20 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 as 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.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

---

20 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 and lively place where you find families with their kids, couples enjoying an Italian meal or friends going for a drink.

It’s definitely one of those places where tourists surround you, see menus in different languages to target tourists, hear other languages as you walk, etc.

Puerto Marina isn’t the best place to have an authentic experience, but it’s still worth visiting once. Mainly to see the incredibly expensive yachts, although you can also take a dolphin-watching boat tour.

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.

📍 Exact location: Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena, Av. del Puerto Deportivo, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

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 beachside. 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 for relaxing in the afternoon, having a picnic or doing some exercise if you want to keep fit during your trip.

You can see rabbits, chickens, ducks, parrots, and other animals in the park. They’re quite used to humans, so you can normally feed them like I sometimes do with my partner (we love rabbits!)

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!

📍 Exact location: Av. Federico García Lorca, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

3. See the dolphins 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. 

Encountering the dolphins is a good experience because you get near and feed them, but the activity doesn’t last long enough for the price you pay. I must admit I found it expensive, especially if you need to pay for friends or family.

Are you wondering about the entry fee? Prices vary depending on the dates, but you can find tickets from €22 for adults and €18.90 for reduced entry, which includes 3 to 7-year-olds and over 65-year-olds. 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.

📌 Tip: they sometimes offer discount codes with other partners. If you are planning to go on the cable car, you can buy a bundle that includes entry to Selwo Marina, Benalmádena Cable Car and Selwo Aventura (a small safari located in Estepona).

📍 Exact location: Parque de la Paloma, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

4. Admire Castillo de Colomares

Castillo de Colomares is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Costa del Sol. This impressive castle is dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Colombus, known as Colón in Spanish. 

Dr Esteban, an American doctor, realised the lack of homage to Christopher Colombus and built this monument in the shape of a castle commemorating Columbus’ 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 like it does to me every single time I go. Not only because of its architecture and art but also because of its views!

📍 Exact location: Finca la Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

5. 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 done 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 Budha temple for the sunset to enjoy the beautiful views of Benalmadena from its viewpoint.

📍 Exact location: Av. Retamar, s/n, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

6. 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 different parts of the world, flying between 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 Buddist temple or Castillo de Colomares.

📍 Exact location: Autovía del Mediterráneo, A7, Calle Muerdago, s/n, salida 217, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

7. 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 are approximately €18,90 for adults and €14,90 for kids. Prices might change 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.

📍 Exact location: Explanada del Tivoli, s/n. 29630 Benalmádena (Málaga)

8. Discover Castillo de Bil Bil 

Castillo de Bil Bil (Bil Bil castle), which was built to look like a castle or a 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 quite 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 even get married here!

During the summer, you can enjoy a walk on the promenade and see the local market, where you can buy handmade bags, crafts and many other things, next to the castle.

📌 Exact location: Av. Antonio Machado, 78, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

9. Wander Benalmadena Pueblo

If you’re after a more authentic experience rather than tourist attractions, you need to visit Benalmadena old town where all the locals hang out.

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 includes significant American and Colombian artisan collections.

📍 Exact location: Av. Juan Luis Peralta, 20, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga

10. 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 has good facilities. 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, clothes, and other goods, as well as live performances and cultural events.

📍 Exact location: Ctra. Cádiz, 30, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga

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 views of the sea, 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 drinks are good! 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 Katharó Spa, located in Benalmadena Pueblo. 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, huge 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 to contemplate the oldest monument in the city.
• Gibralfaro to get a stunning view of the city and unforgettable sunsets. 
• Calle Larios to experience the atmosphere of the town and do some shopping.
• Muelle Uno to visit the port and have a relaxing walk.
• El Pimpi to enjoy delicious traditional tapas and flamenco shows.

18. Go on a day trip to Mijas Pueblo

Located only 26 minutes drive from Benalmadena, Mijas Pueblo is one of the most beautiful white inland villages in 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 to enjoy a traditional meal or tapas. However, if you’re looking for a fun activity, I highly recommend the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate factory!

19. Go on a day trip to Ronda

A fantastic day trip from Benalmadena is Ronda, a beautiful whitewashed town nestled in the mountainside of Malaga.

The town is very popular for being the birthplace of bullfighting, but whether you like bullfighting or not, it’s worth visiting Ronda because it’s home to museums, beautiful historic buildings, and one of the most impressive landscapes in Spain, El Tajo de Ronda.

El Tajo de Ronda is a bridge that connects the newer part of Ronda with the old town of Ronda. It is very picturesque and unique.

Although there are plenty of things to do in Ronda in a day, you can also check out Setenil de las Bodegas, another pretty town that has become more popular because of the fact that some parts of the town are built under a cliff.

20. Go on a day trip to Gibraltar

If you are after a different experience and don’t mind travelling a bit longer (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes drive), Gibraltar is the place to go to!

However, if you’re concerned about how to get there since you don’t drive, you can always book a group day trip.

Gibraltar is unique in many ways – it belongs to the UK despite being located in the Spanish Peninsula, most locals are bilinguals (speak English and Spanish), it has influences from many cultures due to its position, and this is reflected in the food and architecture.

Gibraltar offers many things – from exploring Top of The Rock and Gibraltar Nature Reserve to dolphin watching and relaxing on sandy beaches. 

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 big outdoor swimming pool, 3 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.

📌 Check out availability and rates here

Hotel Best Tritón

Hotel Best Tritón is a 4-star hotel in front of the Benalmadena promenade and a less than 10 minute walk from Puerto Marina Shopping.

The hotel rooms have comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, a safe, and lovely terraces (some of them with beautiful frontal sea views).

It’s an excellent accommodation in Benalmadena for families because of its facilities – there are swimming pools for kids and adults, live entertainment, and rooms that can be adapted for families.

📌 Check out availability and rates here

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, or times to travel are very limited. 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 very good, 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

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 Costa del Sol as it’s home to many attractions and there are 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

Save these best things to do in Benalmadena blog on Pinterest for later

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 Costa del Sol.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Benalmadena and Costa del Sol.
• Book travel insurance with SafetyWing for your trip.

Read more about Benalmadena and Costa del Sol

• The Best Things to Do in Benalmadena for Families
• The Best Beaches in Benalmadena (A Local’s Favourites!)
• 12+ Best Day Trips from Benalmadena
• Benalmadena or Torremolinos – Which is the best?
• Beautiful Beach Towns Near Malaga
• Beautiful Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol

Sharing is caring!