Officially, around 70,000 people live here. Unofficially, the number of regular visitors is higher, because during the peak season crowds of tourists increase this number up to three times.
Benalmadena is located in southern Spain – just 20 km from Malaga and 40 km from Marbella, on the Mediterranean Sea along the famous Costa del Sol. It is one of the most popular resorts loved by the British, but not only. High-quality services, excellent restaurants, and a beautiful beach mean that guests from all over the world moor at the local port of Puerto Marina, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it impossible to think about anything other than pure relaxation and great fun.
This part of the Costa del Sol is especially recommended for families with children, because it offers a large number of attractions prepared for the youngest visitors, such as the Tivoli World amusement park, the cable car running along the coast, Colomares Castle, Paloma Park and many others. Most of the attractions we recommend visiting during the holidays can be found below.
🍽️ TIP: Visit local restaurants and try Andalusian cuisine, which is rich in seafood and local products. Benalmadena is an ideal place for lovers of gastronomic tourism.
Three main parts of the city, white houses and interesting places
Benalmádena Pueblo
This is the oldest part of the city. The symbol of Benalmádena Pueblo is its white houses and romantic walks through narrow streets. In Benalmádena Pueblo you will also find a beautifully restored section of the Old Town, two squares – Plaza de España and Plaza Andalucía – and several interesting attractions such as the butterfly park (Mariposario Benalmádena), the Archaeological Museum (Museo de Benalmádena), and Castillo de Colomares. The central point of this part of the city is the previously mentioned Plaza de España, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the area. It is an ideal place for a walk through narrow streets with a loved one.
👀 GOOD TO KNOW: Nearby you will also find the Benalmádena Stupa, also known as the Estupa de la Iluminación. It is an impressive religious structure offering magnificent views of the coast.
Benalmádena Costa
Benalmádena Costa is the newest part of the city, located along the coastline. The district began to develop rapidly in the 1970s during the major tourism boom, and most of the buildings here are tourist facilities, hotels, and holiday apartments. This is where you will find the greatest number of restaurants, nightclubs, discos and shops. The most popular attractions in this district include the Puerto Marina harbor, the Selwo Marina dolphinarium and La Paloma city park.
Arroyo de la Miel
Arroyo de la Miel is the third part of the city and at the same time its main residential district, connecting Benalmádena Pueblo with Benalmádena Costa. In the past it was a separate settlement. Today the most important attraction of Arroyo de la Miel is the Teleférico Benalmádena cable car, which allows you to see the Costa del Sol from an altitude of 771 meters above sea level. If you are looking for more thrilling entertainment, be sure to visit Tivoli World – an amusement park with more than 40 attractions for the whole family.
Puerto Marina – A spectacular yacht harbor on the Costa del Sol
Puerto Marina is a spectacular yacht harbor in Benalmadena, often considered one of the most beautiful marinas in Europe and even one of the most beautiful in the world. It is located in the city center, which highlights its strategic location and proximity to other important attractions. In terms of style, it combines Arabic, Indian and Andalusian motifs.
However, it is not only a treat for architecture enthusiasts but also for those looking for entertainment. Besides its basic function, the entire complex also serves perfectly as a gastronomic, shopping and sports center. Within the harbor there are many restaurants, shops, clubs and attractions for lovers of water sports. This is also where the SEA LIFE Benalmádena Aquarium is located, which you can read about below.
SEA LIFE Benalmádena Aquarium
SEA LIFE Benalmádena is a place that children especially love. Divided into different zones, the aquarium combines education with entertainment, presenting knowledge about marine animals in an accessible and unusual way.
In the Isla de Rayas zone you will find 500 species of rays. Did you know that some of them have lived on Earth for 150 million years? Or perhaps you are more interested in starfish? At SEA LIFE Benalmádena you will discover many interesting facts about them. Another huge attraction is the Shark Tunnel (Spanish: Túnel de Tiburones), which allows you to stand face to face with these predators. The complex also includes many species of fish, jellyfish, seahorses, bloodthirsty piranhas and small colorful amphibians.
