www.theolivepress.es the olive press - November 13 - November 27 201321 1 ll about Benalmadena A SIGHTS: Colomares Castle, and (left), It’s not all the Pueblo about

T is not every day you meet a man who owns his own castle – yet Car- los Martin, owner of Castillo de Colomares, is just one of the many lying on Isurprises awaiting visitors to Benal- madena. The castle, sitting on the side of a windy road on the way up to Benal- madena Pueblo from the coast, came as something of a shock. Built in 1994 by Martin’s dad - a gy- the beach necologist named Dr Esteban Martin Martin - it was constructed using four Liam Kirkaldy scales the heights to find the real different architectural styles and is meant as a slightly bizarre tribute to Benalmadena, which is full of many layers and Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America. some genuine surprises This quirky stop off aside, continuing the walk uphill into Benalmadena’s old town - or Pueblo - gave me my first glimpse of the Costa del Sol town’s cha- otic beauty. Built on the side of a steep hill, and at points actually on cliffs, Benalmade- na’s pueblo cascades down from the jutting Sierra de Mijas towards the sea. The traditional Andaluz-style white- washed buildings which compose the pueblo are dazzling – literally so when they meet the November sun – and it is easy to spend a morning getting lost in the intersecting courtyards and al- leyways. Its cobbled streets and plazas seem to jostle for space, while competing to outdo each other in terms of grandeur and charm. It is a surprisingly historic place (and well looked after to boot) and apart from the sudden appearance of a scooter or motorcycle, the pueblo doesn’t look like it has changed in hundreds of years. Though it was occupied by multiple civ- ilizations, including the Phoenicians, Byzantines and Romans, Benalmade- na’s development was kick-started by the arrival of the Moors from North Af- rica, leading to the architecture that is seen today. Turn to page 22 2 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 201322 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 3 23 ll about A Benalmadena WHO’S THE KING OF THE CASTLE?

AKEN aback by the existence of the At this point I began to fear that my trip, land he had so much affection for. VISTA: very eccentric 20-year-old Castillo to what I had originally believed to be a As such, the castillo is more monument Down below de Colomares I sought an explana- Moorish castle, was quickly turning into than castle, with the design deliberately towards the tion from a Spanish couple from a marital counseling session. spanning four different architectural styles TAlicante, who were in Benalmadena for a I decided to approach a member of staff, to tell the story of the New World’s discov- sea from holiday. Carlos, who introduced himself as the cas- ery. the pueblo When I admitted that I had only learned of tle’s owner. The work – carried out by Dr Martin him- church the castle’s somewhat limited history that He explained that his father, Dr Martin, had self with the help of two local bricklayers – day, a sly grin spread across the face of the lived in the US for many years and had de- was started in 1987 and took seven years husband, who began to laugh openly, shak- veloped a passion for the country’s history to complete. ing his head at my ignorance. and culture. It is well worth a visit, if only to see what That is, until his wife interjected, “don’t Upon coming back to Spain for his retire- a castle would look like if it was built to listen to him,” she said, “he only found out ment, he had set about building a tribute to represent four different historical eras at FAUX GOTHIC: The Colomares castillo yesterday.” Columbus, the man who had discovered the once. is actually 20 years old Where history unravels itself slowly From Page 21 part of town and the marina be- revealing a more typically golf courses and the cable watched as the town’s infra- town’s economy. well as investors from China And further more the yond. In-keeping with the way modern textbook definition car to the top,” explains Rosa structure has been trans- “There has also been a huge and the USA, who are looking Castillo is not the only the town adapts to the scenery, of the Costa del Sol. Gonzales, Benalmadena‘s formed over the last three growth in the number of lan- for places to settle.” surprise in Benalmade- At points the place can there is even a lift travelling In short, it is down below in President of Business Asso- decades. And, according to guage schools, with the Town Although prices are stable na. seem more like a