Located in the perennially sunny province of Málaga, southern Spain, Benalmádena Costa is a destination with personality plus. Renowned for its stunning beaches, abundance of luxury resorts, and warm, welcoming ambience, you’ll find a lot to love in this already much-loved destination. Whether you’re looking for some quiet downtime in nature, to delve into some history and culture, or your idea of relaxation is getting out and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s something to suit every taste. If you’ve only got a couple of days to spare, that’s more than enough to catch some sun, eat some delicious food, and get a small glimpse into the region’s culture.
- Enjoy Benalmadena’s Culture and History
- Benalmadena Pueblo
- Castillo de Bil-Bil
- Castillo de Colomares
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Enjoy Benalmadena’s Culture and History
If you’re coming to Benalmádena there’s little doubt you’re planning on spending quite a bit of time on the beach – and so you should. There are nine beaches to take your pick from, not to mention a couple of theme parks, and a large marina (one of the biggest in Andalusia) from where you can get out on the water on a range of boat cruises and whale watching trips. But alongside that, if you take some time out of each day to enjoy a few of the town’s cultural offerings, you’ll be able to get a really good insight into your new favourite holiday destination.
Benalmádena Pueblo
Benalmádena is separated into three distinct areas: Benalmádena Costa (the coastal area overlooking the sea), Arroyo de la Miel (a mainly residential area), and Benalmádena Pueblo, the original village situated about 3km inland. All three areas basically blend into one these days, with Pueblo being the most authentic and unspoiled. It’s well worth visiting to take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets and get a sense of what the “old” life was like, before tourism arrived.
Pretty whitewashed houses line the narrow streets of the historic centre (a good place to start is in Plaza de Espana), with echoes of the village’s Arab past (it was established in the 8th-century) at every turn, and stunning views to take in. The Andalusian culture prevails here, with locals carrying on traditions from centuries past through their crafts, cuisine, and well-preserved architecture. While you’re there, pay a visit to the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art and the beautiful Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman.
You only need a couple of hours to explore this lovely part of Benalmádena, so consider going in the late afternoon and staying for dinner in one of the authentic local restaurants.
Castillo de Bil-Bil
This very fine example of Moorish architecture and showcase of Andalusian history is actually younger than you might imagine: it was constructed in 1927 as a country villa for a wealthy local family.
Set on the waterfront and designed to resemble a defensive fortress in the style and colours of the Mudéjar, the exterior is decorated with intricately carved bas reliefs and coloured tiles in the Nasrid tradition. In the well-kept surrounding gardens you can wander around shaded paths and see numerous lovely fountains, which add to the air of tranquility the castillo evokes. Today it serves as the town’s most important civic and cultural building, hosting events, concerts, weddings and conferences.
Castillo de Colomares
The Castillo de Colomares is really more like a facade than a real castle. Built as an homage to explorer Christopher Columbus, it nonetheless has become the town’s most visited highlight.
This fascinating monument dates all the way back to… 1987, but don’t let its relative newness put you off though, because it’s an important and beautifully executed depiction of the numerous architectural styles that influenced the local culture of the region, including Gothic, Romanesque, Arabic and Byzantine. Its interior decoration and design blend elements of the country’s most popular religions from medieval times – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – making it a vital marker of the history of Málaga, and more widely of Spain. A fun fact is that the castle contains an empty mausoleum, which one day, it is hoped, will house the remains of Christopher Columbus (currently held in Seville).
Tip: Inside the castle you’ll also be able to visit what is officially the “smallest chapel in the world” (under 2m²) as confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records.
All three of these cultural highlights can be enjoyed at a slow and leisurely pace without needing to put aside too much time. That makes them ideal to slip into a short two-day itinerary, in between those all-important trips to the beach!
Where to Stay
Apartamento Costa de Sol: Set in a prime beachfront location and taking in stunning views over the Mediterranean, this spacious studio apartment is the perfect home-from-home in Benalmadena Costa, with everything on the doorstep. Stylishly appointed with modern decor and furnishings, this 5-star apartment features a fully-equipped kitchenette, a balcony, and access to amenities including a sun terrace, spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and lush gardens. Stroll to cafes, restaurants and the stunning beach.
