Colomares Castle is a mosaic-covered monument to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the Americas, built between 1987 and 1994 by a local doctor named Esteban Martín Martín. It is not a medieval castle. It looks like one – the towers, arches and inscriptions could pass for something from the 13th century – but every stone was laid within the last 40 years by a man who simply decided to build it.
Entry costs €3 for adults. Inside is the world's smallest church, officially recognised by the Guinness World Records at 1.96 m².
- 01Entry costs €3 for adults, €2 for children and pensioners – no advance booking required for self-guided visits.
- 02The castle is closed every Monday regardless of season.
- 03Inside is the Iglesia de Santa Isabel de Hungría – 1.96 m², the world's smallest church according to Guinness World Records.
- 04The castle was built by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín with two masons from Mijas between 1987 and 1994.
- 05Guided tours in English or Spanish are available via GetYourGuide – 40 minutes, includes entry ticket.
- 06From Benalmádena Costa, a taxi takes around 9 minutes. By bus, take the service to Benalmádena Pueblo then walk uphill.
- 07Plan 45–90 minutes depending on whether you take a guided tour or explore independently.
Opening Hours by Season
| Season | Days Open | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00–20:00 |
| Summer | Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–21:00 |
| Autumn | Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Winter | Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00–18:00 |
Closed Every Monday
What Is Colomares Castle?
Dr. Esteban Martín Martín began building in 1987 with just two masons from the nearby village of Mijas – Juan Blanco and Domingo Núñez. The project took seven years and was completed in 1994.
The monument is a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the voyages that connected Europe to the Americas. Every surface carries inscriptions, mosaics, towers and archways built in a mix of architectural styles. From the outside it reads as a fantasy medieval fortress.
It is one of the more unusual things to visit on the Costa del Sol – not because of its history, but because of what one person decided to build with their own money in their back garden.
The World's Smallest Church
Inside the castle is the Iglesia de Santa Isabel de Hungría. At 1.96 m², it holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest church in the world.
It sits on the third floor and fits one person at a time comfortably. There is an altar, religious imagery and enough detail to make it feel like a genuine place of worship rather than a curiosity. Most visitors spend longer photographing it than the record suggests is physically possible.
Self-Entry vs Guided Tour
Two ways to visit:
Self-entry costs €3.00 at the gate. No advance booking needed. You explore independently at your own pace – 45 to 90 minutes is the typical range. The site does not currently offer an official audio guide.
Guided tour via GetYourGuide costs around €10.55 per person and includes entry plus a guide in English or Spanish. The tour runs for approximately 40 minutes and meets at the castle entrance. For first-time visitors who want context on the architecture, inscriptions and Columbus references, the guided option adds genuine value.
Groups of 25 or more can also book a personalised guided talk directly through the official site at an extra €0.50 per person on top of the entry fee.
Getting There
Address: Finca La Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga
The castle is near Benalmádena Pueblo, around 6 km from the coast. It is not walkable from the beach strip.
By taxi: Around 9 minutes from Benalmádena Costa. The easiest option if you are staying on the coast. Taxis are available at Puerto Marina and along the main strip.
By bus: Services from Arroyo de la Miel stop near Benalmádena Pueblo. From the Pueblo centre it is a short uphill walk to the castle. Check local bus schedules on arrival as routes can change seasonally.
By car: Follow signs for Benalmádena Pueblo from the A-7. Parking is reported near the entrance – free or paid status is not confirmed on the official site, so check on arrival.
Combined visit: The castle pairs well with the Stupa Benalmádena (500 metres away, free entry) and the Monowa Butterfly Garden nearby. All three in one morning is a practical half-day in the Pueblo.
Full guide to Benalmádena Pueblo and the hills
Exploring the wider Pueblo? Benalmádena Pueblo guide covers the Stupa, Monowa Butterfly Garden, restaurants and free viewpoints all within walking distance of the castle.
Is It Worth €3?
Yes. The price makes it an easy decision even if the castle turns out not to be your thing. The mosaic work and architectural detail are genuinely impressive up close, the smallest church is a legitimate curiosity, and the views from the upper towers cover the coast below.
The guided tour at €10.55 is worth considering for the context it adds – the inscriptions and symbolism throughout the monument make more sense with someone explaining them.
Renovation Closures
Pair it with the Stupa and the butterfly garden for a full Pueblo morning, mapped out in the Benalmádena guide.
