Plan Your Benalmadena Holiday: Best of Benalmadena
Explore Benalmadena
While most visitors choose Benalmadena for its glorious beaches, there are plenty of other attractions to keep your family amused. Take a trip out to sea on a boat or a ferry; you can even go whale and dolphin watching. A cable car ride would make a welcome change, or perhaps a visit to Bil Bil Castle. The castle is distinctive with its Arabian architecture, and it hosts concerts as well as art exhibitions. Visit the Sea Life Centre, where you can walk through the transparent tunnels in the underwater park or watch feeding demonstrations; the centre even has a mini golf course. At the end of a relaxing day, Benalmadena becomes a great place for nightlife. Whatever kind of cuisine you are looking for, you are sure to find a restaurant that will suit your family's tastes.
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Benalmadena travel advice
Beaches and Parks
According to forum posts, Benalmadena offers various family-friendly beaches and parks. Travelers have highlighted Paloma Park as a particularly enjoyable location, featuring playgrounds, a lake, and a safe environment for children to explore. The park also has bars nearby, allowing adults to relax while kids play.
Wildlife and Amusement Parks
Some travelers said that Benalmadena and its surrounding areas are rich in wildlife and amusement parks ideal for families. The Bioparc in Fuengirola is a zoo that's easily accessible from Benalmadena and is popular among families with young children. Additionally, Tivoli World, a large amusement park in Benalmadena, offers rides and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Water Activities and Marine Life
For many users, the marina area in Benalmadena is recommended for its family-oriented activities. This includes feeding fish and exploring marine life, with attractions such as the Sea Life Centre and dolphin shows. These activities provide both educational and entertaining experiences for children.
Interactive and Educational Experiences
Travelers have called out the cable car rides and falconry shows at the top of Calamorro Mountain as unique opportunities for children to learn about wildlife while enjoying spectacular views of the area. These experiences combine adventure with education, making them memorable for the entire family.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Availability
According to forum posts, there are specific bus routes available in Benalmádena, such as the M121 or M112 which travelers can take to reach Mijas from the main road near the tourist information office. Additionally, for traveling through Benalmádena and to nearby towns like Fuengirola, buses like the 110/120 operate, although these routes originate from Málaga.
Train Service
Some travelers mentioned the convenience of the C-1 train service, which connects the Benalmádena area (Arroyo de la Miel station) with other locations such as the airport and Torremolinos. The train is noted for being a frequent and quick service, making it a popular choice among travelers for local transit.
Discounts and Cards
Travelers have called out the availability of a discount bus card, which can be purchased from bus kiosks, tobacco shops, and some newsagents. This card allows users to buy bus tickets at a reduced fare directly from the driver. However, there are no similar discount options reported for train services.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Beach Bars
According to forum posts, popular beach bars in Benalmadena include the bars at the marina which have some music during the day, though not intensely loud. Additionally, Aloha Puerto near the Torremolinos side of the marina is known for its live DJ, making it a vibrant spot for beachside entertainment.
Live Music and Atmosphere
Travelers have called out specific bars like Elefante, Bonanza Bar, and Mullarkeys, which feature live music bands nightly from around 10 pm. These bars are located close to the 24-hour Square and the marina, offering a lively night scene suitable for groups and parties.
Recommendations and Accessibility
Some users recommend the area around Hotel Sirocco for its proximity to both the marina and these popular bars, providing easy access to nightlife without the need for extensive travel.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Green Bus Card Functionality
According to forum posts, the Green Bus Card is used as a payment method for local buses in Benalmadena. It cannot be used to buy train tickets, as was previously possible. Travelers have noted that the card reduces bus fares significantly, making it a cost-effective option for frequent bus users.
Purchase and Top-Up Locations
Some travelers stated that the Green Bus Card can be purchased and topped up at various locations in Benalmadena, including tobacconists and kiosks, particularly noted near the 24 hr square and across from the airport arrivals. The initial cost for the card is typically around 1.80€, with a minimum credit load requirement.
Usage and Restrictions
For many users, the card allows multiple people to travel using a single card by adding more credit and tapping the card per passenger. However, it's important to note that the card is limited to bus zones within the Málaga area, and additional payment might be required for travel outside designated zones.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Location and Transport
According to forum posts, Hotel Palmasol is ideally situated on the marina, making it a convenient base for walking along the seafront. Buses can be caught at the top of the street on the main road for visiting nearby areas.
Facilities and Services
Some travelers said that the rooms in Hotel Palmasol are modernized and include a fridge, and a kettle can be hired. The breakfast offers a decent choice, and microwaves are available for guests who prefer their food hot.
General Feedback
Travelers have called out that the hotel is directly accessible to the marina area by exiting through the pool gate, offering easy access to either Torremolinos or Benalmádena. The hotel is described as quiet during the winter months but remains a lively area with various bars nearby on the main road.
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This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Access and Transportation
According to forum posts, Benalmadena Pueblo is accessible via bus services like the M103, which stops at the Stupa/Butterfly park, allowing for scenic views before walking into the village. Other buses such as the 112, 121, and 126 also service routes to the pueblo from various points along the coast.
Attractions and Activities
Travelers have highlighted the traditional charm of Benalmadena Pueblo, noting its beautiful white village aesthetic. The area offers scenic walks and a range of dining options, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely visit with opportunities for enjoying local cuisine.
Local Amenities
Some users mentioned that Benalmadena Pueblo has convenient amenities like supermarkets and local shops, enhancing the convenience for visitors and residents alike. The availability of travel cards for bus journeys was also noted, making transportation affordable and efficient within the area.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Weather Variability
According to forum posts, the weather in Benalmadena is quite unpredictable throughout the year. During November, temperatures can range from warm enough for sunbathing to cooler, rainy conditions.
Summer Heat
In July, temperatures are typically very hot, making air conditioning a necessity for comfort, especially at night. It does not cool down much in the evening during the summer months.
Winter Conditions
Some travelers have mentioned that December daytime temperatures are enjoyable in sunny areas, but it can get quite cold, particularly along the seafront walkways.
General Advice
It's advised by many users to prepare for varying conditions by packing layers, as the weather can change quickly regardless of the season.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Historical Exhibits
According to forum posts, Arroyo de la Miel features historical exhibits where the town council has erected information display boards showcasing old photos of the area along the pavement by Casa Cultura. These displays provide a panoramic view of the town's transformation over the last 50 years.
Dining and Nightlife
Travelers have called out Arroyo de la Miel for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Plaza España is often bustling with activity, housing various restaurants and bars. Although the popular restaurant El Corralón is closed on Sundays, other good dining options are available nearby.
Transport Accessibility
Some users highlighted the excellent transport links in Arroyo de la Miel, noting the availability of taxis 24 hours a day at the local railway station. The area is also served by several bus routes, making it accessible and convenient for visitors.
Event Celebrations
Forum posts also mention that Arroyo de la Miel hosts significant events, such as the celebrations by the Benalmádena Welsh Society, which are held at Plaza Mezquite, featuring traditional Welsh food and entertainment.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?