Benalmadena is a small picturesque resort in Malaga in Andalusia. It occupies two hills located on the Costa del Sol - Cerro Castillejo and Cerro Moro. Benalmadena has a rich history, unique architecture and developed tourist infrastructure. On the north-eastern side the city is bordered by Torremolinos, on the western side by Fuengirola and Mijas, and on the northern side by Alhaurin de la Torre. These resorts are developing so quickly that soon there will be no boundaries between them. The shores of Benalmadena are washed by the gentle Mediterranean Sea. This is a universal resort, which is often chosen for recreation by active young people. In addition, in some quiet corners of Benalmadena you can meet entire families with children. And there is all kinds of entertainment for them here.
Benalmadena is the so-called “English zone” of the Costa del Soli. Mostly British people holiday here. They do this all year round.
Ancient history
The city is famous for its oldest surviving structures - the observation towers of Torre Muelle, Torre Quebrada and Torre Bermeia, which were built here in the 15th century. They served to protect the townspeople from enemy attacks from the sea. The resort also features Roman ruins located in the Benalmadena Costa area, while the caves of Las Zorreras, Los Botillos and El Toro were home to people during the Paleolithic period. And now you can see traces of the emerging human civilization in them.
City center
Guests of Benalmadena should visit the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo and visit the Municipal Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of ancient art. It was presented to the city authorities by the Mexican artist Felipe Orlando. Take a tour of Colomares Castle, which was built towards the end of the last century in honor of Christopher Columbus. Next to it you can admire the sculpture “The Girl from Benalmadena”, which is a symbol of the city. It adorns the central square of Pueblo. In the municipality, you can explore the exhibition of the Pre-Columbian Museum with household items that once belonged to the Indians, whose homeland is Latin America. Their art is also presented here. All this appeared in Benalmadena when the first Spanish expedition returned to the city.
The Costa embankment is home to the Bil-Bil Palace, which was built in the thirties of the last century. For its design, the Moorish style was chosen, which was used by Spanish architects in the 11th-14th centuries. The palace serves as a venue for exhibitions and other cultural events. Live classical music is often heard here.
Port
You are sure to have an interesting time at the local sports port of Puerto Marina. Its territory is dominated by resort architecture with picturesque turrets and snow-white buildings that seem to have come to life from the fairy tales of Scheherazade. The port has numerous shops, restaurants and cafes. Here you can admire the beautiful yachts that sailed to Benalmadena from different parts of our planet. The port is surrounded by year-round blooming roses and tropical plants.
On its territory you can be taught how to sail a sailing yacht. From here they go on exciting excursions with visits to three artificial islands. They are located near the coast. You can also go diving during the sea excursion.
Amazing nature
The Arroyo de la Miel area occupies one of the local hills. From here you can admire picturesque views of the coast and visit the famous Tivoli World amusement park with artificial lakes, fountains and tropical gardens. It never gets hot here. You can admire the beauty of the Big Singing Fountain, which was designed by specialists from Russia. People also come here for a free fall from a height of sixty meters.
We advise you to visit the Las Agigas and El Maro gardens. Here you can take a leisurely walk, enjoying the beauty of these places. The Cablecar funicular takes you to the top of Carramolo, which is located at an altitude of eight hundred meters above sea level. You can ride around the mountain in a donkey taxi. Not far from the resort is Malaga, where you can get acquainted with the architectural monuments of this amazing city.
Half naked lady leaving Benalmadena
The exit from Benalmadena is marked by an unusual sculpture in the form of a lady. In front she is wearing absolutely nothing, and from behind the woman’s figure is covered with an Andalusian dress. Sphinxes can be seen near the lady's feet. This sculpture in Benalmadena was called the “monument to tourism.” Grateful travelers from Belgium presented it to the city. One of the modern sculptors worked on the creation of the lady. The artistic value of this work of art is rather dubious, but the Spaniards do not like to get rid of even such monuments, unlike their eastern European neighbors. This can be judged by the “monument to tourism”.
Family holiday
We recommend the whole family to visit the Selvo Marina Zoo with penguins and the Sea Life Aquarium with a tunnel of transparent walls, where sharks swim right above your heads. In two local bullfighting arenas, fights are held on Sundays at seven o'clock in the evening. Adults and children can have a great time in large city shopping and entertainment complexes.
Benalmadena is a small Spanish town on the southern coast of the Costa del Sol.
