Benalmadena, Andalucia Spain

 Written together Gemini AI - I own the photos

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, which is derived from the Arabic term for "Children of the Mines." There are three main areas  arroyo, Pueblo on the mountain and the Marina area  

Down at the other 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 Girl park like staircase mosaic entrance. 

After watching a documentary on Franco 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 flea Mercado next to it. Also visit the undercover Bodega hall, and walk the streets with delightful, colourful Spanish tile gateways.