Exploring Benalmadena, Spain

Exploring Benalmadena, Spain

A quick glance on the map around Malaga will leave you spoiled with choice for short weekend breaks or even one day trips.

The luxury of a short train drive gives me plenty of options to explore the coastline and villages nesting on top of hills.

One of those places was Benalmadena, a small village I discovered thanks to the popular monument Castillo de Colomares which is right next to it.

I was surprised how much Benalmadena had to offer.

Beautiful beaches stretching for miles, pretty harbor, gorgeous large park with some of the biggest cactus species I’ve seen in my life, and lastly a charming old town with Castillo Colomares stretching right next to it.

With a few interest points saved on the map, I ventured there on one weekend to celebrate the newly found freedom post lockdown and explore my new neighbourhood.

From the train station, we headed straight to Paloma Park which is close to the coastal area. Thank God the walk was downhill the whole time as it took a while to get there on foot, only to find out that we have arrived at the wrong side of the park with the gates firmly closed.

After a wander around we found ourselves inside the glorious park, with different sections dedicated to specific plants and trees, the cactus being the absolute highlight for me. I will follow this up with a separate blog post with more details from the park as it was glorious!

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, spain

We spent over an hour walking around the park and enjoyed ice cream in the small cafe that’s next to the cactus garden. They had waffles with nutella which was just the right thing you need before you head further for search of lunch.

After a stroll along the coastline, you arrive in the marina. It’s not quite Puerto Banus, but very charming with restaurants lining the edges and a small shopping mall.

There is also a seaworld for kids of all ages, which was closed when we were visiting.

There were barely any people around there, a very visual reminder that we’ve just came out of a strict lockdown that lasted two months.

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain

Everything was just slowly opening up and there were plenty of options to take boat trips from the harbor, which went really high on my next trip wish-list.

We decided to head up to the hills to see the old town. I’ve heard it’s very pretty and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain

We walked all the way to the edge of the village to Jardines de Muro, with this gorgeous church and spectacular views.

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain

The place below is called La Cupula Lounge and we ended up having a dinner there, after our visit to Castillo Colomares. They have amazing views and really cool setting, even live music at weekend.

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain

Heading back to the old town, we settled down for dinner at Restaurant La Fuente, right in the middle of small square with a fountain.

There was barely anyone around, so its the perfect spot to watch life pass by while enjoying a lovely dinner.

benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain
benalmadena, andalusia spain

If you’ve got more time to spare, apart from visiting the Castillo Colomares, there is also a Butterfly Park just outside the village, right next to Stupa Budista (Budhist temple) that can be seen from as far as Fuengirola.

I am already planning my next visit to the town and I can’t wait what more is there to explore.

Until then, have a wonderful weekend wherever you are!

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Hi, I'm Lucia

At Viva La Vita, I will help you to discover Southern Spain like a local!

I've been living on Costa del Sol since 2020, and fill these pages with first-hand insights, personal experience and practical tips that will help you plan a wonderful trip to Spain.

Make yourself at home and find the best places to explore in Andalusia and beyond.

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