General Description of Benalmadena Costa
Sandwiched between the resorts of Fuengirola and Torremolinos, the purpose-built coastal resort of Benalmadena Costa extends 5 mls along the coast and 2 mls inland, going steeply up into mountains behind and encompassing the 2 older towns of Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo (village). The coastline is characterised by reasonably high-rise hotels and apartments that run on continuously from Torremolinos. Unfortunately, the old main coastal dual carriageway dominates much of the coastal development, with most of the accommodation placed either side of it. The small original port of Benalmadena Costa has been developed and expanded so that it is now equipped to handle more than 1,000 boats and yachts of all types, as well as being a social meeting point. Along the main promenade are a number of Moorish watchtowers and also the Arab-style Castle del Bil-Bil, used for conferences, concerts and exhibitions. Arroyo de la Miel is now undergoing rapid development, mainly in the form of hotels, apartments and small commercial centres.

Market/Suitability
A wide range, from the upmarket casino-going, yachting crowd to more budget-minded self-catering sun, sea and sand lovers. Families predominate in the summer, mature holidaymakers in the winter.

Location/Contact
Location: On the S coast of Spain, in the centre of the Costa del Sol. 14½ mls SW of Malaga town. 12 mls SW of Malaga airport.
Position: On the coast, backed by hills of the Sierra Mijas.
Website: www.andalucia.com/benalmadena

Accommodation
Upper-end to mid-range hotels, but ever-growing numbers of self-catering apartments to suit all budgets.

Beach
Not as good as in neighbouring resorts. Short stretches of sand, some of which is imported, are interspersed with rocky outcrops. At the W end, the sandy sections are very narrow and close to the busy main road.

Shopping
Lots of the usual tourist tat along the coast road and concentrated in the NE half of the resort. Some cheap leather goods, especially shoes. Flea market (Weds).

Entertainment
Daytime: an archaeology museum with exhibits of Neolithic finds from the local area, plus artefacts from pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America. The mid-size amusement park "Tivoli World" in Arroyo de la Miel has themed Wild West and flamenco shows and a cable-car ride. The large Paloma Park has a children’s play area. Selwo Marina dolphinarium. At the marina, there's the Sealife Centre (boasting the biggest shark collection in Europe) and the yacht club, which has water-sports facilities. Local golf course.
Nightlife: masses of bars; clubs, including a large nightclub and casino at Hotel Torrequebrada.

Eating Out
A huge range, from typical tapas in small bars to fine dining around the marina. Fish and chips or steak and kidney pie available 24 hrs. Main coast road offers cheap fare.

Public Transport
Metered taxis available on call, often near hotels. Regular coastal buses. Service between Torremolinos and Fuengirola every 30 mins. Trains to Malaga every 30 mins till late night (the last train leaves Malaga at 10.30).

Local Excursions
Half day: Marbella, local countryside, Fuengirola market and Mijas, Caves of Nerja, Malaga city tour. Full day: Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Morocco, Gibraltar tour. Evenings: casino (with cabaret).

Serving Airports
Malaga (AGP)
Flight time from the UK: 2 hrs. 50 mins