After exploring Benalmádena's rooftop scene, these are the best rooftop bars offering everything from fire performances and Mediterranean views to beachfront terraces and budget-friendly vibes.
Finding the perfect rooftop in Benalmádena means knowing where to look.
This coastal town between Málaga and Fuengirola offers a rooftop scene that balances Mediterranean sophistication with accessible beach-town charm.
You'll find options ranging from theatrical skybars with fire performances to beachfront terraces where flip-flops are welcome.
We've explored every accessible rooftop in Benalmádena, and these five stand out for their views, atmosphere, and overall experience.
1. Celeste Skybar
Celeste Skybar atop Spirit Hotel Benalmádena Beach takes rooftop experiences beyond just views and cocktails.
It's dinner and a show, literally.
The panoramic Mediterranean views would be enough on their own, the terrace provides unobstructed coastal perspectives that make sunset sessions spectacular.
But what sets Celeste apart is the entertainment programming.
Fire performances make this an absolute go-to, unfortunately I didn't get to see one.
You get what you pay for, so expect prices to be on the higher end at this rooftop!
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:theatrical, energetic, sophisticated with entertainment flair
- Drinks:creative cocktails with bartender twists (€14-18), premium wines, champagne
- Food:international small plates and sharing options (€10-20), designed for cocktail pairing
- Reservations:highly recommended, especially for weekends and entertainment evenings
- Elevator:Yes
- Season:seasonal - March/April through October/November
- Smoking:allowed on terraces
- Dress code:smart casual - the entertainment programming calls for effort
- Kid-friendly:yes, though atmosphere is more adult-focused
Insider Tip: Contact Spirit Hotel when booking to ask what entertainment is scheduled for your visit dates.
Curious? Check out our full review with photos to see if Celeste Skybar deserves a spot on your Benalmádena itinerary.
2. Nix Sky Bar
Twelve floors above Benalmádena, NIx Sky Bar delivers something increasingly rare on the Costa del Sol, a genuinely adults-only rooftop where you're guaranteed an atmosphere free from family hotel energy.
Climb up Hotel Benalma, and you'll find that this seasonal skybar (March through October) attracts a mature crowd seeking sophisticated rooftop sessions without children.
The Mediterranean views stretch across the coastline, making this an amazing sunset spot.
The food menu focuses on Asian-inspired sharing plates like gyozas, baos, and croquettes, designed for pairing with cocktails rather than full meals.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:sophisticated, adults-only, mature atmosphere
- Drinks:signature cocktails (€12-16), creative interpretations, premium selections
- Food:Asian-inspired sharing plates - gyozas, baos, croquettes (€8-14)
- Reservations:recommended for weekends and sunset hours
- Elevator:Yes
- Season:seasonal - March through October
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:smart casual befitting upscale rooftop
- Kid-friendly:no - strict adults-only policy
Insider Tip: The adults-only policy is strictly enforced, don't show up with children expecting exceptions.
Want more details? Browse photos and read our complete review to see if NIx Sky Bar fits your Benalmádena plans.
Sunrise from Mount Calamorro
Take the Benalmádena cable car to the summit just as the sun rises over the Mediterranean. At 800m altitude, you'll watch the Costa del Sol wake up while the coast below is still in shadow.
“The cable car opens at 10:30am normally, but staying at the right hotel puts you within walking distance. Catch the first ride up and you'll have the summit virtually to yourself.”
Sunset Beach Club - Walking distance to the cable car base station. Perfect for early risers who want to catch the first car up the mountain.
Check Availability3. Sky Lounge Bar and Restaurant
Sky Lounge brings Meliá hotel sophistication to Benalmádena's rooftop scene.
This rooftop venue functions as both restaurant and cocktail bar, giving you options whether you want full Mediterranean dining or just sunset drinks with small plates.
The Mediterranean views stretch across the coastline making this one of the best sunset rooftop bars.
The terrace faces west, making golden hour spectacular and prime sunset spots worth booking early.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:sophisticated, professional, reliable hotel rooftop quality
- Drinks:signature and classic cocktails (€10-16), comprehensive wine list, champagne
- Food:international cuisine with Mediterranean influences - full restaurant menu (€18-35 mains)
- Reservations:highly recommended for restaurant, bar accepts walk-ins more easily
- Elevator:Yes
- Season:varies seasonally - call ahead to confirm hours
- Smoking:on the terrace
- Dress code:smart casual, particularly for evening dining
- Kid-friendly:yes, though atmosphere is more adult-focused evenings
Insider Tip: Book the restaurant for weekend sunset sessions to guarantee your spot, then head up to the bar area for post-dinner cocktails if you want to extend the evening.
