Benalmádena is an attractive coastal town and one of the main tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol.
Situation
Located 18 km from the city of Malaga and 12 km from Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport. This municipality stretches from the sea to the top of Mount Calamorro (800 metres above sea level) and is divided into three different urban centres.
Benalmádena Costa
This is the area along the coastline, with its 9 km of beach, numerous hotels and tourist flats, international restaurants, shops and nightlife. .
Arroyo de la Miel
The nerve centre of the municipality, here we find the Casa de la Cultura, the Church of San Juan, the Police Station, the Renfe commuter train stop that links the town with the capital, schools and colleges, the main supermarkets and shops. Our school is just a few minutes from the centre.
Benalmádena Pueblo
This village sits in the mountains, 240 metres above sea level and a few kilometres from Arroyo de la Miel and the coast, being the nucleus that gave rise to the municipality, where its Muslim origins can still be identified thanks to the remains of a fortress and its wall. It is also one of the typical white villages of Andalusia with its narrow streets, its quiet little squares and its small white houses covered with flowers and plants.
A bit of tourism
There are many leisure options in the municipality, among which we find:
- Cable carCable car linking the centre of Arroyo de la Miel with the summit of Calamorro.
- Sea LifeAquarium and shark conservation and protection centre
- Selwo MarinaMarine Wildlife Park
- Butterfly parkThe largest space in Europe dedicated to butterflies.
- La Paloma Park200,000 m2 of lakes, gardens and pine forests, plus a cactus garden.
- Marina Portmarina and leisure area with restaurants, bars and nightclubs
- Beacheswith almost 20 kilometres of sandy, gravel and palm-lined coastline.
- CasinoThe hotel is not only a four-star hotel, but also offers party rooms and shows.
Someone famous
Francisco Alarcón “Isco”He was born in Benalmádena, is a former player of Valencia, Málaga, Real Madrid, Sevilla and the Spanish national team, currently playing for Real Betis. The Benamiel stadium in Arroyo de la Miel, a local football club, is named after our illustrious citizen.
A bit of history
The Phoenicians arrived on these coasts in the seventh and eighth centuries BC, making pacts with the indigenous population in order to favour their commercial interests. They contributed their influences until the arrival of the Romans, who made social, political and economic changes in exchange for the exploitation of their fishing riches.
After a period in which various cultures passed through Benalmádena, the arrival of the Arabs took place, to whom we owe the name of the municipality - Ben al Madina - which means «Sons of the mines». This may be due to the existence of a series of mines in the area from which iron ore and, above all, ochre were extracted since Phoenician times.
A bit of Culture
- Colomares Castle, built at the end of the 20th century and dedicated to Christopher Columbus as a tribute to the Discovery of America.
- Museum of Archaeology and Pre-Columbian ArtArt collection from Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
- Lighting Stupa. this Buddhist stupa, inaugurated in 2004, is the largest stupa in the western world. Its location and breathtaking sea views make it a unique attraction.
- El-Bil-Bil CastleThe Arabic-style building is a venue for exhibitions, art shows, social events and concerts.
- Exhibition Centres: building with minimalist architecture housing temporary exhibitions
- Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural CentreThe scene of numerous events
- Municipal AuditoriumOpen-air building which hosts theatrical, musical and dance performances, patron saint festivals.
- Arroyo de la Miel Public Library: a modern building overlooking the Parque de la Paloma.
A bit of sport
In the Puerto Marina Yacht Club you can practice or take sailing, surfing, paddle surfing, diving, kayaking, etc. classes. In addition to water activities, the municipality has an ice skating rink, an indoor and an outdoor Olympic swimming pool, two golf courses, a racket club, a tennis club, a skatepark, a modern sports centre, gymnasiums, etc.
There are also mountain bike routes and trails ideal for an afternoon trekking in the surroundings of Mount Calamorro
The school
Maravillas School is located in Arroyo de la Miel, the most important centre of the city. One of the advantages of choosing Benalmádena for a Spanish course is the proximity of the school to the different accommodation options: both the host families and our residences and flats are just a few minutes' walk from the school and the town centre.
Benalmádena is also a very safe city and thanks to the open and friendly nature of the Andalusian people you will find it easy to make new friends.
Questions and answers
It is a key coastal city on the Costa del Sol, located just 12 km from Malaga International Airport and 18 km from Malaga city, making your arrival very easy.
Benalmádena Costa is ideal, as it offers 9 km of coastline with beaches, hotels, international restaurants, and the famous Puerto Marina with its bars and nightclubs.
Our school is in Arroyo de la Miel, right in the city center. Here you have everything close by: the train station to Malaga, supermarkets, shops, the House of Culture, and a health center.
It is a typical Andalusian white village at an altitude of 240 meters. It stands out for its narrow streets, houses full of flowers, and its Moorish origins, which are visible in the remains of its city walls.
You can visit the Butterfly Park (the largest in Europe), the Sea Life aquarium, the Selwo Marina wildlife park, or stroll through Paloma Park with its 200,000 $m^2$ of gardens.
You can take the cable car in Arroyo de la Miel. It will take you directly to the top of Mount Calamorro, at an altitude of 800 meters, to enjoy the best views of the coast.
It is divided into three main areas: Benalmádena Costa (beaches and leisure), Arroyo de la Miel (commercial center and our school), and Benalmádena Pueblo (a typical Andalusian white village).
Our school is located at Avenida Salvador Vicente, 9 in Arroyo de la Miel, the heart of the city. We are just a few minutes away from the Renfe train station, supermarkets, the House of Culture, and the main shops.
You have the El-Bil-Bil Castle, in Arabic style, and the minimalist Exhibition Center. Also, the Pablo Ruiz Picasso House of Culture and the Municipal Auditorium offer theater and music.
At the Puerto Marina Nautical Club, you can take sailing, surfing, diving, or kayaking lessons. If you prefer dry land, there are tennis and racket clubs, as well as world-class golf courses.
Yes, Mount Calamorro offers mountain bike routes and trails that are ideal for trekking in the afternoon and enjoying the Andalusian nature after classes.
It is a very safe city with a welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to the open and friendly nature of Andalusians, you will find it very easy to practice Spanish and make new friends from day one.