5 Essential Visits in Benalmadena

The coastal town of Benalmadena is a standout destination on the Costa del Sol, thanks to its excellent mix of leisure options for visitors of all ages. It perfectly balances a lively seaside atmosphere with the charm of a traditional white village and some truly unique attractions.

The area is divided into two distinct parts: the vibrant coastal strip with its award-winning Marina, beaches and lively nightlife, and the slopes of Mount Calamorro, where the historic White Village climbs among pine trees and offers breathtaking views. While Benalmadena has far more than five highlights, these five essential visits capture what makes the town so special and are the ones most visitors return to or recommend. If you are arriving from Malaga Airport, booking a transfer from Malaga airport to Benalmadena in advance is the easiest way to start your trip without worrying about luggage or parking.

1. Puerto Marina: the lively heart of the coast

We begin with what many consider the emblem of Benalmadena: Puerto Marina. This award-winning marina is celebrated for its elegant design, which blends Eastern and Arab influences in white buildings that rise like islands between waterways and canals. The result is a bright, well-ordered and highly photogenic space.

Strolling along its quays is a pleasure at any time of day. In the morning you can watch the boats preparing to set sail, at midday the restaurant terraces open up, and in the evening the lights come on and the nightlife begins with bars, pubs and a lively atmosphere. You will find shops, ice cream parlours, cafés and restaurants to suit every budget. It is the perfect place to start or end your day.

View location on Google Maps

2. Bil Bil Castle: a touch of exoticism by the sea

If you continue along the seafront promenade, you will soon come across Bil Bil Castle. This lovely neo-Arabic style building from the last century, with its distinctive reddish colour and decorative tiles, looks like something out of a storybook. It sits right on the shoreline, surrounded by well-kept gardens and with the sound of the waves in the background.

It may not be a medieval castle, but it has a strong presence and is one of Benalmadena’s most photographed landmarks. You can walk around it, sit on the garden benches or simply stop to admire how beautifully it contrasts with the blue of the Mediterranean. It is free to visit, always open and makes a relaxing stop between the bustle of the marina and your next destination.

View location on Google Maps

3. Benalmadena Pueblo and the Buddhist Stupa: a surprising contrast

Driving up from the coast along the road that climbs into the hills, you soon reach the old town of Benalmadena Pueblo. Here the atmosphere changes completely. Narrow streets, whitewashed houses with flower-filled balconies, shady squares with ancient trees and traditional bars give it the relaxed pace of a genuine Andalusian village.

At around 300 metres above sea level, alongside the fantastic coastal views, you will find one of the most unexpected monuments in the province: the Buddhist Stupa. Standing 33 metres tall, it is the largest stupa in Europe and one of the most important in the Western world. Its white and gold structure, surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, creates a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors come for the panoramic views, but most stay a while in quiet contemplation, enjoying the contrast between this Buddhist monument and the Mediterranean stretching out below.

View location on Google Maps

View location of the Stupa on Google Maps

4. Butterfly Park of Benalmadena: a tropical oasis just metres from the Stupa

A short walk or quick taxi ride from the Stupa is the Butterfly Park of Benalmadena. Inside a large glass-roofed building with a tropical feel — and Thai-style architectural touches — hundreds of colourful tropical butterflies from dozens of species flutter freely among exotic plants. The warm, humid atmosphere is magical, especially when butterflies land on your clothing or when you can watch them emerging from their chrysalises in real time.

It is an ideal visit with children (and without them too), perfect for a rainy day or simply when you want a moment of colour and tranquillity. The combination of the Stupa and the Butterfly Park, so close to each other, is one of the most charming pairings Benalmadena has to offer.

View location on Google Maps

5. Mount Calamorro: the best views of the Costa del Sol

If you still want to see the Costa del Sol from even higher up, take the cable car that departs from near Tivoli Park. In just a few minutes you reach the top of Mount Calamorro, at around 770–800 metres above sea level. On clear days the views are among the finest on the entire Costa del Sol, stretching from Malaga city all the way to Marbella.

At the summit you will find several short, well-marked walking routes, a restaurant with a terrace and, above all, the falconry displays. Watching eagles and falcons soar just metres away against the backdrop of the sea is an experience that appeals to all ages. The sunset from here is truly memorable.

View location of the Cable Car and Mount Calamorro on Google Maps

And if you have extra time… other worthwhile options

Besides these five highlights, Benalmadena offers several other interesting options depending on your interests:

• Torrequebrada Golf: An 18-hole, par-72 course designed by José “Pepe” Gancedo. One of the classic courses on the Costa del Sol, with lovely sea and mountain views. View on map
• Casino Torrequebrada (now part of Gran Madrid Casino Torrequebrada): Elegant atmosphere, gaming tables and restaurant, just minutes from the marina. View on map
• Selwo Dolphinarium (near Paloma Park): Penguins, sea lions, exotic birds and shows. Ideal for families with young children. View on map
• Sea Life Benalmadena: Aquarium located inside Puerto Marina itself, with sharks and Mediterranean species. Very convenient if you are already in the area. View on map

One of Benalmadena’s great advantages is that everything is relatively close. In a well-planned day you can easily combine the marina and castle in the morning, visit the Pueblo and Stupa at midday, stop at the Butterfly Park in the afternoon and finish with the cable car for sunset. If you are travelling with children, the Butterfly Park and Selwo are safe bets. If you are after photos and views, the Stupa and Mount Calamorro will not disappoint.

Benalmadena works brilliantly both as a day trip from Malaga and as a longer base. The combination of sea, mountains and these distinctive touches — the Stupa, the Butterfly Park and the neo-Arabic castle — is hard to find elsewhere on the Costa del Sol.

If you are planning your visit and want to move comfortably between the airport and these attractions — especially with children or luggage — a private transfer is an option many visitors choose for its convenience and flexibility. You can book your transfer from Malaga airport to Benalmadena directly and enjoy a smooth start to your trip.