Compared to the surrounding Fuengirola and Torremolinos, in my opinion, it is more touristy and party-oriented. “Millions” of trade tents and benches are concentrated here, as well as cafes of varying degrees of high cost.
And although we did not live in this place, but only walked and drove past, it left a rather pleasant impression of itself.
I will tell you in this article about what a tourist can do in Benalmadena, how to entertain himself and what sights to see.
How to get to Benalmadena:
What to see in Benalmadena?
So again, my personal top attractions
Port of Benalmadena
A wonderful place, here you can take a walk to your heart's content, admire the wonderful snow-white yachts, look at the fishermen, at the old boats, at the fish swimming near the shore.
Almost at every step you will be offered a boat trip for a total cost of 10-15 euros. We didn't go for a ride, but some of the ships have a very fancy appearance.
Check the cost of tickets to sunny Spain:Benalmadena Aquarium
I can’t say anything definite about it, since I didn’t go. After the largest aquarium in Barcelona, I don’t think anything here can surprise me. And the ticket costs about 20 euros.
But I think the kids will really like it here. There were huge queues to enter.
Benalmadena pueblo
This is the old part of the city, popularly called simply the “White City”. The place is amazing in its beauty, comfort and tranquility.
In some ways this place resembles a miniature one, but for some reason I liked it here more. That's why we came here 2 times.
Do not deny yourself the pleasure of strolling along the narrow streets, inhaling the aroma of flowers that are here at every turn, and sitting in a cozy cafe on the square. It so happened that we found ourselves for the first time in Benalmadena Pueblo on the eve of some Catholic holiday. The square is decorated with a statue of Christ and flowers. The paving stones are strewn with carnations. A fascinating place.
Colomares Castle
The castle is located very close to Benalmadena Pueblo. Therefore, I advise you to visit it along with the old town.
It does not carry any historical value - this is a new building, which will primarily be of interest to children, because you can climb almost anywhere. 
Externally, Colomares Castle resembles a gingerbread house, the castle of a fairy-tale princess. It was created as a mixture of three styles in architecture. The entrance ticket cost 2 euros. For students 1.5.Cable car
A cable car connects Benalmadena with Monte Colomoro, where an eagle show is held and you can see the panorama of the city.
I talked in detail about her and Monte Calamoro in.
Botanical Garden.
Unfortunately, we were unable to see him. We had to choose what was dearer and closer to our hearts. But driving by we saw many citizens idly staggering and strolling.
Mediterranean Sea
Of course, what would it be like without him! A long strip of continuous sandy beach. Don't forget to take a swim)
The article was prepared by Irina Aleksandrovna Klopova
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Benalmadena
In the city center there are typical Andalusian streets, smooth and beautiful. That part of Benalmadena, which is located near the sea, is quite modern, but in general the city is divided into three unequal parts - Benalmadena Costa (coast), Arroyo de la Miel (city center, there is a railway station) and Benalmadena Pueblo (old city).
A tourist train (by car, of course) travels around the city, leaving from the port and making a circle with stops at the main tourist places. The ticket is sold for a full circle - you can get off at any place, and then at the same stop take another train in the same direction.
Arroyo de la Miel
There is an amusement park not far from the beaches Selwo Marina with a dolphinarium and some tropical inhabitants. We didn't go there, it seemed too expensive. Near La Paloma Park. Rabbits, peacocks and other chickens walk there on their own, and various ungulates sit in pens.
Bunny on a walk :)
By the way, in almost all the parks that we saw, there are free exercise machines, and there are many different ones.
I also really liked the cactus garden.
There aren't any cacti there...
Further up the hill, near the train station, is Tivoli amusement park (Tivoli World). Well, the rides are just rides, nothing special. The only thing that can be highlighted is the passage through a chute with water in a canoe. Made according to the principle of a roller coaster (small, of course). You fall from above, splashes, everyone is wet, squealing... Fun :). As for tickets, there is a nuance. You can purchase a subscription that allows you to visit any attractions (except for those specified separately, which cost more) as many times as you like, or you can buy a ticket (special chips) each time. It would seem that the first one is clearly more profitable, however, when we calculated how much we would have spent according to the second option, it turned out that the amount was approximately the same, since some of the attractions did not work, and doing the same thing twice was not interesting. And there are queues everywhere...
Starts near Tivoli cable car (Teleferico)- you can get to the top of the mountain and look around the surroundings. The mountain is the highest in the area, you can see it far away. :)
Cable car (Teleferico)
There is also an eagle nursery on the mountain and sometimes they show some kind of show with eagles.
