by Tim Harry

Created on: August 08, 2010

When people think of the Costa del Sol they of course immediately think of beaches and the sun, few would even consider the possibility of a cable car ascending a mountain, and yet at Benalmadena this is just what is on offer.

The Teleferico Cable Car is a new addition to the range of tourist attractions available in Andalusia, having been opened in 2003, but has quickly risen the ranks based on visitor numbers. Located in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, the base station for the cable car is located opposite Tivoli World Amusement Park, another popular tourist destination. Arroyo de la Miel is a pleasant walk from the centre of Benalmadena, or alternately for those not staying in the town, the Teleferico is easily accessed by the commuter railway, as well as by road from the N340 or AP7.

From the base station, the Teleferico Cable Car ascends up Monte Calamorro, to a height of 769m above sea level. The trip up the mountain will take fifteen minutes but as you travel up in the four person car you get a sense of just what is on offer from the peak.

The peak of Monte Calamorro is the highest point in the Malaga region of Andalusia, and as you disembark from the cable car there are on offer views across the whole region, taking in Malaga, the Guadalhorce Valley, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and across the Mediterranean. On a good day the coast of North Africa is also easily visible. Viewpoints are signposted from the disembarkation point.

At the top of Monte Calamorro though there is more than just the view. Tourists can sit, relax and have a bite to eat at the mountain top restaurant. There are also a couple of shows put on. There is a thirty minute display of Andalusian dressage, as a Spanish horse is put through its paces. There is also a Birds of Prey show from the mountain top sanctuary, where vultures, eagles, owls and hawks are shown off. 

Additionally for those wanting an easier method of traversing around the mountain peak there are donkey rides available.

As with cable cars around the world, the Teleferico will not operate in high winds, and indeed it is not open year round. It is well worth checking before setting off to ensure that the cable car is operating, and indeed to check on admission prices, which do fluctuate. Of course in the event that the Teleferico Cable Car is not operating then the Tivoli World Amusement Park does offer a great alternative.

Something to consider when purchasing tickets for the Teleferico Cable Car is to only purchase a one-way ticket rather than a return one. Many people simply walk down the mountain after their visit to the peak, and there are easy to follow footpaths to allow this. Those seeking more of a thrill may consider hiring a mountain bike in Benalmadena and taking that up in the cable car with them. Taking the mountain bike up will cost no additional fee, and provides for a quick and exhilarating descent.

The Teleferico Cable Car is a different type of tourist attraction on offer on the Andalusian coastline. Indeed from the top of the mountain the beauty of the region is easy to see, something that is often hidden by the concrete apartment blocks and hotels so popular in the Malaga area.

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