Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Benalmadena took firm action to safeguard its public spaces. On Monday, February 2 the local police, working in conjunction with the council operational services removed seven lockboxes, which were used to store keys of tourist rental properties. The boxes were fixed to a public seat in the town.
This operation is part of a larger effort to regulate the usage of urban fixtures. They are not allowed to be used for collection or delivery of holiday apartment keys. The police and town hall have warned that any installation on benches or railings is prohibited. These areas should be kept clean and free.
Sources in the police department claim that such practices are against the current ordinance of the council on the protection and care of urban furniture. Owners of lockboxes removed from the street now face administrative fines.
AirBnBs available at popular destinations
Benalmadena has a population estimated at over 78,000, with nearly 9 kilometers of Blue Flag-rated beaches. Popular spots include Playa de Bil Bil (the old village), Santa Ana and Arroyo de la Miel. The town is divided into 3 main areas.
Police have warned they will continue to monitor and fine such behaviours in order to maintain the state of public spaces, and ensure harmonious coexistence among residents and tourists. Benalmadena’s town hall emphasizes that the city is still a leading destination, with many accommodations. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain order, cleanliness, respect and functionality of the town.
Early 2026 reports by Spain’s Ministry of Housing and Agenda Urbana, (MIVAU), show that Benalmadena had around 1,003 of these revoked holiday accommodations or those with irregularities identified as part of national enforcement actions. In 2025, data showed that 926 listings were removed from platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