Actually, the attractions that can be reached on foot end there; then you need to take a bus towards Mijas.
Between Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel was built Colomares Castle.
Colomares Castle
In fact, this is not a castle at all, but an artificial structure built at the end of the 20th century. Its different parts symbolize the stages of the historical development of Spain.
Colomares Castle
In addition to banal bricks, improvised natural materials such as shells, old objects caught from the sea, stalactites-stalagmites, etc. were used.
Colomares Castle
This, of course, is not a historical landmark, but very beautiful and educational.
On the outskirts of Benalmadena Pueblo there is a Buddhist temple - Stupa. This, of course, is also a modern building. I don’t know how many Buddhists there are in Spain and, in particular, in Benalmadena - there were only tourists with me. Well, the abbot, or whatever they call him, who even knows a few words in Russian. :)
Buddhist Stupa
There is almost complete emptiness inside - sit on the floor and meditate. :)
There is a much more interesting place nearby - Butterfly park in Benalmadena.
Butterfly Park
The only problem is that it is stuffy there, since the local inhabitants require special climatic conditions. But butterflies are beautiful and different.
Butterfly Park
In addition to butterflies, there are also small kangaroos and what appears to be some kind of lizard.
Butterfly Park
The old town is a typical Andalusian town with white houses and flowers.
Very cute and beautiful. Directly next to the bus stop there is a small Museum of Latin American History(free:)
There are two water parks near Benalmadena- more in Torremolinos and less in Mijas. We were in Torremolinos water park - Aqualend. Not very impressive. It's not that big, but there are a huge number of people. There are not enough laps and other means for going down the slides and swimming - you have to constantly stand in lines.
Tickets can be purchased via the Internet (water park website) - this is somewhat cheaper and eliminates the need to stand in another line - at the entrance. There is no special bus that would take you directly to the water park. It takes about half an hour to walk from the Torremolinos bus station to the water park. There seems to be a regular bus on this route, but it runs almost once a day.
I liked Benalmadena. The city itself is interesting, you won’t get bored, and there are a lot of things around that you can go to. For evening walks there is a spacious embankment and a port. Beaches of Benalmadena large, sandy, there are a lot of people, but, in general, not so much that it gets on your nerves. The water is not always warm - Gibraltar is close, the ocean current sometimes reaches. But, again, not so cold that it interferes with rest.
On two hills: Cerro Moro and Cerro Castillejo. The city is distinguished by a well-developed tourist infrastructure, unique architecture, rich history, as well as proximity to other tourist sites on the coast (Alhaurin de la Torre in the north, Mijas and Fuengirola in the west, Torremolinos in the northeast, and the borders between the cities are gradually are erased). Washed by the gentle Mediterranean Sea, Benalmadena is considered a universal resort: a lot of entertainment is intended for active young people and there are quiet corners for families with children where they will feel comfortable.
Benalmadena is a universal resort, suitable for both active youth and families with children.
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How to get there
An air ticket from Moscow to Malaga, the capital of this Spanish region, will cost from 145 EUR, depending on the airline chosen, the type of flight (direct, with transfers) and other factors. The prices on the page are indicated for October 2018. From Malaga to the resort itself, it takes no more than half an hour by car: a taxi will cost about 19-25 EUR. You can also go by bus or train. The journey will take 30-40 minutes, trains depart every 20, and you can choose any type of train - they differ in the level of comfort and speed.
Search for flights to Malaga (closest airport to Benalmadena)
Weather in Benalmadena
The temperate climate of Spain has one feature - frequent temperature changes. The area is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The number of sunny days in Benalmadena is approximately 150 per year. The average temperature is +25 °C, in summer - +30...+35 °C, in autumn - +10...+15 °C, in spring - up to +5 °C, in winter not lower than 0 °C. At the same time, the water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea, even at the height of the season, does not exceed +24 °C due to the cold currents passing here.
How to navigate
Benalmadena is divided into three large areas: the coastal tourist area of Benalmadena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel, located on a hill and considered primarily a shopping and entertainment part of the city, and Benalmadena Pueblo (Benalmadena Pueblo), which remains a quiet Andalusian village on a hillside, is a residential and essentially non-tourist part of the resort.
