(last update: September 2022)
Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Benalmadena? You came to the right place!
Unlike the rest of the information out there, I’ve written this article after living next to Benalmadena for a number of years and knowing the location inside out. That means that you get the best local information and tips that have been tested over time, and also useful tips on popular tourist traps to avoid.
Are you ready to dive in and get inspired?
Best Things to do in Benalmadena: The Highlights
Here is a quick glance at the best things to do in Benalmadena, which is followed by a more detailed list of the activities including pictures:
- Explore Benalmadena Pueblo
- Enjoy a Coffee at Plaza de Espana
- Take a Walk in Jardines del Muro
- Visit the Buddhist Temple (Stupa Budista)
- Visit The Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmadena)
- Enjoy a Drink with a View at Cupula Lounge
- Visit Castillo Colomares
- Visit the Cactus Gardens at Paloma Park
- Book a Boat Trip from the Marina
- Visit the Bil Bil Castle (Castillo de El Bil Bil)
- Visit the Sea Life Benalmadena
- Take a Stroll on the Promenade
- Dine by the Sea
- Take a Day Trip to Bioparc in Fuengirola
- Take a Day Trip to Malaga
My Tips for the Best Things to do in Benalmadena
These are my hand-picked favourite spots, places to see and things to do in Benalmadena.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions were left out on purpose – check the bottom of the post to see which ones and why. They are regularly listed in roundups on other websites, but I personally consider them tourist traps.
But let’s start with the cool things to do and see in Benalmadena!
1. Explore Benalmadena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo feels like a completely different town compared to the coastal district.
It maintains much of the original charm of an old Andalusian village and if you visit outside of the main season, you will see mostly locals sipping their morning coffee.
Situated at 250m high hills, it offers spectacular views of the coastline and in my opinion far better option to enjoy the views than taking the Cable Car.
Start your walk at the main village square and head down south through the small cobbled streets until you find a favourite spot to stop for a coffee break.
Most of the restaurants and establishments are in and around Plaza de Espana (map location here), with most dining options available at Av. de Chorillo.
Beware of the traffic, as even in the smallest streets there are still cars passing by.
2. Enjoy a Coffee at Plaza de Espana
One of the main village squares happens to be one of the more quiet ones too.
There is a handful of restaurants with fruit tree-covered terraces, from where you can watch life go by.
The square is centred around the small roundabout and surrounded by old buildings, so there isn’t much of a view to enjoy here.
It’s a lovely place to hide from the sun in the summer and plan your next steps. (location on map here)
3. Take a Walk in Jardines del Muro
If you continue walking from Plaza de Espana, you will end up at the edge of Benalmadena Pueblo – at Muro Gardens.
The gardens have a small church at the beginning and a playground just behind it.
From behind the church, you get some of the best views in Benalmadena – you can see the pueblo stretching just beneath your feet, and from the opposite side are gorgeous views of the coastline.
Just between the trees, you can also spot Castillo Colomares.
There is a pathway on the side of the park that leads you through the cascading gardens and directly to Cupula Lounge (more on that below).
You can also access the main road from the bottom of the hill – the road leads directly to Castillo Colomares.
(location on map here)
4. Visit the Buddhist Temple (Stupa Budista)
The large Buddhist temple is located by the main road just outside of Benalmadena Pueblo.
It was built as a Buddhist monument to peace, prosperity, and harmony and as the ideal place for reflection and meditation. It’s open every day except Monday till 6 pm, with a siesta break between 2 pm and 4 pm.
There is a viewing platform right next to it with some of the best coastal views around (best to enjoy at sunset time).
(location on the map here)
5. Visit The Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmadena)
If you’re already by the Buddhist temple, it would be a shame to miss a visit to Butterfly Park!
It’s located right next to it, so you just cross the road to enter.
Mariposario de Benalmadena is the largest space in Europe dedicated solely to butterflies and it is truly impressive. The sheer number of butterflies you will see as soon as you enter is breathtaking.
They buzz around looking like they just hit rush hour on the highway and you are not sure where to look first – admire the plants, try to see one of them land on a flower or follow the sound of the waterfalls coming from the back of the greenhouse.
There are over 1500 butterflies (of 150 different species) in the park and you really get a sense of the sheer number of them as soon as you walk in.
As with any beauty – it fades with time – these butterflies have a lifespan of 2-3 weeks but are constantly being replaced by newborns.
Read more in my other article here.
(location on the map here)
6. Enjoy a Drink with a View at Cupula Lounge
If you look down the hill from Muro Gardens you will see a white and blue cupola sticking out between the trees. It’s the home of La Cupula Lounge, a quirky lounge and bistro offering cocktails, food and live music.
It’s set in a spectacular location overlooking the coastline, hidden in the shade of trees with gardens stretching on each end.
It’s very popular among locals so if you want to visit at weekend, it’s best to book a table.
