During the 1990s, it was twice named ‘Best Marina in the World’ and with its artificial islands and stunning architecture (architect Eduardo Oria*) it is a real jewel in the crown for Benalmádena.
Puerto Marina (Marina Port) radiates glamour, and it is where to head for more upmarket and sophisticated bars, restaurants and nightlife on this part of the coast. From Select Benal Beach you can walk (just under 2km), take a taxi or catch a bus along the coast road.
First impressions are of the distinctive domes, like so many meringues, atop apartment buildings; with criss-crossing bridges connecting the islands and a design that mixes Indian, Arabic and typical Andalucian styles. There are a thousand moorings for boats and luxury yachts, and a large commercial area, with fairground rides, made up of many shops, restaurants, discos and bars.
Construction of the marina began in 1972 and took almost 10 years to complete. It has established itself as one of the coast’s best leisure and entertainment complexes, with clean beaches and seafront prom nearby, and is hugely popular with both visiting holidaymakers and locals – especially during evenings and weekends.
Visiting by day, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll admiring the boats, with a visit to the ice-cream parlour or a spot of lunch maybe. The Sea Life Aquarium is also located here. Come evening, it is buzzing with activity and is open late. From the port, you can participate in water sports such as kayaking and scuba diving, take a dolphin spotting trip or hire your own boat.
Benalmádena is fortunate to have many noteworthy and unusual landmarks, such as the 33m high Buddhist Enlightenment Stupa – the largest in the western world, Teleferico cable car to the summit of Mt.Calamorro, and amazing modern-built castle: Castillo de Colomares. The Marina is another and has earned international acclaim.
*Eduardo Oria, born 1942 in Valencia, has designed a number of residential developments on the Costa del Sol. The list includes the Andalucian village-style developments of ‘Puebla Blanca’ and ‘Puebla Lucía’ in Fuengirola, the Catholic Church in Calahonda, El Zoco commercial centre on Mijas Costa, Elviria Beach tourist complexes (Marbella) and Benalgolf Hacienda Torrequebrada in Benalmádena.
