Colomares Castle, also called Castillo de Colomares or Colomares Monument, is one of the most unique and stunning pieces of architecture you’ll see in your life. Even though it looks like a fairy-tale castle, in reality, it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. Colomares Castle is located in Benalmadena Pueblo, one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia. It awaits visitors only a few kilometers from busy tourist resorts on Costa del Sol. Stay with us and discover the history, facts, secrets, useful information, and our opinion about Colomares Castle in Benalmadena, Spain.
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Visit remarkable Colomares Castle in Benalmadena, Spain
History of the Colomares Castle
Looking at Colomares Castle you would never guess that it was designed and built by a doctor, right? However, that’s exactly what happened and here is a brief history of the creation of this magical place in Spain.
Dr. Esteban Martin was a doctor in New York, a “bit” obsessed with the life of Christopher Columbus. When he discovered that nowhere in the world was a monument that properly honored his hero he decided… to build one himself! He gave up his practice and returned to his hometown in Benalmadena in Spain where he owned a piece of land. The construction of Colomares Castle began in 1987 and it ended 7 years later in 1994. The most fascinating thing is that Castillo de Colomares was built with no outside financial support. Moreover, it was built only by the hands of three people: dr. Esteban Martin and his two friends who were bricklayers. Mindblowing!
Unfortunately, the sad thing is that the project ruined Dr. Martin. He passed away on February 8, 2001. Back then Esteban Martin was seen as “a little” weird but we guess now many people are glad for his weirdness. After all, thanks to this we can admire the stunning Colomares Castle In Benalmadena!
Source: Castillo Monument Colomares Website
Colomares Castle architecture
Dr. Esteban and his friends transformed brick, mortar, and cement into elements related to Christopher Columbus and his journeys. While you wander around Colomares Castle you’ll find elements like the three ships Columbus traveled in, gargoyles, or stone maps. Castillo de Colomares takes inspiration from a mixture of different architectural styles like Gothic, Romanesque, and Mudéjar.
Also, Colomares Castle covers an area of 1500m2 which makes it the largest monument in the world dedicated to the explorer!
World’s smallest church in Colomares Castle
In the middle of the Colomares Castle world’s smallest church stands. It covers an area of just 1.96m2 and is listed in The Guinness Book of Records as the smallest church in the world. Moreover, dr Martin hoped that one day the remains of his hero would be buried there. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
Christopher Columbus is a big deal for Spain
Up to this day Spain celebrates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. La Fiesta Nacional de España (eng. National Day of Spain) or Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day) is a national holiday in Spain. The celebration started in 1935 and takes place on October 12th. It commemorates the day in 1492 when the first Columbus expedition claimed the Americas for Spain.
Ticket prices & opening hours
A visit to Colomares Castle is not free but it’s not expensive – €3 for adults and €2 for children and pensioners (July 2023). Opening hours change with the season but remember that monument is closed on Mondays. For current ticket prices and opening hours please visit castillomonumentocolomares.com website.
Book now: Colomares Castle Tour with Entry Ticket
Our opinion about Colomares Castle in Benalmadena
Do we recommend visiting Colomares Castle? Definitely yes. It’s a truly marvelous piece of architecture and we loved it. While there, we felt for a moment like being in some kind of a fairy tale. For us, it definitely was one of the most interesting buildings we’ve seen during our travels (check out Bateria De Castillitos in Cartagena for similar, but quite different vibes!). What surprised us the most was the fact that only 3 people built it – that’s really admirable! So to sum up – if you’re somewhere near Malaga, or Costa del Sol, don’t hesitate and visit Colomares Castle.
Travel tip. You can combine your trip to Colomares Castle with a visit to Benalmadena Pueblo, a charming Andalusian white village which is only a few steps away.
Our video from Benalmadena Pueblo and Colomares Castle
How to get to Colomares Castle in Benalmadena?
Colomares Castle is located in Benalmadena Pueblo only about 8km from Mijas Pueblo, 25km from Malaga, 80km from Nerja and 35km from Marbella. The most convenient way to get to Colomares Castle is by car or by bus.
Where to park near Colomares Castle?
There is a small parking lot available on site, right beside the road. You can also park your car in free Benalmadena Pueblo public parking, which is located only 600m from Castillo de Colomares.
To Colomares Castle by bus
Your best option is to get to Benalmadena Pueblo by bus and then from a bus stop take a short walk to Colomares Castle. There are direct and usually cheap connections from many places like Mijas, Malaga, Marbella, Estepona, or Nerja. Please check the connections you are interested in on the rome2rio.com website.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Colomares Castle?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Colomares Castle:
Where to sleep in Colomares Castle?
Hotel Casa Rosa
Hotel Casa Rosa is a charming, family-run boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque Benalmadena old town. Known for its warm hospitality and serene atmosphere, the hotel features cozy, individually decorated rooms, some offering balconies with stunning sea or mountain views. Guests can enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and easy access to local attractions, including beautiful beaches and cultural landmarks.
Boutique Hotel Pueblo
Boutique Hotel Pueblo is a delightful, family-run hotel located in the heart of the white village of Benalmadena Pueblo. This charming property offers beautifully decorated, cozy rooms with modern amenities, some featuring private balconies or terraces. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to local restaurants, shops, and beaches, it’s an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway on the Costa del Sol.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
