Benalmádena is situated on the side of the Sierra de Mijas, at 280 metres above sea level, and easy to get to from Malaga, just 20 kilometres away, by the Autovía de Mediterráneo. There are also train and bus links to the town from Malaga. The climate is mild, varying between a minimum winter temperature of five degrees and 35 in summer.
Over the past twenty years Benalmádena has become one of the key tourism centres on the Costa del Sol, triplicating its off-season population of 30,000 inhabitants in the summer period. It is divided into three urban areas: Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa. The first is at 280 metres above sea level, a typical mountain village with narrow streets and geranium-potted windows. The second is between this area and the sea, an urban area that grew up around the train station and the main road between Benalmádena and the coast. The third, Benalmádena Costa, is just what the name suggests: a coastal town with all the relevant facilities of such a place.
There is plenty to do here all the year round, among the attractions being the Puerto Marina, the Telecabina, the Casino in Torrequebrada and the golf course of the same name. The marina, in Benalmádena Costa, can take up to almost 1,000 boats of up to six metres long, and almost all types of water sports are practiced here, including hang-gliding and underwater snorkelling. The cable cars (telecabinas) link Arroyo de la Miel with the peak of the Carramolo mountain, and from here, on a clear day, one can see right across to Africa. Heading down from the town on the Torremuelle road, one arrives at the Torrequebrada Casino, one of the best entertainment and conference centres on the entire coastline. In the housing development of the same name one finds the Torrequebrada Golf Course.
Places to visit
Puerto Marina
Puerto Marina is one of the most important recreation centres in the municipality, with boats moored there from all corners of the world. Apart from sailing, the sporting facilities here include water skiing, canoeing and underwater diving. The harbour area has plenty of bars and restaurants with terraces, where one can simply sit and watch the activity of the port, if one so chooses.
Telecabina
Parques reunidos
This recently installed facility is the only one of its kind on the Costa del Sol. It leaves from the Tivoli esplanade, crossing high over the motorway to the peak of the Carramolo mountain, one of the most spectacular natural balconies in the province of Malaga, from where one can view the entire Costa del Sol and the mountains of Africa across the Mediterranean on a clear day. There are sign-posted pathways down from the mountain for those who may wish to walk. For information, call: 952 575 038 Fax 952 575 061.
Church of Sto. Domingo
This church is in Benalmádena Pueblo, and to get there one goes from calle Real through the Plaza de España, continuing to the open plaza in which we find the 18th century church..
Tivoli World
Tivoli World is the Costa del Sol’s best-known theme and attraction park. Here there is something for everyone: restaurants, theatre and shows in which the top performers in Spain and abroad take part, from Isabel Pantoja to the Moscow Ballet. Tel: 952 577 016 and 902 114 700.
Municipal Archaeological Museum. Avda.Juan Peralta, 43. Tel: 952 448 593. From 10 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Sea-Life Aquarium, Benalmádena Costa Pleasure Port. Tel: 952 560 150. From 10 to 8 p.m.
Selwo Marina
Parque de la Paloma s/n Arroyo de la Miel Telf.902190482
Adults: 13,90 EUR Kids 9,90 EUR
Beaches
Benalnatura
There is a small cove in Benalmádena called Benalnatura, which is a nudist beach. To get there, take the N-340 in the Fuengirola direction and turn off at the roundabout between Torrequebrada and Torremuelle. A concrete road leads down on the right to the beach and chiringuito below.
Where to sleep
Hotel Torrequebrada *****Crta.de Cádiz Km. 220Telf. 95244 6000 Fax 95244 5702
Aleysa Playa ***** Avda. Antonio Machado 54Tel. 952576100 Fax. 952576335
Hotel Playa Bonita ****Crta.de Cadiz Km.217Telf. 952442840 Fax 952561429
Hotel Balmoral **Crta.de Cádiz Km.221Telf.952563262 Fax 952563262