🐊 TIP: If you are looking for attractions for children near Benalmadena, visit the nearby town of Torremolinos, where you will find the Aqualand Torremolinos water park and Crocodile Park.
Selwo Marina Dolphinarium and dolphin-watching cruises
Another attraction in Benalmadena is the Selwo Marina dolphinarium. In addition to shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, you will also see many other animals such as penguins, bats, tropical birds, and rare species of fish and insects. If you want to see what the life of dolphins looks like in their natural environment, you can join a special cruise during which you will observe these remarkable animals in the wild, often from a very close distance. Tickets for dolphin-watching cruises can be purchased online.
Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmádena)
Temperature of 29°C. Humidity above 75%. Hundreds of butterflies flying above your head and just as many emerging from cocoons. Mariposario de Benalmádena is the largest butterfly park in Europe. It is a place where you can observe the fascinating life cycle of butterflies. In nature you can watch them for only about three weeks of their life. Here you will also see how they develop and evolve in the early stages of life.
The park contains 15 species of butterflies, with a population of about 1,500 individuals. They come from different parts of the world, including Costa Rica, Kenya, the Philippines and Malaysia, and feed on artificial nectar placed in various parts of the park.
Besides butterflies, visitors can also see several other animals. Near a tropical pond there are fish, birds, a turtle and even a kangaroo. All of this makes it a great attraction for both children and adults. However, despite the charm of these animals, feeding or touching them is prohibited.
Cable car to the top of Mount Calamorro
Teleférico Benalmádena is a cable car that allows you to see the entire city from a bird’s-eye view. The three-kilometer route leads to the top of Mount Calamorro in the Sierra de Mijas mountain range. Once you reach the summit, you can admire breathtaking views of the Costa del Sol coastline, nearby Gibraltar and, on clear days, even the coast of Africa and picturesque rock formations such as Tajo de la Soga. Besides the beautiful scenery, several additional attractions await at the summit, including birds of prey shows, Andalusian horse training demonstrations, hiking trails and cycling routes.
Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey is the most popular and also the most beautiful hiking trail in Andalusia. Once it inspired fear, but today all you need to complete it is a helmet and a bit of courage. It is easily accessible from many places on the Costa del Sol, including Benalmadena. It is best to book the trip in advance online.
Trips to the Alhambra, Marbella and Gibraltar
Benalmádena works perfectly as a base for visiting many towns along the Costa del Sol and even Gibraltar. You can go to Granada to see the Alhambra – the most beautiful palace complex in Spain. You can also visit Marbella and its luxury port Puerto Banús. If you want to see the only free-living population of monkeys in a European city, visit Gibraltar and discover how Barbary macaques have taken over the Rock of Gibraltar.
Castillo El Bil Bil
Castillo El Bil Bil is a small palace located right by the sea. It is hard to miss, as its red facade and architecture in the Mudéjar style (a combination of Arabic and European styles) attract attention from afar. If you are looking for a romantic place for a date, visit the beautifully illuminated square nearby after sunset and you will certainly remember that evening for a long time.
Castillo de Colomares – The largest monument to Columbus in the world
Although it is called a castle, it was never a royal residence. It was built at the end of the 20th century (1987–1994). Castillo de Colomares is the largest monument in the world dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the history of expeditions supported by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. Covering an area of 1,500 m², it impresses primarily with its architecture full of Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish influences. Inside the castle you will also find the smallest chapel in the world (1.96 m²) and a mausoleum. For now it remains empty, but according to the original concept it was intended to house the remains of Columbus.
Among the architectural elements you can also notice replicas of Columbus’s ships, including a bronze model of “La Niña,” which commemorates the voyage that led to the discovery of America. Interestingly, although various materials such as brick, concrete, stone and wood were used to build Castillo de Colomares, it was constructed entirely using techniques used in the Middle Ages, without any modern machinery that could have facilitated the work.
La Paloma City Park
How about a moment of relaxation? You will find the perfect natural surroundings in Parque de la Paloma – a beautiful park that is the green showcase of Benalmadena. The area of 200,000 m² is full of exotic plants, recreational areas and playgrounds for the whole family. There are more than 2,000 succulents, beautifully trimmed trees and shrubs, and picturesque walking paths. During summer, concerts and outdoor film screenings take place in the park. Children will also have plenty to do thanks to a special mini-zoo area. The park also has restaurants and picnic areas, making it possible to spend many enjoyable hours there.