Sunny Penthouse with Pool: In an unbeatable location just a short walk from the beach, this luxury apartment offers stunning ocean views, high-spec decor and furnishings, and a host of onsite amenities that include a hot tub, outdoor pool, garden, and a terrace to enjoy sunrise and sunset. With plenty of space to relax in privacy and an ambience of laidback luxury, you’ll feel welcomed and pampered in this upscale accommodation.
Malva Loca Apartment: This beautiful apartment in a premium beachfront location offers stunning ocean views and direct beach access. With spacious living that includes a generous bedroom, well-equipped kitchenette, and a balcony to enjoy dining or sundowners overlooking the water, the apartment puts you in the ideal position to explore the nearby beach, marina, cafes and restaurants. The excellent onsite amenities – including a bar, lovely terrace, and restaurant – mean you only have to leave if and when you want to!
How to Get There
The journey to Benalmádena Costa is quick and easy if you fly into Malaga Airport (AGP), which takes around three hours from UK airports. Numerous carriers offer a good range of flights serving the route, including British Airways, Jet2, EasyJet, Iberia, TUI, WIZZ, and Ryanair. While you’ll be able to secure a well-priced flight most times of the year, November is the cheapest.
Pre-book an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct and get from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena Costa in the most convenient and stress-free way. It’s a very short trip and you can choose from an economical shared shuttle bus, pre-booked local taxi, minibus, or a private luxury transfer.
Overview
UK to AGP Flight Time: 3 hours approx.
AGP to Benalmadena Costa: 13 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 18 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Not everyone has the same needs and wants when they go away on holiday, which is why at Shuttle Direct we offer multiple options to get you from Malaga Airport to Benalmádena Costa. Whether you’re looking for the most economical ride or the most luxurious, we can help get you there safely, quickly and in a modern, well-maintained vehicle.
Shuttle Bus: For the most economical and popular way of getting from Malaga Airport to Benalmádena Costa, choose one of our shared shuttle bus transfers. You’ll meet your driver and other passengers at a designated spot at the airport, then travel together to multiple central drop-off points. While it isn’t door-to-door, you can choose a stop as close as possible to your accommodation.
Taxi: For those who prefer the convenience of a taxi to the door, but baulk at the idea of waiting in a long taxi queue once you’ve landed, our pre-booked local taxi is your answer. Your driver will be waiting to get you from Malaga Airport to Benalmádena Costa when you exit the terminal and you won’t have to give that taxi line a second thought.
Private Transfer: If luxury is your holiday buzz word, one of our high-end private Malaga transfers will suit you down to the ground. As soon as your flight lands, your professional driver will be waiting for you in the terminal, then you’ll head out and set off in style for your accommodation without delay.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re coming on holiday with a larger group of friends or extended family, do yourself a favour and simplify your Benalmádena Costa transfer logistics by pre-booking a minibus. Because the vehicle has capacity for multiple passengers and all their luggage, this is the most sensible and convenient way to travel from Malaga Airport to Benalmádena Costa. It’s also door-to-door so it streamlines the transfer right to your accommodation.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When you need to get from Malaga Airport to Benalmádena Costa, Shuttle Direct makes it easy with our various options. Depending on whether you prioritise cost or convenience, you’ll find a way to travel that suits you perfectly.
Cost: For some people, sticking to a budget is important, and if this is the case we’ve got the perfect solution for your Malaga transfers with our ever-popular shared shuttle bus option. Even though it’s not a door-to-door service, you’ll be taken to a designated stop as close to your accommodation as possible. Because you travel with other passengers the cost is shared, so it’s much cheaper than a private service.
Convenience: If you don’t want to compromise on a door-to-door Benalmádena Costa transfer, however, and you’re happy to pay a little extra for it, then you can choose one of our private luxury transfers, a minibus, or a pre-booked local taxi, all of which will take you right to the door of your accommodation in style.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we’ve gained a well-earned reputation as market leaders in the field of onward ground transfers. We service a huge number of destinations all over the world, offering a range of shared and private airport transfers to suit every budget. With excellent communication, safe, modern vehicles, and professional local drivers, we’ll get you wherever you need to go, whenever you need to get there. Book today then sit back and enjoy the scenery!
