Cable Car In Benalmádena, Spain: Everything You Need To Know
The Costa del Sol, and Benalmádena in particular, is known for its location right along the Mediterranean Sea which, as you can imagine, means the views along the coastline are incredible. If you’re looking for a fun activity and want to take in some of the best sea views from higher up, taking the cable car in Benalmádena to the highest point possible is the perfect activity for you. In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know about the cable car in Benalmádena, Spain from my own first-hand experience.
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Before booking your tickets, you’ll want to decide it you’d like to attend the Birds Of Prey show when you’re at the top. Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, the Birds Of Prey show mostly takes place in the afternoons/early evening. You need a separate ticket that you can purchase at the top for this show.
I highly recommend booking your tickets ahead of time because there can be a long lineup for tickets. Once you have your tickets you can head straight to the lineup to get on the cable car. Even if this is a long line-up to get on the cable car, it moved really quickly when I was there.
Benalmádena Cable Car Highlights
Incredible Views
When you take the cable car up the mountain, you’re at the highest point you could possibly get to in Benalmádena so, as you can imagine, the views are incredible.
They have a viewing area just down from the exit of the cable car so there’s lots of opportunities to get pictures.
Fun Activity For Families
Depending on what you and your family likes, riding the cable car up the mountain can be a fun experience. So if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Benalmádena, this is a great option. I usually try to avoid extra touristy activities like this but my family that was visiting wanted to go so I decided to join.
Birds Of Prey Show
There is a Birds Of Prey show that you can attend once you arrive at the top. To view the show it requires a separate ticket which you can purchase from the desk at the entrance to the Birds of Prey (just head straight and slightly to the right when you get off the cable car and you’ll see the entrance).
Make sure you check the show times before you decide when to take the cable car up so you don’t miss the show. There are usually three shows a day, starting in the afternoon. Show times depends on what time of year you’re visiting so make sure you check this first.
The actual show itself is quite neat. You’ll see some incredible birds and have the chance to be part of the show, if you want. Don’t worry, if you’d prefer to not have the birds near you, they’ll instruct you to sit in the seats to the right (looking out towards the sea). This doesn’t mean that if you sit in the main section the birds are guaranteed to get close to you, you just get to be closer to them and have more interaction with them.
There are a few opportunities to get involved in the show so make sure you put your hand up right away if you’re interested in this.
More Local Tours In Benalmádena, Spain
Riding The Cable Car In Benalmádena, Spain
I was a little hesitant about taking the cable car up the mountain because I’m not a huge fan of heights or enclosed spaces. I was happy to see that the cable car had vents in it so you get fresh air and don’t feel as ‘trapped’ as I thought I might feel.
Hiking Trails At Top
If you’d like to go even a little bit higher once you get to the top of the cable car, you have the option to hike to the very tip of the mountain. The trails are marked and it’s a fun hike up. It takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the top.
I do recommend being extra careful on your hike down. There is only a small railing so you want to make sure you’re being extra careful to not trip and I recommend keeping kids close by.
Frequently Asked Questions: Benalmádena Cable Car
How long does the cable car take to get to the top?
The Benalmádena cable car ride takes about 15 minutes to get to the top.
Are there washrooms at the top?
Yes, the bathrooms are located near the café. Just turn left once you get off the cable car.
Is there somewhere to eat at the top?
Yes, there is a café at the top.
How many people can fit in one cable car?
There is room for four people in the Benalmádena cable cars.
What is the abandoned theme park you see when riding the cable car in Benalmádena?
The theme park in Benalmádena is Tivoli World. Unfortunately, it closed in 2020 and has been sitting vacant since. On the cable car you get a good look at the park and it’s weird to see all the different rides, swings, and concession stands just sitting there empty. There is talk that it will be renovated and opened again in 2028.
All in all, riding the cable car in Benalmádena Spain is a fun afternoon activity and one of the best places to take in the views, see some incredible birds, and do a little hiking.
