Benalmadena Tourist Information

Benalmadena is one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol, with a variety of tourist attractions, including Tivoli World, Selwo Marina, Sealife Aquarium and a popular cable car. The name Benalmadena is thought to derive from the Arabic 'Ben-al-madina', meaning 'Children of the Mines', due to the fact that several centuries ago iron ore used to be mined in this area.

The main coastal strip, known as Benalmadena Costa, is home to the award-winning marina (puerto deportivo) which is notable for its unusual mix of architectural styles. With a large variety of boutique shops, restaurants and nightclubs, the 1,100-berth marina is a magnet for visitors. There is also a wide choice of boat trips available from the harbour, including sailing excursions, speed-boat rides and fishing trips. Another popular attraction is the Sealife Aquarium, with a fine collection of sharks, jellyfish, turtles and ray fish. Next to the marina are the resort's main beaches, overlooked by an attractive promenade lined with shops, bars and restaurants.

Further west along the coast is the Torrequebrada Hotel and Casino - one of the area's most popular entertainment venues - and the 18-hole Torrequebrada golf course. Opened in 1976, the attractive Torrequebrada course offers a challenging round with tight fairways, lakes and tropical plants. Also nearby is a small naturist beach known as Benalnatura.

About 1km up the hill from Benalmadena Costa is the commercial and residential area of Arroyo de la Miel, which literally translates as 'Stream of Honey'. Arroyo is home to the Tivoli World amusement park with its traditional attractions such as merry-go-rounds and big wheels, along with recent additions such as the 60-metre freefall ride. During the summer months Tivoli World has a busy entertainment program of shows and musicals. Opposite the Tivoli World park is the embarkation point for the cable car ride which ascends the 770-metre high Calamorro Mountain. Once at the summit you can enjoy falconry displays, horse riding shows, or just simply appreciate the fine views of the coast.

Further inland from Arroyo de la Miel, and around 300 metres above sea level, is the attractive whitewashed village of Benalmadena Pueblo. In the centre is the pretty little square of Plaza de Espana with its statue of a small girl, la Nina, while close by is the picturesque church of Santo Domingo surrounded by gardens. The village also has a small museum displaying several ancient artifacts excavated from the local area. A short distance from Benalmadena Pueblo is one of the Costa del Sol's most unusual sights; a giant Buddhist Stupa topped by a huge gold-coloured dome.

Benalmadena is situated between Fuengirola and Torremolinos, and it's within easy reach of Malaga Airport around 12km (7 miles) away. There is a regular train service from the airport to the train station in Arroyo de la Miel. The main bus stop is situated next to the resort's tourist office in Avenida Antonio Machado. From here you can catch buses along the coast to Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, as well as inland to Mijas and Ronda. There is also a local service, operated by orange buses, which connect the main areas of the resort.

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