I WAS SURPRISED! I visit all 3 resorts in one day. Which is best as a day trip from Malaga?

Torremolinos, Benelmadena and Fuengirola - I had never been to any of these resorts. As a day trip from Malaga, which is best? I visit all three, and based on my first impressions, I'll let you know. #torremolinos #benalmadena #fuengirola #malaga
Filmed May 2024 | Malaga, Spain.
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*** TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:19 Torremolinos
00:09:00 Benelmadena
00:12:30 Benelmadena cable car
00:18:58 Fuengirola
00:23:46 Conclusion

[@steve-marsh]

Fantastic comparison, I've never been to any of these so it was great to see what they were like. The beauty of Málaga is it's an interesting city with beaches as well, so I think the only one that would tear me away for a day trip would be Benalmádena, just to ride that fantastic cable car! Cheers Scott.

[@RobinPalmerTV]

Boys trip away needed!

[@jaythomson7220]

oh it's a good day indeed, Literally just finished watching Steve Marshes Canada trip video and refreshed and up your video popped, always a good start to the day when Scott pops up!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I'm glad to hear I start your day off well!

[@6yjjk]

I visited Torremolinos once, got a couple of hundred metres from the station and it was all loud Brits getting wasted and turning pink. Got the next train back to Malaga.

[@rogertemple7193]

I'm really enjoying watching your videos and the places that you visit take care and thank you.🇬🇧🫡🫡🇬🇧

[@Eurobazz]

Torremolinos is the best town of the three Scott. I was staying in Torremolinos in January. The RENFE Cercanías (C) 1 station is centrally located allowing for ease of travel into Málaga Ciudad, Málaga airport station and also to Málaga Maria Zambrano station for high-speed services to many destinations. A day trip to Seville is possible. I also used the bus from Torremolinos to Ronda and returned by three different trains on the same day. It's also possible to fly on a day trip to Melilla if you book up in advance. Accommodation is marginally cheaper in Torremolinos than Màlaga Ciudad also. For me, the geography of Benalmádena turned me off the place because the C1 line veers too far inland away from the coast. As for Fuengirola, the station isn't nice and there was nothing in the town that I liked. Give me Torremolinos any time!!!

[@user-yq6gd1sd7l]

Been to all three many times, last time being last March. You missed the best bit of all, La Carihuela on the paseo between Torremolinos and Benalmadena. Strictly still in Torremolinos. Very Spanish and a village-like chilled feel. You must go back!

[@frankoveberg3859]

yeah paseo! and the beautiful park de la paloma! 🌞and puerto deportivo! benalmadena has it all! scott ! it`s your favorite! but you missed👆go back👍

[@ukdavepianoman]

Not been to any...but Benelmadena would get my vote simply for the cable car. Can't beat some great views. Great video.

[@johnnyg1074]

I've had a holiday in Benalmadena and while there, got the bus up to Mijas, then got a bus back down to Fuengirola and then back to our hotel, good day out.

[@capercally]

I stayed in Fuengirola on a 2 week holiday back in 2007. I was only 17 at the time and travelled with my family. My aunt, uncle and cousins were on holiday in Torremolinos at the same time so we caught the train to visit them. Public transport is good in the Costa Del Sol. I was on the cable car during the holiday too. Another nice place to visit in Fuengirola is the castle, great views from the top, Gary

[@Fan652w]

Very interesting video, Scott! I would definitely prefer Benelmadena. I love cable cars, and the splendid views you get from the top!

[@charms87]

I loved Benalmadena when we visited there a few years ago. You missed an amazing park with a special cactus garden. We found the bus that runs along the coast very convenient vs. the train.

