil-Bil

As soon as the ferry leaves the port, the Costa del Sol unfolds from the sea. Along this stretch stand old coastal watchtowers such as Torre Vigía Bermeja and the Torremuelle tower, built centuries ago to give warning of raids from the sea. Seen from the water, they show how the coast was guarded long before the age of beach holidays.

On the seafront of Benalmádena you pass Castillo de El Bil-Bil, an eye-catching red and white building in neo-Moorish style with a tower and horseshoe arches, built in the 1930s and now used for cultural events. The onboard audio guide in English, French or Spanish tells you the story of each landmark as it appears, so the boat trip doubles as a relaxed sightseeing tour.

The Stupa of Benalmádena and Mijas Pueblo

Looking inland, you spot the bright white Stupa of Enlightenment on a hill above Benalmádena, a Buddhist monument opened in 2003 that rises more than 30 metres and is visible from far out at sea. Close by sits Benalmádena Pueblo, the original whitewashed village of the town, clinging to the slopes of the mountains.

Further west, the ferry offers views of Mijas Pueblo, the famous white village of the Costa del Sol, perched on the Sierra de Mijas above Fuengirola. From the water you see how the mountains rise steeply behind the beaches, a contrast that makes this coastline so attractive. Have your camera ready: the light is often best in the morning.

Dolphins and life at sea

Dolphins live in the waters off Benalmádena and Fuengirola, and whales are sometimes seen too. When marine life appears, the ferry makes brief observation stops so everyone can look out from the deck. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they are one of the most exciting moments of the crossing for children and adults alike.

On board you find comfortable seating, a screen for presentations and onboard entertainment for all ages, with colour-friendly design for colour-blind guests. The ferry is accessible for standard wheelchairs (not electric ones). Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the breeze on deck can be cool even on sunny days. Children especially love standing at the rail watching the coast slide by.

Fuengirola: castle, markets and beaches

Fuengirola is a lively seaside town with 8 kilometres of beaches and a long promenade. Its landmark is Sohail Castle, a Moorish fortress from the tenth century standing on a hill at the mouth of the river, rebuilt over the centuries and now open to visitors. The town's busy street markets are held on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

With the return ferry from Benalmádena, you have the whole day to explore Fuengirola before sailing back: walk the promenade, visit the castle, try fresh fried fish by the port or relax on the beach. It is one of the easiest day trips from Malaga's coast, and travelling by boat is far more scenic than taking the road.