In short: Benalmádena has three very different sides: the Costa, with Puerto Marina and the promenade; Arroyo de la Miel, with the cable car, Paloma Park and Selwo Marina; and the white Pueblo, about 300 metres above sea level, with the Stupa, the Butterfly Park and Colomares Castle. You can see the essentials in one long day, although two days let you enjoy it without rushing. And if you are staying in La Carihuela or Montemar, it is all right next door.
Benalmádena is one of those places many people think they know and almost nobody has seen in full.
Most visitors go to Puerto Marina, take a photo with the boats and leave. That is a shame, because a few kilometres away there is a 33-metre Buddhist stupa, a castle dedicated to Columbus, a cable car that climbs almost 800 metres in a few minutes and a white village with sea views.
In this guide we tell you what to do in Benalmádena Costa and the surrounding area, with guide prices for 2026, approximate opening hours and tips to organise your day.
We write it from Caliu, at the western end of La Carihuela, right on the border with Benalmádena Costa. Many of our guests spend the day there and come back to have dinner with us, so we know well which plans work and which are best avoided.
Benalmádena in three areas: how the town works
Before making plans, it helps to understand how Benalmádena is laid out. It is not one compact town, but three centres with their own personality.
Benalmádena Costa
This is the strip along the sea. Here you have Puerto Marina, the promenade, the beaches, El Bil-Bil Castle and most of the hotels.
It is the most touristy area and the liveliest at night, especially around the marina.
Arroyo de la Miel
This is the residential and commercial centre, where much of the population lives. Here you will find the train station, the cable car base, Paloma Park and Selwo Marina.
It has a more local feel than the Costa, with neighbourhood shops and tapas bars frequented by residents.
Benalmádena Pueblo
This is the historic origin of the municipality. A white village about 300 metres above sea level, on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas.
Narrow streets, flowerpots on the façades, viewpoints and a tranquillity that contrasts with the Costa. Close by are the Enlightenment Stupa, the Butterfly Park and Colomares Castle.
Tip: if you only have one day, organise it by altitude. Go up to the Pueblo and the cable car in the morning, come down to Arroyo de la Miel at midday and finish on the Costa in the afternoon, when the sun drops and the promenade comes to life.
Benalmádena cable car and Mount Calamorro
It is probably the most spectacular experience in Benalmádena and one of the best views on the whole Costa del Sol.
The cable car leaves from the Tívoli esplanade, in Arroyo de la Miel, and climbs to the summit of Mount Calamorro, at about 770 metres. It covers a height difference of almost 770 metres and the ride takes around a quarter of an hour.
At the top there are several viewpoints, marked trails and birds of prey displays in season. On clear days you can see much of the Málaga coastline and, with luck, the outline of North Africa.
Guide prices and opening hours for 2026
| Item | Guide figure |
|---|---|
| Adult return at the ticket office | 17.90 € |
| Adult return online | From 12.90 € |
| Children’s return (3 to 7) at the ticket office | 13.90 € |
| Opening hours in spring and September | 11 am to 7 pm |
| Opening hours in November and December | 11 am to 5 pm |
Prices and opening hours change with the season and promotions, so check them on the official website before you go.
Tips for the ride up
- Buy your ticket online: it is usually much cheaper than at the ticket office.
- Check the weather forecast. In strong wind the service may stop.
- Go up in the morning. The light is clearer and there is less haze.
- Bring a light jacket: at the top it is several degrees cooler than on the coast.
- If you like walking, there are hiking trails linking the summit with other parts of the range.
To get there from La Carihuela, the easiest option is the C-1 Cercanías train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel station. From there it is a few minutes’ walk to the base.
Benalmádena Pueblo: the white village with sea views
Going up to the Pueblo is like changing destination without taking the motorway. In a few minutes you go from the bustle of the Costa to a quiet Andalusian village of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets.
What to see in the Pueblo
- Plaza de España: the heart of the village, with the fountain of the Niña de Benalmádena, a sculpture that has become a local symbol.
- Church of Santo Domingo: on a viewpoint with wide views over the Mediterranean.
- Jardines del Muro: a small garden next to the church, perfect for photos at sunset.
- Felipe Orlando Pre-Columbian Art Museum: an unusual collection on the Costa del Sol, with pieces from American cultures and local archaeological remains.
- Plaza Adolfo Suárez: an area of bars and terraces for a break.