[@michaelocyoung]

I've never been attracted to these kinds of places, so it's nice to be able to vicariously visit them in videos like this. It reinforces my desire to stay away. It also explains where places like Newquay get their aesthetic

[@ianmacfarlaine]

I find myself these days playing the Scott Drinking Game. Been awake more than 24 hours? 2 shots. Mentions Steve Marsh? 1 shot. Bumps into Steve Marsh? 5 shots. Hotel not ensuite? 3 shots. Target restaurant / attraction is closed? 4 shots. Gets asked by a local for directions? 1 shot (it's ubiquitous). Tastes some food and looks apprehensive/contemplative while chewing, followed by a distinct repeated nod of approval? 5 shots. Drinks or points out a Peroni? Take a shot followed by a Peron!

[@Raymond-jq2nj]

Wow beautiful. I love them all. So nice. Thank you Scott

[@wendlit]

That was an amazing cable car ride! 👍👏😁😬😳

[@normacollinson8196]

Oh gosh, I love this area! Thanks for bringing back some lovely memories. You are definitely right to pick Benalmadena. Next time you are there you must visit Paloma Park and the fabulous marina. Parque de la Bateria in Torremolinos is also lovely.

[@user-ns2iu2hj4d]

I absolutely love that whole coastline….Fuengirola market is fantastic, such a shame you weren’t there on the day it was on! A beautiful part of the world!

[@chriscoughlan5221]

Market News to me, I've been to Fuengirola loads of times and never seen a market Mind you there's a big one in Algeciras

[@user-ns2iu2hj4d]

@@chriscoughlan5221 it’s along towards Los Boliches Station…would say about half way between the two…great place!

[@chriscoughlan5221]

@@user-ns2iu2hj4d what day/s of the week?

[@mariopoliti3072]

I was at Benalmadena, hence my profile pic lol, I found it really nice and tranquil 👍

[@martinholland3938]

Great video Scott just wondered how Spanish trains compare to ours price wise. Also loved the cable car was that expensive

[@damianwrigglesworth1536]

Great video. I really like benalmadena it's the best place I've been there a few times

[@andybaker2456]

My first ever foreign holiday was to Torremolinos! I was 16 years old and had just finished taking my O Levels, so it was a special time! But the thing is, we didn't stay in the main town, but in a suburb just to the west called La Carihuela, which was lovely. I did venture into the town myself one day (I've always had wanderlust, so left everyone else sitting by the pool while I went off to explore), and remember not being that keen on it! 😄

[@martinpearson572]

I stayed in benalmadena for a week about 15 years ago was nice and did manage to walk to fuengirola along the beach. I liked both places in their own way. Where I was staying had loads of elephant Statues.

[@spidyman8853]

You can see the Arabic influence on the name BenAlMadena in Spain. Madena means city AL means the Ben means the son of

[@mikepowell2776]

That was excellent! It made a fascinating comparison to those places when I lived in Malaga for several years around the turn of the century. Back then you went by train if it was necessary to visit Torremolinos because you always felt that, if you took a car, you’d return to find it up on bricks and with the battery missing. Nice to see the Islamic tower still doubling as a telegraph pole. Benelmadena was always the quietest resort even when the hilltop funfair was open. There are some interesting prehistoric cave dwellings in that hill with ‘cup and ring’ engravings. There are Roman remains, too as well as at Fuengirola including unused pillars on the beach and some structures protected by having new buildings on stilts over them. Fuengirola is far enough from Malaga to need to provide all services, hence its larger size. All the stations seem to have been vastly improved. The towers are interesting - square are Moorish, round are Christian. Used to look out for raiders from N Africa, hence Arroya de la Miel being inland for protection. There is also a castle at Fuengirola. Many thanks for reviving possibly slightly flawed memories.

[@hazels27]

I think all three resorts would look different in the full tourist season. Handy that you can easily get along the coast though. Been to Torremolinos and Belalmadena but not Fuengirola. Nerja is attractive with some caves nearby. Look forward to next video. Thank you.

[@valeriedocherty8988]

You should have walked up to arroyo via Parque Paloma. It's beautiful, and if it has gone back to how it was prior to covid, ther will be ducks, rabbits and peacocks roaming around. Benalmadena is my favourite go to for a holiday and the flight duration is relatively short. Advise buying a card for bus travel.

