The first half of 2026 has looked like a building site on Benalmadena’s front, but things are starting to look good at last. Workers have finally finished the major project to update Castillo El Bil-Bil in Benalmadena. The local council invested almost €1 million to protect this key heritage site and boost its role in tourism and culture across the Costa del Sol.

Funding sources behind comprehensive upgrades

Council officials allocated €654,000 from European funds linked to national resilience programmes. Benalmadena council covered the remaining costs. This budget supported full modernisation of facilities, better accessibility throughout the building, interior restorations, facade repairs, better climate systems and energy efficiency steps such as new photovoltaic panels.

Local politicians praise heritage achievements

Juan Antonio Lara, mayor of Benalmadena, described the project as one of the largest recent efforts in local historic preservation. Lara said that El Bil-Bil now appears refreshed, easier to reach, more energy efficient and ready to serve as a leading cultural and tourist reference for the city.

Lara visited the site with Presi Aguilera, councillor for heritage and tourism, and stressed how this work recovers fresh areas for residents and guests while strengthening El Bil-Bil as an icon of the Costa del Sol and a showcase for Benalmadena’s identity.

New facilities better visitor experience

The council has created a dedicated tourist information office inside the castle. Additional zones now promote local history, culture and gastronomy, giving visitors a richer experience of the quirky little castle with elements of characteristic Benalmadena traditions.

The initiative has been another step in the right direction in the council plans to strengthen tourist and cultural assets across the town. Improved conservation makes sure El Bil-Bil continues drawing guests year-round and supports ongoing activities in social, cultural and tourism fields that project a positive image of the area both in Spain and internationally.

The project represents a clear commitment to balancing historic protection with modern demands, making Benalmadena stronger for future visitors seeking authentic experiences on the Costa del Sol.

Torremolinos has launched a huge security operation to handle the busy summer influx while maintaining order and supporting everyone in town.

Enhanced resources deployed since early June

Local authorities activated the 2026 plan on June 1, which features 15 beach police auxiliaries, 12 bicycle-mounted local police officers, and a new drone unit that assists with monitoring crowded areas, events, and coastal zones.

Mayor welcomes new team members

Margarita del Cid, mayor of Torremolinos, greeted the 15 beach auxiliaries who now supplement existing coastal patrols. “Local officials reinforce frontline beach presence this year to prevent offences and monitor any conduct that breaches local rules,” Del Cid explained. She said that the full security setup includes those 15 beach auxiliaries, 12 bicycle police officers, and the fresh drone capability for video oversight of the shoreline and the promenade.

Year-round role for beach support staff

Beach auxiliary police will continue duties beyond September, unlike previous patterns, to continue safety levels through all seasons.

These workers provide information, assistance, and oversight on the promenade and beach areas, a little like special constables. Particular focus falls on enforcing rules against unauthorised street vending, and making proper use of public spaces is kept in line with local rules.

How mobile police units will improve response times

Bicycle police teams will enable quicker, more approachable action to be taken in high-traffic tourist and pedestrian spots. Officers can carry out preventive patrols, looky-looky checks, bylaw enforcement, and direct help for locals and guests during peak summer months.

Drone technology adds aerial oversight

A brand new drone unit this summer is to strengthen operational surveillance, prevention, and police coordination across busy locations.

Close collaboration between beach auxiliaries, local police, and lifeguard services creates an integrated approach. This setup addresses demands from the sharp rise in population during high season.

Results from previous summer operations

Officials recorded 272 interventions in the coastal zone in summer 2025. Actions covered assistance to holidaymakers, public order maintenance, vehicle traffic management, and street selling control.

Seized materials from unauthorised looky-looky sellers and items found in public spaces totalled around a whopping 6.6 tonnes. Such activity creates unfair competition for legitimate traders paying rents on their legal shops while linking to wider concerns, including money laundering and counterfeit imports.

Torremolinos officials hope to balance tourism growth with community wellbeing through these targeted measures.

At some point in life we all need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or someone to lend a helping hand. The famous poet John Donne reminded us that “no man is an island“.

For many of our older English-speaking community, family may have moved away or sadly passed away. Friends who we relied on are no longer around, and every day challenges are harder to cope with alone. That is why Age Concern Marbella plays such an important role in our community.

Friendship, support & advice

The organisation provides friendship, support and advice as well as practical assistance to those who need it most. Whether it’s helping someone navigate Spanish paperwork, offering information about local services, arranging social activities or simply providing a much-needed conversation, Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro is there to help our community stay connected and independent.

Loneliness and social isolation can affect any one of us, but no one should have to face it alone. That’s what everyone associated with Age Concern strives to ensure each day.

When everyone disappears for the summer

As we approach summer, friends and family will reunite over the holidays. It can be a testing time for many of our older neighbours who are on their own. Age Concern understand that. That is why their 6 friendly drop-in coffee mornings will remain open throughout the summer. At each one you are guaranteed a friendly welcome from like-minded people where conversation flows and new friendships are forged. Age Concern covers an area that includes Marbella, San Pedro, Benavista and Elviria.

If you need them or have a little spare time to help them, please call our helpline on 689 35 51 98. Their lines are open every weekday from 10am to 6pm. A trained and knowledgeable volunteer will be able to answer your questions.

Or you can drop them a line, together with a daytime phone number, so they can call you back at info@ageconcernmarbella.com.

Now, there’s no need to feel alone because Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro are always by your side.