The Best Things to See and Do in Benalmádena, Málaga
There is a town on the Costa del Sol that has impressed countless visitors over the years. Benalmádena is a popular holiday destination for good reason. Suitable for all ages, Benalmadena has plenty of attractions and activities to offer. Here are the highlights you should know about.
Our 5 Top Attractions in Benalmádena
Butterfly Park
Monte Calamorro and Cable Car
Parque de la Paloma
Puerto Marina
Castillo Monumento Colomares
Things to See in Benalmadena Old Town
Benalmádena was once a relatively small town. Today, the municipality includes several distinct areas, including the former village centre of Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, Torremuelle and Torrequebrada. Each has its own character and attractions.
Castillo Monumento Colomares
Mariposario
Jardines del Muro
The Castillo Monumento Colomares, as well as the Mariposario de Benalmádena, can be found in or close to the elevated old town. The Jardines del Muro are also located here.
The Castillo Monumento Colomares is an elaborate monument built in the form of a richly decorated castle to commemorate the discovery of America and the life of Christopher Columbus. Construction took place between 1987 and 1994.
The Mariposario de Benalmádena is a butterfly park home to around 1,500 butterflies representing different species, as well as exotic plants and other animals.
Not far away is a Buddhist stupa built by the master Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche. The Jardines del Muro are a small park offering wonderful views across Benalmádena and parts of the Costa del Sol.
Swings with photo opportunities
Casino
Moorish-style houses
Marina
The old town is situated on a hill and once contained a fortress. Narrow, sometimes steep streets wind between traditional whitewashed houses.
Along the coast lies Benalmádena Costa, where you will naturally find several beaches. To the west, the Mirador de Columpio is a popular spot for photographs. Two swings here face out towards the sea, creating a memorable photo opportunity.
A coastal walk takes you past the Casino Torrequebrada and towards Castillo El Bil Bil. This striking building was constructed in a Neo-Arabic style and was privately owned for many years. Today, it hosts exhibitions and its gardens are open to visitors.
Not far away is another major attraction in the municipality: Puerto Deportivo de Benalmádena, the town's marina. Sailing boats, small yachts, cafés and restaurants can all be found here. There is also a Ferris wheel offering impressive views over the surrounding area.
City Tours and Things to Do in Benalmadena, Andalusia
The Best Beaches in Benalmádena, Andalusia
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beach holiday in Benalmádena. The municipality's various stretches of coastline are among its top attractions.
Some of the beaches include:
Playa de la Morera o La Perla
Playa de Torremuelle
Playa de Arroyo Hondo
Playa La Viborilla
Playa de la Yuca
Playa de Torrequebrada
Playa de Torre Vigía
Playa de las Verdas
Playa Arroyo de la Miel*
Playa de Bil Bil*
Playa de Santa Ana*
Playa de Torrebermeja*
Playa de Fuente Salud*
The beaches closest to Benalmádena Costa offer plenty of activities and tend to be particularly popular. These are marked with an asterisk*.
Playa de Torre Vigía is one of the less crowded options, while Playa de la Yuca is another good choice if you are looking for a quieter spot. The other beaches are particularly popular with local residents.
Hotels in Benalmadena
Museums in Benalmádena
The museums in and around Benalmádena are also worth visiting. Whether the weather is sunny or rainy, they provide an opportunity to discover the area's culture and attractions.
Art Museums in Benalmádena
Museo de Arte Precolombino Felipe Orlando
Centro de Exposiciones de Benalmádena
Other Museums, Zoos and Activities in Benalmádena
Villa Romana de Torremuelle
Sea Life
Selwo Marina
Tivoli World
More Attractions in Benalmádena
Nature in and around Benalmádena also provides plenty of opportunities for adventure. Parque de la Paloma is the municipality's largest green space, although there are several other parks, including:
Parque Misterioso
Parque Rústico Casablanca
Laguitos Josewe
Golf is also available close to the town, including at Benalmádena Golf and Golf Torrequebrada.
If you are looking for more exercise, you can follow one of the hiking trails north of the town towards the summit of Monte Calamorro, which stands 769 metres above sea level.
Alternatively, you can take the cable car, which takes you from the foot of the mountains directly to the summit.
Families may also enjoy the bird show at Fundación Valle de las Águilas, which is located in the Serranía de Mijas.
The nightlife in Benalmádena is another attraction. Discos, bars and beach clubs compete for visitors' attention. Two places we particularly enjoyed were Atrévete and Malibu Beach Bar.
Cheap Flights to Benalmádena
Benalmádena, with a population of around 70,000, does not have its own airport. However, the transport infrastructure in this part of Málaga province is well developed.
You can easily reach Benalmadena by train or bus from Málaga Airport.
Food and Drink in Benalmádena
Day Trips Near Benalmadena
Fuengirola
FAQ
How much is a taxi from Málaga to Benalmádena?
A taxi from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena costs just under €30 and takes around 20 minutes. The train is a cheaper option, costing around €3 and taking approximately 35 minutes. The bus offers a similar price and journey time.
What is special about Benalmádena?
Benalmádena has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. It offers a wide range of attractions, tours in different languages and activities for visitors of all ages. This makes it an easy and enjoyable destination for a holiday on the Costa del Sol.
How beautiful is Benalmádena?
We would not necessarily describe Benalmádena as a typical Costa del Sol town that is entirely dominated by tourism. The historic old town on the hillside has retained much of its character, while the surrounding area offers a wide variety of activities. From parks and sports to beaches and cultural attractions, there is plenty to explore, so it is worth visiting and forming your own opinion.
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