18+ Fun Things To Do In Benalmadena By a Local
Are you looking for the best things to do in Benalmadena? You’ve come to the right place!
Being born and raised in Costa del Sol has helped me explore all the beautiful and touristy towns as well as hidden gems that only locals like me know. And although I’ve heard many people say that Benalmadena is touristy, you can undoubtedly have a more authentic and better experience if you know it well.
Benalmadena is one of the most lively towns near Malaga. Its beautiful top coastal views, fun attractions and beach bars, and its proximity to Malaga make it one of the most visited towns in Costa del Sol.
There are plenty of things to do in Benalmadena since it’s a big town divided into three main areas: Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Costa and Benalmadena Pueblo. Due to its size and variety of activities, I can say there’s something for everyone.
With my local guide, you’re going to discover the best things to do in Benalmadena, including my favourite four, which are:
- Visiting the beautiful Colomares Castle, which, by the way, isn’t a castle (I’ll explain it to you below);
- Having a picnic at Parque de la Paloma;
- Wandering the streets of Benalmadena Pueblo;
- Catching the sunset on the beach promenade.
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Best Things to Do in Benalmadena, Spain
1. Visit Puerto Marina Benalmadena
Puerto Marina is Benalmadena’s port, where you can find a shopping centre, all sorts of restaurants and bars, traditional shops and attractions like Sea Life Benalmadena.
The port is a busy, lively place where you find families with their kids, couples enjoying romantic meals, and friends going for a drink.
It’s definitely one of those places where you’ll find many tourists, see menus in different languages, hear other languages as you walk, etc.
In my opinion, Puerto Marina isn’t the best place for an authentic experience, but it’s still worth visiting. You can see the incredibly expensive yachts and take a dolphin-watching boat tour, among other activities.
One of my favourite things is walking on the promenade from below Parque de la Paloma to Puerto Marina. It’s a nice walk, especially at sunset, as you see the beach, and you can stop to eat in some bars just before arriving at Puerto Marina.
2. Have a picnic at Parque de la Paloma
This lovely park is located in the centre of Benalmadena and is just about 3 minutes from the beach. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Costa del Sol and a must-see if you love green spaces.
It’s the perfect place to relax in the afternoon, have a picnic, or exercise if you want to stay fit during your trip, and a bonus is that you can sometimes see rabbits, chickens, ducks, parrots, and other animals in the park.
Apart from the friendly animals, one of the best things to do is sit on one of the hills to view the stunning lake and watch the sunset.
Visiting Paloma Park is definitely one of the best free things to do in Benalmadena!
3. Admire Castillo de Colomares
Castillo de Colomares is one of the most beautiful attractions in Costa del Sol. This impressive castle is dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus, known as Colón in Spanish.
Dr Esteban, an American doctor, realised the lack of homage to Christopher Columbus and built this monument in the shape of a castle to commemorate Columbus’s trip to America.
As you wander, you’ll be impressed by all the architectural details from the predominant cultures at the time (Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Mudejar), and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Benalmadena, and it will blow your mind as it does to me every single time I go. Not only because of its architecture and art, but also because of its views!
The only downside I’d like to mention is that it’s become very popular, so it can get crowded at times. Also, bear in mind that it’s small.
4. Take a photo at the Buddhist Temple
The Buddhist temple, known as Stupa Benalmadena, is a beautiful building located a couple of minutes’ walk from the butterfly centre. I found it odd to see a temple like this one in Costa del Sol; however, I think it’s fascinating!
The temple was the idea of the great Buddhist Master from Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, and the local government of Benalmadena approved and supported the construction of this fantastic building.
Not only is the stupa beautiful from the outside, but inside too. Once you’re inside, it’s recommended to walk around the Stupa in a clockwise direction, and many believe that wishes made near a Stupa may come true, so don’t forget to ask for your wish!
Outside the temple, there is a small souvenir shop where you can get traditional ceramic figures and interesting books to learn about Buddhism.
📌 Tip: Go to the Buddha temple for the sunset to enjoy the beautiful views of Benalmadena from its viewpoint.
