There are many reasons to visit Benalmadena, the beaches and world class Arabian styled marina being just two of them. Eating out is a pleasure, the pueblo a delight to see, and the parks and gardens a relaxing distraction. Benalmádena is about 1.5 hours drive from Ronda
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Amongst the best known attractions of Benalmadena is the marina with its village atmosphere, yachts berthed under sun soaked apartments, and the boulevard along which many of Benalmadena’s best restaurants and bars are located. There are plenty of cruise and watersport options over at Get Your Guide.
Either side of the marina are miles of golden sand beaches stretching to Torremolinos to the East, and Fuengirola to the west. The town is a popular summer holiday destination for Spaniards and foreigners alike, in fact Benalmadena is home to one of the greatest concentrations of foreigners who make up 35% of the city.
Historically the village traces it’s first inhabitants to neolithic people who fished along her shore, and made homes for themselves in sheltered parts of the hills above the coast. A visit to the Archelogical Museum will shed light on stone age cave paintings, Phoenician trading, Roman ruins, and the Islamic port town that existed until 1485.
What to do with the kids in Benalmadena?
For us, as a family with young kids, there are two places that we always visit when we are in the area. The “teleférico” or cablecar to the top of mount Calamorro and the always beautiful butterfly park.
Calamorra mountain by cable car
Click the image below to book your cable car tickets at Get Your Guide
The Teleférico Benalmádena offers a high altitude journey on an exclusive cable car ride that starts in Benalmádena and takes you to the top of Monte Calamorro. Once at the top, the Teleférico provides a range of clearly signposted trails through the countryside leading to strategic lookout points where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada and, on clear days, Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.
The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.
Mariposario de Benalmádena (Butterfly Park)
In this spectacular butterfly park, you can walk amongst exotic butterflies from around the world, flying freely in a tropical paradise between waterfalls and flowers. See how they are born, how they reproduce and enjoy learning many things about these wonderful insects. Kids and grown ups alike are spellbound by these beautiful creatures. Get your tickets here.
Other Activities and Guided Tours from Benalmadena
Frequently Asked Questions about Benalmádena, Costa del Sol
Benalmádena combines beautiful beaches, a rich cultural history, and family-friendly attractions. Its coastal setting and lively atmosphere make it one of the most popular towns in the region.
Benalmádena consists of three distinct parts: Benalmádena Pueblo (the old town), Arroyo de la Miel (residential and commercial center), and Benalmádena Costa (the beachfront area).
Top attractions include Colomares Castle, the Butterfly Park, the Benalmádena Stupa, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Teleférico cable car to Mount Calamorro. These sites offer a mix of history, nature, and fun activities for all ages.
Colomares Castle is a monument to Christopher Columbus, built between 1987 and 1994. It combines architectural elements from Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles and celebrates Spain’s Age of Discovery.
The Benalmádena Stupa is the largest Buddhist stupa in Europe. Built in 2003, it is a peaceful place for reflection with impressive views of the coast and surrounding mountains.
The Teleférico cable car takes visitors up to Mount Calamorro, where you’ll find walking trails, falconry shows, and panoramic views of the Costa del Sol. On clear days, you can even see the coast of Africa
Yes, the town boasts several well-maintained beaches, including Playa Santa Ana and Playa Malapesquera. These are ideal for families and offer plenty of chiringuitos (beach bars) for food and drinks.
Absolutely. The town is packed with attractions for children and adults alike, including parks, aquariums, and animal shows. It’s also close to other family-friendly spots on the Costa del Sol.
Benalmádena Pueblo is a charming hilltop village with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a relaxed pace. It offers a more traditional Andalusian experience and stunning views over the coastline.
Yes. While the town is spread across different zones, each area—especially the coastal zone and the pueblo—is walkable and easy to explore on foot.
Spring and early autumn are ideal, offering warm weather without the peak summer crowds. Summer is great for beachgoers, but it can be very busy.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
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