Benalmadena

Benalmadena is located to the west of Malaga and Torremolinos, although due to the expansion of both Benalmadena Costa and Torremolinos there is little distinction in terms of distance between the two. Benalmadena's tourist explosion occurred later than Torremolinos' and it has managed to avoid some of the uglier large concrete developments of the 1970's. Make no mistake though: this is still the heart of tourist country with crowded beaches, an abundance of British bars and restaurants to cater for most tastes.

Puerto Marina has given Benalmadena Costa a new focal point. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the place has a distinctly international feel to it. Acting as a centre where families can spend time during the day with several shops, cafes and restaurants, while at night transforming itself into the place to go for young "party goers." The area is crammed with a variety of nightclubs and bars playing the latest music and staying open until sunrise (or later). Prices are more expensive than those in Malaga city centre, however most visitors should find them in line with prices from their home countries or similar tourist resorts.

The once famous Plaza Sol y Mar – better known as the 24-hour square (due to the bars and clubs staying open all night) – has now been completely rebuilt as a commercial centre with shops and cafes. The town also boasts a sea life centre in Puerto Marina, and the Tivoli theme park in the conjoined village of Arroyo de la Miel (see theme parks page for more details). The Torrequebrada hotel to the west of the town is one of the finest in the area, with a golf course, casino, restaurants and an international show.

Among interesting buildings we would list the Benalmadena Town Hall (+34 952.579.800), where you can find the latest on government subsidies, local budgets, etc.

While Benalmadena Costa manages to attract both family-based clientele and the "young, fun-in-the-sun" tourists Benalmadena Pueblo – which sits high on a hill looking down over the coast – has largely remained an Andalucian village. While there are several expatriates living here, they were mainly among the first wave of those to relocate to the Costa del Sol, many of them purchasing and having built large villas perched on the mountain side. Among these were some of the more notorious to move to the coast in the late 70's and early 80's, and possibly as a consequence Benalmadena Pueblo is a quiet and private affair.