Benalmadena presents a tourist guide for mobile phones

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Encarnacion Cortes, the tourist councillor of Benalmadena’s town hall, presented a new promotional tool to promote the municipality’s tourism. It’s an updated guide that shows images of the municipality’s different tourist attractions, that has been possible thanks to the agreement with the Touristic Innovations Centre, Andalusia Lab, pioneer centre in Europe boosted by the Andalusian Government’s Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Sport.

Benalmadena becomes the second town in Malaga province to offer this interactive guide, together with Frigiliana -and Selwo Adventure Park in Estepona- being one the five municipalities in Andalusia to have this guide.

“The main feature is that it’s an interactive tourist guide, which means the tourists can use this guide on their mobile phones to check out the municipality’s main places of interest, as well as the hotels and restaurants, and find these points the easiest and most comfortable way possible with a geolocator”, stated Cortes.

The councillor assured that there are already many hotels, restaurants and other businesses that can be found through this interactive guide, but wanted to encourage all of those who are not yet included, to get in contact with the town hall’s tourist office situated in Avenida Antonio Machado, next to Solymar Square.

You can access the guide via the QR codes displayed in the main places of interest of the municipality.

Is malaga a good holiday destination?

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Middle East tourism and british think so…the commitment to quality tourism, the diversity of supply and unrest in competing destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia have made Saudi Arabian and other rich Gulf states to set eyes again on the Costa del Sol, which has seen a revival of this market. This increased influx of Arabian tourists is maintained until the end of July, since August 1st Ramadan begins.

Since last May there has been an increase in reserves of tourists attracted by the weather, shopping and luxury developments not only in Marbella but also in other nearby towns such as Estepona, Benahavis, Benalmadena or Malaga.

This influx of travelers not only benefits the hotels in Malaga but also the restaurant and real estate sectors, as some of the tourists are interested in purchasing homes.

The arrival of travelers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE, among others, encourages the expectations of market recovery of the Middle East in the “golden triangle” comprising Marbella, Benahavis and Estepona.

These tourists, who in past years opted for other destinations like the French Riviera, are returning to the Costa del Sol, according to the owner of Villa Padierna hotel, the five star Hotel where last summer stayed the U.S. first lady, Michelle Obama.

All five star hotels in the area are experiencing a recovery this year is also due to the wedding of Arabic Princess Sara Fahd Bin Salman, niece of King Fahd, to be held this month in Marbella. Four hundred invited princesses, an endless entourage, massive reserves in Marbella’s luxury hotels, rental of limousines and luxury cars… All for a celebration that will run from June 25 to July 5.

If you were wondering if Malaga was a good holiday destination for your holiday planning, come and find our yourself, you will not regret.

Puerto Marina in Benalmadena hosts this weekend April 16/17 Harley Davidson rally

Image by Paco CT via Flickr

Puerto Marina in Benalmadena hosts from Saturday, April 16 and throughout this weekend at a convention of Harley Davidson.

This event will fill the streets of the city with more bikes than usual, as is expected a considerable number of visitors on their Harleys. This event is open to all fans and bikers of all kinds and the general public, with a wide range of activities including exhibitions, concerts, parades, demonstrations of new models, stands, etc.

The event will begin on Saturday at 2 pm and last until midnight. On Sunday, the party will begin after 10 am and runs until 8 pm. Attendees will enjoy live music, food, Harley Davidson exhibitions, Harley accessories outlet, expo-motorbikes and expo-bike show.

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Bike festival on April 10 in Benalmadena

Take your bike and join the festival

The next April 10 takes place in Benalmádena the 28th edition of the Festival of the Bicycle. This year the eight-kilometre route goes through the streets of Arroyo de la Miel to the Puerto Marina. For the young participants (born between 2003 and 2007) there will be an alternative route on the circuits of the sports centre in Arroyo de la Miel with duration of 20 minutes. All kids who finish this alternative ride will be presented a free entrance to Tivoli World amusement park.

Since it is a party, there will be many prizes for best costumes, with a draw of 34 bikes, hotel stays and restaurant meals. So it is worth to join in, as it is a very funny proposition for the whole family. Registration is now open in different schools and in the two municipal sports centres; until April 6 at the schools and until 8 April at the sports centres.

While the Bike Day, which takes place also on this day in Malaga, Marbella and Fuengirola, has a more assertive character to install bike lanes in the municipalities, the Festival of the Bike in Benalmadena has, like the one in Torremolinos (on April 3rd) a predominantly playful and fun character… but the result will be more or less the same: Enjoy a bike ride with friends and family along the municipalities of the Costa del Sol.

