Santa Ana Beach - black rocks on beach during sunset
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Santa Ana Beach

4.3
·503 reviews·, Spain

A vibrant, shallow, sandy urban beach in Benalmádena, lined with hotels, bars, and restaurants, perfect for convenience and lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Sand cools down

CrowdMedium
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Santa Ana Beach - black rocks on beach during sunset

Santa Ana Beach

Best Time

Late afternoons

Sand cools down

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, shallow, sandy urban beach in Benalmádena, lined with hotels, bars, and restaurants, perfect for convenience and lively atmosphere.

4.3
(503 reviews)

"Great beach but the sand is extremely hot!"

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Sunbed Costs

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 7 euros per person. Plan your budget!

👟 Hot Sand Alert!

The sand gets extremely hot, especially in August. Consider water shoes for comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stroll Along the Promenade

Stroll Along the Promenade

Full length of the beach

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sea breeze, and views of the Mediterranean. Perfect for evening walks.

Relax on the Golden Sands

Relax on the Golden Sands

Main beach area

Soak up the sun on this popular, clean beach. Remember to bring your own shade or rent a sunbed.

Nighttime Serenity

Nighttime Serenity

Beachfront

Experience the calm after sunset with gentle waves and ambient lights. A different, peaceful vibe.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Urban Beach Vibe

Santa Ana Beach is a lively urban stretch, perfect for those who love amenities. Expect a bustling atmosphere with plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants right on your doorstep. It's a great spot if you want convenience and don't mind a crowd.

Sunbed Strategy & Sand Savvy

Sunbeds are available but come with a cost, around 7 euros per person per day.Reddit The sand can get incredibly hot, so consider water shoes or visiting during cooler parts of the day. Shade is limited, so pack accordingly.

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Sand cools down
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Calm and romantic
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler sand
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Playa de Santa Ana Benalmadena #beach #spain #benalmadena #playa #travel #holiday #fyp #holidaytok #malaga
@ant0ni0_uk
26 likes • 6.7K views

☀️ Sunbed Costs

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 7 euros per person. Plan your budget! Reddit

👟 Hot Sand Alert!

The sand gets extremely hot, especially in August. Consider water shoes for comfort. Reddit

Playa de Santa Ana,Benalmadena #puertomarina #benalmadena #sea #wawe #spain #mood #relax #viral #malaga
@mini__travel
35 likes • 1.5K views
Playa de Santa Ana after rain/ Benalmadena, Spain 🇪🇸 / Visit to Spain #spain #benalmadena #playadesantaana #malaga
@mini__travel
11 likes • 1.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Evening Strolls

The promenade is perfect for a relaxing walk after sunset, with a calmer atmosphere. TikTok

🌊 Water Temperature

The Mediterranean water can be a bit chilly, even in peak summer months like August.

🌊 Late night at Playa de Santa Ana. Just the waves, the lights, and the calm. Benalmádena at night hits different. ✨ #Benalmadena #SpainNights #BeachVibes #NightMood #CostaDelSol
@bibichworld
50 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Sunbed Costs

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 7 euros per person. Plan your budget! Reddit

👟 Hot Sand Alert!

The sand gets extremely hot, especially in August. Consider water shoes for comfort. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Evening Strolls

The promenade is perfect for a relaxing walk after sunset, with a calmer atmosphere. TikTok

🌊 Water Temperature

The Mediterranean water can be a bit chilly, even in peak summer months like August.

🚗 Parking Considerations

Parking can be challenging in this urban area; consider walking or using public transport if possible.

What Travellers Say

4.3
(503 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Santa Ana Beach is praised for its clean sand, shallow waters, and convenient location with many amenities. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and proximity to restaurants and shops. However, the sand can get extremely hot, and water temperatures can be cooler than expected.

"Real nice, clean sand beach, lifeguards on duty, no shade. Water a bit cold in August. Lots of restaurants and shops close by. 💯"

David Riedmiller

"Nice beach lots to do and sunbeds"

Mark Hurst

"A great beach to relax on. If you take a sunbed, then do not forget the money ( 7 euros per person per day )"

Evgeni Chikinov

What People Like

Clean sand and shallow water
Convenient location
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Hot sand
Cool water temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santa Ana Beach is easily accessible in Benalmádena. You can reach it by local bus services that frequent the coastal road. If you're staying nearby, it's often a pleasant walk along the promenade. TikTok+1

Parking can be difficult due to its urban location. There are some paid parking lots, but they fill up quickly. Consider public transport or walking if possible. Reddit

Yes, it's a beautiful walk! Puerto Marina is adjacent to Santa Ana Beach, and the promenade makes for a scenic 20-minute stroll. TikTokReddit

