Linking Benalmadena Costa with the peak of Monte Calamorro, the tallest of the Malaga coast and reaching 800 meters above sea level at its highest point, is the cable car system of Benalmadena (Teleférico de Benalmadena). Opened in 2003 as part of the Selwo Adventure Parks Group, the cable cars quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Costa del Sol.
The cable cars (or Telecabina) accommodate four people and the amazing journey to get to the top takes about 15 minutes. As you make your journey you will have the most stunning views over the towns and coastline below, as well as the Sierra Nevada mountains (topped with snow in the winter months) and on a clear day you can also see Gibraltar and North Africa. You can take in the sights of the Buddhist Temple, the theme parks and monuments as well as seeing the many varieties of birds that nestle into the sides of Monte Calamorro.
The cable cars are the only means of transport to take you to the Jardin de las Águilas ( Eagle Garden). Where you can take a donkey ride through the beautiful natural surroundings. An exhibition of Spanish dressage horses is also available for you to see and is included in the price.
This is also where you get to see how the birds of prey live and the speed and feeding habits of the Peregrin Falcon or the flight of the eagle. In total there are more than 60 different birds, including Vultures, Royal Eagles, Peregrin Falcons, White-headed Vultures and Royal Owls living in the birds of prey sanctuary at the top of the Calamorro Mountain.
If you enjoy walking why not also take advantage of the many marked out trails that are at the top and lead to different viewpoints giving unique views over Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
All this put together makes the cable car journey exciting and educational for the whole family.
When buying your ticket you may find it quite strange that you are asked if you would like a single or a return ticket. The reason for this is that some people choose to walk back down using the special footpath and others even take their mountain bikes up in the cabin and cycle down. Many annual season tickets are sold to keen cyclists who use the Telecabina just for the sheer thrill of cycling back down the mountain. If you choose to take your bike you will get a cabin exclusively for yourself and your bike for the price of a one way ticket.
How To Get There
To find The Teleferico de Benalmadena, go into the village of Arroyo de la Miel and follow the signs to Tivoli World. The entry to the cable cars is directly opposite the entrance to Tivoli.
Opening Times
In the summer months the cable cars are open from 11am until midnight. The rest of the year they are open from 11am to 5 or 7pm. Please clarify this before you go.
How Much Does It Cost?
Adult Return Trip - 13.00 Euros
Adult Single Trip - 7.30 Euros
Children (3-9 Years) Return Trip - 9.80 Euros
Children(3-9 Years) Single Trip - 5.20 Euros
Seniors Return Trip - 9.80 Euros
Seniors Single Trip - 5.20 Euros
Images courtesy of eskippyskip and steeedm on Flickr.