Interested? Read our full review with photos to decide if Sky Lounge Bar should be on your Benalmádena list.
4. Almika
Right on Paseo Marítimo above the beachfront promenade, Almika delivers the perfect rooftop if you want to be close to the beach.
Located on the first floor of the Las Gaviotas building, this terrace sits just high enough to provide unobstructed Mediterranean views without the high-rise detachment.
You're close enough to shuffle back to the beach if you're not quite ready to leave either!
The menu embraces Mediterranean coastal cuisine like fresh seafood, grilled fish, paellas,and dishes that make sense when you're meters from the water.
It's also the best rooftop when it comes to kids.
Pricing sits somewhere in the middle ground, more than basic beach bars, less than hotel rooftops.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:casual, beachfront, welcoming, family-friendly
- Drinks:cocktails (€8-12), wine, beer, sangria - accessible pricing
- Food:Mediterranean coastal cuisine - seafood, paellas, grilled fish (€14-26)
- Reservations:recommended for weekend evenings and sunset
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:varies - confirm hours before visiting
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:beach casual welcome - this is meters from the sand
- Kid-friendly:yes - families welcome throughout
Insider Tip: The west-facing terrace makes sunset sessions particularly beautiful.
Want to see more? Browse photos and read our complete review to see if Almika matches your travel style.
5. Flip Flop Bar
On Avenida Antonio Machado, Flip Flop Bar represents the casual, budget-friendly end of Benalmádena's rooftop spectrum with straightforward drinks, coastal views, and zero pretension.
The name says everything you need to know about the dress code and atmosphere.
This is the antidote to upscale hotel rooftops where you worry about what to wear and how much each round costs.
Flip-flops are welcome (obviously), drinks are budget-friendly, and the vibe skews local and laid-back rather than sophisticated and polished.
- Open to the public:Yes
- Vibe:casual, local, unpretentious, budget-friendly
- Drinks:beer (€3-5), cocktails (€6-9), straightforward drinks without premium pricing
- Food:primarily drinks venue - bar snacks may be available
- Reservations:likely not needed, but call ahead to confirm venue is operating
- Elevator:check with venue
- Season:call ahead to confirm hours
- Smoking:allowed
- Dress code:none - flip-flops are literally in the name
- Kid-friendly:yes
Curious? Check out our full review to decide if Flip Flop Bar is worth adding to your Benalmádena itinerary.
Nearby Hotels & Accommodation
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Find The Perfect Rooftop For You
There's only 5 rooftops to choose from.
And each one is distinctly unique, which makes choosing easy!
Featured Venues in This Guide
Celeste Skybar at Spirit Hotel
Spectacular rooftop skybar with panoramic Mediterranean views, creative cocktails, live entertainment including fire performances, and unforgettable sunset sessions.
Nix Sky Bar at Hotel Benalma
Adults-only rooftop bar on the 12th floor with Mediterranean sunset views, signature cocktails, and Asian-inspired sharing bites in a sophisticated setting.
Sky Lounge Bar and Restaurant
Elegant hotel rooftop bar with Mediterranean panoramas, international cuisine, and sophisticated cocktails in a refined Meliá hotel setting.
Almika Rooftop Terrace
Beachfront rooftop terrace above Paseo Marítimo with direct sea views, Mediterranean cuisine, and relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for sunset sessions.
Flip Flop Rooftop Bar Benalmádena
Casual rooftop bar with relaxed beach-town atmosphere, drinks, and coastal views in Benalmádena.
About the Author
Heidi Hein
South African travel writer living in Málaga, Spain. I personally visit and review every rooftop bar and pool featured on this site.
- Based in Málaga since 2020
- Visited 100+ rooftop venues across Andalusia
- All content personally verified and updated seasonally
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love and believe are worth your time.
Note: I personally visit every rooftop featured on this site, and all opinions are based on my own firsthand experience. If, in the case of private hostels where I can't get access, I will make a note of it. Any external images or details sourced from others are always clearly credited.