Benalmadena lies between Torremolinos and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. It is only nineteen kilometres from Malaga airport which makes the transfer time very short. Benalmadena is a purpose built resort very popular with the British. As well as having sandy beaches with good facilities, the resort has many attractions to entertain visitors of all ages.
The promise of hot sunshine, warm waters and a lively nightlife are reasons enough for very many young people to holiday in Benalmadena. In addition the resort offers wide ranging sporting facilities and an even larger range of bars and restaurants serving every kind of food. The diverse nightlife offers something for everyone.
A Benalmadena holiday has widespread appeal. Beautiful beaches with safe bathing for families with small children, water sports with varying degrees of excitement for the adults, good food and a vibrant nightlife, it is no surprise that so many people are drawn to Benalmadena.
Although Benalmadena is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to go to escape from the damp British winter.
Benalmadena has three distinct parts. The old village, Benalmadena Pueblo on the hill behind the sea, has retained its charm with its whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets leading to the XVII century church of Santa Domingo. The old village is the best place to sample traditional Spanish cuisine.
Arroyo de la Miel is the commercial centre between the village and the sea. There are many shops, bars, and restaurants in this area and it is very lively at night.
The third area is of course Benalmadena Costa, a purpose built holiday resort with its many hotels and apartments. In the early days of development high rise accommodation was fairly common but now planning restrictions result in newer developments being more in keeping with the natural surroundings.
There are many sandy beaches with good facilities for water sports. The long promenade, stretching to Torremolinos, is decorated with mosaics by several artists using a variety of materials from ceramics to metal and to wood. The modern marina has room for several hundred yachts.
A cable car goes from the town to the top of the hills where the view is stunning.
There are many attractions in the area including the Tivoli theme park, the Selwo Marina with its dolphins and penguins, and the garden of the eagles.
While in Benalmadena, take the opportunity to visit the magnificent Palace of Alhambra in Granada.
The nightlife in Benalmadena is especially vibrant on the coast and down by the marina. Here the clubs hire top DJs and there is much live music. There are also jazz clubs and salsa clubs where you can dance the night away. In Arroyo de la Miel there are many discos and nightclubs.
The hotel Torrequebada has a casino which is open to the public.
There are the usual beach and gift shops in the town and along the promenade where traditional handmade goods can be purchased. These include such things as hand carved kitchen utensils, pottery, leather goods jewellery and embroidered linens. Trips to the market in Fuengirola are readily available.
There seems to be a limitless variety of menus in Benalmadena. Owing to its popularity with the British there are many British and Irish pubs serving traditional fare. You can order anything from fish and chips to tapas and from paella to Chinese and Indian food. Local wines are pleasing to both the palate and the pocket.