The Pueblo can be explored in one or two hours at a gentle pace. It is ideal combined with the Stupa and Colomares Castle, which are very close.
If you visit Benalmádena in August, the Pueblo fair in honour of the Virgen de la Cruz is held in mid-month, usually between 11 and 15 August.
Enlightenment Stupa: the tallest Buddhist stupa in the West
It is one of the great surprises of the province. On a hill above Benalmádena stands a white Buddhist stupa 33 metres high with a 25-metre base.
It was built between 2001 and 2003 under the inspiration of the Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche. It is considered the tallest stupa in the Western world.
It is not just a monument to look at from outside. Inside there is a meditation hall of more than 100 square metres, with murals on the life of Buddha. Something unusual in this type of building.
Practical information
- Entry: free.
- Approximate opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, mornings and early afternoon. It is best to check before you go as it varies with the season.
- Rules: it is a place of worship. Silence, appropriate clothing and removing your shoes to enter the hall are requested.
The esplanade around the stupa has one of the most beautiful views over the coast. It is worth the detour even if Buddhism is not your thing.
Tip: combine the Stupa with the Butterfly Park. They are a few minutes’ walk apart and make a perfect mid-morning plan.
Benalmádena Butterfly Park
Next to the Stupa is the Butterfly Park, one of the largest in Europe. It is a Thai-style building with a glazed flight area of about 900 square metres.
Inside, hundreds of tropical butterflies of many different species fly freely among plants, waterfalls and ponds. There are also other animals, such as tortoises, birds and small reptiles.
It is a particularly rewarding plan with children and a good option on rainy or very windy days, when the cable car may be closed.
The best time to go is mid-morning in good light. Butterflies are most active in warmth and sunshine.
Colomares Castle Monument
At first sight it looks like something out of a fairytale. Towers, arches, domes and countless sculptural details mixing Neo-Gothic, Neo-Byzantine, Neo-Mudejar and Romanesque styles.
It was built between 1987 and 1994 by Dr Esteban Martín y Martín, a doctor and amateur architect, as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
Every corner tells part of the voyage: the prow of the Santa María, the kingdoms of Spain at the time, the cultures that met. It also houses a chapel that has become popular as one of the smallest churches in the world.
Practical information
- Location: between the Costa and the Pueblo, next to the access road.
- Entry: a few euros per person. Check the current price before you go.
- Duration: between 45 minutes and an hour.
If you are interested in history, a guided tour really helps you understand the symbolism of each part.
Paloma Park
It is the great green lung of Benalmádena, between Arroyo de la Miel and the Costa. A large park with a lake, a waterfall, lawns, cacti and animals roaming freely: ducks, peacocks, rabbits and hens.
It is free, well kept and the perfect place for a quiet walk or a break with children between other visits.
On Sunday mornings the popular Benalmádena Rastro is held next to the park, a market of antiques, crafts and second-hand items that attracts locals and tourists.
Selwo Marina
Inside Paloma Park itself is Selwo Marina, a marine wildlife park designed for families. It is known for having the only dolphinarium in Andalusia and a penguin enclosure.
As well as dolphins and penguins, there are sea lions, tropical birds, reptiles and other species. Several animal presentations are scheduled throughout the day.
Guide prices for 2026
- Online ticket: from about 16 to 21 € per person depending on the promotion.
- Combined with the cable car: from about 26 to 36 € depending on channel and season.
- Special animal encounters: extra cost.
Prices vary a lot between the official website and resellers, so compare before you buy. The combined ticket pays off if you plan to do both.
To enjoy it without rushing, allow three to four hours.
Puerto Marina: the great icon of the Costa
It is the most visited place in Benalmádena and one of the most photographed marinas in Spain. Designed by architect Melvin Villarroel, it has more than a thousand berths and a very recognisable white architecture inspired by Mediterranean and Arab styles.
It has twice been recognised as the best marina in the world and in 2026 it flies the Blue Flag again.
The marina has everything: shops, ice cream parlours, terraces, the Sea Life aquarium, boat trips and dolphin-watching excursions in the bay.
We have a complete guide with all the details: things to do in Puerto Marina Benalmádena.
Tip: Puerto Marina is about 12 minutes on foot from Caliu along the promenade. If you are staying in La Carihuela, you can walk there and back by the sea without taking the car.
