Selwo Marina
If you are planning on visiting Benalmadena for a family holiday, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the younger ones entertained. Most hotels have fantastic entertainment programs; however, if you are looking to get out a little and see some of the sights, the following 3 recommendations shouldn’t disappoint you especially if you have kids with you.
1) Tivoli World – This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Benalamadena, or indeed, the Costa del Sol. With a large variety of shows and rides, Tivoli is an amusement park for the whole family.
Bumper Cars, Ferris Wheel, Roller Coaster, and their infamous Castle of Terror are just some of the rides that will ensure an entertaining evening for all the family. In the summer months, the park is open from 5pm to 1am which is ideal as you can spend the day on the beach and then head off to Tivoli for a fun packed evening; you can even have a meal there as there are various bars and restaurants which cater for most tastes.
Entry to the park is reasonably priced and the “Supertivolino” offer is probably your best bet as it allows access to most of the rides.
2) Selwo Marina – Benalmadena’s version of Sea World – albeit at a slightly smaller scale- is a great favourite with both tourists and locals. Top picks here would have to be the dolphin show and the amusing sea lion show. Selwo Marina also has the only Ice Penguinarium in Andalucia where visitors can view various species of penguins in their “natural” habitat; thick glass walls allow you to see the penguins above and below the water.
Perhaps the most exciting attraction at Selwo is the possibility to actually swim and interact with the sea lions! Only available in the summer months this activity is both educational and fun; only problem is that participants must be at least 7 years old to take part and must be able to swim!
3) Benalmádena Cablecar – If you don’t like heights, then you might want to give this one a miss! The cable car leaves from Benalmadena (actually next to Tivoli World) and takes you on a breathtaking ride to the top of the Calamorro Mountain which is 800 metres above sea level.
The trip in the cable car is in itself worth the expense; however, the fun doesn’t end there as there are plenty of activities once you reach the top of the mountain: the birds of prey show with eagles, falcons and owls is not to be missed and if you have the time, take a walk along one of the specially designed hiking routes with their exclusive viewpoints in the middle of nature; the views of the coast are unbelievable!
During the summer months of July and August (I know it’s almost the end of August…but at least you know for next year!), from 10pm to 11:30pm, visitors have the opportunity to gaze at the stars and enjoy informative talks (don’t worry they aren’t unbelievably technical!) by experienced astronomers. They have high powered telescopes and use high powered laser beams to point out stars, planets and constellations.
So, as you can see, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you include the above activities in your holiday plans. Have fun!
Photo Credit: jlastras
