Benalmadena is one of the many esteemed holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol, with a variation of tourist attractions, including Tivoli World, Selwo Marina, Sealife Aquarium and a popular cable car. The name Benalmadena is thought to derive from the Arabic ’Ben-al-madina’, meaning ’Children of the Mines’, due to the fact that a number of centuries ago iron ore used to be mined in this parcel of land.
The main coastal strip, known as Benalmadena Costa, is home to the award-winning port (puerto deportivo) which is notable for its unusual mix of architectural variations. With a large assortment of boutique shops, quality restaurants & nightclubs, the marina is a magnet for visitors. There is also a wide portfolio of boat rides available from the harbour, including sailing excursions, speed-boat trips and fishing trips and tours. Another much acclaimed attraction being Sealife Aquarium, with a fine collection of sharks, jellyfish, turtles & ray fish. Next to the marina will be made the resort’s main beaches, overlooked by an attractive promenade lined with shops, bars & fine restaurants.
Further west along the coast being
Torrequebrada Hotel & Casino - one of the land’s most fashionable entertainment venues - and the 18-hole Torrequebrada golf course. Opened in 1976, the attractive Torrequebrada course offers a challenging round, with tight fairways, lakes and tropical plants. Even closer at hand is a small naturist beach known as Benalnatura.
About 1km up the hill from Benalmadena Costa is Arroyo de la Miel, which literally translates as ’Stream of Honey’. Arroyo is home to the
Tivoli World Amusement Park with its traditional attractions such as merry-go-rounds & large-scale wheels, along with recent additions such as the 60-metre freefall ride. During the summer months Tivoli World has a busy entertainment program of shows & musicals. Opposite the Tivoli World park is the embarkation point for the cable car ride which ascends the 770-metre high Calamorro Mountain. Once at the summit owners and agents may enjoy falconry displays, horse riding shows, or only just simply appreciate the fine views of the coast.
Further inland from Arroyo de la Miel, and close about 300-400 metres above sea level, is the very attractive whitewashed village of Benalmadena Pueblo. In the centre is the pretty little square of Plaza de Espana with its statue of a small girl, la Nina, while close by is the picturesque church of Santo Domingo surrounded by gardens. The village also has a small museum displaying a few ancient artifacts excavated from the surrounding plot of ground. An extremely short distance from Benalmadena Pueblo is one of the Costa del Sol’s most unusual sights; a giant Buddhist Stupa topped by a tremendous gold-coloured dome.
Benalmadena is situated between Fuengirola & Torremolinos, & it’s within easy reach of
Malaga Airport around 12km (7 miles) away. There is a regular train service from the airport to the train station in Arroyo de la Miel. The main bus stop is situated next to the resort’s tourist office in Avenida Antonio Machado. From here everyone is able to catch buses along the coast to Torremolinos, Fuengirola & Marbella, as well as inland to Mijas and Ronda. There is also a local service, operated by orange buses, which connect the main areas of the resort.
