Is Benalmadena deserted in winter

In 2019, just under 70% of the local population in Benalmádena were Spanish, https://www.spainmadesimple.com/costa-del-sol/benalmadena/moving-to-living-in-benalmadena/ on this coast due to Brexit the British population has been falling, (but sure you will find lots of Brits about in winter) however, the Spanish population growing, plus lots of other Northern Europeans moving here. Generally the winter weather is great, there are some good deals on Airbnb & you will find some with a British hosts, their properties high spec & due to tight regulations will have heating, important here in winter. https://www.airbnb.com/

There is a good firm in Benalmadena (note pronounced without the "L") https://cpgroup.business.site/ might be worth looking up, they deal with Visas applications to stay in Spain and accounting.(Note being a resident all your tax is paid here) One big minus no longer being EU citizens you can only drive temporarily as a foreign tourist, once resident cannot swap your drivers licence or use the British one, so unless a deal done with British Government people need a 'new driving test'. You now need Private Health Insurance to live here and fit the requirements of the Visa. Good news in the equivalent of Bupa which is Sanitas https://www.sanitasexpat.com/ it's only about a third of the cost in UK and the service is brilliant. 

https://balcellsgroup.com/non-lucrative-residency/

'Good luck' I hope you find the links useful. 

Hi There

If you are looking for a place that is open all year round with lots of English speaking people then head to Estepona. It is truest a great town with lots of activity and promise for a new life.  I know of a great central rental if you are interested. Alan 

'Just under a quarter of Estepona’s population is foreign with British citizens making up the largest group (3,394). Around 68,200 people live in Estepona, the largest town at the western end of the Costa del Sol'. So I guess the percentage Spanish about the same as Benalmádena. Much further from Malaga airport, nearer to Gibraltar but nice town. I note few mention Malaga city and many British tourist go south and miss it, one of Spain's finest & fantastic at Christmas time. 

https://www.realista.com/resources/area-guides/estepona/

Thanks for that Alan, Yes we were planning to look at Estepona and also Manilva.

Regards Audrey

Thanks for that David, Some interesting reading there.

Regards Audrey

Love Benalmadena close to Malaga and i find the infrastructure is better. It has a lovely promenade. Estepona is lovely too but much further out. Better to rent and find out whar you prefer.  Good luck

That's good advice Jan, what suits one person not the other, Benalmadena, is a good position, on the railway and not far from Malaga and airport. Some people prefer to be completely away from it all and others not, either way I'm sure will find lots of local Brits in winter..  

You will find expats everywhere especially in the winter I would have thought as the climate is better in Spain than say in the UK in the winter time. Even the Spanish are good to have as friend's especially if you make an effort with them.

Hi Audrey

Benalmádena is an all year round resort and most places are open.

There’s a great expat feel to the place and one or two local organisations that you may enjoy.

There’s plenty to see and do and many travel agents have predicted a very busy winter with tourists.

Head to Arroyo de la Miel for some nice eateries abs you’ll find the train station there too where you can travel as far as Fuengirola in one direction to Málaga in the other.

Wherever you decide,  have a great stay!