[@ianchristopherson1973]

Great video, i love all 3, my parents lived in Fuengirola for 20 years, you cant judge it in a few hrs, need a couple of days in each place.

[@Steve-xm2mt]

Scott, if what you saw of Benalmadena ticked your boxes then you can only get more inpressed by the marina area which you may have missed!

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you. I love your narration.

[@HelenMorton-sq3tp]

You should have walked along La Carihuela from Torremolinos into Benalmádena Marina. It’s a lovely mile long walk . Pity you missed some of the best walkways in that area

[@user-yq6gd1sd7l]

He certainly did!😂

[@narabdela]

Yep. you can easily walk along the front from Torremolinos to Benelmadena.

[@Theme.Park.Global]

Really enjoyed this Scott.

[@sandiandgregh]

That cable car looked amazing with incredible views. The walk to the top after looked, wellll, a bit dodgy at least to my poor old knees. When you said "Should we climb those stairs to the top?", Greg and I said to each other "If this was a @steve-marsh video, that answer would be a definite yes." And, of course, you said "yes", too. :) Hey, did we miss you requiring a coffee for cruising altitude in today's video? #youtuberbingocard

[@imsbvs]

Some years ago I stayed at Torremolinos for an off season short break, railway station is very conveniently located and overall was happy with the place. Didn't go to the beach, but did hire a car and day trip to Gibraltar. Not visited the other two, but do feel Benalmedena's cable car would be a great attraction on one of the super hot summer days that do occur in Andalucia. Shame could not see the African coast, too far I guess.

[@horsehollerer]

Great watch, cheers. TBH I didn't like the look of any of them. Granada is just 1 hr 20 mins away from Malaga by direct train ... now THAT'S a day trip 😉

[@rossmcgarrie9787]

From what I’ve seen here it looks really nice YES but I still prefer Portugal 🇵🇹🇪🇺 which I hope you will visit again in the future mate. 👍

[@xix94]

My fav channel for travel

[@johnledingham852]

Yep Scottie, I agree with your choice of the three also. Thanks for another great video mate. Keep 'em coming!

[@bill1036]

Torremolinos every time mate. Have stayed in all three and Fuengirola would be my third choice, Benalmadena second and Torremolinos first. The piece you filmed on the beach there was right outside the best hotel in the town, The Melia Costa Del Sol. Plus, you're just around the rocky outcrop of La Carahuela. A must see town.

[@allysonblack5984]

I didn’t like Torromolinos either. I prefer Fuengirola it’s got a more authentic Spanish feel, lovely shops and I loved the zoo. Great video Scott. I love the variety 9f your trips.

[@paulemajer5634]

I'd say Benalmadena, as I did own a bar there in Arroyo

[@garymcgregor7048]

Not quite butlins Filey in the 70s on the gondola but amazing views 🙈👍👍

[@helengiddings267]

I enjoyed that. You make me laugh 😂

[@michaelellard4664]

Torremolinos is excellent for walking and as I was recovering from illness I got up every morning walking along the prom. Brilliant.

[@stephenskorupa8983]

We have been to Benalmadena twice and took a day trip to fuingerola and then the next day to Toromolinos.We really liked Toromolinos but didn't like Fuingerola at all.

[@zianeshkasparen4358]

Ooooh nooooo In the Caribbean we also do have baked beans for breakfast. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ColinM_YouTube]

Thanks for this wonderful video Scott. I have been to fuengirola before, (early 90’s I think) & was great spotting the hotel I stayed in & the area in general. I’m currently planning a trip to Malaga & thanks to your video, we will make a trip to benalmadena to do the cable car ride as part of our itinerary! Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@ianlove1215]

I did like "La Casa De Sherlock Holmes" across from where you had breakfast. Being able to watch Peterborough vs Oxford in Torremolinos made me smile!! Def aimed at ex pats! They have a cable car similar at Matlock Bath. It is shorter & only has 4 cars, so of course there is a slight pause when you are midway as the cars at top & bottom are stop. If it is breezy it can get unnerving as it sways!!! The Bioparc is def not worth, small, takes about an hour to walk around.

