Benalmadena properties
Exploring Benalmadena
There’s something to keep the whole family happy in Benalmadena and – as you might expect at such a popular resort – there are plenty of activities and places to visit.
One of the main reasons that people come to this area is for the fantastic coastline and beaches. There are approximately 8km of excellent blue flag beaches, which are clean and well maintained. The blue flag award is given for safety, cleanliness and the facilities available. Most of Benalmadena´s beaches are wide and sandy and if you explore a little further than the main sun bed areas, you will find some of them are in little coves with high rocky backdrops. These quieter areas are perfect for sheltering from the wind if you are here in the cooler seasons – or avoiding the crowds if you are not!
Some of the beaches are man-made and have been designed specifically with tourists in mind. You can while away many hours enjoying the best of the Mediterranean outdoor lifestyle with all the facilities you need close by. There are pedalos, boats, jet skis, windsurfing, volleyball and many restaurants and bars to occupy your time on the beach.
When the sunbathing gets a little too much there is a long promenade that is completely pedestrianised and which runs the full length of the coast. So you can walk all the way to Torremolinos if you like! As you stroll along make sure you look out for the many restaurants with the BBQ boats outside where sardines are grilled to perfection. You will smell the delicious aromas before you see them and it can be hard to resist popping in!
While you are in Benalmadena you must also take a trip to Parque de la Paloma, which is the recently developed recreation area of Benalmadena. In the centre of the park there is a large lake complete with a waterfall. Ducks, swans and pelicans all inhabit the lake and its surrounds. The lake is amongst landscaped gardens and dotted around are various animal enclosures. The Cactus Gardens are the latest addition to Paloma Park with species from all over the world. All of the attractions here are free of charge. What a fantastic location for a lunch time picnic!
At one end of the park is the Benalmadena Selwo Marina where you can enjoy dolphin and sea lion displays, as well as the largest collection of penguins in Spain. This is not free however. An entrance fee of 12€ for adults and 8€ for children is charged.
In the main coastal resort of Benalmadena itself, the award-winning port is one of the main attractions along with the Sea Life centre and the many shops, bars and restaurants.
The Tivoli World adventure park in Arroyo de la Miel makes a fantastic family day out. If you get the chance you can take a cable car from the coast to the top of the mountain behind Benalmadena and enjoy some spectacular views of the area – although it is not recommended if you are in any way scared of heights!
Another fantastic attraction close to Benalmadena is the Jardin de las Aguilas, which means the garden of the eagles. This is a centre that specializes in raising and protecting different birds of prey. You can see many different species at the centre including falcons, vultures, and even a condor. All the birds are overseen by expert handlers and you can witness daily shows of the birds in flight.
If you decide to visit the garden of the eagles then you would be wise to pay a visit to the Castillo de Colomares that lies close by. The castle grounds are beautifully kept and it is definitely worth a visit.
