Benalmadena Marina has opened bidding for the full redevelopment of its nautical centre. Council leaders want to improve links between the port and the town while turning the site into a better place for strolling and sea views. The port first opened in 1987 and has been due an upgrade for many years.

Investment details and timeline

Project costs will reach almost €3.5 million, and works should take around 13 months once a contractor is chosen. Offers stay open until June 25 through the standard public contracting process. Earlier board decisions backed even bigger infrastructure upgrades worth more than €3.6 million but were toned down a little.

New viewing plaza and mobility improvements

Designers plan to turn the roof of the main nautical centre building into an elevated public viewing gallery. This space will connect directly to the seafront promenade so people can walk across the structure and enjoy clear views over the docks and water. Surface parking near the centre will disappear to give over more space to pedestrian areas and extend the promenade route without interruption.

Building renovations and access improvements

A new, much more accessible ramp will link street level to the viewing gallery through landscaped ground with a lift providing step-free entry to all levels. Main tasks cover renewal of the building envelope, replacement of external windows and doors, roof waterproofing and updates to electrical, air conditioning and drainage systems. Interior spaces will be reorganised for better use. The auditorium will receive a major upgrade with a new entrance, flexible systems and improved facilities for cultural and social events. Old changing rooms will be removed while fresh service modules are built in several dock areas. Light pergolas and sail-style covers will create shade and visual links across the buildings.

Wider upgrades and next steps

Board members also approved earlier projects to move electrical transformers in the Malapesquera area for €650,000, install new access control barriers for €75,000 and carry out containment works near the harbour entrance for €95,000 euros. These steps hope to improve electrical reliability, security and protection against storms. Planners want every resident and visitor to reach the new plaza and full port area without barriers. The changes should make the nautical centre a more open destination centred on strolling and sea views.

Swedish expat Anna Pom Pom, who built a career in television as a presenter and journalist before relocating to Spain. She now runs Anna’s Pom Pom bar in Benahavis and focuses on helping local people through various initiatives that benefit those around her.

Details of the June 7 charity event in Benahavis

Doors open at the Benahavis Pool Bar from midday on Sunday 7 June for a full day of activities dedicated to assisting one local family. Everyone will receive a community warm welcome at this gathering created to provide practical help during tough times.

Musical performances and kids’ entertainment delight all ages

Lucy Indrisie performs live at 4pm. Gema Cabanillas entertains guests at 6pm. Youngsters will laugh along to the Mad Professor Show at 2pm with more activities designed especially for children. Local resident Michael Braeuel will add to the occasion further by bringing in a radio DJ who keeps the energy high all day long with popular tunes and engaging commentary.

Tombola prizes second-hand market and meals raise funds

Participants can purchase tickets for the tombola, where prizes generously donated by community individuals await winners among adults and children. Visitors can explore the second-hand market stocked with clothing, toys, decorative pieces and household goods. All sales proceeds go directly toward support for the family in need. Guests can savour spaghetti dishes prepared on site while mingling with neighbours and friends.

People can drop off donations for the tombola or market the day before the event at the bar so Anna Pom Pom can organise everything smoothly by morning. Attendees will be able to experience joy and purpose simultaneously by joining the gathering. Support flows naturally when locals unite for a good cause.

Join this occasion and help create something meaningful for everyone concerned now. Bring the whole family to share the laughter, music and generosity. For leaving donations, Anna’s Pom Pom is on Calle Malaga, number 8, parallel to the main street, and the event is at Benahavis Pool Bar in Calle Molino, Benahavis.

Beach bar operators on the Costa de Granada view June as the decisive factor that determines whether this summer will prove successful or disappointing.

Focus shines on pre-peak months

Francisco Trujillo, president of the association of Chiringuitos and Beach Entrepreneurs on the Costa Tropical, expresses confidence in July and August. He says those core months usually fill up unless major problems arise. Attention instead centres on May, June and September because those periods set the tone for overall results each year.

Beach bar operators report positive signs so far in the first of those key months. A changeable spring gave way to stronger visitor numbers that signal an excellent summer ahead.

Visitor mix shifts as heat increases

Foreign tourists dominate arrivals during these early weeks, mixing with weekend national visitors. Numbers from within Spain will rise once school holidays begin, drawing many from Granada, Jaen and Madrid. Everyone seeks relief by the sea when temperatures climb, and local businesses stand ready to welcome them.

Beaches reach good condition overall

Storms early in the year caused widespread damage across most of the Granada coastline. Recovery work has restored nearly all beaches to suitable standards. Salobrena still needs ongoing sand replacement, while crews address a broken groyne at Punta del Santo.

Authorities also plan removal of steps at several locations including Velilla, Puerta del Mar and Cotobro. Trujillo acknowledges the work started later than ideal. The council was delayed to avoid fresh storms washing away new materials, a cautious approach that delayed progress but prevented repeated setbacks.

Expectations build for full season

This careful preparation reveals efforts to maximise the entire summer window. Operators are optimistic that steady early momentum will carry through the busiest weeks. Granada families and holidaymakers from further afield continue to head down to the coast as warmer weather encourages more trips.

Local businesses are thoroughly prepared for increased footfall. With beaches largely ready and visitor interest growing, the Costa Tropical is ready for strong performance. June activity offers encouraging indications that this year could deliver positive outcomes for everyone involved in the beach economy.