[@boabaloab]

Thanks

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Boabaloab - what a great name. Many thanks for your support.

[@eileenmclean1274]

Thanks Scott. Lovely video. You really do make us laugh, with your drill comments. Keep them coming. ❤❤

[@Apollo17-yz2sh]

it looked like tat but on closer inspection it was tat

[@TonyErgonie]

I was in Fuengirola two weeks ago, lovely spot. The castle is nice and there's some good mountains for a hike.

[@martind8963]

I flew from Edinburgh to Torremolinos with an ex girlfriend in 2014. We walked along the coast towards Benalmadena and the seafront with lots of lovely yauchts sitting in the harbour. It was quite pleasant there I thought although we never went to the cable car! Sadly, I share the same sentiment as you, I didn't find there was a lot to do there and it certainly wasn't as pleasant as visiting S'illot, Majorca a few years before that. We were that bored, we decided to take the train across to Málaga for the day, which was far nicer. I wished we booked a stay there instead! I don't think I would go back to Torremolinos but then again I'm not in a great state to travel far anymore, especially by myself, so I enjoy those many travel videos that you post!

[@AhmedBayoumy1]

Just saying, love your videos, bro Please keep going

[@andywillis2650]

Good comparison video Scott

[@joannharrington2279]

The cable car was pretty cool. Going over the highway was nuts. I have to remember to visit Spain in May.

[@ammcox]

The market area had an international food fair on two weeks before your visit.

[@raybisbey42]

Busters bar in Fuengirola is owned by a Scottish lady, (and her English husband).

[@kennethmohan7637]

Great vid Scott of all the years going to Malaga I never knew of the cable car. Now Fuengirola is another story. Was walked around that bloody market with sun burned feet and legs in 30 odd degree heat. I can still feel the pain but the wife was happy buying her tat that day

[@markwhidby5148]

The full English... with salad garnish! Too healthy!

[@alanblundell393]

Hi Scott I enjoy videos it's great because watching yr travels I can save money and go on any more holidays abroad Al

[@carnivorejourneyandme]

In full tourist season or off season torremolinos still the best . It’s more quiet than the other two and there is few places to go and see . Cheaper accommodation and true authentic Spanish restaurants . The train stop it’s just spot on and you can go to fuengirola in 5 minutes if you want a bit of a nightlife and bigger shopping. Benalmadena love it ,so so much things to do for adults and kids but the train stop it’s really puts you off right in top of the hill . And you have to go all the way down and up. But big place with loads to do . What I like in Costa del Sol it’s that train connecting in every little place and fast straight from Malaga city or airport

[@thisweekmetaverse]

I used to live down that way. Fuengirola for me

[@michaellawrence9559]

Been going to benelmadena for last couple of years love the place especially down the central part loads to do , we walked to Fuengirola it’s a great walk , totally agree with you on Torremolinos it’s not the best out of them all

[@steveb1086]

We didn't rate Torremolinos, went in March 22 and was cold nothing much opened. More to see in Benalmadena which we liked. Fuengerola had a nice beach and great town with bars and restaurants.

[@teresad6513]

Agree with your assessment. I've been to all three and I agree. Benalmadena is the best. Granted, I visited a long, long time ago, and things have changed a lot. Torremolinos used to be a hippie town after a bunch of people read The Drifters.

[@frankoveberg3859]

from the cablecar ! you can see fuengirola! further south,about 16 min into your video! (but you showed that) ,great by the way.the three places has about same population: 70000-85000,but fuengirola is more densed,moust people and most urban area .But benalmadena has it all ! go back ! scott ,and visite paloma park and deportivo puerto ! 😎👌

[@gregorymiller7828]

Thanks Scott, are they cork trees?

