Benalmadena is a municipality on the Costa del Sol located between Torremolinos and Mijas, it extends along the coast and has an inland part up to the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas which corresponds to Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo.
Benalmadena is a quite popular tourist destination all year round and one of the most important places in the province of Malaga in terms of tourism. It has a large number of tourist attractions for all ages, among the places to visit we highlight the village of Benalmadena that begins in Arroyo de la Miel and that will show us beautiful views of the coast and typical Andalusian houses.
Some of the must-see attractions in Benalmadena include the Castillo de Colomares, a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus; Selwo Marina, an aquarium and marine park. There are also several museums, such as the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the Archaeological Museum of Benalmadena.
Benalmadena Pueblo, the old heart of Benalmadena, is a charming white village that dates from the Islamic period of Andalusia. During this time, the Moors built a walled village and a fortress, leaving a lasting mark on the architecture and culture of the village.
The village is located in the mountains, about 300 meters above sea level, between the village of Mijas and the Mediterranean coast. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Benalmadena Pueblo has managed to preserve the atmosphere of a quiet white Andalusian village. Its narrow, white streets transport us to the passage of ancient peoples who settled in these lands.
Benalmadena Pueblo offers a number of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. The Benalmadena Butterfly Park is one of the highlights, housing an impressive variety of butterflies in a tropical environment. In addition, the village is home to the largest Buddhist temple in Western Europe, the Stupa of Enlightenment, which offers stunning views of the Costa del Sol.
The Fair of Benalmadena Pueblo, also known as the Fair in Honour of the Virgin of the Cross, is celebrated annually from August 11 to 15. This festivity is one of the main events of the festive calendar of Benalmadena and attracts visitors from all over. During these days, visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational, cultural and religious activities for all ages. In addition, the fair features large concerts and live music at the Auditorium Virgin of the Cross-Municipal Caseta. The celebrations begin with a pre-fair, from
Arroyo de la Miel offers a variety of tourist attractions. Among them is the "Parque de la Paloma", a tranquil oasis perfect for walking and relaxing. The park is home to a variety of free-roaming animals and is a very popular green space among both residents and tourists.
The cable cars of Arroyo de la Miel are another highlighted attraction. They take visitors to the top of Mount Calamorro, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Costa del Sol.
At the top of Mount Calamorro, the Benalmadena Cable Car offers a breathtaking spectacle with its presentation of birds of prey. Organised by the Valle de las Aguilas Foundation, this activity will leave you speechless. All this happens in a unique environment with the best panoramic views of the Malaga coast.
During the presentation, you can admire species such as the booted eagle, the peregrine falcon, the eagle owl and the griffon vulture. These majestic birds perform impressive flights and exhibit their natural abilities. The presentation is educational and entertaining, and it is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the life of these winged creatures.
In addition, the observatory allows you to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea. From here, you can appreciate the beauty of nature and the geography of the region. It is an ideal place to take photographs and contemplate the magnificence of the landscape.
From the mountain station, you can go hiking or eat at the restaurant in the same place:
Location of the mountain station: Map
Hiking Routes from the Top of Calamorro:
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Benalmadena and enjoy its exclusive hiking routes!
Benalmadena Costa is also known for its lively cultural and festive life. From June 24 to 29, the San Juan Fair takes place in Benalmadena, a festivity that features performances by renowned artists and a large number of activities for all ages. In addition, every Sunday the Benalmadena Flea Market is held in the Parque de la Paloma, a market where you can find second-hand items, antiques and crafts.
Benalmadena Costa is the holiday heart of Benalmadena, where most of the tourist complexes are located. This vibrant coastal area that extends from Torremolinos to Fuengirola, is known for its fantastic beaches, its lively nightlife and its large number of attractions.
In addition, you can visit the Bil-Bil Castle, a curious neo-Arabic style construction from 1934. Benalmadena Costa has grown economically and has become one of the most international places on the Costa del Sol, with high-quality tourist services.
Located halfway between Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel, the Parque de la Paloma is an oasis of tranquillity and a perfect place to walk and relax. The park is home to a variety of free-roaming animals and is a very popular green space among both residents and tourists.
One of the main attractions of Benalmadena Costa is Puerto Marina, an award-winning marina that is also a popular nightlife spot. With its unique architecture and a wide variety of restaurants and bars, it is the perfect place to enjoy a meal by the sea or have a drink while enjoying the views of the harbour. In addition, Puerto Marina has a 40-metre high panoramic Ferris wheel called Mirador Princesa, from which you can enjoy privileged views of both Puerto Marina and the coast of Benalmadena.
The Promenade of Benalmadena Costa is another of the great attractions of the area. This long promenade borders the coast and offers stunning sea views. Along the promenade, visitors will find numerous restaurants and beach bars where they can enjoy local cuisine while contemplating the sea. Of course, you can't talk about Benalmadena Costa without mentioning its fantastic beaches. With more than 8 kilometres of coastline, Benalmadena Costa offers a wide variety of beaches for all tastes, from wide sandy beaches to more intimate and quiet coves.
Human presence in Benalmadena dates back to about 20,000 years ago, as evidenced by the latest archaeological remains found. The museum of Benalmadena houses valuable Phoenician and Roman remains that detail their passage through the municipality.
With the fall of the Roman Empire and the arrival of the Germanic peoples, the Muslims took over. They were the ones who promoted the growth and development of Benalmadena, and also the ones who gave it its name.
However, development stopped with the arrival of the Christian armies. Many of the Roman constructions that were still standing were destroyed, plunging the area into the darkness of the Middle Ages. It was during this period when the name was translated into Spanish, beginning to be called Benalmaina.
Benalmadena became a strategic point in the defence of the coast against attacks from the pirates of North Africa. Even today, the remains of three towers can be found on the coast: El Muelle, Quebrada and Bermeja.
Despite the presence of Roman remains and a mosque in Arroyo de la Miel, a district of Benalmadena, the suburb as we know it today emerged at the end of the 18th century (1784). This was the result of the installation of hydraulic infrastructure and paper, as well as a sugar cane and honey factory. The sweet wastewater was what gave the area its name (Arroyo de la Miel).
From the mid-20th century, the population began to grow rapidly due to the constant flow of tourism coming to the south of Spain.
Today, Benalmadena is a desired destination for many tourists every year.
The Malaga airport is very close to Benalmadena, about 20 kilometres away, so you can get there in just about 15 minutes or less if you go by car.
If you need a rental vehicle upon your arrival, check our prices for car rental at Malaga airport.
We also offer taxis to Benalmadena from the airport.
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