Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol: Day Two

A brisk walk up the hill from the sea front or a short ride on a public bus leads to the town centre of Benalmádena, known as Arroyo de la Miel (stream of honey). It is named for the farm that was once situated here until the land was bought for the construction of paper mills. Subsequent development around this area led it becoming the nucleus of the town. The ambience here is very different with narrow cobbled streets and small courtyards populated with orange trees. It is well worth a visit and can also be accessed by rail as the railway station is here.

Arroyo de la Miel, Town Centre of Benalmádena

The main church in Arroyo de la Miel, the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, is a pretty. whitewashed traditional Spanish church. It holds services in English and also serves as a meeting place for. It has a prominent bell tower that overshadows the iconic fountain in Plaza de la Inglesia below. The original sculpture on this fountain was destroyed during the celebrations following Spain’s victory in the 2024 European Championships. It has been replaced by a replica commissioned from a workshop. Towering above the town centre is Monte Calamorro, the sun glinting on the metal structure of the Teleférico Benalmádena that creeps up its side.

Teleférico Benalmádena in Arroyo de la Miel

An ascent of Monte Calamorro offers a thrilling experience whether walking to taking the Teleférico Benalmádena from Arroya de la Miel to the top. Above the landing station well-constructed stone paths lead to the top of the two peaks. Walkers are protected by sturdy iron railings offering support when strong winds blow – and they do, which sometimes leads to the temporary closure of the cable car. From both peaks there are glorious panoramic views of the stunning landscape below complemented by the colourful wild flowers that abound on the rocky slopes. The mountain is also home to a collection of birds of prey that perform in a show twice daily, weather permitting (extra charge applies). These birds are also visible from the long wooden board walk on the way down to the top of the cable car. Back in the town centre take the local bus up the hill to the old town, Benalmádena Pueblo.

Benalmádena Pueblo, Old Town of Benalmádena

Benalmádena Pueblo is the old town of Benalmádena and a bus ride/car journey from Benalmádena itself. It features several unusual attractions that make this pretty settlement worthy of a visit. Narrow cobbled streets lead to the central square the Plaza de España. Lines of pots filled with plants march along the whitewashed walls of the little houses that line these streets. A popular place to dine in the evening, Plaza de España is home to two traditional restaurants. In the middle of this plaza stands an exquisite sculpture called 'Niña de Benalmádena'.

Niña de Benalmádena in Benalmádena Pueblo

This little statue, Niña de Benalmádena (the Girl of Benalmádena) is replicated in various places around Benalmádena. But the original, by the renowned Spanish Sculptor, Jaime Pimentel, has been on display in the centre of the Plaza de España in Benalmádena Pueblo since 1968. Soon after it took its place there the people of Benalmádena adopted it as a symbol of their multicultural identity. This lovely work of art was sculpted by Pimentel for the Benalmádena International Week of Independent Cinema (SICAB). But its emergence as an icon of the town was further strengthened when it was twinned with Manneken Pis, a famous sculpture in Brussels. A celebration of Niña de Benalmádena’s fiftieth anniversary in 2018 also marked the rapid development of Benalmádena as a top tourist destination on the Costa del Sol.

Museo de Arte Precolombino Felipe Orlando in Benalmádena Pueblo

The small Museo de Arte Precolombino on Avenida Juan Luis Peralta in Benalmádena Pueblo occupies a traditional Andalusian villa. It is named after the Mexican anthropologist who donated his collection. He also once lived on the premises that now house his collection. It is the most important collection of pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador in Spain. Also on display are Roman and prehistoric items found in local caves. All the exhibits and information boards are beautifully set out in eight rooms on three floors. One of the highlights here is the display of tiny, intricate sculptures. The town centre is dominated by the Church of Santo Domingo.

The Church of Santo Domingo in Benalmádena Puerto

Built during the seventeenth century the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman is the oldest church in Benalmádena. It was probably built on the foundations of a temple and is close to the old Muslim wall that surrounded the old town. In Plaza Santo Domingo where this church stands there is a monument to its namesake, Domingo de Guzman. The original building has been extended and renovated several times, the latest taking place in 1998. It has a bulrush belfry containing three bells and a clock. From the plaza there are magnificent views of the coast below and the gate that leads to the Jardines del Muro below.

