Buckle up for a journey to Colomares Castle in Andalusia, where history takes a whimsical twist! The first time I saw a glimpse of this castle was through a drone video of a friend of mine on Instagram. My mouth fell on the floor and I immediately looked up this fairytale place and added it to my bucket list of places I want to visit one day!
And finally! We just returned from a whirlwind trip around Andalusia in Spain where I was able to see Colomares Castle with my own eyes!
This isn’t your typical medieval fortress; it’s a fantastical tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, complete with fairytale turrets, intricate mosaics, and hidden nooks that spark the imagination.
Nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Benalmádena, Colomares Castle is like a page from a storybook, inviting you to explore its unique blend of architectural styles that celebrate Spain’s rich heritage.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know before visiting the spectacular Colomares Castle!
Interesting Facts about Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle, located in Benalmádena, Andalusia, is a monument rich in history and architectural beauty. Here are some interesting facts about this unique structure:
- Tribute to Christopher Columbus – The castle is dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus. It was built to commemorate the discovery of America, making it a significant monument in Spanish history.
- Architectural Melting Pot – Colomares Castle showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar, reflecting the diverse influences in Spanish history.
- Built in the 20th Century – Unlike many historical castles, Colomares was constructed relatively recently, between 1987 and 1994, by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín, who was inspired by the tales of Columbus’s voyages.
- World’s Largest Monument to Columbus – At the time of its completion, it was considered the largest monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus in the world.
- Home to the Smallest Church – The castle houses what was once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest church in the world, measuring a mere 1.96 square meters.
- Panoramic Views – Situated on a hill, the castle offers stunning views of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea, making it not only a place of historical interest but also a scenic spot.
How to get to Colomares Castle
Getting to Colomares Castle in Benalmádena, Andalusia, is straightforward, whether you’re driving or using public transportation:
- By Car – If you’re coming from Málaga or other nearby cities, take the A-7 motorway towards Benalmádena. Follow the signs to Benalmádena Pueblo, and from there, local signage will direct you to Colomares Castle. There’s parking available near the castle.
- By Public Transport – From Málaga, take a train (Cercanías C1 line) to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel station. From the station, you can catch a bus or a taxi to Benalmádena Pueblo, and then follow the signs or take another local bus or taxi directly to Colomares Castle.
- By Bus – Direct buses to Benalmádena Pueblo are available from various points along the Costa del Sol. Once in the pueblo, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the castle.
Remember to check the latest schedules for trains and buses, as they can vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
🚗 Rent a car in Spain by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
🅿️ PARKING – There’s a big enough parking lot right in front of Colomares Castle. It can hold up to 15 cars, which is usually more than enough. Colomares Castle isn’t yet on a lot of tourists their radar.
How to visit Colomares Castle
Check Opening Hours – Before your visit, check the castle’s current opening hours, as they can vary by season and may be subject to change.
Opening hours Colomares Castle – From 10am until 8pm. Closed on Monday. In the winter the castle closes at 6pm. During the summer months the castle is closed during siësta time from 2pm until 5pm.
Getting There – You can reach Colomares Castle by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transportation from Málaga or other locations along the Costa del Sol, taking a train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel and then a bus or taxi to the castle.
Purchase Tickets – Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the castle. It’s a good idea to have cash, as card facilities may not always be available.
Entrance fee – €3 FOR ADULTS, €2 FOR CHILDREN
Guided Tours – Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the castle’s history, architecture, and its tribute to Christopher Columbus.
`🎫 CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR TO COLOMARES CASTLE
Explore at Your Pace – Allow yourself enough time to explore the castle’s intricate details, architectural styles, and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
💡 TIP – There are QR codes to scan which provide information.
The best time to visit Colomares Castle
The best time to visit Colomares Castle in Benalmádena, Andalusia, is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) months. During these times, the weather in southern Spain is mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the castle’s intricate architecture and outdoor areas without the intense heat of the summer.
While the castle is open year-round, visiting during these milder months ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique tribute to Christopher Columbus and the stunning views of the Costa del Sol.
⏰ BEST TIME OF THE DAY – I recommend visiting Colomares Castle in the evening. A visit doesn’t take longer than 1 hour so if you go around 7pm you’ll have fewer people and softer light to take photos.
For instance, we arrived a little after 10am and there were already a couple of other groups visiting and after 30 minutes the sun’s position was unavoidable in every single photograph.
Where to stay
The Colomares Castle is located close to Malaga, so either Malaga or Marbella is a good option when it comes to cities to stay in.
We opted for a stay at the wonderful Kempinski Le Bahia in Estepona. An amazing 5⭐️ luxury resort that is ideally located to also explore other places in the area such as Ronda, Juzcar and other beautiful Andalusian villages.
If you have any questions about how to visit Andalusia in Spain or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Andalusia
10 Days in Andalusia: The Perfect Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary
The Very Best 7 Day Andalusia Travel Itinerary
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9 Very Best Things To Do In Granada, Spain
The Perfect Seville 3 Day Itinerary
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15 Incredible Things To Do in Seville
Visit The 10 Most Beautiful White Villages In Andalusia
9 Very Best Things To Do In Cordoba, Spain
10 Very Best Things To Do In Ronda, Spain
Juzcar – The Blue Village of Andalusia in Spain
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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