Benalmadena Factfile -
Location: South-west coast of Malaga and Torremolinos in the region of Andalucia, Spain
Population: 53,000
Benalmadena History: The original old town of Benalmadena Pueblo was established by the Moors during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, although it is possible that it was previously the site of a Roman settlement. Benalmadena's name is of Arab origin, Ben-Al-Madiina the Arab word which roughly translated means 'children of the mines' and relates to the town's former importance as a mining area. The area was first settled during the Bronze Age and would probably have been on the trading route of the ancient Phoenicians. This stretch of the coast was liable to frequent attacks by Barbary pirates in the centuries following the Christian reconquest and two watchtowers on the coast, built during the 15th Century show evidence of this. The old town still has much of its traditional charm, with its white-walled houses lining narrow, winding streets. A huge amount of development in recent years has spoiled much of the town and of the coastal section, Benalmadena Costa, but as tourism is the prime industry for the region, many would consider the cost of the development worthwhile.
Overview: Modern Benalmadena is divided into 3 distinct areas, the old town Benalmadena Pueblo, the coastal resort, Benalmadena Costa where most of the hotels and apartment blocks are located and Arroyo de la Miel, originally a separate village but now the main residencial area for the town. Benalmadena, these days, relies mostly on tourism for its economy, it is a popular all year round resort with plenty of good quality hotels and privately owned rental accommodation. The coastal area has around 9 km of fine sandy beaches and a huge modern marina (Puerto Marina) with moorings for almost 1000 boats.
Benalmadena Fiestas and Festivals: Benalmadena of course celebrates many festivals and fiestas throughout the year and these include the Easter celebrations (Semana Santa) with processions through Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel, Dia de los Juegos (The day of Games) held at the end of June at Arroyo de la Miel Sports Centre, the Virgen del Carmen (July), the Benalmadena Summer Fair (Mid-August) and of course the many Christmas celebrations.
Economy: Tourism. Formerly mining, grape growing and paper.
Tourist Attractions - Places of Interest: Tivoli World Amusement Park, a popular theme park mostly aimed at children, the marina (Puerto Marina) which is very pretty and bustling at night, the Castillo de Colomares in Benalmadena Pueblo, Jardin de las Aguilas (Garden of the Eagles) signposted from Benalmadena Pueblo, Crocodile Park Torremolinos, Fuengirola Zoo (Avda. Camilo José Cela, Fuengirola), the Sea Life Centre, aqua parks at Mijas and Torremolinos, Monte Calamorro to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, sea and surrounding countryside (on a clear day you can see the Atlas Mountains of North Africa), the historic cities of Sevilla, Granada, Jerez and Cadiz.
Location: South-west coast of Malaga and Torremolinos in the region of Andalucia, Spain
Population: 53,000
Benalmadena History: The original old town of Benalmadena Pueblo was established by the Moors during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, although it is possible that it was previously the site of a Roman settlement. Benalmadena's name is of Arab origin, Ben-Al-Madiina the Arab word which roughly translated means 'children of the mines' and relates to the town's former importance as a mining area. The area was first settled during the Bronze Age and would probably have been on the trading route of the ancient Phoenicians. This stretch of the coast was liable to frequent attacks by Barbary pirates in the centuries following the Christian reconquest and two watchtowers on the coast, built during the 15th Century show evidence of this. The old town still has much of its traditional charm, with its white-walled houses lining narrow, winding streets. A huge amount of development in recent years has spoiled much of the town and of the coastal section, Benalmadena Costa, but as tourism is the prime industry for the region, many would consider the cost of the development worthwhile.
Overview: Modern Benalmadena is divided into 3 distinct areas, the old town Benalmadena Pueblo, the coastal resort, Benalmadena Costa where most of the hotels and apartment blocks are located and Arroyo de la Miel, originally a separate village but now the main residencial area for the town. Benalmadena, these days, relies mostly on tourism for its economy, it is a popular all year round resort with plenty of good quality hotels and privately owned rental accommodation. The coastal area has around 9 km of fine sandy beaches and a huge modern marina (Puerto Marina) with moorings for almost 1000 boats.
Benalmadena Fiestas and Festivals: Benalmadena of course celebrates many festivals and fiestas throughout the year and these include the Easter celebrations (Semana Santa) with processions through Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel, Dia de los Juegos (The day of Games) held at the end of June at Arroyo de la Miel Sports Centre, the Virgen del Carmen (July), the Benalmadena Summer Fair (Mid-August) and of course the many Christmas celebrations.
