Benalmádena is a small resort town situated on the sunny shores of Costa del Sol in southern Spain, lying 12 km from Málaga, between Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The name of the town is derived from the Arabic “Ibn al-Madina”, meaning “son of the mines”, pointing to the mining activities carried out in the region during the Moorish period.
Discover Benalmádena
There are three main parts to the town. First, there’s the sprawling old town of Benalmádena Pueblo, perched atop a hill. Then there’s Arroyo de la Miel, the bustling downtown area. And finally, there’s the picturesque coastal strip known as Benalmádena Costa, famous for its sandy beaches and lively marina. With a Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters, the town is the perfect place to visit all year round.
With so much to see and do, here are my top picks for a short break in Benalmádena.
Step into a Fairytale at Colomares Castle
No visit here is complete without stopping by Colomares Castle. This monument, dedicated to the life of Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered the Americas, covers an area of more than 1,500 square metres—the largest tribute to Columbus in the world. The castle was constructed between 1987 and 1994. It was built to celebrate the Age of Exploration and blends different architectural styles—you’ll see Gothic, Byzantine, Mudéjar, and neo-Romanesque influences throughout the building. Colomares Castle narrates the story of the discovery of America through various scenes, including a representation of Saint Salvador in honour of San Salvador Island. The castle also features the three ships Columbus travelled on during his historic voyage: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María.
Spanish gynaecologist, Esteban Martín Martín, joined forces with two masons to build Colomares Castle. Using artisanal techniques from medieval times to handcraft the castle, bricks and mortar soon transformed into stone maps, gargoyles, royal statues, and the mighty caravels Columbus set sail on. While Colomares Castle is the largest monument to Columbus, the castle is also occupied by the smallest church in the world—the Chapel of Santa Isabel of Hungary—which measures only 1.96 square metres. You can find Colomares Castle in La Carraca Estate, a 10-minute walk from Benalmádena Pueblo. The entry fee for adults is €3 and €2 for children and pensioners.
Say “I Do” at Bil-Bil Castle
Do you hear wedding bells? If so, it could be because Bil-Bil Castle is the most popular venue for civil weddings in the entire province of Málaga. This stunning Arabic-style castle has a striking red façade with intricate tiling and bas-reliefs reminiscent of the Nasrid era. But don’t be fooled—although Bil-Bil Castle looks very much like a medieval Moorish fortress, it was in fact built in 1927 by Spanish architect Enrique Atencia. Bil-Bil Castle was originally commissioned by businessman León Hermann and his wife Fernanda, but the Spanish Civil War shook things up. Bil-Bil Castle was bought by wealthy American entrepreneur William Schenstrom, before changing hands once more in 1980 when it was acquired by Benalmádena Town Hall. It was transformed into a cultural centre, which hosts concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
All Along the Watchtower
Within the municipality of Benalmádena, there are three watchtowers: Torrebermeja, Torrequebrada, and Torremuelle. The Moors built these towers in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and, subsequently, they were reinforced by the Christians after the Reconquista to defend the Andalusian coast against pirate raids and other types of naval attacks. Torrebermeja is the best-known among them, standing at 10 metres tall. The fortification’s name translates to “vermillion tower”, referring to its reddish hue. This tower is situated on a rocky promontory close to Puerto Marina. Its strategic location allowed Torrebermeja to defend the coast, and guards used fire and smoke to signal to each other between towers when enemy ships approached the Kingdom of Granada.
Reconnect with Nature at the Jardines del Muro
Designed by Spanish artist and sculptor César Manrique, known for shaping the volcanic island of Lanzarote, Jardines del Muro is a beautiful green space that lies alongside Benalmádena Pueblo. Famed for intertwining nature with architecture, Manrique applied a similar principle in mapping out Jardines del Muro, creating a space that showcases the beauty of nature while offering a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation. What better way to unwind after a day of sightseeing than to visit a gorgeous landscaped garden? Stroll along stone walkways and flowing streams, past lush greenery and the remnants of the charming old town’s defensive walls. When there’s clear visibility, it’s even possible to see the African coast and the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic with the Mediterranean Sea.
Where to Stay
Edificio Diana: This spacious unit is located only 400 metres from Puerto Marina and not far from Malapesquera Beach and Santa Ana Beach. Guests can enjoy free high-speed WiFi and private parking. The apartment has a dining area and a cosy kitchen with a dishwasher, so you can spend more time hosting and less time washing dishes! Each unit features a bidet, a walk-in shower, and a private bathroom, as well as ironing facilities. There are many popular leisure activities in the local area including tennis, golf, horseback riding—the list goes on. If you enjoy watersports, you might even want to try out snorkelling or windsurfing. One thing’s for sure, there’s never a dull moment at Edificio Diana!