bo- straight up a cliff face, to trans- Arroyo de la Miel and Be- ciations. her, it hasn´t just been clas- Hall giving out a lot more li- in the Pueblo, the coast has Perched on the edge tanic garden than a port visitors who cannot face nalmadena Costa that you The manager of local estate sic bucket and spade tourism censes.” been hit badly by the reces- of a cliff and looking real town, with the floral the climb. will find all the agent Alros Investments has that has helped to boost the Language skills are essen- sion, with property value fall- down on the coast, decorations outnumber- In many respects usual holiday tial to Bena- ing by up to 60%. you will find the big- ing the people. Flower Benalmadena is a At times the trappings and lmadena’s With the economic slump gest Buddhist Stupa FOCUS: A fountain in the baskets line the route up case study in the place can seem fleshpots one growth, with still ongoing, new develop- in Europe. the Calle Real to its spectacu- story of the Costa would expect money from ments like the marina and A must see, particu- Pueblo larly located church of Santa Del Sol. Like much more like a from a Span- foreign tour- golf courses have become larly at sunset, when Domingo de Guzman. of Andalucia, the botanic garden ish resort. ists and more and more important the fading light plays Constructed in 1621, the place was origi- that a real town But that said, investors in generating much needed brilliantly off its gold- church is thought to have nally shaped by once you thought revenue. As Rosa puts it, “It’s en top, it is a great been built on top of the foun- its Moorish rulers, start sniffing to ac- not all about lying around on place to make a wish dations of an old Moorish but has massively grown into a around there is a lot more count the beach!” (making sure you temple, and originally would modern – and some might say to be found, in particular in f o r As well as hosting luxury walk around it the have formed the centre of Be- – sprawling town. the quality of its local en- o v e r yachts (naturally), the marina right way) according to one WATERWORLD: Village foun- nalmadena. Looking down over the new tertainment and for a fam- 50% – which, with 1,000 moor- of its guardians, a Czech who tain and (left) church mural The quaint old building – town below – visible from the ily you are really spoilt for of the ings, the largest in Andalucia exuded inner peace. complete with play park for viewing point at the church - choice. local – is also the base for leisure Its positioning is no coin- sisted he would do it, as long those less interested in archi- the Moorish architecture and “Obviously there is the econo- and wildlife cidence. as ‘all the people could see it tectural history - occupies a old-style Spanish streets fade marina, which was a huge my. activities, The story in Fuengirola’, explained the spot overlooking the modern as the town moves downwards, change, and we built the But ac- with dol- goes that guardian.In the end they built cording phin and a Buddhist the biggest Stupa in Europe – to Rosa, diving trips teacher vis- and apparently on a clear day the market available ited from it is visible from Africa. is chang- from the his Span- Visitors are encouraged to ing quickly, port and at ish head- walk around the structure Join the club “These days the nearby quarters clockwise and make a wish, it is not all Sunset in nearby which Buddhists believe about the Beach re- Velez-Mal- could be granted. English, al- sort hotel. aga, and The interior contains a space though they The marina bumped for meditation, as well as still make up hosts con- into the prayer objects and a sign nearly 40% certs and then -mayor offering a ‘Teaching of the of the mar- food tasting of Benal- Week’. ket. Nowa- events and madena, During my visit, the sign days we have its bars and Enrique warned: “Stay away from Scandina- restaurants Bolin, while things that are none of your vians com- are lit up at night, reflecting having lunch in the port. business, and don’t make ing to Bena- off the water to stunning ef- The two fell into conversation them your business.” lmadena, fect. and the mayor suggested Perhaps good advice, but mainly be- So despite the attraction of that the town build a temple. probably not applicable to cause of the the Pueblo, Benalmadena is The teacher was keen on the this trip – visiting Benal- new Danish certainly not a town just living idea, so long as the position- MAKE A WISH: Going clock-wise around the Stupa can bring you good luck madena should be every- hospital, as in the past. ing was right. In the end he in- one’s business.

pened in 1976 and having hosted hole even goes right down to beach. the Spanish Open in 1979, Torre- Due to its position on the edge of the quebrada Golf Club is billed as one coast, players are likely to experience of the best golf courses in Europe. some wind - providing an extra element to OIt is certainly a wonderful place to escape - the course’s already challenging lay-out. a true green lung of the Costa del Sol - and Another option is the Benalmadena Golf golfers can enjoy stunning views of the sur- Club, part of the Baboo Bar and Resta- rounding scenery while testing themselves rant, which along with nine holes also of- against the 18 holes. fers golf lessons for all abilities, pitch and Designed by Jose Gancedo - and using the putt, and regularly holds competitions. same grass of Sotogrande’s famous course The adjacent restaurant serves stylish - it is spread across various valleys, gentle food at reasonable prices. slopes and around woods and lakes. One You might also consider Bil Bil golf. CENTRE SPREAD

4 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es 25 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 5 24 ll about A Benalmadena A journey to the top of the world T is a journey that will never be forgotten...and on the main attractions in the town. a clear day you can see Africa from the top of the There are three kilometres of well signposted hik- Teleferico in Benalmadena. ing trails, leaving from the top, which arrive at vari- The 800 metre ride from Arroyo de la Miel lasts ous viewpoints over the landscape below. I15 minutes, taking visitors up to the top of Mount It is also possible to spot hawks, eagles and vul- Calamorro in the Sierra de Mijas – the highest part tures from the peak. of Benalmadena - to a spot offering spectacular The cable car runs from 11am to 5pm throughout views of the town, the coast and beyond. November and December, though it is closed in high Opened in 2000, the Teleferico has become one of winds. It is open for longer in the spring and summer.

DYNAMIC new fit- ness centre is prov- ing that fitness can From fish and be fun. BODY BEAUTIFUL IN BENALMADENA ASet up by David Smithson most popular gyms in town. mer carpenter. Muay Thai classes. a spinning studio as well. investment. chips to physics and Angel Lesta Candal – a “We offer a service so that The centre currently has There are also Zumba “We only opened in May, so “What is really encouraging former European bodybuild- we can look after everyone, free weights and weight classes – including Zumba we are a little bit of a work has been the great reaction ing champion - Positive so that everyone gets indi- machine rooms, as well as for seniors and there are in progress.” says David, from people in Benalmadena.” USINESSMAN and teacher Keith El- Fitness Benalmadena has vidual treatment,” explains a boxing studio, that offers plans to install who has lived in Spain for Open every day, including lis (left) and his wife Belinda decided quickly become one of the fitness trainer David, a -for boxing, kick boxing and four years. “We have great Sundays and Fiestas. Mem- to move over to Spain to open a Brit- plans for the studio, and are berships start at €25 per ish fish and chip restaurant in the B1980’s. currently on the lookout for month. Their summers consisted of running their business in Spain and in the winter Keith Two centuries of care taught in schools in York. After a decade of travelling back and forth, Undertaker Francisco Camero serves the entire Keith decided to teach in international schools here on the coast and from there Costa del Sol with care and dignity founded the Benalmádena International Col- lege in 1997. ETWEEN them they bottom of a swimming pool pany has have well over 100 and one of them lying next been deal- The success of the school has grown over years of undertaking to it. ing with the years and is now well established here experience. “They had both died of alco- many for- on the Costa del Sol. BBut the five brothers and hol poisoning. One we buried eign resi- With over 30 qualified English teachers, the sisters of Benalmadena´s here, the other we sent back dents and school has an excellent reputation with stu- Camero family are also the to the UK.” Camero´s BROTHERLY LOVE: Salva- dents from 3 to 18 years of age, giving them fourth generation of under- He and his brother Salvador reputation has gone dor and Paco Camero at the chance to apply to the top universities takers working for a firm that now run the operation that beyond the borders of Spain Pueblo HQ around the world. was set up in the 1800s. has four other offices in Fuen- to the many international fu- In the new year, a sports centre and swim- Based out of an office in girolas, Mijas, Torremolinos neral arrangements in each at a fixed price,” adds Sal- ming pool will be constructed. Benalmadena pueblo, they and Malaga. It also has a cre- and every continent. vador. The college is also setting up a language have dealt with a good many matorium, chapel and cem- The company offers funeral school to teach adults and children English, dead bodies over the de- etary in Benalmadena. plans and the well known Francisco Camero SL is a Spanish, French, German, Russian and Chi- cades, many of them British. “But we have agents and peo- ‘dignity charter’ promise. member of the Málaga Fu- nese. “My first job 39 years ago ple working for us all the way Special arrangements can be neral Directors Association Finally, the college would like to mention to was dealing with two dead from Nerja to Sotogrande so included should you return to For more information call all its ex-students that Shandy, the school Britons,” explains Paco we can cover the whole Costa live in England. Francisco Camero on 902 dog for 14 years, has just passed away. 200 625 or email at cam- Camero. “I was just 15 and del Sol,” explains Salvador. “We can offer peace of mind Visit www.bic-benal.com we found one of them at the Since the 1970’s the com- and all funds are secure and [email protected]. TEAMWORK: Angel and David outside Positive Fitness 6 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es 27 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 7 27 ll about A Benalmadena Not just the biggest hotel on the Costa del Sol, Sunset Beach Club has something for A true everyone, writes Jon Clarke OST hotels would be struggling to hold a dozen weddings in a year. MAt Sunset Beach Club in Be- happy nalmadena they just had TWO DOZEN in September alone. “We get over 80 a year and at €3,500 an event we think that is terrific value,” explains man- ager Mark Wardell. FUN: Loads for the kids It doesn´t seem much. But, of to do at Sunset Beach course, by the time you have factored in the guests rooms, and a rack of lamb was event their meals and mini-bar tabs cooked to a tee. (the majority are Irish, after Locals rave about the live all), it becomes a profitable concerts – some of the business for the hotel. best on the coast - which Indeed, it is one of the few are free to expats, as well establishments to have grown as the beach restaurant over the last five years, much and fantastic pool and of this thanks to an ambitious playground area for kids. €22m upgrade of its facilities But there is so much since 2002. more, when you factor in An incredibly organised and the supermarket, a hair- well-run ship the hotel, said dresser, shops and full to be the biggest on the Costa concierge service, not del Sol, consistently delivers to to mention numerous holidaymakers from all around trips, events and class- the world. es. To use the words And it definitely does not of one of the Olive Press sales scrimp and save on food or en- team, based in the Axarquia: with the excellent Boyd’s Gym, tertainment. “This is one of the best places owned by a local brother and There was even a Padi dive Having spent three days at the to take the kids for a weekend sister team, which has been school by the pool, where both hotel last week, I was surprised as you will literally not get both- running for two decades and myself and the kids (that´s at the quality of the restaurant, ered at all. There is so much counts on its own indoor pool my next trip) can learn how where breakfasts were lavish for them to do.” and hundreds of local mem- to dive in a great value day´s and a dinner of prawns pil pil I was particularly impressed bers, the majority expats. beginners course, which ends up looking at fish and octopus swimming around the nearby Where to stay and eat rocky headland. Yes, there is a lot going on at Sunset Beach hotel and the statistics speak for themselves. The 554 rooms (mostly one A little touch of genius! bedroom apartments) at the height of the season hold ITTLE by Little the village south America, before land- 1,900 happy souls. of Benalmadena is be- ing in Granada, where he is They are looked after by a team coming something of a also now the resident chef and of up to 69 cleaners, who pro- Mecca for food tourists. public face of Riofrio caviar, an cess a staggering 450.000 ki- LUp in the charming village you organic product raved about los of laundry every year! will now find a number of excel- by chefs including Gordon The Food and Beverage team lent places to eat, including a Ramsey. meanwhile counts 71 staff who German-run steak house and This is one of the real draws of work tirelessly in the various two English-owned eateries. his restaurant with a number outlets from a la carte dining, From my point of view the most of the dishes in the fantastic poolside snacks, lobby/cock- exciting is the opening of a chic menu degustation featuring tail bar, beach bar, beach club, new joint Sollo, which at first caviar, one of the very best show rooms and banqueting. glance looks like it might be products of Andalucia. Then there are 14 ‘animation’ someone’s home. His new adventure is an am- girls and guys whose sole pur- Well it is now home to the cu- bitious undertaking with his top tip for lovers of fine food. pose is to make young and old linary genius Diego Gallegos girlfriend Suzanna, who is also guests alike have a fun-packed (pictured right), who I previous- just 29. With a bit of help from For just 49 euros including iva you can have 12 courses in- visit. ly knew from a little-known, but their parents (renovating and “My ideal guest never leaves hugely rated restaurant Casa painting) they have got this cluding caviar, or without the caviar just 35 euros. the premises and is never in Piolas, in Algarinejo, Granada. place finally open and with its need of anything,” explains A well travelled chap, just 29, simple decor, amazing paint- Looking for somewhere good to stay in the old town to flop after Dubliner Wardell. “Security and he trained in two of the best ings by local artist Paco San- safety would always be our restaurants in the world in guino and cool jazz, it is a real a meal then Hotel Pueblo is an excellent choice. number one priority but on a Just two months old this lovely day to day basis from the mo- spot just beside the town hall ment the cleaning team moves has recently been completely in at 5am to the last bar closing renovated by a talented Ger- at 4 am our real job is to make man, Jan. people happy.” Most of the charming rooms He continues “Over the past look across a sleepy square five years while the world and they are well appointed around us struggled to cope with a bottle of water and wine with all the stresses and pains for new guests. of recession we have played Of course if you are looking for a very small part in bring- something down on the beach, ing some happiness to many then you must try the Sunset thousands of people from all Beach Club (see adjacent ar- parts of the globe…as a result CALLE SANTO DOMINGO 9 ticle). we have enjoyed five of the best years in the hotels exis- BENALMADENA PUEBLO By Jon Clarke tence and now look forward to RESERVAS BOOKING 951 385622 Visit www.hotelpueblo.es and even better times as the coast W W W . S O L L O . E S www.sollo.es moves towards more “good times”. 8 the olive press - November 13 - November 27 2013 www.theolivepress.es 28 ll about A Benalmadena With butterfly and crocodile parks, a sealife centre, a theme park and the more conventional Fanfare Parque de Paloma, Benalmadena boasts a huge range of outdoor attractions ASEDof inside a huge Withfun a group of chameleons including the largest in round at 11:30am, 1:30, Sol, Tivoli World which has hothouse, Benal- and iguanas to boot, it is an Europe – Big Daddy who 3:30 and 5pm. 40 rides for various ages, madena’s Butterfly educational experience and weighs a terrifying 600 Another option is Selwo including a roller coaster, a Park – the biggest visitors of any age can learn kg – the park provides the Marina, which is home to 60-metre sudden drop, a gi- Bin Europe – offers visitors how butterflies are born and chance to get up close and dolphins, sea lions, pen- ant ferris wheel, go-karting, the chance to see an in- how they reproduce. It is even hold one of the world’s guins, turtles, piranhas and a ‘passage of terror’ and credible 1,500 exotic but- open every day from 10am most fascinating creatures. tortoises as well as reptiles, pony rides. terflies from all around until 7:30pm. There is a crocodile nursery parrots and tarantulas. Sadly it is closed from No- the world in what it de- If butterflies seem a bit tame, – probably not as cute as it Visitors can swim with a vember to February. Open- scribes as, “a tropical then the nearby Crocodile sounds – as well as a ‘Ma- sea lion, make friends with ing hours are available on paradise of waterfalls Park may be a better option. sai village’, and African for- dolphins, explore a forest of the Tivoli website. and flowers”. With over 200 crocodiles, tress. Tours operate all year Squirrel Monkeys, or if that The Parque de La Paloma sounds like too much - just – a normal park - covers sit back and watch a display 200,000 square metres of exotic birds from around and - back with the animal the world. theme - is home to ostrich- There are also a few differ- es, turtles, peacocks and ent cafes and restaurants goats, as well as a cactus within the park. With open- garden. ing hours limited in the win- It has cafes, bars, and a ter months, it is advisable to playpark within its grounds, check the Selwo website for as well as a huge artificial up to date information. lake complete with water Thrill seekers will want to fountain, providing plenty FEAST: Butterfly lunch, a make their way to the Dis- of options to cater for any hatchery (right) and iguana (top) neyland of the Costa del interest.

EYE OPENER: ELEPHANT You could More in the marina be excu- ISLAND sed for ENALMADENA Marina may be can go to eat, drink, dance and see live thinking known as a base for some of the music, while at night the area becomes most luxurious vessels in the Med- you had transformed by a breathtaking display of iterranean, but there are plenty of lights. arrived Breasons to visit even for those who do not Fishing trips leave from the Marina during in a scene own a luxury yacht (yet). the day, as well as boats for dolphin and from Out Opened in 1979, the Marina – officially wildlife spotting. of Africa called the Puerto Deportivo de Benal- There are regular food fairs, and the har- but this is madena - has space for over 1,000 boats, bour has recently played host to events actually making it the biggest in Andalucia. ranging from fashion shows to a meet-up one of the But it is also a social hub where people for Ferrari enthusiasts. town’s famous rounda- bouts

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