Colomares Castle, located in Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol, is a castle monument erected in honour of Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas. It is a unique and very peculiar castle that is well worth a visit if you are in the area while on holiday. The area itself is fantastic, including cities and towns: Benalmádena, Málaga, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Mijas… There are many options and all of them have their attractions. In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Colomares Castle, so you can add it to your next route along the Costa del Sol. Keep reading!
History and Architecture of Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle was built by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín, with the help of two bricklayers. Yes, you read that right—it is not a medieval castle, but a modern construction, begun in 1987. After seven years of work, this monument to Christopher Columbus was ready to welcome visitors. The materials used were brick, stone, and cement, nothing more. Dr. Martín’s goal was to narrate the Discovery of America eternally, and that is the story of Colomares Castle.
The castle features a combination of architectural styles: Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Gothic, and Mudejar, which gives it a unique appearance. With horse heads, shields, images of saints and angels, the three ships used by Columbus on his voyage (the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María), and many more iconic elements, it is a very interesting monument to visit and also offers a different activity to do while in Benalmádena. Visiting the castle doesn’t take much time, it’s small and only its exterior can be visited, but it’s certainly worth it.
The Gardens and Views of Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle is impressive not only as a structure but also for its gardens, which are dazzling and convey a sense of peace not easily found elsewhere. The castle is set in a natural environment, and the sea views connect the castle to its historical origin – the maritime journey of Christopher Columbus. All parts of the castle and views from it are picturesque, perfect for your Instagram feed!
Events and Activities at Colomares Castle
At the castle, you can take a guided group tour, offered in various languages, and also take part in or hire as a venue location for conferences, book presentations, theatre acts, dances, markets, and other meetings or cultural events. Its architecture, numerous nooks, and original architectural elements make this place a perfect venue choice for any event.
Curiosities and Legends of Colomares Castle
There are several interesting facts about Colomares Castle:
- The castle receives around 15,000 visitors a year.
- In the 90s, it was known as the Castle of the Eagles, due to its falconry shows.
- The creator and builder of the castle was a doctor.
- Today, many people refer to the monument as the “Game of Thrones Castle” because of its similarity to some of the settings in the series.
- Inside, it contains a chapel with an area of 1.98 square meters, which until recently was the smallest chapel in the world.
These interesting curiosities are what make visiting Colomares Castle even more worthwhile. If you want to visit the so-called Game of Thrones Castle of the Costa del Sol, now you know where it is.
How to get to Colomares Castle in Benalmádena
If you are on holiday in Benalmádena, reaching the castle will take you about 20 minutes by car, but you can also go by train which takes about 40 minutes. On the other hand, if you are in Málaga, you will need to travel about half an hour by car and a little over 1 hour by train to visit this monument. If your vacation spot is Fuengirola, it will only take you 15 minutes by car and less than an hour by train. As you can see, this castle is accessible from practically any point on the Costa del Sol.
Visiting Hours at Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle has different opening hours depending on the season. In spring, it is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day; in summer, it is closed on Mondays, and on the other days, it is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; if you plan to visit in autumn or winter, the hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Colomares Castle?
The entrance fee for Colomares Castle in Benalmádena is quite affordable, which is great news. Adults pay €3 for admission, while children and pensioners pay only €2 to enter the castle.
Visit Colomares Castle While on Holiday in the Costa del Sol
This is one of the most interesting and original monuments in this part of the country, therefore it’s worth dedicating a couple of hours during your vacation, especially if you are nearby, to visit. If you are planning your days off on the Costa del Sol, we have fantastic accommodation options with Alfresco Stays for you, your family, or your group of friends. Now you know how to get to Colomares Castle and where the best accommodations are, so you have no excuse not to spend a few dreamy days in one of the best beach areas in the world.
