12 Interesting Things to do in Benalmadena at Christmas Time

Things to do in Benalmadena over Christmas

Although not the high season here in Benalmadena, Christmas time offers lots of interesting things to keep the whole family entertained.

Our guests often ask us for recommendations on things to do at this time of year so we’ve decided to put together this list which includes activities and specific places you can visit during the holidays. Although the title of this post specifically states Benalmadena, you’ll find that our list wanders a little further down the Coast; that being said, all of these places are well connected by public transport.

If you’re planning on visiting the Costa del Sol this Christmas, I’m sure you’ll find something of interest on the list. Here goes…

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Malaga International Jazz Festival 2025 (Events Programme)

Malaga Jazz Festival 2025

The city of Málaga is getting ready to host the 39th edition of its International Jazz Festival, taking place from November 3 to 10, 2025, with a packed program for jazz lovers!

This year’s lineup dazzles with the quality of musicians performing at the Teatro Cervantes. Attendees will enjoy artists such as Kandace Springs, Gustavo Santaolalla, Theo Croker, Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Mammal Hands, Avishai Cohen Quintet, and Al Di Meola.

Program of the 39th Málaga International Jazz Festival

All official festival concerts will be held at Teatro Cervantes.

Tickets are already on sale, ranging from €10 to €54 (depending on the artist and seat selection). Tickets can be purchased [HERE].

Monday, November 3 – Kandace Springs
American singer and pianist Kandace Springs blends jazz, soul, and pop with unique elegance. Discovered by Prince, she’s been compared to Norah Jones and Nina Simone. Her presence in Málaga promises an intimate and sophisticated evening, featuring songs from albums like Indigo and The Women Who Raised Me.

Tuesday, November 4 – Gustavo Santaolalla
Argentine composer and two-time Oscar winner for the soundtracks of Babel and Brokeback Mountain. Santaolalla is a key figure in contemporary Latin American music, with a career spanning rock, folklore, and film music. His performance will be an emotional and cinematic experience.

Wednesday, November 5 – Theo Croker
American trumpeter and composer Theo Croker mixes traditional jazz with influences from hip-hop, funk, and electronic music. Grandson of legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker represents the new generation of jazz with a bold and spiritual style.

Thursday, November 6 – Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers
Victor Wooten is considered one of the world’s best bassists, known for his virtuosity and creativity. Alongside his brothers, he delivers a show full of groove, improvisation, and energy. Their visit to Málaga will be a masterclass in technique and musicality.

Friday, November 7 – Cécile McLorin Salvant
Multiple Grammy Award winner, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the most prominent voices in contemporary vocal jazz. Her repertoire ranges from jazz classics to original compositions with strong theatrical and narrative elements. Her performance will be one of the festival’s highlights.

Saturday, November 8 – Mammal Hands
British trio combining contemporary jazz with electronic music, minimalism, and global folk influences. With an atmospheric and meditative sound, Mammal Hands offers an immersive sonic experience that has captivated European festivals.

Sunday, November 9 – Al Di Meola
Virtuoso American guitarist Al Di Meola is a legend of jazz fusion. With a career that includes collaborations with Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin, his technique and passion for Latin music make him a global reference.

Monday, November 10 – Avishai Cohen Quintet
Israeli double bassist Avishai Cohen is known for his melodic style and fusion of jazz with Middle Eastern music. His quintet delivers sophisticated and emotional compositions with flawless execution. His concert will close the festival on a note of depth and beauty.

Additionally, on Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 PM, there will be a concert by Altagracia at the Victoria Beer Factory. Miryam Latrece, Luis Regidor, and Lisandro Mansilla present their most intimate and personal musical proposal. Tickets cost €10, with only 60 seats available.

As in previous years, the festival will also feature parallel activities and free jazz concerts – the Open Jazz Festival – at the Curro Román Auditorium and Jerónimo Cuervo Square. Performers include El Gremio, Escandaloso Xpósito, Dani Domínguez, Carmen Lancho, and José Carra Quartet.