[@lja8187]

Estepona is lovely.

[@Eurobazz]

The C1 doesn't go there.

[@hanshartfiel6394]

I can't comment on your Spanish pronunciation but the way you pronounced Adidas made me smile, in fact, I had to wind back a couple of times to listen again. Which town would I like best? Well, to be honest, I didn't like any of them all that much because in my opinion they are touristy and what puts me off are all those British pubs and restaurants. When I go abroad I like to enjoy and experience the local food and drinks and I don't want a kind of "home from home" vacation. Apart from all that, Scott, another good and informative video.

[@ianpilkington2037]

Can't stand that myself really annoys me. Why get away from home just to 'go home' again. Spain has some of the best food in Europe.

[@alanlake5220]

Nice review, surprised by lack of sun at the beginning, and not many people about .

[@angelasewell3815]

Mijas Pueblo is a beautiful village/town a bit inland . Easy to get there from Malaga . Lovely day trip 😎

[@user-pl2th5wj2h]

Get the bus from Fuengirola to Mijas €1.20 single.Worth it but only once.

[@jornspirit]

...agree with your rating from what I've seen... however, my favourite place at the Spanish south coast is Nerja 💖

[@calow123]

Enjoyed this one Scott and I’ve basically done what you did on the train to Malaga and then in to each resort. I agree Benalmadena is very family orientated and my children had a wonderful evening at Tivoli World one beautiful warm evening a few years ago. I’m with you as regards Torremolinos. Bars shops and not much more. I did enjoy Fuengirola as I found it appeared to have a little more on the Iines of history and traditional buildings with the Spanish tiles which I love. That cable car and the birds of prey experience at the top is a real treat and so I’ll go with you as regards which is best 👍

[@mrfooty7209]

We stayed in the wonderful Melia Costa Del Sol in Torremolinos for ten days and used the C1 train to visit Malaga twice, Benelmadina and Fuengirola. There is plenty to do in all four places, but you should do far more research before you leave home.

[@user-pl2th5wj2h]

Love Fuengirola/Los Boliches.Spend a couple of months of the year there.

[@BIGV710]

I have delivered food to a ICELAND store in Fuengirola been there 7 times and always parked up where them motorhomes are parked its a great place nice food and beer

[@gregorylenton8200]

Kinda Liked ..ALL

[@John-qq8he]

The market operates every Tuesday. Pity you missed it as it's always well worth a visit.

[@ScottishMancave]

Scott big fan of the channel. you should go to the village of Nerja, it’s better than all 3 of the resorts you visited, very traditional Spanish village.

[@jeffreyhughesmbe]

You never visited the harbour complex in Benalmadena which is so magnificently

[@stephentalas1940]

Thanks Scott, you and Steve's videos do more for Spain then any tourist board promo. In the Summer we're having in Scotland, this all looks very attractive.

[@simplysuperman6988]

I've been to all 3, so here's my verdict. Fuengirola has a sort of run down small city feel and not much to see or do to (though there are a few nice places) to outweigh that and I had multiple African guys trying to sell me knock off stuff by the beach which makes the experience feel cheap. Benalmadena is good and certain things (like the cable car) are nice but overall it's bit spread out and feels weird walking down random residential streets with nothing on them and always feeling like you're around the corner from the more exciting bit. Torremolinos as you say has the most food and drink and imo is the best of the three because none of them are that special really, it just does the "chill out and have a pint and some tasty food" vibe better than the other two and gives you more options with it. There's a few African guys selling cheap crap here too, but it's nowhere near as bad as Fuengirola so is basically a non issue. So I'd say if you were going to stay in one, stay in Torremolinos and if you were going to day trip to one, day trip to Benalmadena. If you're feeling bored then there's no harm in trying out Fuengirola too, but I'm not a fan personally. Really though, Malaga is a beautiful city and it feels like a waste of a holiday staying in a tacky coastal tourist town when you can hop on the train and get better food, drink, atmosphere, things to see and do etc. with little to no effort. But hey, that's just me, I know other people want to unwind instead and understand that side too.

