Guide to Benalmadena
Benalmadena may not have become a world famous household name like glitzy Marbella or fast-paced Torremolinos. The resort is a relative newcomer on the Costa del Sol tourist block but its neighbours need to watch their backs because Benalmadena is fast gaining a reputation as one of mainland Spain’s top holiday hot spots.
While Marbella was busy luring the jet set and Torremolinos was triumphing over the package holiday trade, Benalmadena set about establishing itself as an up and coming resort to suit all tastes and budgets.
It was a late starter but this resort has gained huge ground over the last 20 years and it now boasts a magnificent pleasure marina to rival the best in the world and one of the liveliest night scenes in the Mediterranean.
Benalmadena marina
The inauguration of Benalmadena Marina in 1982 signalled the start of a new golden era for the resort which, until then, had been way down the list of Spanish holiday destinations favoured by north European visitors. Today the award-winning Puerto Deportivo marina is one of the most happening locations on the Costa del Sol with a host of attractions which draw hordes of visitors by day and night. The marina is flanked by street cafes, international restaurants, music bars and classy night clubs and its centre is dotted with islands which are home to some of the costa’s most exclusive apartment blocks.
Things to do in Benalmadena
Major attractions at the marina include the Mississippi Willow, a restored American paddle steamer which has been transformed into a floating bar and restaurant. The fascinating Sea Life Centre, with its underwater tunnel, Sea Horse Kingdom, Lost City of Atlantis and popular touch pool is always a big hit with children and adults alike. And if your taste for adventure still isn’t satisfied you can scuba dive, book a dolphin watching excursion or pop over to Africa for the day.
Benalmadena Pueblo
Away from the seafront, Benalmadena consists of two other distinct areas, both of which offer their own attractions. Benalmadena Pueblo is the original Old Town, set back from the beachfront on an ancient hilltop settlement once occupied by the Romans and Moors. It’s a charming confection of steep, narrow streets and traditional Andalusian whitewashed houses.
Benalmadena’s Arroyo de Miel district is the resort’s commercial heart and home to one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular entertainment centres – Tivoli Amusement Park which has a wonderful funfair, all kinds of leisure activities and live shows both in the daytime and after dark. Alongside the park there’s the Monte Calamorro cable car which takes you on a breath taking journey to 750 metres above sea level – a point at which, on a clear day, you can see the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.
When it comes to parks and gardens Benalmadena is truly blessed with the most enviable collection of tranquil green spaces where you can do everything from laze with a book by a fountain to enjoying a dolphin show or falconry display.
There are daily performances of birds of prey at the Garden of Eagles (Jardin de las Aguilas) and a huge variety of birds to be seen in the lovely landscaped gardens of Paloma (Dove) Park where you can enjoy shows with dolphins, penguins and sea lions at the Selwo Marina.
As for holiday accommodation, Benalmadena offers everything from top of the range hotels, including the sumptuous seafront Torrequebrada, to affordable self-catering apartments and holiday villas.
The 5-star Torrequebrada Hotel boasts one of the biggest casinos in Europe and is home to the popular Fortuna nightclub where you can enjoy a spectacular dinner show with flamenco and international cabaret acts. It’s also next door to one of the Costa del Sol’s most gorgeous golf courses – the Torrequebrada Club which has hosted many world tournaments including the Spanish Open.
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