10 Best Things to Do in Benalmadena Pueblo (+ Local Tips)
Are you visiting Benalmadena? You shouldn’t miss Benalmadena Pueblo, the old town.
It’s my favourite area of Benalmadena because it keeps its charm and authenticity compared to others.
It gives you a taste of what a typical Andalusian Pueblo is.
Whilst many travellers visit and stay in Benalmadena, they often miss out on the historic town, and I want to clarify that the town is divided into three main areas: Benalmadena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Pueblo.
I’ve already written a detailed guide on the best things to do in Benalmadena, but I want to focus on Benalmadena Pueblo for this one.
Despite being a small area, there are quite a few things to do and see.
White-painted houses, narrow streets decorated with plants, beautiful and cosy squares, and, of course, historical buildings.
As a Costa del Sol local, I want to take you to Benalmadena Pueblo with me on this guide so you can discover this forgotten but beautiful area. It won’t disappoint you.
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How to get to Benalmadena Pueblo
If you stay in Benalmadena Costa or Arroyo de la Miel, you can easily get to Benalmadena Pueblo by taking the M-121 – Mijas-Benalmádena-Torremolinos bus.
It takes 30 minutes from Puerto Marina and 10 minutes from Arroyo de la Miel.
However, if you have a car, arriving in Benalmadena Pueblo will take you less time. But I would like to mention two things about driving there. First, Benalmadena is hilly to drive in. Second, it isn’t always easy to park in Benalmadena Pueblo as there aren’t many spaces.
If you drive towards the Stupa, you might find more parking spaces.
Things to do in Benalmadena Pueblo
1. Wander the town streets
My favourite thing to do in Benalmadena Pueblo is to wander its streets.
As with many Andalusian whitewashed towns, it’s made of many small cobblestone streets that are home to white-painted houses.
Locals take pride in decorating the street by making their house facade and balconies pretty with flowers, plants and, sometimes, tiles.
I can’t recommend enough strolling along the old town without a map or a plan first. That’s the magic of discovering its lovely streets.
2. See Plaza de España
Plaza de España is Benalmadena Pueblo main square. It has a beautiful fountain in the middle with a statue of La Niña de Benalmadena (Benalmadena’s Little Girl), so this square is sometimes called La Niña by locals.
I thought there were initially two squares, Plaza de España and Plaza de la Niña, but they are actually the same square.
This pretty and cosy square is surrounded by a couple of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, making it a lovely place to enjoy an alfresco evening meal.
3. Visit Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Another important building in Benalmadena Pueblo is Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. This church, located in Jardines del Muro, is a gem.
The church is beautiful on the outside but on the inside too.
Inside, you can see numerous religious statues, including the Benalmadena Virgin (Virgen de la Cruz), El Cautivo, Virgen de los Dolores and more.
The colourful stained glasses are also quite impressive.
I visited it with my mum last time, and she ended up buying a few gifts for my grandma who is a believer. You might want to buy something too.
4. Take in the views from Jardines del Muro
Jardines del Muro is the place to go for a gorgeous coastal view. The garden was built into what used to be Benalmadena’s walls, and archaeological remains can be appreciated.
Walk the gardens, take in the views, and visit the church (mentioned above). You might also want to stop by La Cupula Lounge for a drink and live music.
5. Discover the architectural gem of Castillo de Colomares
Colomares Castle is one of the highlights of visiting Benalmadena old town.
Although its name suggests that it’s a castle, it’s in fact a monument in the shape of a castle. It was built to commemorate the life and adventures of Christopher Colombus.
The architecture is simply exquisite. The details that went into building this monument really make it worth a visit.
I’ve visited quite a few times and love to go back every year or so.
Don’t expect a big “castle” like you’d see in places like Sintra, Portugal, but you can’t really judge a place for its size.
After learning more about Colomares Castle, I suggest spending some time in the gardens and taking in the coastal views. My main advice is not to rush your visit.
Also, this castle is all over social media now, so it does get busy. Plus many tours do take you there. If possible, avoid peak season and weekends for a more tranquil experience.
I’d even say many travellers only come to Benalmadena Pueblo just for the castle and forget or don’t know there’s more to it.
6. Visit the Stupa de la Iluminación
Did you know Benalmadena has one of the most unique Buddhist temples in the world?
It’s a building that represents peace, mediation and personal growth.
According to Buddhism, there are eight different types of Tibetan stupas. Each one symbolises an important life event of Shakyamuni Buddha.
This specific temple in Benalmadena represents the enlightenment of the mind.
Each stupa is built taking into consideration precise instructions about the architecture and design.
It’s beautiful from the outside, but I recommend going inside to see the numerous unique objects related to Buddhism.
The viewpoint next to the stupa is absolutely gorgeous too.
