Introduction

Benalmadena Pueblo (pueblo meaning village)is a picturesque village located in the foothills of the mountains with views over the coast. Its narrow, flower-filled white cobbled streets with the occasional shop or bar are well worth an hour or so. In the evening, Benalmádena Pueblo is a favourite place to eat with many restaurants close to Plaza de España. It is important to remember that the village of Benalmadena is some distance from the tourist resort of Benalmadena. Locally known as “Benalmadena pueblo” or Benalmadena village. This helps to distinguish it from the Benalamdena resort.

History of Benalmadena Pueblo

The village of Benalmadena pueblo has an elevation of 280 meters above sea level. It’s location is in the mountains between the village of Mijas and the Mediterranean coastline. Along with Mijas pueblos, Benalmádena Pueblo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaga. The town has a large expat population, although it has managed to retain the ambience of a sleepy village. Evidence found in three local caves (Cuerva del Toro, Cuerva del Botijo and Cuerva de la Zorrera) indicate that the area was first populated around 20,000 years ago.

The Phoenicians profited from the mining in the area, (the name of Benalmádena is thought to relate to the mines). The Romans then replaced them as traders, benefiting from the wealth of the Mediterranean. Among the Roman ruins can be viewed in Benalmádena at the Benal-Roma salting factory located on the coast. The wine culture also had great importance in the area during the Roman era. However, it was to be the Muslims that would greatly develop the area.

Al-Andalus Period

In the 11th century, the Moors erected a fortress and built a wall around the village. They developed agriculture and introduced sugar cane, figs and mulberry, which they used in the textile industry.

Ibn al-Baytar, considered one of the greatest scientists of al-Andalus and the most celebrated botanists of the Islamic golden age. He was born in Benalmádena at the end of the 12th century. He systematically recorded the discoveries he made during the Middle Ages and he created the first encyclopaedia of Islamic medicine. One of his greatest achievements was the discovery of Hindiba, the earliest known herbal treatment for cancer.

The town and fortress were destroyed by Christian armies in 15th century and villagers took refuge in Mijas.
The village of Mijas was also destroyed during final conquest by Ferdinand and Isabela. The town remained deserted for many years. This was due to constant pirate attacks and following an earthquake in 17th century, it then became inhabitable.

The area began to thrive again in 18th century with development of the village of Arroyo de la Miel. This was helped by the 19th century abundance of muscatel grape that thrived in area. The pueblo began redevelopment during 1950s with birth of tourist industry.

Interesting Facts

• Evidence found in three local caves (Cuerva del Toro, Cuerva del Botijo and Cuerva de la Zorrera) indicate that Benalmadena Pueblo was first populated around 20,000 years ago.
• The Phoenicians profited from mining in this area.
• The name “Benalmádena” is thought to relate to mines.
• Among Roman ruins found in Benalmádena is Benal-Roma salting factory located on coast.
• Wine culture had great importance during Roman era.
• Muslims developed agriculture and introduced sugar cane, figs and mulberry which at the time were used in textile industry.
• Ibn al-Baytar was born here at end of 12th century.
• One of his greatest achievements was discovery of Hindiba – earliest known herbal treatment for cancer.
• Town and fortress that were destroyed by Christian armies in 15th century.
• Villagers took refuge in Mijas which was also destroyed during final conquest by Ferdinand and Isabela.
• Town remained deserted for many years because of constant pirate attacks.
• Following an earthquake in 17th century it became inhabitable.
• Area began to thrive again in 18th century with development of Arroyo de la Miel.
• In 19th century due to abundance of muscatel grape that thrived here.
• Pueblo began redevelopment during 1950s with birth of tourist industry.

Visiting Benalmadena Pueblo on the Costa del Sol

Along with Mijas pueblo, Benalmadena pueblo has a very well-preserved old town typical of Andalusian whitewashed villages. An escape from the over developed resorts of the Costa del Sol, much of the village is as it was over 100 years ago. I find Benalmadena pueblo to be much less touristy than Mijas pueblo. It has a feel of timelessness, and with a sense of tranquility, it makes for a wonderful half-day visit.

There are also many other interesting things to visit such as Museo de Arte Precolombino Felipe Orlando. This is a small museum that houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art from Central and South America.

Benalmadena and Mijas Pueblo Itinerary

If you have arrived in Spain to explore traditional villages, a great idea is to visit Benalmadena and Mijas pueblos. Both villages are about a 15-minute drive from each other. This makes a great opportunity to enjoy two wonderful picturesque villages on the same day. I would recommend starting at Benalmadena pueblo. To arrive at this village just exit at either the Arroyo de la Miel or Higueron exits of the A-7 motorway. You can then get to the village by taking the A-368 road. The A-368 passes right through the village of Benalmadena.

I would allow about one or two hours to explore the village of Benalmadena. This will give you time to walk around the village and stop for a coffee or a drink at one of the many cosy bars. Once you have finished exploring this beautiful Andalusian village, you can now move on to Mijas. What makes this itinerary so simple, is there is one road between the two villages. The A-386 will take you straight to Mijas pueblo along a scenic route that hugs the mountains of the Sierra de Mijas. I would allow as much time as possible to explore Mijas pueblo.

There are numerous attractions and historical landmarks to visit around the village of mijas. A nice end to the day, would be a meal at one of the restaurants. Choose one with views looking over the Costa del Sol coastline, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.