DISCOVERING COSTA DEL SOL: BENALMADENA

Following our series of posts describing the best areas of Costa del Sol, this week we take on to Benalmadena…hope you will enjoy!!

BENALMADENA

Covering an area of almost 30km² with an official 30,000 inhabitants, Benalmádena is just 19 kilometers from Málaga Airport. It’s easy to reach from both Málaga capital and the international airport by road, train or bus and, from its privileged position looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, it is little wonder that it has grown so rapidly in size over the last 20 years and become so popular – especially with the British. It is always lively, but the busiest time of year is during the hot summer months, when holidaymakers swell the population to up to more than 100,000 people.

This area offers an easy lifestyle and a comfortable climate (minimum temperatures of 5º and a summer maximum of 35º) with light sea breezes. Many thousands of British families have bought holiday homes and a large number of them have settled down permanently to live the life of their dreams.

Benalmádena is split into three distinct areas:

Benalmádena Pueblo (old village):

Despite the influx of foreigners, the “pueblo” has managed to maintain a certain degree of decorum in the midst of the massive amounts of building works and construction developments that now surround it, where not so long ago was rough countryside

Arroyo de la Miel:

The busy commercial town centre separating the village on the hill from the sea front. Arroyo has grown rapidly, greatly due to the excellent train service running between Fuengirola and Málaga, as well as a good road connection.

Benalmádena Costa:

The coastal area with many hotels, beaches and the award-winning marina, with excellent port facilities, fantastic nightlife and the fabulous aquarium.

With the huge number of resident and visiting foreign tourists to Benalmádena and the Costa del Sol in general, the variety of types of restaurants is enormous. There are many English, Scottish and Irish pubs, most of which show live big screen sporting events. You have the choice of all nationality restaurants, including Chinese, Italian, Dutch, Lebanese, etc. There are also plenty of opportunities to try out local dishes and the best place to go is along the beach or to the marina and visit a “chiringuito” (beach bar) where fresh fish dishes are served up with a wonderful chilled wine or a refreshing glass of sangria.

Benalmádena is one of the best places on the Costa del Sol for nightlife with so many different types of bars, club and restaurants that there is always something to suit all tastes. From the latest clubland sounds with top D.J.’s, to swish sophistication and live jazz or salsa dancing till dawn, the marina port has it all.

The Solimar Plaza is at the crossroads before going down to the port, where there are more pubs and clubs for night owls, as well as a recently built commercial centre with 8 cinemas to choose from. There are plenty of things to see in Benalmádena, as well as enjoying entertaining family days out to places like the theme park, Tivoli World, the fabulous “Jardin de Las Aguilas” (Garden of Eagles), seeing the penguins and dolphins at Selwo Marina and Sea Life, or taking a ride in the Cable Car to see breathtaking views of the coast.

All along the promenade, which stretches from Bil Bil Castle to the marina, you will see an amazing variety of mosaics done by different artists. The styles and materials differ greatly, with some artists using a ceramic finish, while others opting for metal, wood or natural stone. The overall impression of this outdoor ‘exhibition’ is the result of the Plan of Local Art Development, which has encouraged local artists to add beauty to the area by exhibiting their art in this way.

The promenade is one of the smartest on the Costa del Sol and plans are afoot to extend it further. It presently covers several kilometres and stretches across the Benalmádena area with the relaxing tranquillity of sand and sea on one side, and the bustling commercial hubbub of activity on the other. There are many bars and restaurants all along the sea front, where you can enjoy a pleasant time looking out across the Mediterranean or watching the world go by.

Have a great week! Vamos!!

My best wishes and regards from sunny Marbella, southern Spain!!

JC Lazo