Benalmádena

Benalmádena, a coastal town on Spain's Costa del Sol, welcomes visitors with its Mediterranean beaches, unique attractions, and Andalusian atmosphere. You can explore the award-winning Puerto Marina, walk through the fairy tale-like Colomares Castle, meditate at the largest Buddhist stupa in Europe, or observe colorful insects at the butterfly park. The town consists of three distinct areas: Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Benalmádena Costa, each contributing its own character to this multifaceted destination.

Exploring Benalmádena's Three Distinct Areas

Benalmádena consists of three main areas. Benalmádena Pueblo, the original village, sits about 3 kilometers inland at an elevation of 200 meters above sea level. As you walk through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings, you'll experience traditional Andalusian life. Benalmádena Costa stretches along the Mediterranean, where you'll find most of the beaches, hotels, and tourist facilities. Between these two lies Arroyo de la Miel, the main residential area and commercial center of the town.

Beaches and Coastal Life

Benalmádena has nearly 10 kilometers of coastline, with beaches ranging from active tourist spots to calmer coves. Playa Malapesquera, the largest beach, holds a Blue Flag distinction for its cleanliness and facilities. It has shallow waters ideal for families, lifeguards on duty during peak season, and amenities like showers and chair rentals. For a more relaxed experience, head towards Torremuelle, where you'll find less crowded beaches.

Colomares Castle and Buddhist Stupa

Two of Benalmádena's most interesting structures are the Colomares Castle and the Buddhist Stupa. Colomares Castle, despite its name, is a relatively modern monument built between 1987 and 1994. It honors Christopher Columbus and his voyages, with intricate carvings and architectural elements representing different aspects of his life and discoveries. The Buddhist Stupa, standing 33 meters tall, is the largest of its kind in Europe. It serves as a center for meditation and cultural exchange, offering visitors a calm retreat with views of the coast.

Parks and Nature Areas

Benalmádena has several green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Paloma Park, covering 200,000 square meters, is one of the largest on the Costa del Sol. You can walk along its paths, relax by the artificial lake, use the playgrounds, and observe free-roaming animals. The park also houses the Municipal Auditorium, which hosts various outdoor events. For a more rustic experience, visit Casablanca Rustic Park, which spans over 125,000 square meters and includes barbecue areas and picnic tables.

Puerto Marina: A Hub of Activity

Puerto Marina, twice awarded the title of "Best Marina in the World", is a central feature of Benalmádena's coastal area. The marina combines residential areas with berthing facilities for boats, creating a distinctive architectural landscape. You'll find numerous shops, restaurants, and bars here, making it active both day and night. The marina is also home to the Sea Life aquarium, where you can observe over 2,000 marine creatures, including several shark species.

Cable Car and Mountain Views

For expansive views of Benalmádena and the surrounding Costa del Sol, take a ride on the Benalmádena Cable Car. The 15-minute journey takes you to the summit of Mount Calamorro, nearly 800 meters above sea level. At the top, you can enjoy hiking trails, bird shows, and horse shows. On clear days, you can see from Gibraltar to Sierra Nevada.

Getting Around Benalmádena

Benalmádena offers good public transportation options. The town participates in the Málaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium, which means you can use a single ticket for metropolitan and urban buses, Cercanías Málaga trains, and the Málaga Metro. The C1 line of the Cercanías Málaga urban railway connects Benalmádena to Málaga city center, the airport, and Fuengirola, with trains running every 20 minutes. The main station in Benalmádena is Arroyo de la Miel, with a secondary station at Torremuelle.

Local Cuisine and Dining

In Benalmádena, you can taste dishes that reflect its coastal location and Andalusian heritage. Try fried fish and cold gazpacho at beach bars and restaurants throughout Benalmádena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel. For a truly local experience, order cachorreñas soup, made with oranges and considered the most representative dish of Benalmádena. If you have a sweet tooth, sample the local doughnuts and 'arrastras', a simple fried dough dessert. With its large international population, Benalmádena also offers a wide variety of global cuisines to cater to all tastes.