Jardines del Muro in Benalmádena Puerto

The Jardines del Muro (Wall Gardens) follow the line of the old Muslim wall in Benalmádena Puerto. They were created in 1980 by the Canarian architect César Manrique and incorporate the sections of the wall still standing. These lovely gardens feature a lake, a waterfall and an oriental style gazebo. From the path through the gardens there are wonderful views of the coast below the old town. Exit through the gate at the bottom of the gardens and follow the road down the hill to the Castillo de Colomares.

Castillo de Colomares in Benalmádena Pueblo

In the middle of nowhere, its turrets peeping out above the trees, is a fairy-tale castle, Castillo de Colomares. This extraordinary building, a mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Moorish architecture was designed as a monument celebrating the life of Christopher Colombus and his voyages to the Americas. It was completed in 1994 having taken seven years to build. Its construction was undertaken by Dr Esteban Martín Martín a medical doctor by profession with a passion for the history of architecture. He had the help of two masons. It has no historical merit but as sheer entertainment, especially for young children, it is worth a visit. The exterior resembles the prow of a boat while inside visitors can learn about the voyages and discoveries of Christopher Colombus. Its location, above Benalmádena Pueblo, offers a panoramic vista of the settlement below. A totally different tourist attraction lies a short distance beyond the castle, the Monowa Mariposia (Butterfly Farm).

Monowa Butterfly Park in Benalmádena Pueblo

Monowa Butterfly Park is one of the largest butterfly parks in the world. It features a large, landscaped indoor tropical garden where little waterfalls cascade into a water feature flowing beneath a small bridge. The brilliant colours of butterflies bejewel the green leaves as they briefly come to rest. Clouds off them hover briefly above the foliage before darting away to feed elsewhere. Over 150 different species are represented in the 1500 butterflies that are kept here. They arrive as chrysalides from ethical farms located in the tropical regions of Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Belize, Kenya, and other parts of the world. Every day, visitors can watch some of them emerging from their cocoons. A visit here is both an entertaining and educational experience which can be combined with a visit to the Stupa of Enlightenment next door.

The Stupa of Enlightenment in Benalmádena Pueblo

More typical of an Asian landscape is the pristine white stupa standing proudly on the cliffs above Benalmádena Pueblo. This Tibetan Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment was inspired by Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, a Buddhist master from Bhutan who developed a close connection with the town while based in Malaga. The stupa was inaugurated in October 2003, four months after the death of the master. It was the last of around twenty stupas he gifted to the world and the largest in the western world. A Stupa of Enlightenment is one of eight types of stupa each built to exacting specifications. These monuments that represent the Buddhist philosophies and normally closed monoliths and circumambulated by believers. The Stupa of Enlightenment of Benalmádena is one of few exceptions worldwide as it is so large it was possible to incorporate a meditation hall inside the structure. Open to the public all year round it is a place of worship, learning and events for the Buddhist community in the area. Another place of religious significance, adjacent to the stupa, is the Parque Rústico El Retamar.

Parque Rústico El Retamar in Benalmádena Puerto

At first sight Parque Rústico El Retamar appears to be an unkempt grassy area littered with strange temple-like installations. Once through the gate visitors can follow the paved paths that link these structures and also lead to the edge of the cliffs offering stunning views of the seascape below. A peaceful setting for most of the year every Easter this park is the setting for a traditional Passion Play that has been performed here for many years. Over 150 amateur actors from Benalmádena re-enact the life of Jesus Christ. Known as El Paso de Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol it has become a very popular attraction drawing visitors from the surrounding region and beyond.

A very pleasant way of concluding a busy day sightseeing would be to relax over a drink at one of the two restaurants in the pretty Plaza de España in the centre of Benalmádena Pueblo - it comes to life as the evening draws in and the locals gather here.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Benalmadena.