Benalmadena is one of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol, famous for its wonderful beaches, the total length of which is more than 8 km, as well as a large number of attractions.
In fact, this is a typical coastal Andalusian city, which is divided into three areas: Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel.
Benalmadena Costa is the coastal area where most hotels and apartments are concentrated. There are also many attractions here: Aquarium (Sea Life) - with a large and very interesting collection of marine life; Dolphinarium (Selwo Marina), where performances of dolphins and sea lions are held, as well as a small zoo; Hotel-Casino Torrequebrada (Casino Torrequebrada) - a five-star hotel known in addition to the casino for a good Flamenco show. In the western part of the coast is the Castillo de Bil Bil castle - in fact, a relatively “modern” building: built in 1927 as a villa for a noble family and used as a venue for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events (for example, there are annual summer music and dance festivals).
Benalmadena Pueblo (Benalmadena Pueblo) - 'historic center', a typical Andalusian residential area with white houses and narrow streets, located on a mountainside: quiet, calm, homely. There is also an active bullfighting arena.
Arroyo de la Miel - 'city', the commercial part of Benalmadena, built on the site of an old fishing village, from which only memories remain. The area is home to the Tivoli World amusement park, with its many rides, fountains, exotic bird park, aquarium and amazing stunt show, the most famous amusement park along the coast. Near the park there is a landing station for the cable car (Telecabina) stretching into the mountains, from which you can see the surroundings from a bird's eye view (the top of Mount Calamorro is 771m above sea level), and in clear weather you can even see Africa. The end point of the cable car is the “eagle garden” (Jardin de las Aguilas), where a couple of dozen raptors live.
Not far from this place rises the 'Castle of Colomares' (Castillo de Colomares), built between 1987 and 1994 to commemorate the discovery of America by Columbus.
Benalmadena is relatively freer and quieter than Torremolinos. In addition, this is a favorite place for rest (and residence) of the British - a kind of 'English zone': there are many restaurants and pubs, the owners and staff of which are English and Irish, many of whom have lived here for decades, but know only a couple of words in Spanish.