Economy: Tourism. Formerly mining, grape growing and paper.
Tourist Attractions - Places of Interest: Tivoli World Amusement Park, a popular theme park mostly aimed at children, the marina (Puerto Marina) which is very pretty and bustling at night, the Castillo de Colomares in Benalmadena Pueblo, Jardin de las Aguilas (Garden of the Eagles) signposted from Benalmadena Pueblo, Crocodile Park Torremolinos, Fuengirola Zoo (Avda. Camilo José Cela, Fuengirola), the Sea Life Centre, aqua parks at Mijas and Torremolinos, Monte Calamorro to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, sea and surrounding countryside (on a clear day you can see the Atlas Mountains of North Africa), the historic cities of Sevilla, Granada, Jerez and Cadiz.
© Spain and Spanish 2008 - Benalmadena
Benalmadena
Resorts of the Costa del Sol - Benalmadena
Benalmadena Spain - Information - History - Map - Fiestas - Weather - Hotels - Holidays
Benalmadena Map:
Benalmadena is located south-west of Malaga, about 19 kilometres from the airport.
The map to the right has 'zoom' and 'pan' features which enable you to use the buttons on the top left to zoom in and get a detailed street map of Benalmadena, or pan around to view any number of the surrounding towns and villages which include Mijas, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Arroyo de la Miel, Guadalmar, Jarama and Malaga.
Benalmadena is situated off the N-340 highway and can be accessed from the A-7 motorway (Junction 223).
Benalmadena Weather: Benalmadena boasts a superb climate with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall, it enjoys a temperate climate all year round and is especially popular during the winter time with British and North European holidaymakers trying to escape the damp cold weather of their native countries. It has long been popular with elderly visitors who spend the whole winter in the resort enjoying reduced hotel prices for long term visits. The summer climate is hot and the resort very busy.
Benalmadena is located south-west of Malaga, about 19 kilometres from the airport.
The map to the right has 'zoom' and 'pan' features which enable you to use the buttons on the top left to zoom in and get a detailed street map of Benalmadena, or pan around to view any number of the surrounding towns and villages which include Mijas, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Arroyo de la Miel, Guadalmar, Jarama and Malaga.
Benalmadena is situated off the N-340 highway and can be accessed from the A-7 motorway (Junction 223).
Benalmadena Weather: Benalmadena boasts a superb climate with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall, it enjoys a temperate climate all year round and is especially popular during the winter time with British and North European holidaymakers trying to escape the damp cold weather of their native countries. It has long been popular with elderly visitors who spend the whole winter in the resort enjoying reduced hotel prices for long term visits. The summer climate is hot and the resort very busy.
Benalmadena Beaches: Benalmadena Costa has over 9 kilometres of excellent sandy beaches, varying from small sandy coves to large tourist beaches, just a small selection of the beaches includes: Malapasquera beach a wide, long beach beside the Marina, Arroyo beach, Arroyo Hondo beach, Torre Bermeja beach, Santa Ana beach and Carvajal beach. For naturists there is a small beach called Benalnatura which is signposted when driving from Benalmadena towards Fuengirola.
Benalmadena Markets: Arroyo de la Miel holds a Flea Market on Wednesdays and has its main street market on Fridays, Tivoli World holds a market on Sundays, the main market at nearby Torremolinos is held on Thursdays.
Benalmadena Hotels - Benalmadena Holidays: There are a large range of hotels of all standards available for your holiday in Benalmadena. The best advice is to search the internet for the best deals and prices, don't forget to book your airport transfer while you are online. Most major tour operators have package holidays for Benalmadena if you like everything organised for you. If you want to be a bit more adventurous many companies offer "for rent by owner" properties in Benalamdena and there are plenty of cheap flights available if you book early.
Benalmadena Markets: Arroyo de la Miel holds a Flea Market on Wednesdays and has its main street market on Fridays, Tivoli World holds a market on Sundays, the main market at nearby Torremolinos is held on Thursdays.
Benalmadena Hotels - Benalmadena Holidays: There are a large range of hotels of all standards available for your holiday in Benalmadena. The best advice is to search the internet for the best deals and prices, don't forget to book your airport transfer while you are online. Most major tour operators have package holidays for Benalmadena if you like everything organised for you. If you want to be a bit more adventurous many companies offer "for rent by owner" properties in Benalamdena and there are plenty of cheap flights available if you book early.