Benalmadena Pueblo
Home Away From Home
Benalmadena Pueblo became our home while in Spain. I have two friends who call the Pueblo home who made finding lodging and our introduction in the community unbelievably easy. And for that I am forever grateful. Because I am so very happy here.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by a familiar face. To me at least. I met these two while volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand quite a few years ago. Doug had only heard how amazing they are. We were shown the highlights of the area. Where to grocery shop, where the best fish monger is, the meat shop, the shop where that weirdly has every odd item you need and of course, preferred restaurants. Those bits of knowledge have made my life so much easier. We had fresh gambas from the pescaderia tonight. OMG. So good. Who knew I’d like biting the legs off and crunching them down? Yum. Doug declined on the legs. I drew the line at sucking the brains out. Apparently it’s delicious. I think I’ll pass on that delicacy for now.
Plaza Central
Wandering through the maze of white walled streets is a delight. Most homes are painted white, presumably to aide in cooling the homes during hot summers. Many streets are one lane in width. Frequently in tile or stone. The effect is lovely. Especially with plants and flowers lining the streets in pots outside doorways, or cheerily hung on the side of the buildings.
Every few streets you’ll come across a plaza. Which, I learned, can mean square, place or seat in Spanish. That aside, they serve as a place to relax and enjoy life. Or to kick a ball around if you’re young and inclined. Though some specifically call out, no futbol allowed.
I presume Plaza de Espana (I think every neighborhood has one) is the main plaza. Currently it’s completely ripped apart and undergoing a lot of work. This stops no one from enjoying it. Two ladies sat on a bench observing the progress while chatting. A relatively busy cafe was serving coffee next to the cement mixer. No one seemed to mind the mess or noise.
The loveliest plaza lays behind the iconic Boutique Hotel Pueblo, which is owned and run by a positively lovely woman. The hotel is gorgeous with its white washed sides and cheery blue pots overflowing with flowers. The Plaza de Andalucia (behind the hotel) has matching balcony lined residences on either side, lined with tree’s. The artistically laid plaza tiles draw your eyes toward a fountain. It’s gorgeous.
Plaza del Rocio was one of my favorites. Tiles laid out in visually pleasing geometric patterns, lined with orange tree’s. Complete with a small fountain and benches to rest upon. Those tree’s perfumed the entire square.
There are simply too many plaza’s to write down. Some are shaded by massive trees. Some a tiny squares tucked between buildings. Some have children playing. But they nearly all have someone enjoying the space at any given time.
Stupa of Enlightenment
This Buddhist Temple sits on the hillside and its glowing gold roof is visible from all around. Does not exactly blend in with the local architecture. However, there is a large observation deck surrounding it that offers stupendous views of the sea. It is free to enter and, most importantly, they have free bathrooms. A rare find indeed.
As for the Stupa, it’s a stupa. There’s a painted Buddha on the front. The typical golden Buddha inside. Nothing overly unusual.
Directly alongside the Stupa is the Parque Rustico de Retamar. There are a few permanent semi structures built in along the hillside. This is where the town has a live four hour long play on the basics leading up to and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They do the play two days before Easter. It’s a big deal, they bring in bleachers and everything. Just entertaining that it’s right by the Stupa.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzman
Sitting atop a knoll, this small Baroque style Catholic Church is rather unassuming. There’s a free elevator from the main road if one would rather not walk uphill.
Cute whitewashing is complemented with blue and yellow tile work on the facade. We did not enter. Built in the late 1700’s it’s only a little younger than my country. Weird to think about.
Behind the church and down the sea facing hillside is the Jardines del Muro. It’s a pretty little terraced garden with walking paths. In theory, there are lovely water features. While I was there they were not on and thus were either dry or leaned more toward sludgy.
Colomares Castle
Perhaps the oddest attraction in Benalmadena is Colomares Castle. This monument to Christopher Columbus was built in 1987. Coming from the USA, where Christopher Columbus is a tad taboo currently, it’s surprising to be in a country that holds him in high regard. He did sail for Spain after all.
From my understanding, the monument was one gentleman’s dream and undertaking. I think he was the sole source of funding as well. The place is built with stone, concrete and brick. The gentleman who dreamed it up did the work, with the assistance of only two masons. It took 7 years to complete.
There’s a small fee to enter, €3 per person when we went. Once inside, it takes a bit to soak in the peculiarity that is the monument. I found it well worth the cost. Turrets, arches and sections resembling ships. If nothing else, one can appreciate the talent and artistic flare of the “castle”.
Of note, there are bathrooms here. And a small gift shop and cafe. They have the typical beer, wine and soda’s. A few treats and snacks. And the best chocolate cookie i’ve ever had. And I don’t typically go for chocolate cookies. This one was divine. Chocolate cookie with chocolate chunks. Perfectly chewy. So yummy. I’d go back for the cookie. And to stare at all the funky structures.
Local Parks
Spain loves parks. I love parks. There are green spaces and parks all over. Rustico Casablanca Park climbs a hillside just above the rail line. It offers everything from shaded trails, small fields, an olive grove, public BBQ’s and picnic benches. It’s a lovely place to wander through. We took Lucille one afternoon. She was not quite as fond of the park as we were.
Parque Misterioso is nearby to Rustico Casablanca Park. It’s a small bowl in the hillside. A meadow adorns the bottom with a few rather impressive trees. A mystery structure is tucked on the far side behind a tree. Our best guess was it used to be a fountain. Lucille had a grand time here leading me through the weeds and happily munching grass like a heifer. Though I’m not certain what part of Benalmadena this park is technically in.
Hiking!
Nestled just under the mountains, the Pueblo is the perfect location for hiking. There are a few tunnels under the freeway that lead to the trail systems. One tunnel is located behind the Parque Infantil Publico Luis Cernuda and the other is right off the A-368 on Cam. de Buenavista. The trail systems are intertwined, a map or tracker would be advised. We used the Gaia app and had no trouble.
Trails will take you all over the mountains. You can hike to a few different towns, Mijas or Alhaurin, and take a bus back. There are trails to the gondola’s and just about every surrounding peak. Views of the sea and coastline are stunning no matter which direction you might choose.
Other Mentions…
While I’ve touched on a few of my favorite things in Benalmadena Pueblo, there are other places to explore. They have a butterfly house, the Mariposario de Benalmadena as well as a retired bull ring. One can also take quite awhile to soak in the views at any number of Miradors (viewpoints) throughout the town. There’s something amazing around just about every corner.
It’s really the small things I adore about this town. Finding a small painted rock collection on a side street. The tile work surrounding windows and entryways. The little old ladies who gave me the stink eye after ordering “una pechuga de pollo, por favor” at the meat counter. How dare I order ONE chicken breast for dinner?!?! The divine mango sorbet (best so far in Spain) at the only ice cream shop in town. And definitely the friendly locals. Not a bad place to be at all.
Good Spot For A Sandwich 
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