The Port of Benalmadena, which is at the extreme eastern end of the resort, and bordering on 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's Cantina, (Tex-Mex cuisine), Coco Bongo, (snacks, drinks and coffee), Casabianca, (ice cream and drinks), Jacks (American brasserie) and Dona Pilar, (Mediterranean and International cuisine). A holiday in Benalmadena is not complete without a visit here.
The Bullring
For those who enjoy this sort of thing, Benalmadena has its own bullring and it situated on the main road from Arroyo de la Miel to Benalmadena Pueblo. It is situated about 1 km short of the Pueblo on the right hand side driving west and next to the municipal sports complex, which includes soccer pitches on an astroturf surface, an open-air swimming pool, a multi-sports hall and a reception area which includes aerobics and a sauna. For those requiring transport, there is a free bus service and details may be obtained by phoning 952 38 31 40 or 952 38 31 65. Bullfights are held at intervals throughout the year and usually on Sunday afternoons at 5pm. Cost per person is from €45-€85 in the sun and €60-€100 in the shade.
This compact amusement park is situated in Arroya de la Miel and has a large car park. 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. In late 2004, a takeover bid was accepted for Tivoli and the new owners, Arenal 2000, promise a bigger and better park. By 2007 they hope to have trippled the number of visitors and make the site more attractive to adults and teenagers.
Indoor Swimming Pool
This new facility has recently opened and 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.
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, where concerts and exhibitions are held. Built in 1932.
Costasol Cruceros S.L. operate regular boat trips to Fuengirola from the port of Benalmadena.
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. Return tickets are 10 euro for adults, and 6 euro for children. The company also operate round-trips and coastal cruises and they also have a yacht for rent by the hour. Tel: 952 444881
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 Iglesia Virgen del Carmen in Avenida Bonanza welcomes everyone to their services, and their website is here.
Emergency and useful telephone numbers:-
Police 092
Fire Brigade 080
Ambulance 061
Tourist Information 952 442 494
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.