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If you are looking for information about Easter in Benalmadena, check my other posts!

Holiday in Malaga on the Costa del Sol

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The sunniest coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular holiday regions. Situated far south, it is the most sun-drenched coast of Spain. The Costa del Sol is THE holiday magnet for all who love the sun, beach and sea.

Long, sandy beaches invite to a relaxing vacation. The many beautiful resorts offer a variety of accommodations, entertainment, or just relax.

The most convenient travel to the Costa del Sol is by plane. Malaga Airport is centrally located on the coast and served by many airlines. From here, most resorts are reached within one hour.

The Costa del Sol stretches from Almeria in the east to the Straits of Gibraltar in the southwest. Tarifa, the southernmost point of Spain, separates the Costa del Sol from the Costa de la Luz and is also the site of Europe, which is closest to Africa.

The most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol are Marbella, Torremolinos, Estepona as well as Nerja, Fuengirola and Benalmadena. But not only the coast is a popular holiday destination, also the hinterland of the Costa del Sol offers many interesting regions.

Those who travel to the Costa del Sol and don´t want to be lying all the time on the beach should book a car hire at Malaga airport. Most companies require a minimum age of 23 years for hire, and a deposit by credit card.

An exception to this rule is Malagacar.com, a renowned car hire company at Malaga airport, where up to the moment you pick up your rental car no credit card information is required from you.

Summer is the high season on the Costa del Sol. Even if temperatures exceed 30 degrees, a fresh wind from the Mediterranean makes the temperatures bearable. For water sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of options; surfing, diving and sailing on the Mediterranean coast is very popular. The Costa del Sol is also known as Costa del Golf as here are situated more than 30 exclusive Golf courses. The glamorous Marbella is known for its jet-set life and has a large marina, Puerto Banus.

As the Costa del Sol is appropriate not just for the beach holiday but also culturally has much to offer, the visitors of this coast are very varied. There are available guided tours, where to explore the historic places in the region or you can explore the area on your own.

Alone the city of Malaga is worth a visit. Historical buildings, ruins of a Roman theatre and the fortress Gibralfaro are some of the interesting attractions of this ancient port city. In addition, from the Alcazaba fortress can be enjoyed a magnificent view over the bay of Malaga. Museum lovers will also be satisfied: The Picasso Museum is just one of more than 20 interesting museums, which houses the town.

Those who leave the beaches of the Costa del Sol and make a trip to the hinterland, drive on picturesque roads into the mountainous interior. Here you can still find small, original villages with traditional pubs and marketplaces where farmers sale their products, as well an unspoiled nature of great beauty.

Particularly interesting, however, are the cities of Ronda and Granada, which should not be missing in a round trip. Ronda is an ancient town in the mountains of Malaga, which is located on an incredibly picturesque rocky plateau, about an hour’s drive from the Costa del Sol.

The beautiful city of Granada, 120 km from Málaga, was during 700 years under Moorish rule which is greatly reflected in the architecture. The outstanding Alhambra, the landmark of the city, belongs to the world cultural heritage.

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The largest Butterfly Park of Europe, in Benalmadena

Do you like butterflies? Would you like to visit the largest facility devoted to butterflies in Europe? When you are spending your holidays in Benalmadena or other close by resorts of the Costa del Sol, such as Torremolinos or Fuengirola, you are very close to enjoy a wonderful experience for the whole family in the recently opened Butterfly Park.

In the Mariposario Benalmadena there are over 150 different species of butterflies, most of them originating in tropical areas. An area of over 2,000 square meters includes a glass walled tropical garden of more than 900 square meters and 8 meters height and almost 2,000 butterflies from all around the world.

Visitors can view thousands of butterflies in their natural habitat, flying around the audience. To provide the facilities with a greater authenticity, have been used decorative elements of Thailand, with an aesthetic inspired by the harmony of the classical Tibetan Temple located just a few meters away.

The facilities are located in Retamar, Benalmadena, with great views over the mediterranean coast.

Related information:

http://www.malagaweb.com/blog/costa-del-sol/activities-244/ (malagaweb.com)

Benalmadena, your next holiday destination

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Benalmadena is a holiday resort in the province of Malaga. Located on the Costa del Sol and with a privileged, typical mediterranean climate and mild temperatures throughout the year have turned the municipality into one of the most popular places for tourism.

