Costa del Sol Emergency Numbers & Safety Guide for Expats (2026)

Life in Costa del Sol is usually about sunshine, beach walks, and long lunches. But sometimes you will need to deal with something urgent, whether it is a medical issue, a break in, a car accident, or simply reporting something. Knowing exactly who to call and how things work here will make those moments much easier to handle.

This guide covers the key numbers, services, and locations of police and Healthcare facilities in Costa del Sol from Málaga to Estepona, including Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Casares, and Sotogrande.

Click here to learn more about crime statistics in Costa del Sol.
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The Main Emergency Number

Spain uses the European emergency number 112. This works for police, ambulance, and fire services and is free to call from any phone, including mobiles without credit. Operators in Andalucía can usually speak Spanish and English, and sometimes other languages depending on who is on shift.

If you are in Andalucía and you want to be certain you reach the regional operators, use 112 Andalucía. It is the same number but the call is handled locally which can sometimes mean faster response and better local knowledge. Check out our Costa del Sol safety guide for even more tips and tricks for staying safe in Spain.

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Other Useful Numbers in Marbella and Surrounding Areas

Here are the most important numbers to keep handy. These can vary slightly from town to town, so if you live outside Marbella check your local council’s website for their specific list. It’s also important to know all available methods of Transport during emergencies in Costa del Sol.

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Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara

• Policia Local: 092 or 952 768 040
• Policia Nacional: 091 or 952 772 600
• Guardia Civil: 062 or 952 785 085
• Fire Brigade: 080 or 952 820 029
• Public Ambulance Urgencias: 061
• Protección Civil: 952 766 042
• Hospital Costa del Sol Public: 951 976 669
• Hospital Quirón Marbella Private: 952 774 200
• Hospital Ceram Marbella Private: 952 861 300
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Estepona

• Policia Local: 092 or 952 808 040
• Guardia Civil: 062 or 952 802 277
• Hospital Hospiten Estepona Private: 952 760 600
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Mijas and Fuengirola

• Policia Local Mijas: 092 or 952 460 010
• Policia Local Fuengirola: 092 or 952 589 280
• Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella serves these areas for major emergencies
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Benalmádena and Torremolinos

• Policia Local Benalmádena: 092 or 952 579 868
• Policia Local Torremolinos: 092 or 952 379 703
• Hospital Vithas Xanit Benalmádena Private: 952 367 190
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Casares and Sotogrande

• Guardia Civil Casares: 062
• Policia Local San Roque for Sotogrande: 092 or 956 780 010
• Hospital Quirón Campo de Gibraltar Private: 856 925 000
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Understanding the Police in Spain

There are three main police forces and knowing which one to contact can save you time.

• Policia Local manages traffic issues, local crime, lost property, and minor incidents within their town or city limits
• Policia Nacional handles serious crime, passports, immigration issues, and larger scale investigations
• Guardia Civil covers rural areas, highways, border control, and also works on more serious crime
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Ambulance Services

Public ambulances 061 are free in emergencies and will take you to the nearest public hospital. If you have private health insurance, you can call your provider’s emergency number and request a private ambulance to take you directly to a private hospital.

Many locals also subscribe to private emergency medical services such as Helicópteros Sanitarios, which offers home visits, private ambulance transfers, and even air ambulance in serious cases. Make sure you check out our guide on the Cost of emergency services in Spain.

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Hospitals and How They Work

Public hospitals are free for residents with a valid Spanish social security number or European Health Insurance Card. Non residents may be billed, although emergency life saving care will never be refused.

Private hospitals offer faster access and more comfort but require private insurance or payment upfront. Prices vary widely depending on treatment.

Notable hospitals include:

• Hospital Costa del Sol Marbella public
• Quirón Marbella private
• Hospiten Estepona private
• Vithas Xanit Benalmádena private
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Protección Civil

Protección Civil is a volunteer organisation that supports emergency services during events, natural disasters, and large public gatherings. They can provide first aid, coordinate evacuations, and assist in rescue operations. I volunteer at the Estepona division, you might run into me one day.
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Private Security Companies

Many gated communities and villas in Costa del Sol hire private security companies such as Securitas Direct, Prosegur, or Sector Alarm. These services include alarm monitoring, patrols, and rapid response teams. They are especially useful in remote areas or for second homes.
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Tips for Emergencies in Costa del Sol

• Save the key numbers for your area in your phone and also keep them written somewhere visible at home
• Learn the difference between the police forces so you call the right one
• If you do not speak Spanish, start with 112 and ask for an English speaking operator
• Keep your address in Spanish written down near the phone for quick reference
• If you live in a gated community, make sure security can access your property in an emergency
• In medical situations, have your insurance details ready to avoid delays

Click here to learn more about Beach Safety Flags and Warnings.

Knowing how the emergency system works here is one of those things you hope you never need but are grateful for when you do. Whether you are in Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, or anywhere along this coastline, a little preparation goes a long way.

Related Articles:

• Healthcare in Costa del Sol
• Costa del Sol safety guide
• Transport during emergencies in Costa del Sol
• Cost of emergency services in Spain