Costa Del Sol and Benalmadena

Located along the Costa del Sol, the sprawling town of Benalmadena is a popular destination. Teaming with Northern Europeans escaping winter weather and filled with big city Spaniards in summer months. Or so I’ve been told. Regardless, it’s a busy place.

I have been told the Costa del Sol used to be named the Windy Coast. A very apt name as there always seems to be a breeze. At a minimum. However, someone decided to rename the are “Costa del Sol” to attract more tourists. Seems to have worked rather well.

Benalmadena, as best I can tell, is split into three districts. Benalmadena Pueblo, Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel. Not sure why two districts have Benalmadena in the name and one doesn’t. Each district has a distinct feel. Though, I’ve heard frequent argument that there are more districts. Regardless, I shall name the three I’m familiar with and have a basic understanding of.

High up on the hill, the Pueblo has a more laid back and casual feel. It’s quite the uphill trek by foot. Quaint narrow streets lined with traditional white painted houses are predominant here. There’s a pleasing mix of locals, expats and tourists.

Arroyo de la Miel may be considered the community center. The main train and bus stations are both located here. You’ll find pleasant walking streets lined with trendy and traditional restaurants and shops. Certainly more people on the streets than in the Pueblo, but hardly overwhelming.

The Costa district is primarily along the coast, as the name would indicate. It feels the most hectic out of all the districts. There are high rise hotels and residential buildings as far as the eye can see, resulting in people, people and more people. A shocking quantity of them seem to be British. Which would explain all the restaurants offering Beans on toast (gross). There are unlimited dining options and hundreds of shops offering touristy trinkets. There’s a rather magnificent park, Parque de Paloma. And let us not forget, the beach. Direct and easy access to all that glorious sand. And a massive amount of people. So. Many. People.

From there, the districts are further split into a whole bunch of neighborhoods. Figuring out where one ends and the next begins is more involved than I care to be.