The teleferico de Benalmadena is not just a fancy way to avoid walking up a very big hill. It is a sophisticated piece of engineering that has been hauling tourists toward the clouds since it opened in 2000. This cable car system connects the bustling coast of Arroyo de la Miel with the summit of Mount Calamorro. It sits at about 771 metres above sea level. If you are not a fan of heights, just remember that the steel cables are much stronger than your nerves.
Technical bits and bobs
The technical setup is quite impressive for those who like industrial details. It is a monocable gondola system. This means one single cable does all the hard work of both supporting and moving the cabins. There are around 40 cabins in total. Each one can hold about four people. Unless you have all been enjoying too many tapas, then three might be a safer bet. The system can move over 600 people every hour.
The climb to the clouds
The journey takes about 15 minutes from bottom to top. It covers a distance of nearly 3 kilometres. During the ride, the cabins travel at a steady pace that allows you to contemplate how small your hotel pool looks from above. The construction involved placing several massive towers along the rugged terrain of the Sierra de Mijas. Engineers had to ensure these towers could withstand the strong Mediterranean winds that occasionally try to turn the cabins into giant pendulums.
Looking down on everyone
The beauty of the trip is hard to deny even for the most cynical traveller. As you rise, the urban sprawl of Benalmádena transforms into a toy town. On a clear day, you can see the entire Malaga coastline stretching out like a postcard. If the weather is especially kind, you might even spot the coast of Africa or the Rock of Gibraltar. It is much cheaper than a flight to Morocco and involves significantly less paperwork.
Birds of prey and better views
The region itself is a mix of classic Andalusian charm and heavy tourism. By taking the cable car, you escape the heat of the beach for a slightly cooler mountain breeze. The mountain top offers hiking trails and a bird of prey exhibition. It is a great place to see eagles and vultures. They are likely watching you and wondering if you brought any snacks.
Crowds and cable car fame
In terms of popularity, this attraction is a bit of a local celebrity. It welcomes roughly 300,000 visitors every year. That is a lot of people sharing a very small space in the air. The traffic stays high because it is one of the best ways to see the Costa del Sol without hiring a helicopter.
Sunset and seasonal shifts
The facility operates for most of the year. It has of course peak traffic during the summer months when the sun stays out late. In the evenings, the cabins offer a front row seat to the Mediterranean sunset. The light turns the sea into a giant orange mirror. It is a very romantic spot if you can ignore the mechanical humming of the gearboxes. During the winter, the mountain air gets quite sharp. You should probably wear more than just a swimsuit if you plan to explore the peaks.