5. Wander Benalmadena Pueblo
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience than tourist attractions, you need to visit Benalmadena Old Town, where all the locals hang out. It’s one of my favourite areas.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can have traditional dishes from Costa del Sol like “pescaito frito” (fried fish), “espeto de sardinas” (grilled sardines), and “gazpacho” (cold tomato soup). But the most fascinating thing is to enjoy the beautiful white houses with colourful flowers on the balconies or windows.
In Benalmadena Pueblo, you can find Plaza de España, a small and pretty square with orange trees, restaurants and a fountain in the middle featuring Benalmadena’s symbol, “La Niña” (the girl).
Also, this area is home to Benalmadena’s archaeological museum, which houses significant collections of American and Colombian art.
6. Enjoy the coastal views from Benalmadena Cable Car
If you’re up for an exciting experience, going on Benalmadena’s cable car, known as Teleférico de Benalmádena, is a great option.
The cable car stop is in Arroyo de la Miel, close to Benalmadena train station.
I was a bit scared of going on the cable car, but I’m so glad I went. The cable car connects Benalmadena with Calamorro Mountain, and as soon as you get in it, you’ll want to take pictures of the landscape (just be careful with putting your camera through the window!)
However, it gets even better once you reach the stop and go to the top of Calamorro, as you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and even a distant view of Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.
Calamorro still has more things to offer; falconry displays, restaurants, a stargazing area, hiking trails and horse rides. For falconry displays, you must visit Jardin de Las Aguilas (Garden of Eagles), which you’ll see as soon as you walk up to Calamorro.
The garden is dedicated to raising and protecting birds of prey, such as eagles, owls, kites, and vultures, among other species.
Entry tickets change price depending on the days you select. However, if you want to save money, book the tickets online to get them slightly cheaper.
📌 TIP: If you don’t like cable cars but would love to visit Calamorro, you can also arrive by road or footpaths.
7. Discover Castillo de Bil Bil
Castillo de Bil Bil (Bil Bil castle), built to resemble a castle or defensive fortress, is located on Benalmadena’s promenade.
The castle has a Moorish architectural style and is beautifully painted in a sandy pink colour. The building is truly picturesque, and although it’s pretty small, it’s worth taking a look inside.
The town hall owns this castle and sometimes organises art exhibitions, concerts and conferences. Locals can also get married here!
During the summer, I recommend taking a walk on the promenade and visiting the local market, where you can buy handmade bags, crafts, and many other things, next to the castle.
8. Visit Mariposario de Benalmádena
This butterfly park is a great place to visit with kids or friends. There are over 1,500 exotic butterflies from around the world, flying among artificial waterfalls and stunning flowers.
The centre takes care of these butterflies, and they are bred in captivity instead of being taken to the wild; you can see how these butterflies are born.
It isn’t a very big place, so it won’t take you more than an hour to see it all. This is why I suggest you plan to visit other nearby places like the Buddha temple or Castillo de Colomares mentioned above.
9. Spend the day at Playa de Bil Bil
Bil Bil Beach is Benalmadena’s main beach, so it’s always lively, and there are many things you can do at this beach – from sunbathing in one of the rental hammocks to doing water sports activities.
This fine, dark sand is ideal for everyone because it’s accessible and well-equipped. There are public toilets, showers, lifeguards, and plenty of food options nearby.
A fun thing to do in Playa de Bil Bil is to jump on CostaWater Park, an aquatic park afloat on the sea. I did it a few years ago and actually had lots of fun. Don’t think it’s only an activity for kids!
Visiting the promenade in the evening is a great experience too. In the summer, you’ll sometimes see a street market where locals sell unique gifts, clothing, and other goods, along with live performances and cultural events.
10. Learn about sea animals in Selwo Marina
Selwo Marina is a small marine park located next to Parque de la Paloma. In the park, you can see animals like penguins, sea lions and dolphins.
Not only do you see animals, but you can also do activities like encountering dolphins or swimming with sea lions, as well as attending talks about exotic birds. The only thing is that some of these activities aren’t included in the general ticket, so you’ll have to pay extra.