(location on map here)
7. Visit Castillo Colomares
Towering over the surrounding nature and blending perfectly with the buildings nearby, it’s nearly impossible to spot the Castillo Colomares until you get closer.
Once you do, you realize it’s not a castle, but a monument dedicated to no other than Christopher Columbus.
The monument tells a story of the discovery of the new world and was built between 197 and 1994 by Dr. D. Esteban MartÃn.
As the author explains, the hero of the story, sailor Colon was part of the expedition of Columbus funded heavily by the Catholic Monarchs in Spain.
It features three ships that were part of the exhibition, and you will also find here the smallest chapel in the world. Now that’s something!
Read more in my original article here.
(location on the map here)
8. Visit the Cactus Gardens at Paloma Park
Dubbed the ‘Most Beautiful Park on Costa del Sol’, Paloma Park will certainly make you feel like you’re visiting an exotic destination in Thailand, and not strolling through the middle of a town in Spain.
200 square meters of gorgeous lush surroundings with sea views, exotic tree varieties and bunnies chasing running around in the grass – what’s not to love here?
The absolute highlight for me was the cactus garden, in fact, Europe’s richest collections of cacti and succulents.
Just the sheer size of them is breathtaking and you will feel like Alice in Wonderland as you walk through here.
Read more in my original blog post here.
(location on map here)
9. Book a Boat Trip from Benalmadena Marina
With its striking architectural style, shopping options and restaurants, the Marina in Benalmadena certainly has plenty to look at.
There are a number of companies offering boat trips all summer round, or you can rent a private boat to explore the coastline on your own.
(location on the map here)
10. Visit the Bil Bil Castle (Castillo de El Bil Bil)
Bil Bil Castle is a striking building on the coastline, owned by the local council.
Inside you will find 5 rooms built around a central patio. The castle is used for various exhibitions and events.
The beautiful colour and architectural style is a result of Islamic influence that inspired the architect when it was built in 1930. It has changed owners a few times since then until it was acquired by the municipality and saved from complete demolition.
It’s a lovely stop on a promenade stroll and a beautiful photography location.
11. Visit the Sea Life Benalmadena
The Sea Life park is located at the edge of the Marina.
If you’re looking for something to do with kids, the park is a great option because it offers an opportunity to educate kids about the animals and it’s done in an interactive and fun way.
It’s relatively compact in size and certainly not as impressive as some of the bigger aquariums I’ve seen before (Dubai comes to mind), but it’s a fun afternoon for the whole family and a very welcome break from the scorching heat in the summer.
I personally found it a little overpriced – but that’s probably because we bought the tickets on the spot instead of buying online.
On-the-spot adult tickets are nearly 17 eur per person, while online you pay only 12 eur.
It has one large tank with a tunnel walkway and other themed fish tanks spread throughout the premises.
12. Take a Stroll on the Promenade
The promenade stroll is one of my favourite things to do whether in Benalmadena or elsewhere.
The promenade is lined with small shops and restaurants, so you can take a break to enjoy the sea views. In the summer, you might get annoyed by the number of street sellers spreading their fake goods on the pavements, but that’s just one of the realities of a popular holiday destination.
The majority of the restaurants on the promenade are Chiringuitos, and the food quality is pretty bad and most of them are also quite overpriced. If you’re looking for a better dining experience, you will have to head away from the coastline (my personal favourites are Lime & Lemon Restaurant close to Bil Bil Castle, Yucas Mare Restaurant just outside Benalmadena and El Scorpio in Benalmadena Pueblo).
13. Dine by the Sea
No, I don’t mean to have a lunch at Chiringuito.
You should head over to Yucca’s, the place to be for amazing food and even better views!
Check out the full article here.
14. Take a Day Trip to Bioparc in Fuengirola
Bioparc in Fuengirola is not your traditional ZOO.
The park was developed in the middle of the city to provide a safe haven for animals, but also to contribute to the education and preservation of endangered species. It looks and feels like you’re entering a botanical garden, not a ZOO with animals.
If you’re visiting with kids or without, it is well worth making the short train journey to see this jungle in the middle of the city.
You can find out more details, opening times and prices in my original article here.
15. Take a Day Trip to Malaga
If you’re visiting Costa del Sol, it would be a shame to miss a trip to its main city – Malaga. It may not have the cultural heritage gems of Seville or Granada, but in a short day trip you can see a lot, all within a walking distance.
If you’re into art, you can trace the roots of Picasso’s birthplace in a museum situated in his birth house, or see some of his work in the Picasso museum. For those who prefer outdoor adventures, visiting the Alcazaba and nearby Castillo Gibralfaro is highly recommended. If you want to venture out of the city, you can catch one of the boat or catamaran trips out of Muelle Uno.
If you need more inspiration on what to do in Malaga, check out this category to see more ideas.