Apartamento Costa del Sol: This stylish beachfront resort is just a stone’s throw from Playa de Bil-Bil and Parque de la Paloma. To beat the heat, each unit is air-conditioned. The apartment features a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a private balcony with sea views. There are several self-catering facilities available, including a fully equipped kitchen complete with a fridge, oven, and kitchenware, as well as a tea and coffee maker. Guests have exclusive access to an on-site wellness centre, so I’d highly recommend you take advantage of the spa facilities—why not treat yourself to a massage while you’re at it? Go on, you’ve earned it!
Apartamento con Vista al Mar: With well-appointed rooms containing modern furnishings, this apartment is a home away from home. True to its name, each room boasts a private terrace with sea views where guests can soak up the scenery of Benalmádena Costa and dine al fresco. The resort is well-connected and has excellent transport links, making it easy to access local attractions such as the Picasso Museum and Parque la Muralla. The apartment is also located within walking distance of top-rated eateries including Beach Bar Pili y Rafa, Playa Maracas Beach Bil Bil, and Mint Leaf for those who fancy a cheeky Indian.
How to Get There
Now that you’ve chosen where you’re going to stay, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about your flight. The closest airport to your apartment in Benalmádena and the fastest way to get to it would be to fly from the UK to Málaga Airport, which takes approximately three hours. EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Jet2. com, TUI, and Iberia offer direct flights from the UK to Malaga Airport. Tickets start from just £25, but prices vary depending on when you fly—inevitably, it’s cheaper to travel out of season. The quickest way to reach your accommodation is to pre-book a transfer with Shuttle Direct so that you can get going as soon as you touch down in Málaga. With a range of services to cater to all your travel needs, you’ll arrive refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to start your holiday!
Overview
UK to AGP flight time: 2 hours 58 minutes
AGP to Benalmádena distance: 17 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 21 minutes
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct provides stress-free travel from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena for all kinds of travellers. We know that our customers have different needs, so we offer several options to fit your budget and travel requirements. We’ve got you covered with our range of transfer services—all you need to do is relax and let us take care of the journey!
Taxi: With an airport taxi, Málaga to Benalmádena is a cinch. Pre-book a taxi and skip the lines at the airport. Your driver will meet you outside the terminal and take you directly to your accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to get insider information on Benalmádena’s hotspots from your local driver. It’s a win-win! Pre-booking makes everything that bit easier because you won’t have to stress about transport after you’ve landed. This setup is the perfect way to kick off your holiday in style.
Shuttle bus: If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to get you to where you need to go, and you don’t mind sharing the ride with other passengers, then a shuttle bus transfer from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena will suit you down to the ground. Your driver will meet you at an agreed location in the airport and then you’ll set off with fellow passengers to a central drop-off point. Because everyone shares the fare, shuttle buses are cheaper than a taxi or private transfer, so this option is a sensible choice if you’re on a budget.
Private transfer: A private Benalmádena transfer gives you a taste of luxury. A friendly, professional driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to a modern, well-maintained vehicle for a comfortable ride to your accommodation. The best part? The car is exclusively for you and your travel companions—there’s no sharing with strangers! This option saves you lots of time compared to public transport, as you won’t have to wait around for buses or figure out train schedules. Instead, you’ll be at your destination before you know it. It’s a no-brainer!
Minibus transfer: For larger groups travelling together, pre-book a minibus transfer from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena. A minibus transfer makes group travel easier by the bucketloads. Travelling in one vehicle with your luggage will save you time and money, avoiding the hassle of trying to hail several taxis to get to your accommodation. Tricky logistics are a thing of the past with a minibus transfer!
Choosing the Right Transfer
Only you can decide on the best way to get to Benalmádena for your personal needs. This choice often depends on what you consider to be more important: cost or convenience.
Cost: If you have a tight budget for this holiday, I’d suggest opting for a shuttle bus transfer. Although this is not a door-to-door service, it saves money if you’re trying to cut costs. Shuttle buses are, needless to say, cheaper because multiple passengers are sharing the ride. This lowers the cost per person compared to private transfers or taxis.
Convenience: If convenience is what you’re looking for and you don’t mind spending a bit more, a top-of-the-line private service or a pre-booked taxi will suit you to a tee. With these options, you’ll be travelling on your own terms with no stops along the way; therefore you’ll reach your accommodation quicker without compromising on quality.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we’re proud of our track record for providing top-notch ground transport services to and from destinations all over the world. We’ve built a good name for delivering great service, whether you’re watching your wallet or want all the bells and whistles. Our company provides experienced drivers, reliable vehicles, and service with a smile. Start and end your holiday on the right foot with Shuttle Direct.
