It depends on what you want from holiday more to do in Benalmadena Nerja is very quiet just beach which if I remember you have to go down to reach. Benalmadena is flatter nice beach and there is the theme park and dolphin show. If you go to Benalmadena try and get accomodatio near the Marina ed as a lot of the new properties were quite far out. We have stayed at Benalmadena and Fuengerola, we prefer Fuengerola which has a really nice zoo. The train service is very good and goes from Fuengerola to Malaga very easy to use. Nerja was to quiet for us and a bit out of the way. Which ever you choose have a good time.
Cheers
Anne

With 2 kids similar ages, I would probably recommend Benal rather than Nerja. The beach is a lot nicer for kids, there is a park with animals (Paloma Park) as well as the sea life centre and Tivoli world theme park which has loads of rides suitable for this age group.

The restaurants are better in Nerja and is a good resort if you have older kids. However if you do holiday in Nerja your kids would probably like a visit to the donkey sanctuary and the caves. There is also a lady called Sue (can't remember her surname) who took my kids horseriding - all safety equipment provided - last year which they really enjoyed.

However just asked my 2 which holiday they preferred and both said Benal straight away!!

I have just come back from Nerja and it was a lovely relaxing holiday but we didn't have kids with us. I have never been to Benalmadena so can't compare but must admit there was not much for kids to do in Nerja.

would highly recommend benalmadena if you've got kids with you, there is the beautiful Paloma Park, Tivoli World, Aquaparks either direction in Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Sea World at the Marina, the open top tourist bus, the cable car, plaza mayor (18 mins on train) with lots for kids etc etc......

we stayed in benalmadina and although we love it we preferred fungerolia (sp) cant say anything about the other resort.
We would love to back to feingerolia, but cant get anything sc.

Hi PinkPoppy. La Jabega and the Stella Maris are right on the front and offer self-catering. Both are a decent choice, with La Jabega just holding the edge on Stella.

well i would say Benal,best for all plenty for kids in day more familyfriendly pubs in evenings for adults.it is also more central to visit Fuengerola 1euro 15cents each on bus or visit torro for 1 euro each.

Go for Benal, Nerja is very quiet and not much to do for kids. You could try the Benal Beach apartments, we've never actually stayed there but I know there's loads for kids on site and it's virtually on the beach. Just make sure you don't stay in the village as it's a real trek to the beach.

Katy