Are you wondering about the entry fee? Prices vary by date and season, but you can find tickets from €16 for adults and less for 3 to 7-year-olds and those over 65. However, booking your tickets online will save you a couple of euros.
If you love sea animals, another place that you want to check out is Sealife Benalmadena.
📌 Local tip: They sometimes offer discount codes with other partners. If you plan to take the cable car, you can buy a bundle that includes entry to Selwo Marina, the Benalmádena Cable Car, and Selwo Aventura (a small safari in Estepona). I actually prefer Selwo Aventura; it’s bigger, houses more animals, and makes you feel immersed in nature.
11. Sip a cocktail at a beach bar
One of the best things to do in Benalmadena in summer or early autumn is to grab a drink at a beach bar. There are many beautiful bars offering stunning sea views, food, and cocktails.
The prices are slightly higher than in other parts of Benalmadena, but who doesn’t like to treat themselves during the holidays?
Tulum Benalmadena is my favourite. The decoration makes you feel like you’re in Mexico (hence the name), and the food and drinks are good! I can vouch for their burgers (see photo above). Although it’s a good spot for lunch, I especially like going there at sunset.
12. Watch the sunset on the beach
There’s nothing more relaxing than watching the sunset on the beach after a full day of activities.
It’s one of the most magical times of the day, and you can catch a sunset at different points in the town, but the beach is my favourite.
Other fantastic places to watch the sunset in Benalmadena are the Buddhist Temple and Puerto Marina.
13. Have a relaxing spa day
Going to the spa can be an excellent option if you’re visiting Benalmadena in winter.
Benalmadena is home to many highly rated spas that offer a wide selection of wellness treatments – from traditional massages and hydrotherapy to special treatments and facials.
One of the best spas is Hydros Spa, located in Holiday World. It offers incredible spa facilities, massage treatments and aromatherapy.
This is also a great activity to do in Benalmadena on a rainy day.
14. Play golf
Costa del Sol is a golf paradise; you can find golf courses for all ages and levels. Benalmadena has fantastic golf courses you might want to check out during your holidays.
Some of the best golf clubs in Benalmadena and nearby towns are:
- Golf Torrequebrada
- Bil Bil Golf
- Calanova Golf Club
15. Visit the Benalmadena flea market
If you love shopping and visiting street markets when you travel, don’t miss the Benalmadena flea market, which takes place every Friday from 9 am to 2 pm in Aparcamiento de Tivoli, in Arroyo de la Miel.
Here you can find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, jewellery and ceramic objects, which can be a great addition to your home decoration.
Things to do near Benalmadena
There are many things to do in Benalmadena, but if you’re staying in the town for longer than a weekend, you may want to check out other beautiful Costa del Sol towns, attractions or nearby destinations like Gibraltar.
16. Spend the day at Aqualand
If you’re visiting Benalmadena with kids, Aqualand is a fun place to spend the day.
This waterpark, located in the neighbouring town of Torremolinos, is usually open from May to October and is the biggest in the Costa del Sol. It has a children’s pool, a relaxing jacuzzi, giant slides and many other exciting attractions.
I’ve been to Aqualand with my family many times and love it. The only con of visiting Aqualand is that it gets crowded in summer, so expect to queue for some attractions. My advice is to go as soon as the waterpark opens.
17. Go on a day trip to Malaga
You can’t leave Benalmadena without visiting Malaga! Malaga is approximately 20 minutes from Benalmadena, but if you don’t drive, you can get the train (RENFE) from Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel station, which runs frequently.
There are plenty of things to do in Malaga in a day, but if you want to see Malaga’s main attractions, you must visit:
- Alcazaba de Málaga to learn about Malaga’s history and influences.
- Teatro Romano, which is the oldest monument in the city.
- Gibralfaro offers a stunning view of the city and unforgettable sunsets.
- Calle Larios to experience the town’s atmosphere and do some shopping.
- Muelle Uno, Malaga Port, where you can have a relaxing walk.
- Picasso Museum for anyone who loves art.
