10 Things To Do In Benalmadena, Spain

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Benalmadena, this guide covers everything— from sun-soaked beaches and lively marinas to cultural gems and family attractions.

1. Visit Puerto Marina Benalmadena

Puerto Marina is the port of Benalmadena, featuring a shopping center, a variety of restaurants and bars, traditional shops, and attractions like Sea Life Benalmadena.

The port is bustling and vibrant, with families with children, couples enjoying Italian cuisine, and friends having drinks.

It’s certainly a place where tourists are abundant, with menus in various languages aimed at them, and you hear different languages as you stroll.

While Puerto Marina may not offer the most authentic experience, it’s still worth visiting at least once, mainly to admire the incredibly expensive yachts, though you can also take a dolphin-watching boat tour.

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

2. Have a picnic at Parque la Paloma

This charming park is situated in the heart of Benalmadena, just around 3 minutes from the beachfront. It's among the most stunning parks in Costa del Sol and a must-visit for those who appreciate green spaces.

It's an ideal spot for an afternoon of relaxation, enjoying a picnic, or engaging in some exercise to stay fit during your trip.

In the park, you can encounter rabbits, chickens, ducks, parrots, and other animals. They are quite accustomed to humans, so you can usually feed them as I sometimes do with my partner (we adore rabbits!)

Besides interacting with the friendly animals, one of the highlights is sitting on one of the hills to admire the breathtaking lake and watch the sunset. 

Visiting Paloma Park is undoubtedly one of the top free activities to enjoy 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.

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 a stunning hidden treasure in Costa del Sol. This remarkable castle is dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus, known as Colón in Spanish. 

Dr. Esteban, an American physician, recognized the absence of a tribute to Christopher Columbus and constructed this monument in the form of a castle to commemorate Columbus’ journey to America.Stupa, Buddis

As you explore, you’ll be amazed by the architectural details from the dominant cultures of the time (Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar), offering numerous photo opportunities.

It’s one of the top places to visit in Benalmadena, and it never fails to astonish me each time I go. This is not only due to 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, referred to as Stupa Benalmadena, is a stunning structure just a few minutes' walk from the butterfly center. I found it unusual to encounter a temple like this in Costa del Sol, yet I find it captivating!

The temple was conceived by the esteemed Buddhist Master from Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, and its construction was approved and supported by the local government of Benalmadena.

The stupa is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Once inside, it's advised to walk around the Stupa in a clockwise direction, as many believe that wishes made near a Stupa might come true, so don't forget to make a wish!

Outside the temple, there is a small souvenir shop where you can purchase traditional ceramic figures and intriguing 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 looking for an exhilarating adventure, taking a ride on Benalmadena's cable car, the Teleférico de Benalmádena, is really one of the things to do in Benalmadena.

The cable car station is located in Arroyo de la Miel, near the Benalmadena train station.

I was initially apprehensive about riding the cable car, but I'm thrilled I did. The cable car links Benalmadena with Calamorro Mountain, and once you board, you'll want to capture the stunning scenery (just be cautious when putting your camera through the window!).

It gets even more spectacular when you arrive at the stop and ascend to the top of Calamorro, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and even a distant glimpse of Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.

Calamorro offers even more attractions, including falconry displays, restaurants, a stargazing area, hiking trails, and horse rides. To see the falconry displays, you should visit the Jardin de Las Aguilas (Garden of Eagles), which you'll encounter as soon as you ascend to Calamorro.

This garden is dedicated to the conservation and protection of birds of prey, such as eagles, owls, kites, and vultures, among other species.

📌 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 

Bil Bil Castle, designed to resemble a castle or defensive fortress, is situated on the promenade of Benalmadena.

Featuring Moorish architecture and painted in a lovely sandy pink hue, the castle is a charming sight. Despite its small size, it’s definitely worth visiting inside.

Owned by the town hall, the castle occasionally hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and conferences. It is also available as a wedding venue for locals!

In the summer, you can take a stroll along the promenade and explore the local market beside the castle, where handmade bags, crafts, and various other items are available for purchase.

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

9. Wander Benalmadena Pueblo

If you want a more genuine experience than typical tourist spots, you should visit Benalmadena Old Town, where the locals gather.

There are numerous bars and restaurants offering traditional Costa del Sol dishes such as “pescaito frito” (fried fish), “espeto de sardinas” (grilled sardines), and “gazpacho” (cold tomato soup). However, the most captivating aspect is admiring the beautiful white houses adorned with colorful flowers on their balconies or windows.

In Benalmadena Pueblo, you can discover Plaza de España, a charming little square with orange trees, restaurants, and a central fountain featuring the symbol of Benalmadena, “La Niña” (the girl).

This area also hosts Benalmadena’s archaeological museum, which boasts significant collections of American and Colombian artisan works.

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

10. Spend the day at Playa de Bil Bil

Bil Bil Beach is the primary beach in Benalmadena, making it a lively area with numerous activities. You can relax by sunbathing on rented hammocks or participate in various water sports.

The fine, dark sand caters to everyone, providing accessibility and excellent amenities. There are public toilets, showers, lifeguards, and a range of nearby dining choices.

An exciting attraction at Playa de Bil Bil is CostaWater Park, an aquatic park floating on the sea. I visited it a few years ago and had a fantastic time. It's not just for kids!

Taking a stroll along the promenade in the evening is also a delightful experience. During the summer, you may come across a street market where locals sell unique gifts, clothing, and other items, along with live performances and cultural events.

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

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 page Iris'travelifestyle. I am always happy to help and give advice