If you plan to travel to Benalmadena, you will be interested to know that the resort is situated only half an hour drive from Marbella and Puerto Banús, so the chances to have fun in this city are very broad.

In addition, it is noteworthy that this city is very prepared regarding lodging, as hotels in Benalmadena offer multiple options of leisure and culture, providing visitors with an absolute guarantee.

The city has a wealth of entertainment for all tastes and ages: walk along the awarded Marina, one of the best marinas in the world; beaches, two aquariums, amusement parks, or if you prefer sport, in Benalmadena you have the possibility of playing golf, tennis, sailing…

You can also enjoy the nightlife of this city in terraces, restaurants, bars and clubs, a fantastic atmosphere that will make you fully enjoy your stay in this city during your holidays, whether you come alone or with family.

Without doubt, Benalmádena is a very suitable corner of Spain for a holiday. Therefore, do not hesitate and enjoy this beautiful place.

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Attractions and charming villages of Malaga: Benalmadena

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Thanks to an efficient rail network and good roads, you can reach Benalmadena very easily; situated just 15 km from Malaga airport the resort is therefore an ideal destination for a holiday on the Costa del Sol.

The city is particularly popular with British and other European tourists and offers a large number of pubs, restaurants and accommodation. Despite the number of foreign businesses, the old town has maintained its historic fishing village charm, although it is surrounded by modern tourist infrastructure, such as shopping centres, night clubs, bars and cinemas.

The climate in Benalmadena ensures that it has become a popular beach destination. And the area – likewise the whole Costa del Sol – is magnificent with fine sandy beaches, which you can enjoy from a comfortable Costa del Sol beach hotel.

The development of the city ensures a variety of restaurants and bars in the town for all tastes. The famous beach bars of Benalmadena are a particularly appealing attraction. Who would not like to be supplied with freshly caught fish and to drink cool wine or sangria at a beautiful Mediterranean beach?

Benalmadena offers a variety of other tourist activities. The Tivoli amusement park is an ideal destination for a family holiday on the Costa del Sol and the Aquarium and the Selwo Marina give children the opportunity to watch penguins and dolphins. The Jardin de las Aguilas (Eagle’s Garden) is another favorite family destination in the city.

Benalmadena is a town of growing diversity, andalusian charm and leisurely convenience and perhaps also thatfore since years a popular tourist destination of international tourism. If you choose car hire Malaga as your transport option, Benalmadena is a great place to stay as it is close to Fuengirola, Marbella and Malaga city center, we can benefit from closer distances by car.

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Ski and beach vacation on the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol area in Malaga, Spain

Did you ever fancy skiing and sunbathing on a beach the same day? If you come to the Costa del Sol in winter, you can do so!

While you’re lying in the sun caressed by a mild the Mediterranean breeze, on a clear day you can see in the distance the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada with its formidable ski resort. And best of all, it’s very close, so close that you can choose to ski during the day and at night you can enjoy a few drinks with friends at one of the bars of the resorts on the Costa del Sol.

The most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol are for example Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, which are about two hours drive from Sierra Nevada. The coastal municipalities give you the possibility to enjoy a different winter holiday, unique in Europe.

These picturesque towns of southern Andalusia have a varied and good tourism offer that complements nicely with excellent hotels, which will guarantee accommodation for every need and preference.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and enjoy skiing in the Sierra Nevada and the Costa del Sol beach the same day. Malaga International Airport has wide connections with many European cities, providing both scheduled and low cost flights. In Sierra Nevada, you can rent all the equipment needed for a fun day in the snow. Oh, and do not forget the sunscreen!

If coming trough Malaga airport, car hire Malaga may be the transport option you need, check it out as prices in low season are low and affordable.

Santa’s visit on December 25th and the Three Kings on January 5th in the marina of Benalmadena

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In Benalmadena Marina is put up a large tent with a little market with Christmas crafts, Christmas candy and other items, until January 6th.

Inside the tent also take place different activities for children and adults such as Puppet Theater, Magic, Juggling and Acrobatics, educational workshops, storytellers and clowns.

As well you can visit the impressive Barbies Bethlehem, a 15 metres long nativity scene with about 200 different Barbie dolls representing the traditional images of the crib.

Also, to enjoyment of the smaller ones there is installed next to the tent a small funfair.

Santa Claus will visit the marina of Benalmadena on December 25th and the Three Kings will do so on January 5th.