Advantages: lots to see and do, cheap flights
Disadvantages: many tacky bits

...The Costa del Sol probably has the worst reputation of any major European holiday destination. I live here and, well yes, that reputation is justified to an extent(see Bravo TV's Costa del Dosh for some examples). It is possible to have a great holiday here though even if you're not a lager lout/sex tourist/criminal and even if you don't like lying on the beach (as I don't) so here are a few ideas. 1. Places to avoid Well I'll start with the worst bits shall I? There are one or two large towns on the Costa del Sol that are ugly and generally characterless. In particular I'd avoid Fuengirola and Benalmadena for these reasons, but even then they have their good points. It's possible to walk for over a mile in Benalmadena without seeing a Spanish person (but I think that, sadly, may be the point for some British tourists), but it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Plenty to do
Disadvantages: Noisy traffic

...I’ve just returned from a one-week holiday in Benalmadena in Costa Del Sol (June 2004) and would like to provide some information about Benalmadena Resort & Benalmadena Palace Apartments where we stayed. ****Benalmadena Palace Apartments**** Newly opened in February 2004, this Apart-Hotel has 4-Star rating. The coach transfer from Malaga Airport to the Hotel was only about 30 minutes and that included a drop off a one other hotel first. Facilities include Outdoors Pool & Children’s pool, Indoor Pool and Jacuzzi, Sauna, Games Rooms, Table Tennis, Gym (Which was well equipped) Pool Table. Bar. Children’s play area, Mini-Golf (although there were only 5 holes!) Cyber café. Some facilities were still being implemented, I don’t think the mini-golf was properly finished, and also Tennis Courts & 5-a-side football pitch were still under... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good for Children
Disadvantages: Too far from resorts

...Holiday Village,Benalmadena-Costa del sol, stayed 2 weeks from 14 july 2007 Flight 2 and a half hours with First Choice was short and on time so really good as I hate flying!! Transfer From Malaga airport it takes about half an hour to transfer to the hotel, it is on the outskirts of Benalmadena. Check-in If you fill out the registration form on your transfer it is quick and easy. The staff were curtious and pleasant at all times. Hotel set half way between Benalmadena and Fuengirola and not good for a stroll into either, its too far from both ,catch a bus! The Living Room Well this was my first let-down, as before we went away we had heard there was building work going on at the back of the hotel and also at the beach club where most of the pools are located. Hearing this I called into to my First Choice shop... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful