The Views towards Málaga from the top of Benalmadena
Now, I have to admit that I am not fond of heights; actually, I’m terrified of them. So when my wife suggested we take our twin daughters on a cable car ride to the top of Calamorro Mountain behind Benalmádena, you can imagine my reaction!
We always try and make the most of our weekends together and take the girls on little “adventures” and as the weather was gorgeous, I – reluctantly – agreed to give it a go.
Working at Sunset Beach Club, I’ve often spoken to guests and colleagues who raved about their trip up to the top of Benalmádena on the cable car; this was the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.
The cable car sets off from Tivoli World (it’s actually just beside it). Pricing might seem a little steep, especially if there are 4 of you; however, it’s well worth it! These are the rates:
Adult One Way- €7.30
Adult Return – €13
Children (3 to 7) and Pensioners, One way – €5.20
Children (3 to 7) and Pensioners – Return – €9.80
The Views towards Gibraltar and North Africa
Not sure if you noticed, but the above prices include One Way tickets… You have to be really adventurous to buy one of those because it’s a hell of a long way down that mountain! Take my word for it, pay for a return ticket 🙂
Back to my cable car experience. After paying for our tickets, we made our way to the “loading bay” to head up the mountain. I was already feeling a little nervous and – according to my wife – had turned rather pale; however, when I saw the size of the gondolas, I really started to have second thoughts…they are tiny!
My wife and 4 year old daughters managed to push me into the small cabin (gondola) and we were off. Unfortunately for me, although the weather was gorgeous with plenty of sun, it was a little windy. This meant that our little gondola was moving around a little too much for my liking. The kids were loving it, I, however, was holding on for dear life!
Luckily, the trip only lasts 15 minutes and before long we were climbing out of the gondola, 800m above sea level, and ready to explore.
There are various walking routes that visitors can wander along, all leading to different sightseeing points distributed along the top of the mountain. Whilst my wife took the girls to see the birds of prey show – with eagles, owls, falcons and more… – I decided to venture along the steepest path which lead to the very summit of Calamorro Mountain. I figured that I had weathered the dreaded cable car ride so I might as well go the whole hog and enjoy the views from the top of the mountain.
10 minutes later I reached the top and boy was it worth it! The views are absolutely amazing. You’ve literally got 360º views of the whole Coast, from Málaga all the way to Gibraltar and the Atlas mountains of Morocco beyond. There’s also a great view over Benalmádena and Sunset Beach Club (See photo).
Sunset Beach Club from the top of the mountain
After taking the mandatory photos, I headed back down another of the set routes and met the family at the cafeteria. We had actually brought along a picnic; however, the prices at the cafeteria weren’t too bad: €2.95 for a coffee and pastry and €9.50 for a small pizza and half a litre of coke.
After enjoying the views for a while longer, it was time to head back down the mountain. I’m happy to report that, this time, the ride wasn’t too bad; probably because I knew what to expect 🙂
If you don’t mind heights and enjoy spectacular views, I thoroughly recommend a trip on the Benalmádena Cable Car. It’s only 15 minutes up the mountain and once you are there, the kids can enjoy the interesting and educational birds of prey show, whilst you relax and take in the amazing sights and sounds of Benalmadena’s highest point.
Have you been on the Benalmadena Cable Car? Did you enjoy the experience? Am I overreacting about the height issue? Let us know in the comments below…
Are you looking for a hotel or accommodation in Benalmadena? At Sunset Beach Club we offer comfortable apartments and all the services you’d expect from a 4-star hotel. Visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com for more information and to check availability!
A great half day out I love my time in Spain cannot wait to go back please g-d. I felt like you and also walked up to the top.
Janet Ps Tell me what else would you recommend to see in Benalamadena hope the spelling is correct
Hi Janet, Glad you enjoyed your trip up the cable car! There’s plenty more to do here in Benalmadena… we’ve got lots of ideas here on the blog 🙂 Paloma Park, Selwo Marina and a trip up to the old village are definate musts.
The cable car ride was amazing, so also the view and the walking up onto the top of the mountain. When it comes to the birds show I was partly fascinated and partly worried. The birds acting were some of the worlds biggest and rarest; It is amazing how they have been trained at what humans can make them do. But these birds live in prison, they were probably born in prison. Where do they actually come from, and how were they taken over the borders? It is a well known matter that nests of rare birds are illegally plundered and eggs are sold for a lot of money, this is big business! The two little eagle babies were very cute, as long as it didn’t bother you how they ended up there…..
The cable car ride was amazing. Not afraid of heights but cable cars were smaller than i expected having been up one in italy where you had to stand up. Nice having small private one as a couple!
Enjoyed the bird show after a coffee in the cafe. Olga the owl was sitting in her box when went out of the show. Was a cloudy Sunday but views were still amazing like to go bk on a clearer day one day! A good day out