There are several versions of the origin of the name Benalmadena. According to one of them, this toponym means “between two cities,” hinting at the close location of resort areas on the Costa del Sol. According to another version, this is a combined name, part of which comes from the Phoenician Benal-Roma (there was a settlement of fishermen here) and the Arabic Ibn al-Madin (“children of the mines” due to ancient iron mining in the region).
Maps of Benalmadena
Beaches
Benalmadena is famous for its well-kept, comfortable beaches, the total length of which is more than 8 km. The cleanest sand and clear water of the resort have been awarded an international award - the Blue Flag - for cleanliness and environmental friendliness.
All Benalmadena beaches are free municipal, none belong to a hotel or inn, however, sun loungers, umbrellas and other infrastructure, of course, are for an additional fee.
Popular hotels in Benalmadena
Entertainment and attractions in Benalmadena
The oldest surviving buildings in the resort are the observation towers of Torre Bermeja, Torre Quebrada and Torre Muelle from the 15th century. buildings that once protected the coast from numerous attacks from the sea. However, evidence of more ancient times has been preserved on the territory of the settlement: Roman ruins on Benalmadena Costa and traces of human settlements from Paleolithic times in the El Toro, Los Botijos and Las Zorreras caves.
Other historical attractions of the resort include the Church of Santo Domingo (17th century), the Municipal Archaeological Museum with a rich collection of ancient art donated to the city by the Mexican artist Felipe Orlando, as well as the Colomares Castle (El Castillo de Colomares), built at the end of the 20th century. in memory of Christopher Columbus. Not far from the castle, in the Central Square of Benalmadena Pueblo, there is the symbol of the town - the sculpture “The Girl from Benalmadena”. And in the municipal building there is a Museum of the Pre-Columbian Era, which houses a collection of household items of Latin American Indians and their art, brought during the first Spanish expeditions.
To visit Spain and not try real Spanish cuisine and local wines means not to understand even a particle of the country! Among the signature dishes of the Spaniards, it is difficult to choose one or two, but if we are talking about the most primordial ones, these are pescaito fish fried on charcoal and cold gazpacho soup. The local wines are all of exceptional quality, but the most famous of them is undoubtedly Rioja.
While walking along the Benalmadena Costa promenade, you should pay attention to the Bil-Bil Palace, built in the 30s. 20th century in the Moorish style, characteristic of Spain 11-14 centuries. The palace regularly hosts classical music concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events.
Don't miss the chance to visit the sports port of Benalmadena - Puerto Marina. It is considered an example of resort architecture: snow-white buildings and picturesque turrets, giving rise to associations with fairy tales of 1001 nights. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops here, and beautiful yachts from all over the world gather at the pier. Roses and tropical flowers bloom all year round.
Arroyo de la Miel, perched on a hill, offers some of the most spectacular views of the coastline. The Tiwoli World amusement park, famous throughout the Costa del Sol, is also located here. Tropical gardens, fountains and artificial lakes keep you cool even in the hottest weather, and the Big Singing Fountain, built according to the design of Russian specialists, will fill you with pride in Russian engineering.
To fully enjoy the natural beauty of the resort, it is worth strolling through the El Muro and Las Aguilas gardens and taking the Cablecar funicular to the Carramolo peak. You can also go from Benalmadena to Malaga, where you can choose an excursion to the architectural monuments of the capital of Andalusia.
At the exit from Benalmadena there is an interesting sculpture: a lady rises on a pedestal, dressed in Andalusian dress from behind, naked in front, and sphinxes are located at her feet. It is called a “monument to tourism” - a gift from grateful Belgian tourists to the work of a contemporary artist. The work is quite controversial, but in Spain they treat all monuments with reverence, as evidenced by this design.
Benalmadena
Active holidays in Benalmadena
For lovers of water sports, Benalmadena provides a lot of opportunities: in Puerto Marina you can take sailing lessons, book an exciting excursion to three artificial islands located near the coast, or devote time to exploring the beauty of the underwater world.
The Selwo Marina Zoo and the Sea Life Aquarium with a huge number of inhabitants, the Tiwoli World amusement park, two bullfighting arenas where fights are held every Sunday at 19:00, as well as huge shopping and entertainment complexes will allow you to choose a new entertainment every day.
5 things to do in Benalmadena
- Walk through the clear-walled tunnel at the Sea Life Aquarium at the Sportsport and hold your breath as a shark swims right over your head.
- Stare at penguins (and more) at the Selwo-marina marine animal park.