I hope you enjoyed these recommendations – I will keep updating the list with new discoveries and tips as I continue exploring Benalmadena.
If you have a tip of your own, feel free to leave a comment below!
Best Things to Do in Benalmadena: Your Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Benalmadena?
The top attractions include the Buddhist temple, the Butterfly Park and old town Benalmadena.
What are the most popular things to do in Benalmadena with children?
Kids would love a visit to the Butterfly Park just outside of the old town, or taking a boat trip from Benalmadena Marina. The Sea Life in the marina and Paloma Park is also worth visiting with kids.
What are the best inexpensive things to do in Benalmadena?
If you’re looking for free things to do in Benalmadena, these may include: exploring the old town of Benalmadena, visiting Benalmadena Marina, Paloma Park and taking a stroll on the beach promenade.
Tourist Traps to Avoid
Cable Car
For me, the cable car is a bit of a tourist trap as it’s advertised as one of the best views of Benalmadena when you can get spectacular coastal views from pretty much anywhere in Benalmadena Pueblo.
It takes you to the top of a mountain where they have a small display of birds, but that’s about it. It’s a pass for me, but you might enjoy it.
If you want to see the mountain you can also take one of the few hiking routes that will take you there – that way you get in a bit of exercise too.
Tivoli Amusement Park
I’m not a big fan of amusement parks and this one certainly comes with a bad reputation (being overpriced, in bad condition etc).
Aqualand
Even with a small child, I’ve never visited a water park because the idea of spending a holiday among dozens of screaming water-splashing kids sounds more like a punishment for me.
I think the coastline offers plenty of options for kids to enjoy the water in more natural surroundings, but that’s just a personal preference. If your kids love slides and all the extra activities, they will certainly enjoy a day in Aqualand (located outside of Benalmadena, in Torremolinos).
Selwo Marina Benalmadena
I have actually visited this place and had very mixed feelings about it. In terms of value for money, it’s certainly quite expensive, especially if you don’t buy your tickets in advance online. If you would like to see some animals, I would highly recommend visiting the Bioparc in Fuengirola instead of this marina park. I have added more details about what I didn’t like about the place here.
Most Popular Activities & Day Trips in Benalmadena
Here is a selection of some fun activities and day trips from Benalmadena – these are independently organized tours with pick-up from the town. To see available dates and check the prices please click on the link for each activity.
- Caminito Del Rey Guided Tour – with pick up from Benalmadena, a guided tour of the famous walkway along the El Chorro Gorge, with transportation, entrance fees and tour guide included.
- Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Benalmadena – explore the coast of Benalmadena from a boat, enjoy a trip that includes spotting dolphins in their natural habitat, swimming and sunbathing on the boat.
- Day Trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas – see one of the wonders of Andalusia, the Puente Nuevo in Ronda with one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and admire the houses built into massive rock formations in Setenil. Includes pick up from Benalmadena, a tour guide, a glass of Ronda wine, and entry to Palacio Mondragon.
- Day Trip to Granada with Tour of Alhambra – see one of the most famous monuments in Andalusia, the palace complex of Alhambra with a tour guide with a pick up from Benalmadena.
- Day Trip to Gibraltar – enjoy a trip to the UK territory with free time for shopping and an optional visit to the Nature Reserve with a guide.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
Explore More Around Benalmadena
How to Spend One Day in Benalmadena
How to Get from Malaga to Benalmadena: Complete Transport Guide
El Gecko Beach Shack, Benalmádena
The Best Benalmadena Restaurants: Top Picks by a Local Expat
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden: A Hidden Oasis in Torremolinos
Fuengirola Tourist Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Southern Spain Travel Planning Guide
Is it safe to drive in Spain?
YES! The roads in Southern Spain are generally in very good condition, with modern highways connecting the biggest cities. To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, which will get you the best deals on your car rental for your trip.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO DRIVE?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT — Southern Spain has a well-established and modern network of trains and buses. To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.
DAY TRIPS — If you don’t like the hassle of using public transport, local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.
WHERE SHOULD I BOOK MY ACCOMMODATION?
BOOKING.COM — I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and have never had any negative experiences. Their reviews are very accurate and you get the best deals even on apartments, not just hotels.
ARE THERE LUGGAGE STORE OPTIONS IN THE CITIES?
YES — If you would like to leave your luggage behind to explore the city on your last day, before heading to the airport, you can use Radical Storage service, which lets you book luggage storage options in almost all the destinations in Southern Spain.
DO I NEED TO BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD FOR THIS TRIP?
YES – You can, of course, use your own card if you have roaming data available. If you want to avoid surprising extra charges from your operator, you can use a service like Airalo, where you can buy digital packs for e-sim cards, avoiding the hassle of sourcing local physical sim cards and extra roaming charges anywhere you go.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
