| Page Views: 9,189 Last Visit to Benalmádena: November, 1998 | Benalmádena, Costa del Sol by Synch_X - last update: Oct 23, 2003 |
| Benalmádena harbour at night |
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Brief history of Benalmádena Located on a place known as " Hoya de Málaga", -Malaga Hole-, at 20 kms. from the capital city, and along the hills under the protection of the Mijas Mountains, Benalmádena, the town in which the Catholic Monarchs established the headquarters for the protection of the coast against the pirate invasion. For that reason the city coats of arms shows written on it "Vigia de la Costa". (Coast Watcher).
The first neighbours of the town settled there in 1493 and on the distribution of the land two pieces where adjudged to Benalmadena, one in Torreblanca and the other in Arroyo de la Miel. The remains of the watchtowers , built during the XVIII century are still visible on top of some hills.
Phoenicians and Romans had their establishment on the Benalmadena coast and in a modern building in Arroyo de la Miel the remains of a Roman arch is part of the building entrance..
The Arab name of Benalmadena, means "son of the mines" . The most illustrious Arab citizen of the town was Ibn Al Beithar, a famous chemist who later became a private doctor of Saladin The Great.
Benalmádena's inhabitants fought bravely before surrendering to the army of the King Ferdinand, being the last town in the coast to be conquered, the fortress was destroyed and the people banished. In 1491 the Catholics Monarchs granted Alonso Palomero, letter of privilege to repopulate the villa under the vigilance and protection of the Malaga Mayor. |
| Map of the area around Benalmadena |
General info of the area Benalmadena is situated just 19km west of Malaga and consists of three main areas:
Benalmadena Pueblo (village) is located on the mountain side, the old, typical Andalucian village image. Steep, narrow streets and white-painted houses retain a wealth of culture. The village has more than it's share of attractions including a museum, a castle, sports centre and a wide and varied selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Arroyo de la Miel is a populated area between the mountains and the coast. This is where most of the area's population and businesses are located and it too has a wide range of attractions including a sports complex, bilingual library and the world famous theme park Tivoli World. From Arroyo de la Miel by train you can travel to Fuengirola (15 minutes), Torremolinos (10 minutes) or Malaga (30 minutes). This is also where the new cable car to the mountain Calamorro from where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Costa del Sol.
Benalmadena Costa, the most visited by tourists, which sits next to Torremolinos. It has 9km of shoreline with beautiful beaches and tiny coves and a fully equipped marina for over 1,000 vessels. The new Puerto Marina is the place to go for young "party goers". Popular with locals and tourists alike the place has a distinctly international feel to it. The area is full of a variety of nightclubs and bars playing the latest music and staying open until dawn (or later).The town also boasts a sea-life centre and the new Selwo Marina. La Paloma park is a quiet and beautiful park set in the heart of Benalmadena Costa where local people relax. This was created quite recently and features a large lake with a fountain and ducks, swans and pelicans and landscaped gardens with enclosures for a variety of animals and birds. The Torrequebrada area, to the west of the town hosts a well known golf course, a 5 stars hotel and a casino. |
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| Pros: | "Quiet, beautiful town with fewer tourists." | | Cons: | "It can be a little too quiet at times" |
Synch_X's Benalmádena Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | Tourist Traps
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Synch_X's Benalmádena Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Synch_X about Benalmádena | | | | |
ettenaj Tue Oct 21, 2003 13:28 UTC
Hi, the marina in Benalmedina is great isnt it? How the other half live eh? | Fen Tue Oct 21, 2003 08:08 UTC
The Marina is really nice and so was the extended nightclub. The one with 3 rooms? haha | Carmela71 Wed Sep 24, 2003 13:11 UTC
Welcome to VT I guess you did not heard before about the shoe cleaners is an old tradition but not many people do it anymore (obviously not nice as you did not know you had to pay) In summer I promise is not quiet, but i prefer in winters hehehe |
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