Benalmadena is a popular tourist resort along the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, around a 25-minute drive from Malaga. And although it’s mostly known for its beaches and nightlife, I’m here to tell you that there is so much more to this beach town than just beaches – we particularly loved the Cactus Garden and the Butterfly Park.
We spent a week here in January and fell in love with the area, and we’re already planning a return visit in the summer. Although I will say, the weather was surprisingly decent here in early January (averaging 15 Celsius during the day).
I’d sum up Benalmadena as a beach town with a delightful blend of picturesque beaches, family-friendly things to do, and vibrant nightlife. Yep, Benalmadena is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
And here are some of the best things to do in this popular spot.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Benalmadena
1. Wander around Benalmadena Pueblo
I should mention here that Benalmadena is divided into three distinct areas: Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Benalmadena Costa.
Benalmadena Pueblo is the charming old town with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers, and lovely views of the sea. We spent half a day here admiring its quaintness!
2. Head to a local market
The Friday market at Arroyo de la Miel is particularly popular in Benalmadena, offering everything from handmade jewelry to traditional Spanish pottery.
3. Check out the Cactus Garden
We also loved strolling around the Cactus Garden on the outskirts of town – there’s a large playground here and some farm animals in a fenced-off area.
It’s set within the larger Parque de la Paloma, a beautiful urban park, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic after the Cactus Garden. There’s a lovely, tranquil lake at its center, and resident wildlife roaming around it, including peacocks and rabbits.
4. Visit the Butterfly Park (our favorite thing to do here)
Our favorite place in Benalmadena was the Butterfly Park of Benalmadena, also known as Mariposario de Benalmádena, which is home to over 1,500 exotic butterflies from around the world. It’s the largest butterfly sanctuary in Europe.
5. See the Stupa of Enlightenment
And next to it the Butterfly Park is the Stupa of Enlightenment, aka, the tallest stupa in Europe. It is 33 meters tall!
This striking monument is not only for meditation but also shows the cultural diversity of Benalmadena.
6. See Castillo de Colomares
And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Castillo de Colomares, a fascinating monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. This architectural marvel combines elements of Gothic, Romanesque, and Mudejar styles and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
7. Learn the history of the area at the Archaeological Museum
For a taste of local history, the Benalmadena Archaeological Museum is a must-visit. This small but impressive museum showcases artifacts from the region’s prehistoric and Roman periods, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich past.
8. Take a ride in the Benalmadena Cable Car
The Benalmadena Cable Car is another very popular thing to do here, and it takes you to the summit of Mount Calamorro. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and, on clear days, even the distant peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
9. Check out the Sea Life Aquarium
The Sea Life Benalmadena aquarium is a popular place for families visiting the area – with sharks, turtles, otters, and an array of colorful tropical fish all to be seen here. The tunnel section is particularly cool, as you can watch fish and sharks swimming above your head!
10. Selwo Marina
The Selwo Marina is another fantastic marine park here, where you can get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, and exotic birds.
For a more intimate experience, try out the “Encounter with Penguins” for a thrilling and educational interaction.
11. Stroll around the Benalmadena Marina (a great spot for dinner)
We had dinner in the Benalmadena Marina (at Cantina Mexicana, we really rate it). The marina is the perfect spot for a leisurely evening stroll, with its vibrant atmosphere, numerous shops, and restaurants.
It’s also a great spot for drinks, yep, the Puerto Marina is the epicenter of the town’s evening entertainment, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
If you’re after a more laid-back evening, head to Arroyo de la Miel, where you can find cozy tapas bars and cafes offering a taste of authentic Andalusian cuisine.
12. The beach!
No visit to Benalmadena is complete without spending some time at its stunning beaches. The town boasts nearly 10 kilometers of coastline, with each beach offering its own unique charm. Playa de Santa Ana is a favorite with both locals and tourists, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. For a quieter beach day, head to Playa de Torremuelle.
13. Go on a day trip
Because of its central-ish location and the good public transport options available from here, going on a day trip is easy to do from Benalmadena. We had a rental car (which I highly recommend having) and so we drove to some pretty spots during our time here.
If you want to visit a gorgeous white-washed village with a stunning golden sand beach, I recommend Estepona (around an hour’s drive from Benalmadena). Or if you’re keen to visit someplace truly unique, you can’t go wrong with Setenil de las Bodegas – a town literally built under a canyon rock (an hour and 30-minute drive away).
And a more off-the-beaten-path option is Juzcar in the scenic Valle del Genal (an hour and 50-minute drive). This is unofficially known as the Smurf village, as all the buildings are painted blue and there are various Smurf characters painted on the walls here.
Additionally, not too far away is Ronda is a captivating town perched atop the dramatic El Tajo gorge. It is most famous for the Puente Nuevo, an impressive 18th-century bridge that spans the gorge, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. And the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings.
Where to Stay in Benalmadena
An excellent option here is the Hotel Estival Torrequebrada, which boasts a prime beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, and a lively casino for entertainment.
While for families, the Holiday World Resort offers an all-inclusive experience with a variety of activities and entertainment options.
About renting a car in Spain:
I’ll be honest, the easiest way to get to all of the day trips listed above is with a rental car – we always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’ – it’s so easy to use!
The most important thing you will need if renting a vehicle in Spain is a valid driver’s license. No company will allow you to do so without one.
And if you are traveling from a country outside the European Union, you might want to get an international driver’s license to make the rental process easier. Although many rental companies accept foreign driver’s licenses without it.
Drivers typically need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Spain, though some companies might require a minimum age of 25. Young drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.
Each company has different terms and conditions, so you should be fully aware of them. Additionally, you will also need a valid credit card in your name. Rental companies will want to keep a credit card on file as a holding deposit.
If you have a debit card, you will be charged a holding fee. Please note that some companies do not accept a debit card.
Also, because renting a car in Malaga is incredibly popular, you WILL NEED to book your rental car in advance. Our rental car company told us they sell out over the busy tourist season (which is from April to September).
Travel Insurance for Spain/ Europe:
At first glance, skipping travel insurance may seem like a great way to save some money. However, if you end up losing your luggage, having your flights cancelled, or getting sick, it is a decision you’ll probably regret. Thinking nothing will happen is definitely a mistake, and without travel insurance, it’s one that will end up costing you – big time.
✅ Our fix: Shop around for budget-friendly travel insurance based on your trip length and destination while paying attention to what it covers. We like to use Auras Travel Insurance for our trips!
Thanks for Reading!
Benalmadena truly has it all. And it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on its beaches, exploring its historical sites, or immersing yourself in its lively nightlife, Benalmadena sure is an unforgettable holiday!
You might also like to read –
10 pretty towns under a 2 hour drive from Malaga
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10 Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Spain (Guide for 2026)
Last Updated on April 25, 2026 by snaphappytravel