[@charlesmair26]

Another good one.

[@jezcuffy]

i enjoy these videos i look forward to seeing them, far better then your dull foreign supermarket price uploads.

[@phronsiekeys]

That cable car is the draw!

[@andyboy189]

Torremolinos seafront promenade 🙂

[@kevinanderson5658]

Awesome 👍 content Next time in benidorm please try teesside parmo at the bulldog beach benidorm taste of teesside in Spain

[@greencell1968]

Another great video. Technically that's a gondola right enough, not a cable car, they're fundamentally different.

[@dominikschmalstieg2912]

5:48 I always found it interesting: in catholic or protestant churches men should take your hat off, in orthodox churches women should cover their hair and in synagogues men should wear a kippah or a hat. It can sometimes be a little confusing. Add on for orthodox churches: I've seen it often in Romania or Russia, that women had a scarf ready in their handbag, and just put it on before entering the church.

[@annrimmington9248]

I've been to all three and I loved the Market in Fuengirola (when it's on) Benalmadena for the Marina and Paloma Park and Torremolinos as you said for drinks and food. Benalmadena has my vote and also a must for someone my age a mobility scooter it's very hilly. 🅰️❌

[@lizcameron3507]

You missed a good lot of torremolinos . You were only up in the town . There's a great promenade you can walk into the benalmadina harbour which is a must . There's also a lift in the mountain that takes you up to the town from the beach . Torromolinos is far the best place . Other two are nice but not as !!

[@andrewwilson6240]

I was expecting a mention of Castillo Monumento Colomares probably the most striking place to visit in Benalmadina. A fair uphill drag from Torremuelle, it has been a few years since I have been to Fuengirola buti don't remember much in the way of British/ Irish pubs back then, I have been to all 3 resorts, and you are using C1 benalmadina is probably the best of the 3. The frequent coastal bus opens up the whole coast up as far as Cadiz.

[@silverceltic9318]

Did you have the chance to visit Benahavis? Lovely mountain village between Marbella and Estepona

[@finnishrailways1069]

Hi Scott, just wanted to let you know that you've misspelled Benalmadena in the thumbnail and the description. Also about half of the commenters have got it wrong. Seems to be a difficult name!

[@dazlebluefrogify]

I knew your chose would be the cale car one i was surprsed you didn't walk back down to the town 😂 i guess time wise you couldn't, but if someone went early from malaga direct it could be done maybe not in june to seprember with the scorching sun and high temperatures,, looking forward to your bext video keep them coming

[@moneycash-wg7wp]

Having been down the C1 line myself, I didn't even go to Torremolinos because it didn't look worth it, I thought Fuengirola was a big tourist trap which lacked any sort of Spanish character, and I thought Benalmadena was pretty nice (although I didn't see the seafront), with the cable car being fantastic (except it seemed to stop on the steepest, highest bits, which is a bit nerve-wracking).

[@scotbotvideos]

Dude, Fuengirola is the most Spanish of all, particularly the Los Boliches end. In August it's heaving with Spaniards on their month-long holidays.

[@neztyz4480]

Great video Scott

[@history_leisure]

If they can get Tivoli World back open, even as a Legoland or other IP attached (since the plans for one in Charleroi got canned), I'd take your word for it

[@shanegermany5803]

Agree with your choice Scott, but even then, I still wouldn’t go thier, has to be a better place with good beach closer to Malaga, then any of those!

[@peternolan5353]

Scott, Mrs Slocumb won't like what you said about Torromenlios. We you not served properly. 🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Malaga went way upmarket in the past decade but so has Torremolinos too, who remembers combat alley? 😂 Although it'll never be beautiful it's got a bit of charm now that a large amount is traffic free. I agree with another commenter, the best bit is the long walk around the headland to Benelmadena. Still, IMO, all 3 are brutally unnatractive.