18. Go on a day trip to Mijas Pueblo
Located just a 26-minute drive from Benalmadena, Mijas Pueblo is one of the most beautiful white inland villages in the Costa del Sol, and my favourite, too!
It’s the perfect day trip from Benalmadena as it isn’t far, and there are plenty of things to do in Mijas. Just picture yourself walking in a hilly white town with incredible views and beautiful handmade pottery on the balconies.
The town has panoramic coast views and great bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional meal or tapas. However, if you’re looking for a fun activity, I highly recommend the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate factory!
Where to stay in Benalmadena
Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol
Hotel Benalma Costa del Sol is a fantastic option for travellers who want to stay at one of the best beachfront hotels in Benalmadena.
The hotel offers modern rooms with comfortable beds, a TV, a mini bar, and a terrace (some of the rooms overlook the beautiful sea).
The hotel facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, three rooftop hot tubs, a kids’ club, and a spa. However, you’ll also love their activity offer! You can do activities like horse riding, golf and tennis.
Other accommodation options
Besides Benalma Costa del Sol, there are other good alternatives:
- Estival Torrequebrada (half board and all-inclusive 4-star hotel)
- Hotel Best Triton (fantastic location and facilities)
- Hotel La Fonda (great option in Benalmadena Pueblo)
Map of activities in Benalmadena
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the Benalmadena attractions mentioned in this article.
Tips for visiting Benalmadena from a local
- If you are wondering, “Is Benalmadena worth visiting?” It is indeed, but visiting Benalmadena in early or late summer is better to avoid crowds. August is the busiest and most expensive month. At the same time, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Benalmadena during winter as many tourist attractions and beach bars aren’t open.
- Experience Benalmadena nightlife! If you love parties, there are lots of clubs in Benalmadena and nearby towns. However, it’s good to know that most clubs open late (from 11 pm onwards).
- Rent a car. Travelling by car is so much easier! There are many places you can’t access by bus or train, and travel times are minimal. This is when having a car becomes so helpful. Also, the roads are generally good, so you don’t need to worry if you aren’t very confident about driving.
- Can you walk from Benalmadena to Torremolinos? Of course! Walk to the Punta Gatuna viewpoint, located between Torremolinos and Benalmadena, and it’s perfect for watching the sunset. You’ll enjoy incredible beach and town views. Also, there are plenty of bars where you can stop and have tapas or a cheeky drink! Alternatively, why don’t you check all the things to do in Torremolinos? It’s another great town to explore.
- The beaches in Benalmadena are perfect, so you don’t need to travel far or to another town. Playa Arroyo de La Miel is one of the best beaches because of its location and atmosphere. Another well-known beach is Playa de Benalnatura, but be aware that this is a nudist beach!
Frequently asked questions about Benalmadena Spain
Is Benalmadena good for families?
Absolutely! There are many family-friendly activities in Benalmadena and its surroundings, from visiting Selwo Marina, Sealife, and Paloma Park to relaxing on the beautiful beaches or visiting the waterpark.
On top of this, most hotels in Benalmadena offer family rooms, summer activities, and children’s entertainment.
What are the best things to do in Benalmadena for couples?
It really depends on the type of traveller you are; however, these are some of my suggestions:
– Visit the beautiful Colomares Castle.
– Have a romantic meal in Puerto Marina.
– Enjoy a spa day or go to Benalmadena Arab Baths.
– Go on Benalmadena’s Cable Car and go for a hike.
What do you do in Benalmadena on a rainy day?
If you’re visiting Benalmadena outside of summer, you may experience rainy days. In this case, you can go to Sealife Benalmadena, the Arab Baths, Benalmadena Butterfly Park or a short trip to the Plaza Mayor shopping centre, which has plenty of shops and a cinema.
Conclusion: Is Benalmadena worth visiting?
Yes, there’s much more than going to the beach and sunbathing in Benalmadena. It’s one of the best towns in the Costa del Sol, as it’s home to many attractions and offers things to do for all ages and interests.
You can explore Benalmadena Old Town, enjoy a meal at Puerto Marina, relax at the beach, learn about interesting monuments like Colomares Castle and much more.
