Benalmádena Cable Car: Unrivalled Panoramic Views Over the Costa del Sol
If you’re looking to break the routine and enjoy a different kind of day during your holiday in the south, taking the Benalmádena cable car is one of those experiences you simply can’t miss. This spectacular ride elevates you effortlessly from the vibrant coast to the serene summit, treating you to one of the most breathtaking and unforgettable views in all of the southern Spanish coastline.
As you ascend, the sea unfolds before your eyes like a gigantic blue blanket, outlining the silhouette of the white villages and golf courses that characterise this vibrant region. Get ready to discover an unrivalled natural viewpoint and enjoy a day full of contrasts, where the adrenaline of the heights blends perfectly with the tranquillity of a unique natural setting.
What to do at the summit of Monte Calamorro: nature and attractions
After a peaceful, fifteen-minute journey suspended in the air, you’ll arrive at the Monte Calamorro upper station, situated at an altitude of almost 800 metres above sea level. Far from being a mere viewpoint, the summit of this peak is a true gateway to leisure and environmental discovery, ideal both for couples seeking a romantic spot and for families wishing to share an adventure.
From this vantage point, on the clearest days, the view is so unobstructed that you can clearly make out the Rock of Gibraltar and the mountainous contours of the African coast. It is the perfect place to pause time, take spectacular photographs and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity that characterises the Malaga mountains.
Hiking trails and a display of birds of prey in the heights
For active tourism enthusiasts, Mount Calamorro offers a network of hiking trails that are perfectly signposted. These trails will guide you through typical Mediterranean vegetation, filled with the scent of thyme, rosemary and rockrose. The trails vary in difficulty and length, allowing you to enjoy everything from a pleasant, relaxed stroll to more challenging hikes that will take you to the summit of the area’s most photogenic peaks.
Beyond the scented trails, the summit holds another captivating experience: the renowned birds of prey demonstration. In a natural open-air amphitheatre, you’ll have the chance to witness the majestic flight of eagles, falcons, owls and vultures. Expert falconers put on educational demonstrations that will not only let you see these impressive animals up close in flight, but also help you understand the vital importance of their conservation within the ecosystem.
How to get to the Benalmádena cable car
Planning your day out is extremely simple, as this major tourist attraction enjoys a strategic and unbeatable location within the province of Málaga. The cable car’s departure station is situated right in the heart of Arroyo de la Miel, just next to the well-known Tivoli World amusement park.
- By car: You can easily reach it via the Mediterranean motorway (A-7), taking exit 222 (Benalmádena - Arroyo de la Miel), which will take you directly and without detours to Avenida del Teleférico.
- By public transport: If you’d rather not drive, the most practical option is to take the Renfe C-1 commuter train line and get off at Arroyo de la Miel station, which is just a ten-minute walk from the ticket office. There are also numerous intercity bus routes connecting the main coastal towns with this area.
Where to park?
If you decide to travel in your own vehicle or a hire car, the area has a regulated public car park in the immediate vicinity of the base station. However, during the high season or on sunny weekends, spaces tend to fill up quickly during the middle of the day.
Our friendly advice is to try to arrive early in the morning to park without any hassle and start your ascent with complete peace of mind, avoiding the annoying queues.
Prices and timetables for the Benalmádena cable car
To make the most of your trip, it is essential to be aware of the practical details of the complex. The Benalmádena cable car timetable varies significantly throughout the year depending on the season and daylight hours. Generally, the service begins operating at 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning.
During the summer season, opening hours are extended well into the evening, allowing visitors to take the cable car up to watch the spectacular sunsets or enjoy guided stargazing under the night sky. In winter and autumn, the cable cars usually make their final descent around 5.00 pm or 6.00 pm.
As for prices, single return tickets cost around €15 or €20 for adults, with special discounts available for children, large families and senior citizens. A very useful tip for saving money is to buy tickets in advance via the official website, where exclusive promotions and combined offers with other theme parks on the Costa del Sol are frequently launched.
A perfect day trip from your Hotel Elba on the Costa del Sol
After a busy day hiking along mountain trails and enjoying the wild countryside, there’s nothing better than returning to an oasis of peace where you can completely unwind. The perfect complement to this adventure getaway is staying at our exclusive Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa. Located a short drive from Benalmádena, this majestic five-star hotel offers you the chance to balance your mountain retreat with the utmost comfort by the sea.
Imagine ending your day by immersing yourself in the soothing thermal waters of our 1,400-square-metre thalassotherapy centre, a temple of health and beauty that uses water drawn directly from the Mediterranean to renew your energy. If you’d like to be inspired and discover more fascinating ideas to make the most of your southern holiday, we invite you to dive into our blog posts and discover first-hand everything there is to see in Estepona during your stay.
At Hoteles Elba, our guiding philosophy is to take meticulous care of every little detail to give you unforgettable memories. Let yourself be pampered by the warmth of our service, savour our carefully curated culinary offerings and make your getaway to the Costa del Sol an absolutely sublime experience. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!
