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Puerto Marina
The
Port of Benalmadena, which is at the extreme eastern end of the resort
and bordering onto Torremolinos, has been described as "the best marina
in the world". Whilst this is a disputable claim, it certainly is
modern, attractive and has an unrivalled ambience. There are over 1000
berth points and 200 shops, bars and restaurants. The architecture has
Andalucian, Arabian and Indian influences. It is an attractive place to
visit both during the day and at night. Many annual activities take
place here as well, which include yacht races, international fishing
tournaments, and other holiday and enviromental activities. Boat trips
to see the dolphins depart from the marina. The wide range of
restaurants include Bobby Peru, Jacks, Coco Bongo, Toro's, Pepi y Juan,
Canas y Tapas and Mamma Leone, Metro, El Greco, El Mero, Ristorante Da
Fano and many more.
The Beaches of Benalmadena
Benalmadena
has sixteen mainly sandy beaches or playas that stretch over nine
kilometeres from the Puerto Marina to the village of Carvajal. Their
names in that order are, Malapesquera, Malapesca, Torre Bermeja, Santa
Ana, Bil-Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, Torrevigia, Torrequebrada, Las Yucas,
Las Viborillas, Arroyo Hondo, Torremuelle, La Perla, La Morera, Tajo de
la Soga and Carvajal. Do have a drink or a meal at one of the many
Chiringuito's, (beach bars). It's an experience in itself to see how the
Spanish spend their time whilst on holiday.
You
may well have visited a Sealife Centre in Britain. This is a British
company which has developed such sites all over the UK and Europe. The
one in Benalmadena is situated right in the port area. Children love it.
All Sea Life Centres are different and reflect the area in which they
are situated. At this centre is an exhibit of sea life to be found in
the Mediterranean. There is a walk-through Lost City of Atlantis where
the sea and its creatures are all around, even above you. There are
sharks, a tank of stingrays, pirahnas and a seahorse exhibit. Expect to
spend quite a bit of time here. It is both entertaining and instructive,
and opportunities to actually touch or feed some of the fish. Most of
the centre is indoors so it is a suitable place to visit should the
weather be bad, but there is also an outside area with a mini golf
course and cafeteria. There are over 30 displays and what is claimed to
be the largest collection of sharks in Europe.
Paloma Park
Paloma
Park is my favourite piece of Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel. With
landscaped gardens, a large lake with gigantic water flume and wildlife
including fowls, peacocks and friendly rabbits running freely, it's like
an oasis in the center of the busy resort. There are two small
playparks for the children and three cafes where you can stop for a cool
drink. There is also a cactus garden with many species from around the
world. At the top of the park is the public library with more water
features. Also in this are is the feria ground where a car boot sale is
held on Wednesday mornings. Videohere.
This
compact amusement park is situated in Arroya de la Miel. During the
winter, (November to March), it is open every Saturday and Sunday from
1pm until 10pm. It is open daily the rest of the year from 4pm until
1am, in June until 2am and in July & August until 3am. The main
areas are Andalucia with live Spanish music and dance, Western Square
with live country music and dance and Tivolilandia with children's
rides. The entrance fee includes all entertainment, but Tivolino, the
parks own currency, has to be purchased to use the rides which are
scattered throughout the park. There is also a 3500 seat theatre which
features a variety of events throughout the year. There is a wide range
of restaurants, cafes and bars. If you do not have your own transport
there are regular bus services and it is not too far from the Arroya de
la Miel train station. There are also taxis. The regular Friday market
is held in the Tivoli car park roughly between 9am and 1pm.
The
lower entrance to the Cable Car or Teleferico is opposite the entrance
to Tivoli World. The eight minute journey affords fantastic views across
Benalmadena and the coast. On a cloudless day you may even see the
coast of North Africa. At the summit of the 800 meter high Monte
Callamorro, birds of prey exhibitions are presented. Vultures, eagles,
owls and falcons are to be seen. You must have your cable car ticket to
attend these shows.
This facility is situated in Avenida Federico García Lorca. Urban bus Line 2 stops outside. Timetable.
