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Of Benalmádena's three distinct areas - the Costa (coast), pueblo (village) and Arroyo de la Miel - holidaymakers naturally head for the 9km coastline, with its seafront strip of restaurants, bars and shops.
Property-hunters, too, are drawn to this area by its pretty Arabic harbour area with its layered terraces and meringue domes.
You may spot Hollywood film star Antonio Banderas and his wife Melanie Griffith strolling around the harbour, as this is Antonio's home town and he often returns.
Nearby there is also a world-class casino, the 18-hole Torrequebrada golf complex and the British 'Colegio Internacional' for pupils aged 3-17 years.
In the hills 1km from the coast is the residential and commercial area of Arroyo de la Miel. It is a popular home for foreign residents, with a constant programme of events provided by the two cultural centres and an English/Spanish library.
Further into the foothills of the mountains is the real heart of Benalmádena, the historic 'pueblo', a charming and typically Andalucian village of narrow twisting streets whose origins are thought to date back to Phoenician times. Its whitewashed houses adorned with flowers have spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the local architecture reveals the influence of the visiting Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and, in particular, the Moors.
In the archaeology museum in the old quarter are further examples of the town's colourful history, including a marble floor from an 18th century boat which sank just off the coast.
Next to the Parque de Palomas is Selwo Marina www.selwomarina.com with a dophinarium and Ice Island, where you can watch sea lions and penguins. There is also a area dedicated to birds from South America and the biggest shark collection in Europe. Opening times are usually 10am-6pm, though they vary according to season.
Or to soak up what must be the best views of the coast, take the
Teleferico Benalmádena cable car from Arroyo del Miel to
the peak of Mount Calamorro, overlooking the Mediterranean, Gibraltar
and Africa. Children can take a donkey ride while their parents
relax in the restaurant at the top of the mountain, or the more
energetic can go trekking or mountain biking along the many paths.
If looking for hotel accommodation in Benalmadena we would recommend
the Hotel
Best Benalmadena
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