Benalmádena is one of the most taken for granted holiday destinations. When you live in this popular and bustling coastal municipality, you realise that it has a surprising amount on offer. Apart from the beautiful 20 kilometres of beaches stretching along the Costa del Sol, Benalmádena boasts one of the world’s most star-studded marinas with an exciting 24-hour celebrity vibe. A complete contrast to the sleepy Andalusian back streets, with its themed restaurants and café bars where locals and ex-pats frequent.
Strolling along the marina, especially out of season, is a wonderful experience. Last October the natives were delighted to witness the world’s tenth-largest super-yacht, Ocean Victory, sail into the harbour and drop anchor. This is the joy of living in Benalmadena, the opportunity to beat the tourist trap and see events that only the locals typically get to see.
At night time the award-winning port comes into its own. The beauty of this location is enhanced by the sun going down, marking the golden hour, with the advent of darkness late into the early hours. The marina lights up for entertaining, from the nearby bars, clubs and lively parties upon the decks of the moored yachts. The marina, with its innovative and ground-breaking design, shines continually, ensuring retention of its rightful place at the top of the world marina destinations.
The marina is pivotal to several leisure activities, including sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and parasailing. If you are keen to take up scuba diving, there are a number of reputable and professional organisations offering targeted training.
Benalmadena is a gem of a town, and it is impossible ever to be bored in this place! With fantastic gastronomy catering to every possible taste, a vibrant party atmosphere and nightlife and not forgetting an excellent Mediterranean climate to warm the cockles of one’s heart.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, head up away from the beach to Arroyo de la Miel. Here you will find the central train station offering incredibly cheap and easy transport into Malaga or Fuengirola. The train station is conveniently located in a popular and lively square, presided over by the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción. This traditional Andalusian church, constructed in 1861, proudly maintain itself as a haven of tranquillity and a stunning wedding or baptism location. In stark contrast, the bustling centre of travel, shopping, eating and enjoying all that Arroyo de la Miel has to offer including churro bars, shopping, including leading supermarkets, fishmongers and fashion shops.
On the outskirts of Arroyo de la Miel we find another thrilling entertainment facility, Tivoli World with its white knuckle rides. Not for the faint-hearted, especially if you are one of those snowflakes that can’t cope with heights.
It would be an opprobrium to miss out on a ride up the cable car. The famous cable car has been running since 2003 has become a primary tourist attraction in the Costa del Sol. A one-way trip up takes about 15 minutes and transports you to one of the highest points on the coast, Mount Calamorro at 800m where the views are stunning. On bright sunny days, you can see across to the Sierra Nevada, as well as the Riff Mountains in Morocco. Some attractions at the top include an exhibition of the birds of prey that live on this mountain.
Take a look at our properties for sale in Benalmadena, we have a great selection.