Castillo de Colomares Benalmádena – What to See, History, Architecture & Visitor Information

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Information on Castillo de Colomares

1. Overview

Castillo de Colomares is a remarkable monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. Although commonly called a castle, it is actually a monument rather than a traditional medieval fortress.

The monument was built between 1987 and 1994 by Dr Esteban Martín Martín, working with two local bricklayers. The result is an extraordinary building combining several architectural styles and packed with details connected with Spanish history and Columbus's voyage. 

The monument covers around 1,500 square metres and includes towers, arches, turrets, decorative stonework and several features representing different aspects of Spanish history and the voyage to America.

One of the highlights is the tiny chapel dedicated to Santa Isabel de Hungría, while the gardens and elevated position provide some excellent views across the Costa del Sol. 

2. Location & Address

Castillo de Colomares is located just below Benalmádena Pueblo, in the El Viñazo area.

Address:

Finca La Carraca
Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n
29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

It is approximately:

5 minutes' drive from Benalmádena Pueblo
10 minutes' drive from the Buddhist Stupa
10 minutes' drive from Butterfly Park

Its position makes it particularly easy to combine with a visit to Benalmádena Pueblo and the other attractions in the hills above the coast.

3. Opening Times

The monument is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.

Summer, June to September:

10:00am – 2:00pm
5:00pm – 9:00pm

Spring, March to May:

10:00am – 8:00pm

Autumn and winter:

10:00am – 6:00pm

Opening times can change, so it is worth checking before travelling, particularly if you are visiting outside the main summer season. 

Admission is currently €3.50 for adults, with reduced admission for children and pensioners. The monument is visited from the exterior rather than as a conventional castle with rooms to explore. 

4. What You'll Find at Castillo de Colomares

The monument is filled with unusual architectural details and features connected with Columbus and Spanish history, including:

towers and turrets

ornate stonework

Neo-Byzantine architecture

Neo-Romanesque architecture

Neo-Gothic architecture

Neo-Mudéjar architecture

references to Christopher Columbus

references to the Catholic Monarchs

the three ships associated with Columbus

The mixture of architectural styles is one of the most interesting aspects of Colomares.

Take your time looking closely at the building, as there are numerous small details that are easy to miss if you simply walk around the main route.

5. How to Get There

By car:

Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Castillo de Colomares. From the coast, follow the signs towards Benalmádena Pueblo and then continue towards the monument.

By bus:

Local buses operate between the coastal areas, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Pueblo. From the village, you would still need to continue towards the monument.

On foot:

It is possible to walk from Benalmádena Pueblo, although the route involves hills and can be uncomfortable during the hotter months.

The easiest option for most visitors is to combine the castle with a car journey or taxi trip to Benalmádena Pueblo and the other attractions nearby.

6. Parking

There is parking available in the surrounding area of Castillo de Colomares, although spaces can become limited during busy periods.

If you are visiting by car, arriving earlier in the day can make finding a convenient space easier.

The location also makes it practical to combine several attractions in the same trip rather than having to return to the coast between visits.

But have a look at the parking options below for more information about parking in Benalmádena and the best places to park when visiting Castillo de Colomares and Benalmádena Pueblo.

7. Tips for Visiting

Allow around 45 minutes to an hour to properly explore the monument.

Take your time looking at the architectural details.

Don't expect a traditional castle interior as the monument is visited from the outside.

Take a camera as there are plenty of unusual photographic opportunities.

Look out for the tiny chapel.

Visit early in the day during the summer months to avoid the strongest heat.

Alternatively, visit after the summer afternoon opening when temperatures are more comfortable.

Wear comfortable shoes as there are steps and uneven surfaces.

Combine the visit with Benalmádena Pueblo.

The Buddhist Stupa and Butterfly Park are also nearby.

Check the opening times before travelling, particularly on Mondays when the monument is closed.

8. Nearby Attractions

Benalmádena Pueblo

Buddhist Stupa

Butterfly Park

Jardines del Muro

9. Overall Experience

Castillo de Colomares is one of those attractions that is difficult to compare with anything else on the Costa del Sol. It isn't an ancient castle or a conventional museum, but an extraordinary modern monument filled with architectural details, historical references and unusual features.

Its elevated position and distinctive appearance make it particularly good for photography, while the story behind its construction adds another interesting dimension to the visit. It is also relatively inexpensive and doesn't take a huge amount of time to explore, making it easy to fit into a day visiting Benalmádena Pueblo and the surrounding attractions.

Our tip: Don't visit Colomares on its own if you have a car. Combine it with Benalmádena Pueblo, the Buddhist Stupa and Butterfly Park to make a much better day out. And when you walk around the monument, take your time and look closely at the details — there is far more to see than you might notice on a quick visit.

Address. Finca la Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga