Gaviotas Beach
Golden sands meet marina life on the Costa del Sol
About
Playa de las Gaviotas stretches roughly 400 metres along the Benalmádena coastline, where golden sand meets blue water in a setting that's equal parts beach and urban playground. The promenade running alongside keeps things lively — sunbathers, strollers, and families all share the space comfortably. Right next door, Puerto Marina's eye-catching architecture gives the horizon a distinctive edge you won't find at most Costa del Sol beaches. It's a compact, well-connected strip that punches above its size thanks to its location.
How to get there
The beach sits in Benalmádena, easily reached by car in around 5 minutes from the town centre. If you're already at the marina, it's a simple 5-minute walk along the promenade — no wheels needed. Access to the beach itself is straightforward and free. Málaga Airport (AGP) is approximately 17.4 km away, making this a realistic first-or-last-day stop on a Costa del Sol trip.
Who it's for
For couples
The promenade walk from the beach into Puerto Marina at dusk — with the marina lights reflecting on the water — makes for a genuinely atmospheric evening without needing to plan anything.
For families
Safe swimming, easy access, and a flat promenade make this a low-stress family beach; the Butterfly Park just 4.7 km away is a reliable follow-up for kids once the sun gets too strong.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Playa de las Gaviotas isn't trying to be a secluded escape — and that's exactly the point. It's a well-located, safe, golden-sand beach that works because of what surrounds it: a walkable promenade, a marina with real architectural character, and enough nearby attractions to fill two or three days without a car. Swimming is safe, access is easy, and the vibe is reliably lively from June through September. Skip August if you want breathing room. Come for the convenience, stay for the evening walk into Puerto Marina when the day-trippers have gone home.
What to do
Puerto Marina is right on your doorstep — wander its distinctive architecture, browse the shops, or book a boat trip from the quayside. A short drive away, the Stupa of Enlightenment offers a genuinely unexpected hilltop landmark, while the Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmádena) houses around 1,500 butterflies across 150 species inside a Thai Temple — a surprisingly absorbing hour. Colomares Castle, a monument to Christopher Columbus blending Mudejar, Gothic, Byzantine, and Romanesque styles, rounds out a culturally rich afternoon in the area.
Shoot from the promenade looking back toward Puerto Marina's architecture with the golden sand and blue water in the foreground — it's the shot that sets this beach apart.
The Colomares Castle, a short drive away, offers dramatic multi-style architecture that photographs well in any light. For something quieter, the early-morning beach with the marina masts in the background rewards patience.
Where to eat
Restaurante El Higuerón, just 3.8 km from the beach, is the closest highly-rated option and well worth the short trip. La Cala at 7.2 km has built a strong local following with over 6,600 reviews. For a bigger dining destination, Puerto Marina itself — 10.1 km along the coast — clusters restaurants and bars in one of the most reviewed dining spots on the Costa del Sol.
Where to stay
The Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton sits 3.2 km away and is the top-rated option in the area, with over 4,300 reviews backing up its 4.6-star score. Hotel IPV Palace & Spa and Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol both earn 4.5 stars and sit within 5 km, offering solid mid-range choices with good access to the beach. Holiday World Polynesia, Affiliated by Meliá, is a popular family-oriented pick at 3.5 km.
Photography
The best shots come from the promenade at golden hour, with Puerto Marina's distinctive architecture framing the blue water and golden sand in the background. Early morning light before the beach fills up gives you clean foreground sand and the marina skyline without distraction.
Good to know
July and June are the sweet spot for good weather without the peak pressure — August brings the heaviest visitor numbers, so consider that a month to avoid if you want space on the sand. Swimming is safe here, but always check local flag conditions before entering the water. The promenade connects directly to Puerto Marina, so an evening walk after the beach is an easy win. Arrive early on summer mornings to claim a good spot before the day-trippers descend.
Map
Nearby places
Puerto Marina Benalmadena Oficial
Casa Juan Los Mellizos
La Cala
Hotel Best Triton
Restaurante El Higuerón
Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton
Holiday World Polynesia, Affiliated by Meliá
Hotel IPV Palace & Spa
Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol
Los Amigos Beach Club
Parque de la Paloma
Monowa - Butterfly Park in Benalmádena
Stupa of Enlightenment Benalmádena
Puerto Marina, Benalmádena
Colomares Castle
Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmádena)
Things to see around Benalmádena
Puerto Marina, Benalmádena
Marina with unique architecture; shopping, boat trips, dining.
Colomares Castle
Monument to Christopher Columbus; Mudejar, Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque styles.
Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmádena)
Thai Temple hosting 1,500 butterflies of 150 species.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Falk2 · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2 — Falk2 · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 3 — JJ Merelo · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Peiallll · source · CC0