- Experience a free fall from a height of 60 m at the Tiwoli World amusement park.
- Climb the cable car to a height of almost 800 m above sea level.
- And there, in the mountains, use a donkey taxi if you don’t want to bother your legs.
The conditional border between them is the port for sports and pleasure yachts (Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena). Benalmadena is part of the province of Malaga and consists of three districts: Benalmadena Pueblo, Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel.
The tourist area originates from Benalmadena Pueblo or Mijas, a village located about 3 km from the coast, at an elevation of 200 meters. Coastal Benalmadena Costa is a classic seaside resort with well-developed infrastructure. Arroyo de la Miel is today the commercial center of Benalmadena, built on the site of a separate fishing village, which has long since merged with the resort.
Beaches of Benalmadena
The Benalmadena-Costa coastline stretches for 9 kilometers; rocky ledges cut the coast into cozy beaches.
Beach Malapesquera and Torrebermeja starts from the port; The best coastal hotels are concentrated around - and therefore it is almost always noisy and crowded. The beach is equipped with showers and changing cabins, volleyball and football courts, and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the coast. Beach length - 300 m, width - 200 m.
Triangular Beach Santa Anna separated from Malapesquera y Torrebermeja by a sandy ledge. It is well equipped and has a high level of service. Beach length - 500 m, width - 50 m.
Beach Bil Bil located at the foot of the Castillo de Bil Bil and can be crowded during the peak season - July and August. Calm waters and children's slides on the shore make it suitable for families. Beach length - 400 m, width - 60 m.
Popular beach Arroyo de la Miel is a continuation of Bil Bil and stretches west to a rocky cape. Beach length - 900 m, width - 60 m.
Small natural beach Torrevigia located behind a rocky cape. It is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach, but there is no other infrastructure. Beach length - 350 m, width - 60 m.
Beach Torrequebrada“tied” to the hotel of the same name, so the few vacationers are guests of the coastal hotel. There are no showers, water slides or sports grounds here. Beach length - 350 m, width - 60 m.
Natural beaches La Viborilla And Las Yucas located in small rocky bays and perfect for snorkeling. They are loved not only by tourists, but also by local residents. Renting sunbeds and sun loungers is not available here. The total length of the beaches is more than a kilometer, the width is about 40 m.
Secluded beach in the bay Benalnatura designed for nudists.
Beach Arroyo Hondo located next to the Playa Bonita Hotel; equipped with showers and changing cabins, umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented. Length - 700 m, width - 60 m.
To the west of the resort there are wild sand and pebble beaches Torremuelle, La Morera And Tajo de la Soga. They stretched for three kilometers; In some places, access to the coast is difficult.
Hotels in Benalmadena
The resort's hotels and apartments are concentrated mainly along the Mediterranean coast of the village of Benalmadena Costa. In the central part of the marina there are several artificial islands on which luxury apartments in oriental style are located.
Sights of Benalmadena
The resort's main attractions are concentrated in Benalmadena Pueblo, a classic white-walled Andalusian village with only a few modern buildings visible. Here it is Archaeological Museum with Bronze Age artifacts.
The small castle Castillo de Colomares was erected at the end of the last century at the expense of a local doctor in honor of the blessed memory of Christopher Columbus. In the west of the village there is another castle - Castillo de Bil Bil, built in the Moorish style in the 1930s. It was recently restored and today is used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.
Entertainment in Benalmadena
Situated along the Mediterranean coast La Paloma park with a lake and pelicans. Located nearby entertainment center Selwo Marina, where you can see shows featuring dolphins, penguins and tropical birds. There is an aquarium in the port Sea Life, which features marine life. In addition, Benalmadena is home to golf courses, a casino, and an active bullring. Bullfights are usually held on Sunday evenings. Boutiques, restaurants and 24-hour bars are concentrated around the port.
Entertainment center Tivoli World located in Arroyo de la Miel. On the territory of the park there are attractions, restaurants with special children's menus, and slot machines.
Not far from Tivoli World is the lower station of the cable car, the telecabins of which ascend Mount Calamorro (769 m) and allow you to enjoy panoramic views towards Gibraltar and the Moroccan coast. The top point of the cable car is located in the park Jardin de las Aguilas, where several dozen feathered predators live.
How to get to Benalmadena
The nearest airport to Benalmadena is located at (19 km). You can get there by taxi, regular bus or Renfe commuter train. Benalmadena train station is located in Arroyo de la Miel.