The closest airport is Málaga Airport (AGP). From there, you can take a train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel and then a bus or taxi to the beach. TikTok

Absolutely! It's a straightforward journey from Malaga by train or car, making it a popular day trip destination. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Santa Ana Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay if you choose to rent sunbeds or umbrellas. Reddit

As a public beach, Santa Ana Beach is accessible 24/7. However, lifeguard services and amenities operate during daylight hours. TikTok

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. The cost is typically around 7 euros per person per day. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions. Standard beach rules apply, and lifeguards are on duty during operational hours. Reddit

It's usually not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, especially outside of peak season. However, during busy periods, arriving earlier might be advisable. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find numerous amenities including hotels, bars, restaurants, public restrooms, and lifeguard stations. TikTokReddit

Yes, the beach is shallow and sandy, making it suitable for families. However, shade is limited, and the sand can get very hot. Reddit

Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy walks along the promenade, dine at nearby restaurants, and explore the adjacent Puerto Marina. TikTok+1

The water temperature can be a bit cool, even in August. It's refreshing but might be a surprise if you expect tropical warmth. Reddit

Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the main beach season to ensure visitor safety. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The beach is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines. TikTokReddit

You'll find a mix of Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, international dishes, and casual beach bar fare. Reddit

Yes, while some restaurants are upscale, you can find more affordable options like tapas bars and casual eateries along the promenade. Reddit

There are kiosks and beach bars that sell snacks, drinks, and ice cream. You can also find convenience stores nearby. Reddit

Definitely! Many restaurants along the promenade offer stunning sea views, perfect for a romantic evening. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the long stretch of sand, the promenade with its palm trees, and the views towards Puerto Marina. The beach at sunset offers beautiful light. TikTok+1

While drone usage might be restricted in urban areas, check local regulations. The aerial views of the coastline can be stunning. TikTok

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides soft, flattering light. Sunset offers dramatic colors. TikTok

Yes, the hotels like Hotel Las Arenas are part of the scenic backdrop. Be mindful of privacy if photographing people. TikTok

Consider capturing the contrast between the urban development and the natural beauty of the sea, especially after a rain shower. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Santa Ana Beach is a good choice for families due to its shallow waters and sandy shores, making it safer for little ones to play. The abundance of nearby restaurants and amenities means you won't have to venture far for food or facilities. Reddit

Be prepared for the hot sand by bringing water shoes or visiting earlier in the day. Shade is limited, so consider bringing your own umbrella or renting one. The proximity to attractions like Parque de la Paloma also offers a nice break from the beach. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

While sunbeds come at a cost (around 7 euros per person), Santa Ana Beach itself is free to access. You can save money by bringing your own beach towel and umbrella, or by enjoying the sand without amenities. Reddit

Look for tapas bars and casual eateries along the promenade for more affordable dining options rather than the beachfront restaurants. Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help keep costs down. Reddit

🌙 Couples Seeking Ambiance

For a more romantic experience, consider visiting Santa Ana Beach in the evening. The beach takes on a serene atmosphere with gentle waves and ambient lighting from the promenade and nearby establishments. TikTok

Many restaurants along the beachfront offer sea views, perfect for a sunset dinner. The walk along the promenade after dark is also a lovely, tranquil activity. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Benalmádena's Coastal Charm

Santa Ana Beach is a central hub in Benalmádena, offering a classic urban beach experience. It's a long, sandy stretch known for its shallow waters, making it accessible for various visitors. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, reflecting its popularity among tourists and locals alike. TikTok+1

Adjacent to the vibrant Puerto Marina, Santa Ana Beach benefits from its prime location. This proximity means easy access to a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening. TikTok+1 The promenade running alongside the beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline. TikTok

While the beach itself is a draw, the surrounding area offers more. Nearby attractions like the Bil Bil Castle provide cultural insights, and the Parque de la Paloma offers green space for families. TikTok This makes Santa Ana Beach not just a place to sunbathe, but a gateway to exploring more of Benalmádena's offerings.

The Santa Ana Beach Experience: From Hot Sand to Cool Waves

Visitors often highlight the clean sand and the presence of lifeguards as major positives for Santa Ana Beach. The shallow nature of the water is also a significant advantage, particularly for families with young children. Reddit

However, a recurring theme in reviews is the intense heat of the sand, especially during the summer months. This has led some visitors to recommend water shoes or visiting during cooler parts of the day. Reddit The water temperature, while refreshing, can also be cooler than expected, even in August. Reddit

Despite these minor drawbacks, the beach's convenience, with numerous restaurants and shops nearby, and the availability of sunbeds (for a fee) contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable beach day for many. Reddit The option for late-night visits offers a different, more tranquil experience with just the sound of the waves. TikTok

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