 

¿Are you planning on visiting the Malaga Jazz Festival? ¿Looking for accommodation? Sunset Beach Club Hotel is located just 20 minutes from Málaga city centre. With comfortable apartment-style accommodation and extensive facilities, it’s the perfect choice for a great-value weekend break… you can see more information and check availability at  www.sunsetbeachclub.com .

Costa del Soul: 7 Days (and nights) of the Best Northern Soul


October is ‘Soul Time’ here at Sunset Beach Club!
 

For the 17th year running, our friends at Goldsoul – well-established UK Soul event promoters – are coming back for a fun week of the best tunes, lots of dancing and, of course, sunshine!!!

This year’s ‘Costa del Soul’ event promises to be the best yet. It runs from Friday 3rd October to Saturday 11th October and featuring some of the top DJ’s from the UK playing the most fantastic Soul Music Tunes throughout the day.

Soul music lovers can enjoy their daily dose of Classic Soul tunes by the hotel’s poolside Kanaloa terrace whilst enjoying a cool jug of Sangria and working on their tans!

After a hard day by the pool, the fun continues in the Panorama Bar with some laid-back soul from 6 to 9 pm. This includes the ever-popular happy hour and the chance to catch up and watch the latest live Premier League or Champions League football matches.

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Why You Need To Visit The Málaga Fair

Next weekend sees the start of the Costa del Sol’s largest and most popular fair, the Malaga Fair or Feria de Málaga as it’s referred to here!

Malaga Fair 2025

If you haven’t been before, we highly recommend you do so! Get ready for 8 days of fun and entertainment as the city welcomes thousands of visitors from all over Spain for what has become the most popular summer fair in Andalucía and one of the most popular festivities in Spain.

The fair starts on Friday 15th August with a Historical Parade through the streets of the old town at 8:00pm. At 11:50 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy a special Drone light show, which, after the success of last year’s unique show, promises to be even more spectacular with over 200 drones flying simultaneously through the Malaga skies.

From midnight, you get to watch the spectacular pyro-musical and fireworks display from the cruise terminal access area in Malaga Port. Lasting 20 minutes and using more than 500 kilos of gunpowder, it’s a show you won’t want to miss!

The fair’s official opening takes place on Saturday 16th August in the same location as last year; the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Local writer Javier Castillo will conduct the traditional ‘Pregon’ (opening speech) before the switching on of the fair lights.

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50 Fun Things to Do With Kids on the Costa del Sol

50 Fun Things to do with kids on the Costa del Sol

So you’re planning a family holiday with the kids and the Costa del Sol is top of your list… but you’re looking for some fun things to do with the little – or not-so-little – ones during your holiday.

Well, you’re going to love this post as we are going to give you a list of 50 fun activities, excursions, parks, daytrips, outdoor activities, cultural activities, water parks and some inland adventure activities you can enjoy whilst you are here. We’ve included activities and attractions all along the Coast so it doesn’t matter if you are staying in Estepona, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena or Torremolinos, you’ll find something of interest in the list.

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‘La Noche en Blanco’ in Malaga: A Cultural Festival with 150 Free Activities

‘La Noche en Blanco’ (translated, this means Sleepless Night) has established itself as one of Málaga city’s most important cultural events. On Saturday 20th May 2025 – from 8:00 pm to 01:00 am – all who visit the Costa del Sol’s capital will be treated to a fantastic selection of free cultural activities

This year’s event will feature 150 different activities spread out over more than 90 different locations throughout the city. All the activities are grouped into different categories and themes:

  • Street Performances
  • Art, Museums and Exhibitions
  • Performing Arts
  • Audiovisual Arts
  • Music & Dance
  • Nochecita en Blanco (Special activities for kids)
  • Extraordinary Visits & Activities
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