Historic watchtowers in Benalmadena
Torre Bermeja, Torre Quebrada and Torre del Muelle are three historic watchtowers that remind visitors of Benalmádena’s past when the region was threatened by pirates.
- Torre Bermeja – a cylindrical watchtower from the 14th century located near Puerto Marina. Its name refers to the reddish color of the soil on which it was built.
- Torre Quebrada – built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries to detect threats approaching from the sea.
- Torre del Muelle – also called Torre de Benalmádena. It is the youngest of the three towers, built around the 16th century, and served the same purpose of warning against hostile ships arriving by sea.
The best beaches in Benalmadena
There is certainly no shortage of beaches in Benalmadena. Below you will find the beaches that are visited most often and therefore recommended the most:
- Playa La Viborilla – the only beach in this part of the coast with a more wild character
- Playa Malapesquera – one of the main beaches near the marina
- Santa Ana Beach – a popular city beach
- Playa de Arroyo Hondo – a small beach surrounded by rocks and vegetation
- Playa Las Yucas – a picturesque beach with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling
- Fuente de la Salud – a beach with gentle access to the sea, popular with families with children
- Playa La Perla – a lesser-known beach ideal for those seeking a quieter atmosphere
- Playa La Morera – a small peaceful beach located between cliffs
Golf courses in Benalmadena
Benalmádena is also a great destination for golf lovers. Several prestigious clubs are located near the city, and one of the most famous is Torrequebrada Golf Course, situated in a picturesque part of the coast. The course runs through Mediterranean vegetation and offers beautiful views of the southwestern Costa del Sol coastline. Other clubs also operate in the region, such as Picasso Golf, attracting both beginners and more experienced players. If you are interested not only in typical tourist attractions but also in active recreation, golf courses around Benalmádena can be an interesting addition to your stay.
Festivals in Benalmadena
Spaniards are a nation that loves festivals, and Benalmádena is no exception, where even familiar holidays take on a completely different character.
La Fiesta del Corpus Christi
During the celebrations of Corpus Christi, residents create a carpet of flowers and herbs on the streets of the city on the eve of the procession. These are not just scattered plants but carefully designed floral carpets on which the participants of the procession will walk the next day. The celebration is also accompanied by side events, traditional music and dance.
Festividad de San Juan
This festival takes place on the first day of summer, during the night from June 23 to June 24. Bonfires are lit on the beaches of Benalmádena, fireworks illuminate the sky, and brave participants can try fiery attractions such as walking on hot coals. In the past, it was believed to be a magical night when the fire on Earth strengthened the fading rays of the sun.
Veladilla de la Virgen del Carmen
On July 15 and 16 Benalmádena celebrates its largest festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In addition to flamenco shows, religious performances, attractions for children and parties for adults, the main event is a procession. A large statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets of the city and also across the sea, transported on boats. It is an extraordinary spectacle worth seeing with your own eyes.
Cities on the Costa del Sol near Benalmadena
When visiting Benalmadena, it is worth remembering that it is an excellent base for exploring the biggest tourist attractions of Andalusia. Malaga is an obvious must-see because it is the largest city nearby. You should also visit Fuengirola and Torremolinos, which are frequently visited by tourists. Other recommended destinations include Mijas, Rincón de la Victoria, as well as the mountains and the Sierra Nevada National Park.
When to visit Benalmadena?
Benalmádena can be visited all year round, but the best time to travel is in spring and autumn. During these months temperatures are very pleasant, the resort has a calmer atmosphere, major tourist attractions are not crowded with long lines, and there are generally fewer tourists than during the peak summer season. In summer the city attracts lovers of beaches, sports and nightlife. Regardless of the season, Benalmádena offers many tourist attractions, so when planning your trip it is worth including both relaxation by the Mediterranean Sea and sightseeing in the surrounding towns of Andalusia.
