Benalmadena, Andalucia Spain

January 27, 2026

Benalmadena, Andalucia Spain

Benalmádena's story began with archaeological evidence in the Cueva del Toro revealing human presence since the Paleolithic era. Throughout the centuries, the landscape was shaped by the Phoenicians and Romans, who utilized the coast for salt-curing fish and trade. But it was the Moors who left its mark on the town’s layout and name. Benalmádena is derived from the Arabic term for "Children of the Mines." The beach monument is Castillo El Bil Bil.

There are three main areas of the town. Arroyo de Miel where I stayed, close to the beach and its name means Honeycomb. It’s high on a hill overlooking the Meditation. Pueblo Benalmadena is 30 mins away up steep mountain roads on the mountain. Plus the downtown east area the Marina where you can walk an hour to Torremelinos or take a bus or above ground metro. All these small towns on Costa del Sol are about about the beach 🏖️ and tourism. Siesta times still run in winter so most places close between 14-17pm then open again until 21pm

Castillo El Bil Bil

You can also walk from the Marina to the Bil Bil along the lovely promenade with trees, gulls, flowers, mainly honey suckle and bouganvillea but also other gardens. Main long roads are palm tree lined with white roses and red anenomes the whole way. Many restaurants and cafes along the the way. Many closed during winter so must be hell in summer. High seasons here are spring and autumn.

Promenade beach walk

Rock formations with the town uphill behind these.

Lovely typical Spanish architecture

A roundabout with mini windmills which all flutter with the sea breeze.

Down at the east side of the city coast coast, the Puerto Marina is an award-winning harbor, renowned for its "Maura-Andalusian" design, featuring man-made islands and luxury apartments that appear to float on the water, delivering an artistic futuristic vision. It is very Gaudi like, including the Barcelonian Gaudi park like staircase mosaic entrance.

After watching a documentary on Franco’s dictatorship , I discovered that the reason the Spanish are so big on fish, is because during WW2, Franco's friendship with Hitler and payments for help during the Spanish civil war (German planes bombing Spanish people), Franco repaid Germany by sending their cattle and pigs. Thus, the Spanish, who were starving were left to fish.

The Spanish are great at Christmas lights, fiestas and gardening, despite their harsh hot climate. Balmadena has a lovely Park Paloma with palms, cacti and bamboo. Worth visiting and on Wednesdays there’s a HUGE flea Mercado next to it. Also visit the undercover Bodega hall in town on the hill and walk the streets with delightful, colourful Spanish tile gateways.

The local undercover bodegas where locals eat is big!