Benalmádena is a popular holiday destination on the Costa del Sol in Spain. Its extensive sandy beaches are the main attraction but are by no means the only one. This sprawling town extends for several miles inland comprising three distinct and different areas; Benalmádena Puerto (by the sea), Arroyo de la Miel (inland town centre) and Benalmádena Pueblo (old town above the sea). Together they form one municipality generally referred to simply as Benalmádena. It is the ideal place for travellers who enjoy some exploration in between lazy days spent on the sandy beaches that fringe coastal section of the town, Benalmádena Costa. Here the visitor will find plenty to occupy a whole day - starting at the magnificent marina.
Benalmádena Marina on the Costa del Sol
Since it opened in 1979 Puerto Marina Benalmádena has won the accolade of Best Marina in the World on several occasions. Its unique architecture and design has led to this international recognition. The apartment blocks and shops that surround the water are a colourful mixture of different architectural styles – a pleasing mix of Indian, Arabic and Andalusian. Access to the innovative residential islands comprising blocks of luxury apartments is via the little bridges that span the water. The marina itself has moorings for over one thousand boots and yachts. A covered walkway make this a pleasant place for a stroll whatever the weather. Waterside cafés and a good choice of quality restaurants make the marina one of the busiest centres on the Costa del Sol. Leaving the marina take a moment to admire the old Moorish watch tower near its entrance.
The Torrebermeja Watch Tower in Benalmádena
When southern Spain was under threat of raids from pirates a string of around 200 watchtowers or forts were built along its coast to look out for invaders. Some of the watchtowers that have survived to this day are of Moorish origin. One of the oldest of these, Torrebermeja Watch Tower, is now located at the entrance to Benalmádena Marina. Not far from this tower is the start of the Paseo Marítimo Benalmádena.
Paseo Marítimo Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol
A long, paved, promenade fringing the sandy beaches of Benalmádena is officially known as the Paseo Marítimo Benalmádena. This long walkway follows the beach on one side and passes bars, cafés and small shops on the other. Visitors may be surprised to see Buddhist outlets here and elsewhere in the town. The reflect the strong ties the town has with Buddhism including the largest stupa in Europe that is situated in the old town, Benalmádena Pueblo. Amongst the commercial premises the natural rock formations reveal small caves, an interesting feature of this region which has been settled since pre-historic times. Open-fronted bars are the ideal place to stop for a refreshing drink and also provide an audience for the occasional busker. Elaborate art installations decorate this path at intervals and, at the end of its main section is the unusual Bil-Bil Castle.
Bil-Bil Castle in Benalmádena
The large red Moorish style Bil-Bil Castle is visible most of the way along the promenade arousing curiosity as visitors approach. This red-plastered building decorated with tiles and bas-relief in the Nasrid tradition was built during the 1930s. It was commissioned as a simple bathhouse by the Hermann couple with strong connections to Malaga. But they were never destined to live there and returned to France at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The next owners (who devised the name) made some improvements in particular to the gardens which surround several Moorish-inspired fountains. In the late 1970’s the castle was sold to a mercenary in the Belgian Congo but during his ownership the castle and gardens were abandoned. In the 1980’s it was sold to the City Council when the site was declared a green area. It was converted into a cultural centre with five rooms and an attractive central courtyard. It hosts many events organised by the municipality including art exhibitions, concerts and conferences. Located a short walk from the castle is another, extremely successful green area, El Parque de la Paloma.
El Parque de la Paloma in Benalmádena
El Parque de la Paloma which translates as The Dove Park is probably the most beautiful park on the Costa del Sol. This large green space criss-crossed by multiple walking paths surrounds an artificial lake. There are several points of entry directly from the town some of them through impressive structures. This park was inaugurated in 1995 as part of the council’s green spaces project. Since than it has continued to evolve and is popular with both visitors and residents who love to explore the extensive gardens or simply sit and absorb the peaceful atmosphere – lulled by the cooing of the doves and pierced occasionally by the squawks of the cockatoos. It is full of surprises from the resident mouflon sheep to “Las cabezas” the ‘three heads’. These huge bronze heads were sculpted by José Seguiri and arrived in Benalmádena in 2007. Originally, they were placed on a breakwater in the marina but now they lie on the grass in the park. They represent the fall of civilisations that preceded ours.
The main feature of the park is the large artificial lake home to turtles and several species of water fowl including swans, ducks and moorhens. Rising above this lake are the gardens that include a bamboo area, a pond resplendent with water lilies and one of the most important cactus and succulent gardens in Europe. The municipal library towers above a small lake at one extreme of this large park, close to an adventure playground. Other amenities include a restaurant, cafés and bars, play area, picnic spots and an auditorium for concerts. The green space theme is continued across the road in the much smaller Parque de Los Arboles.
Parque de Los Arboles in Benalmádena
Running along Avenida Federico García Lorca at its intersection with Avenida Gamonal is a narrow green space known as the Parque de Los Arboles. This small botanical garden was created by students of the Benalmádena Municipal Workshop School. Also inaugurated in 1995 it is home to around twenty different varieties of trees from pines to poplars and an impressive display of yucca plants on the bank in front of it. There is a small play area and an art installation in this arena of calm away from the busy roads that surround it.
A lovely end to the day would be a final stroll back along the paseo maritimo, maybe stopping for a drink in one of the bars and planning a second day exploring the town centre and the old town of Benalmadena. If using the local bus don’t forget to buy a travel card from a tobacconist for ease and economy while travelling on public transport in this area.
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.
Valery Collins is the Experienced Traveller.
An excellent raconteur, Valery has been writing about her experiences on the road since she started travelling 30 years ago. After publishing four books she turned to online travel writing.