Colomares Castle
If
you approach the little church in Benalmadena Pueblo, where,
incidentally Alec and Bet were married in Coronation Street, just beyond
the La Fonda hotel you will see magnificent views right down to the
sea. You will also see a strange, rather medieval structure that looks a
bit like a castle out of a Disney cartoon, this is Colomares Castle.
Drive down toward the Torrequebrada coast and you will reach it on the
left hand side of the road. You can park at the side of the road here,
or go a little further down and there is a car park on the left, but you
will have to walk back up the castle. It is a strange looking structure
that has little purpose, and is only briefly mentioned anywhere on the
internet. I know when I visited, I was told that it was built in quite
recent years by an American, allegedly to celebrate Columbus's discovery
of America. I think that dedication came as an afterthought. It is
actually what we British would call a folly. It has no real purpose and
you can't live in it and indeed most of the structures cannot be entered
as they are too small. However it is worth a stop to see it - pay at
the entrance - but don't expect to see anything on the scale of a major
British castle.
This
is a newly built Buddhist temple which you pass on the main road from
Benalmadena Pubelo to Mijas. It is an amazing structure, illuminated at
night and can be seen from many miles away. Entrance is free although
there is not a lot to see. You are supposed to walk around the inside in
a clockwise direction and make strong wishes. We cannot confirm that
they come true.
Europes
largest butterfly park opened it's doors to the public in March 2011.
Visitors are able to walk amongst the 1500 tropical butterflies, which
are from all over the world. Also in the park are many tropical flowers
and plants, moths and caterpillars. This attraction is just outside
Benalmadena Pueblo and adjacent to the Benalmadena Stupa.
The Casino
Benalmadena
has one of the finest casinos in all of Spain, and it is located within
the five star Torrequebrada Hotel which overlooks the sea, and which is
situated on the main N340 coastal road just a few kilometres west of
Benalmedena Costa. The hotel boasts a first-class restaurant open in the
evenings, and an excellent garden side restarant open at lunchtime.
Both restaurants are available to non-residents. You can also have
dinner in the Sala Fortuna, and take in a flamenco show and a cabaret of
a very high standard. The Casino itself has a variety of games such as
routlette, poker and blackjack, and a tempting aray of slot machines.
Bil-Bil Castle
Is an Arabian style building located above Bil-Bil beach. Concerts and exhibitions are held here.
Cruises from Benalmadena
Costasol Cruceros S.L. operate
regular boat trips to Fuengirola from Benalmadena Marina. The trip
takes sixty minutes each way and operates mid - October to the end of
March on every Tuesday and Sunday, three times a day. The service is
daily for the rest of the year. Single tickets 9 euro for adults, and 5 euro for children. Return tickets are 13 euro for adults, and 8 euro for children. The company also operates dolphin watching trips in the summer.
Selwo
is a Spanish company operating many attractions on the Costa del Sol.
Their latest is the Selwo Marina, which is on the western edge of the
Parque Paloma. The theme is South American, and here you can experience
both the flora and fauna of that continent. Some of the attractions
include a dolphin display, sea lion display and the largest penguin
collection in southern Spain, which is set in an area called Isla de
Hielo, (island of ice / coldness). There is also a large collection of
exotic birds. You can reach Selwo Marina by walking up Avenida del
Parque, which is to the left at the southern end of Parque Paloma. It is
open every day from 11am until dusk, and entrance is ¤16 for adults,
and ¤11.90 for children up to seven.
Churches
Spain
is predominantly a Catholic country, with over 75% of the population
belonging to this religion. The church of Virgen del Carmen in Avenida
Bonanza welcomes everyone to their services. There are also the churches
of Santo Domingo in Benalmadena Pueblo and Inmaculada Concepcion in Arroyo de la Miel. A map showing the location of all these three churches can be found here. Arroyo Baptist Church. Sunday Service 7 p.m. Conjunto Zodiaco. Edif. Aries. Tel: 95 2563184 / 95 2447967.