7. Go to Mariposario de Benalmadena
The Butterfly Park of Benalmadena is among the best things to do in Benalmadena with kids, but it isn’t only a place for families.
Located near the Stupa of Benalmadena, the butterfly park is inside a beautiful Thai temple. Once you enter, you’ll be surrounded by bright flowers, plants and small cascades and will see plenty of butterflies.
There are over 1000 exotic butterflies to spot and learn about. However, they have other small animals running freely, such as turtles, fish and birds.
I enjoyed my visit but would avoid visiting it in summer as it’s like a greenhouse. It’s really warm, and there’s not much ventilation.
🎫 Book your tickets to the Butterfly Park here
8. Stop by the local independent shops
El Jardín de las Naranjas shop
Whenever I travel in my region, I make sure I support local businesses by buying a little something or giving them a shoutout for being unique.
Many of these shop owners don’t have a big budget to promote themselves and sometimes struggle to bring customers because they don’t have the right support.
In this case, I want to mention El Jardín de las Naranjas shop, a beautiful shop in the old town of Benalmadena.
It stands out for its floral decor and sells a wide range of products that can easily be a treat for yourself or a unique gift for someone else.
You can find Danish-style soft toys, home decor and dresses. However, they also sell cruelty-free creams and fragrances.
The owner, Marzia, is very friendly and will always be happy to help you find the right thing for you.
A Sol y Sombra
Another lovely independent shop worth mentioning is A Sol y Sombra located next to Plaza de Andalucía.
Its outdoor decorations stand out, with beautiful straw-made cacti and animals, such as pigs and donkeys. Inside the shop, you’ll also find other items to decorate your house and chic accessories, from traditional Spanish combs (peinetas) and fans to gorgeous paintings.
It’s the perfect place to buy something that will remind you of Andalucia as all the products are certified and made in the region.
I love this shop run by Natalia. She’s very friendly, and although she isn’t from Andalucia but Catalonia, she has a great understanding of our local products and traditions.
9. Grab a pastry from Pan Deluxe Bakery
If you’re looking for good pastries and coffee, check out Pan Deluxe Bakery at the beginning of Benalmadena Pueblo.
This little corner bakery and coffee shop has Scandinavian and organic products, from sourdough to croissants and tarts.
It’s a cosy cafe, but one of its best features is its outdoor terrace with stunning ocean views.
Their prices are higher than those of other bakery shops, but again, you’re getting bread and pastries made with organic products, which is something to keep in mind.
10. Visit Museo de arte precolombino
Museo de arte precolombino is the only museum in Benalmadena Pueblo, and it isn’t the typical local museum where you’ll learn about the town, but pre-Columbian art that includes objects from countries such as Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador.
If you wonder why there is a pre-Columbian art museum in Benalmadena, the answer is that the Mexican painter, writer, and anthropologist Dr. Felipe Orlando García-Murciano donated his private art collection to the Benalmadena council as he spent many years until his death in the town.
The only sign of local culture is the actual building. The architecture blends with the rest of the town.
Where to stay in Benalmadena Pueblo
Hotel La Fonda de Benalmádena
If you want to stay in the heart of Benalmadena Pueblo, La Fonda Hotel is a fantastic option. This four-star hotel is a short walk from Plaza de España and Jardines del Muro.
The hotel was designed with elements of Greek, Arab, and Andalusian architecture, which can be seen in the rooms and facilities.
Each room has comfortable beds, air conditioning, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Depending on the room, you’ll have mountain or sea views.
Wondering about facilities? The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, a spa and a gym, private parking, and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
🛏️ Check out availability and prices here
Conclusion about Benalmadena Old Town
Is Benalmadena Pueblo worth visiting? For me, the answer is yes. Despite its size, it has unique and beautiful attractions and offers a different experience from Benalmadena Costa.
On a day trip from Benalmadena, other nearby historic towns you might want to visit include Marbella Old Town and Estepona Old Town. The latter is considered the best on the Costa del Sol, but I prefer Marbella.
Do you want more information about Benalmadena? Check out my other Benalmadena travel guides or join my Facebook group where you can connect with me and ask questions.
Enjoy your time in Benalmadena!
Cristina
Save this guide to the historic centre of Benalmadena for later
Things to do before visiting Benalmadena
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Are you looking for accommodation in Benalmadena? Get the best hotel deals on Booking.com
- Check out this Malaga food guide to discover the traditional food in Malaga.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Benalmadena and Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance with SafetyWing for your trip. This is a must for any holiday.
Looks stunning! Is the weather good most high season and shoulder months?
Hi Carmen! I’m glad you like it. The short answer to your question is yes. It barely rains. It is often sunny and very warm compared to Northern Spain and other European countries.