In addition, Benalmadena is surrounded by other beautiful towns worth visiting in a day. If you spend some time in Costa del Sol, I highly recommend going on a road trip around Costa del Sol to discover all the things this sunny region has to offer.
If you have any questions about what to do in Benalmadena or would like more recommendations, join my Facebook group. I am always happy to help and give advice on how to make the most of your time in my hometown.
Enjoy your time in Benalmadena!
Cristina xx
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Things to do before visiting Benalmadena
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga Airport with Skyscanner.
- Looking for accommodation? Get the best hotel deals on Booking.com
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to discover the traditional food in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Benalmadena and the Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance with SafetyWing for your trip.
I so love this post – although I’ve been to Spain numerous times, I’ve yet to visit Benalmadena. Will have to in the future!
I’m happy to hear you love this post 🙂 Also, I hope you visit Benalmadena someday!
I hope you visit Benalmadena one day 🙂
Hi Cristina, my husband and I are going to costa del sol for Christmas but cannot decide between Benalmadena or Fuengirola. Which would you recommend. We want to chill but would like to see a few places, going to do cable car regardless where we stay
Hi Patricia! That’s amazing. I prefer Benalmadena, as I feel like there are more things to do and see. I love visiting Colomares Castle (it’s pretty small but impressive), Parque de la Paloma and the beaches! Also, the views from the cable car are spectacular. I hope you have a fantastic time, and if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email 🙂
I never heard of Benalmadena before, but now I have to go. It looks so beautiful! I really miss traveling around Europe. 🙂
It’s great to hear you’re adding Benalmadena to your list 🙂 I miss travelling around Europe too. I hope things start improving sometime soon.
Such a gorgeous destination. I was there once but would love to go back!
I’m glad you liked it and would love to go back 🙂
The castillo is so fun to walk around! I loved the architecture. Great list of things to do in Benalmadena!
Thank you, Krista 🙂 Castillo de Colomares is one of my favourite things to do in Benalmadena. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Great post! I used to live down that way so know it well. Now I’m further up the coast in Mojacar. I spent two nights in Benalmadena Pueblo in March.
Thank you 🙂 It’s great to hear you’ve lived in Benalmadena. I miss it so much now!
Benalmadena is quite popular for British holidaymakers, and some people underrating it saying it’s just a resort place. However, locals know it has great things to do 🙂 I hope you visit it one day, and I love the cable car views too!
I’m happy to hear that!! 🙂
Yes, there’s so much to do in Benalmadena and Costa del Sol 🙂
Absolutely beautiful pictures (especially of the Buddhist temple)! Spain is high on my list, but I hadn’t even considered Benalmadena – until now. Excellent post, thank you!
your photos are so mesmerizing, i can’t peel my eyes away!!!
I’ve never heard of Benalmadena before, but I would love to visit! I love all the beautiful architecture, it looks like a great place to take lots of photos
I definitely would love exploring there. It’s amazing that Castillo de Colomares was built by an American. It’s absolutely stunning.
I had never heard of this city before (I’ve never been able to visit Spain), but this looks so amazing. There is such a huge variety of places to see and explore there, and I am especially excited about the stuppa. We have something similar here, and it is such an amazing place. I hope I can visit someday!
This place is gorgeous! I love the design of Castillo de Colomares, and all the plants on the balconies at Benalmadena Pueblo. I’d also be into doing the cable car. I appreciate the Tips From a Local, like your honest take about Tivoli World not being worth it – those are the kinds of things people wonder when deciding where to spend their time, but that most writers/brochures don’t have the guts to say haha. Thank you!
These are great tips! I just booked a trip here at the beginning of July, so I’ll be using this post to help plan what to do! I’m really excited for the butterfly world! Also a walk to Torremolinos sounds great!
Thank you for your post to read about the best places to visit from a local’s perspective is absolutely fantastic. I will be visiting your beautiful country soon so I am beyond grateful that I found your post today because I will be staying in Benalmadena for the first time ever.
Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment! I hope you have a great time 🙂