Castillo de Colomares (Colomares Castle) is one of the most unusual attractions in Andalusia. Hidden among the hills of Benalmádena on Spain’s Costa del Sol, this extraordinary monument looks like a fairytale castle, with elaborate towers, decorative arches, intricate stonework and architectural details that seem to belong to several different centuries. Yet despite its medieval appearance, the entire structure was built between 1987 and 1994.

Unlike the famous castles and palaces of southern Spain, Colomares Castle was never a royal residence or defensive fortress. It was created as an architectural tribute to Christopher Columbus and his first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492. Its unusual design combines Gothic, Romanesque, Byzantine and Mudéjar influences, turning a relatively small monument into a fascinating collection of historical symbols.

Today, Colomares Castle is a rewarding stop for visitors exploring Benalmádena, Málaga and the surrounding Costa del Sol. You do not need an entire day to appreciate it, but knowing what to look for, when to arrive and how to get there can make a considerable difference to your experience.