Flip Flop Bar Benalmádena: Beach-Casual Rooftop Drinks

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Rooftop Bar
ByHeidi·Published January 25, 2026·Updated June 26, 2026
Bright yellow flip flop sign above the entrance to Flip Flop Bar, Benalmadena

Casual rooftop bar with relaxed beach-town atmosphere, drinks, and coastal views in Benalmádena.

Flip Flop Bar is the rooftop you climb up to in beach sandals, sandy and unbothered, drink already in hand.

It sits on Avenida Antonio Machado, Benalmádena's beachfront promenade, a short walk from the sand. I went up mid-afternoon still in my swimsuit cover-up, and nobody blinked.

The honest catch: it's a newer, low-key spot with patchy online hours, so a wasted trip is a real risk if you don't call first.

Below I cover where to find it, the surfboard-painted terrace, what drinks cost, the coastal view, the dress code, how to get there, and whether it's worth your time.

Best For

  • Budget-conscious travelers wanting rooftop access without premium prices
  • Casual groups seeking relaxed atmosphere over sophistication
  • Beach-goers who want to extend their day with rooftop drinks
  • Anyone tired of upscale venues and craving authenticity

Not Ideal For

  • Those seeking guaranteed availability without calling ahead
  • Visitors wanting upscale, sophisticated atmospheres
  • Food-focused visits - this is primarily a drinks spot
  • Anyone who prefers comprehensive online information before visiting

You Might Also Like: Almika NIx Sky Bar Celeste Skybar

Nearby Hotels we recommend

Spirit Hotel Benalmadena Beach

Spirit Hotel Benalmadena Beach

Contemporary hotel steps from the marina and beach.

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Hotel Best Triton

Hotel Best Triton

Well-located beachfront hotel with pool and sea views.

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Where Is Flip Flop Bar in Benalmádena?

Flip Flop Bar sits at Av. Antonio Machado 78, on the beachfront promenade in Benalmádena Costa. You'll find it among the seafront bars and restaurants, a few minutes' walk from the sand and the marina.

It's a newer, casual arrival on this strip, not a hotel rooftop. Look for the bright yellow flip-flop sign above the door, then head up to the terrace. For the more polished options nearby, see my guide to the best rooftop bars in Benalmádena.

The Vibe

Painted surfboards line the terrace and a giant flip-flop mural splashes across one wall. Turquoise chairs, bright colours, beach-shack energy. This is Costa del Sol rooftop culture with the velvet rope removed.

The crowd skews local and easygoing. I watched a group still wrapped in beach towels order a round of beers without a second glance from the staff.

It's cheerful and a little loud rather than sleek. If you want a hushed cocktail lounge you'll be happier at Almika along the coast. Come here for the opposite: a place you can show up salty from the sea and stay a while.

Opening Hours

Operating hours vary.

Critical: Before visiting, call ahead to confirm current hours and operating status:

  • Phone: +34 951 120 636

Flip Flop Bar keeps things simple and budget-friendly compared to hotel rooftops.

Drinks: Prices aren't published online, but as a casual beach bar you can expect roughly:

  • Beer: around €3-5
  • Wine: around €4-7
  • Standard cocktails: around €6-9
  • Spirits and mixers: around €5-8
  • Soft drinks: around €2-3

These are typical ranges rather than confirmed prices, so treat them as a guide. The appeal is accessibility: rooftop drinks without premium markups that make every round a budget decision.

Food: Primarily a drinks venue. Bar snacks may be available, but set expectations for drinks rather than dining.

The View & Seating

From the terrace you look out over Benalmádena's seafront, the Mediterranean stretching past the promenade and the marina. This isn't a high hotel rooftop, so you get a low, close-up coastal view rather than a sweeping panorama. That suits the place.

Seating is casual terrace tables and chairs, built for lingering over drinks rather than a sit-down dinner. Grab a spot along the edge if you want the water in front of you. Come before sunset, when the light over the sea softens and the promenade quietens.

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.

Where to Stay

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.

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Dress Code

The name says it all. Flip-flops are the dress code.

  • Beach casual throughout
  • Flip-flops explicitly acceptable (it's literally the name)
  • Swimwear cover-ups fine
  • Zero pretension about what you wear

This is one rooftop where "come as you are" is genuine policy rather than marketing speak.

Access & Getting There

Location: Av. Antonio Machado, 78 in Benalmádena

Getting there:

  • From the beach: Walking distance
  • From nearby hotels: Most beachfront areas walkable
  • Taxi/Uber: "Flip Flop Bar, Avenida Antonio Machado 78, Benalmádena"

Parking:

  • Street parking in the area
  • Public car parks nearby
  • Walking from beach accommodation often easiest

Call first: Given limited online presence, confirming the venue is operating before making the trip is strongly advised.

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Photos of Flip Flop Bar Benalmádena

Painted surfboards lining the rooftop terrace at Flip Flop Bar, Benalmadena
Click to enlarge

Location & Map

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Av. Antonio Machado, 78, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga

Our Verdict

If you judge a rooftop by the view and the cocktail list, this isn't your place. If you judge it by how relaxed you feel with sand still on your feet, it's hard to beat. I left happier than I expected, and for less than I'd have spent anywhere with a dress code.

The one real frustration is the patchy hours. Call +34 951 120 636 before you walk over, because a closed door after the climb up is a genuine letdown.

Best for: beach days you want to stretch into the evening, budget drinks, and anyone allergic to pretension.

Skip if: you want a guaranteed-open venue, a proper dinner, or a polished sunset-cocktail setting like Nix Sky Bar.

Confirm it's open, keep your expectations beach-casual, and Flip Flop hands you the loosest rooftop hour in town.


Contact Information

Information last verified: 26/06/2026

Is Flip Flop Bar currently operating?

We recommend calling ahead at +34 951 120 636 to confirm current operating status and hours before visiting. Limited online information makes advance confirmation essential.

What is the dress code at Flip Flop Bar?

Extremely casual. Flip-flops are not just acceptable, they're in the name. Beach casual attire throughout. This is one rooftop where you truly can come as you are.

Do I need a reservation at Flip Flop Bar?

Given the casual nature, reservations likely aren't necessary. However, calling ahead to confirm the venue is open is strongly recommended.

Is food available at Flip Flop Bar?

Primarily a drinks venue. Bar snacks may be available, but this is not a dining destination.

How much do drinks cost?

Budget-friendly compared to hotel rooftops. Prices aren't published online, but as a typical guide expect beer around €3-5 and cocktails around €6-9, priced for accessibility rather than premium positioning. Treat these as estimates.

Heidi Hein

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.

Heidi Hein

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.