Fascinating Benalmádena: Marinas, mountains and culture

Located on the Costa del Sol the historic coastal town of Benalmádena boasts a port, a town centre and an old town – three distinctly different areas. The Paseo Marítimo Benalmádena is a long promenade, lined with cafés, bars and souvenir shops typical of many seaside towns. But this little town also has a fascinating history that has resulted in some interesting sites behind its sea front. Since the Phoenicians arrived during the seventh and eighth centuries BC many different civilisations have left their mark here including the Romans and the Arabs. Its name derived from the Arab words “Ben-al-Madina”, meaning “Children of the mines”. Historically the main activities associated with the town were fishing, agriculture and the manufacture of paper. Many artefacts associated with the early settlements can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. At the core of this museum is the private collection of D.Felipe Orlando, a Mexican who once lived here. He gifted this collection to the town on condition it was exhibited in the locality. The museum is located in Benalmádena Pueblo the old town of Benalmádena. Arroya de la Miel, the town centre, and Puerto Marina Benalmádena, the port are the...