El Bil-Bil Castle
It is the most recognisable postcard of the Benalmádena promenade: a building in intense red, with the air of an Arab fortress, standing right in front of the beach.
Although it looks old, it was built in the first half of the twentieth century as a private residence, in Neo-Mudejar style. Today it is a municipal venue that hosts exhibitions, concerts, civil weddings and cultural activities.
In July 2026 it reopened after a refurbishment of more than 940,000 euros that includes a new tourist office with immersive resources. It is a good place to ask for information about the town.
From Caliu it is roughly 25 or 30 minutes on foot along the promenade, passing Puerto Marina. A long walk, but very pleasant in the late afternoon.
The beaches of Benalmádena Costa
The municipality has about nine kilometres of coastline, with beaches for every taste. These are some of the best known, from east to west:
| Beach | What it is like |
|---|---|
| Santa Ana beach | Next to Puerto Marina, convenient and with services. |
| Malapesquera beach | West of the marina, very popular and lively. |
| El Bil-Bil beach | In front of the red castle, ideal for photos. |
| Arroyo de la Miel beach | Wide, urban and easy to reach. |
| Torrequebrada beach | Quieter, in a residential area. |
| Carvajal beach | On the border with Fuengirola, more relaxed. |
If you are looking for a long beach with chiringuitos and a seafaring feel, neighbouring La Carihuela, in Torremolinos, is a few minutes away. We tell you all about it in our guide to La Carihuela beach.
A route to see Benalmádena in one day
If you only have one day, this is a realistic route combining the best of the three areas without wearing yourself out.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 10 am | Enlightenment Stupa and views from the esplanade. |
| 11 am | Butterfly Park. |
| 12:15 pm | Stroll through Benalmádena Pueblo and Plaza de España. |
| 1:30 pm | Light lunch in the Pueblo or in Arroyo de la Miel. |
| 3:30 pm | Cable car up Mount Calamorro. |
| 5:30 pm | Paloma Park and walk towards the Costa. |
| 7 pm | Puerto Marina at sunset. |
| 8:30 pm | Walk along the shore to La Carihuela and dinner at Caliu. |
If you are travelling with children, swap the cable car for Selwo Marina, or keep the whole morning for the park and leave the Pueblo for the afternoon.
Bear in mind that in summer the cable car has longer hours and in winter it closes earlier. Adjust the order to the season.
Benalmádena with children: plans that always work
Benalmádena is one of the most complete destinations on the Costa del Sol for families. Within a few kilometres it has several theme parks and open spaces.
- Selwo Marina: dolphins, penguins and sea lions.
- Sea Life: aquarium in Puerto Marina, with an underwater tunnel and sharks.
- Butterfly Park: butterflies flying all around you.
- Paloma Park: free, with free-roaming animals and lots of space.
- Cable car: the thrill of the ride and birds of prey in season.
- Boat trips: departures from the marina to look for dolphins.
Very close by, in Torremolinos, there are also Aqualand and Crocodile Park. We cover them in our guide to things to do in Torremolinos.
Getting around Benalmádena
The three areas are separated by steep slopes, so it pays to choose your transport well.
Cercanías train
The C-1 line links Málaga, the airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. The key stop is Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel, a few minutes from the cable car and Paloma Park.
From Caliu, the nearest station is Montemar Alto, next to La Batería Park. It is just one stop to Arroyo de la Miel.
Bus
There are intercity lines connecting Torremolinos with Benalmádena Pueblo and Mijas, as well as local buses around the municipality. In season there is also a hop-on hop-off tourist bus stopping at the main sights.
Car
It is the most comfortable option for going up to the Pueblo, the Stupa and Colomares Castle. There is parking near the main sights, although in summer it fills up early.
On foot
The promenade lets you walk from La Carihuela to Puerto Marina and on to Bil-Bil by the sea. It is the most beautiful way to explore the Costa. We explain it on our page how to get to Caliu.
Where to have dinner after a day in Benalmádena
After a day of viewpoints, parks and walks, what you want most is to sit down for a relaxed dinner near the sea.
Puerto Marina has lots of choice, but also lots of bustle, especially in high season. If you are looking for something quieter with careful cooking, it is worth walking a few minutes towards La Carihuela.
Caliu is at Av. de España 18, in Montemar, at the western end of La Carihuela. We have been serving dinners for 14 years and are rated 4.8 on Google with more than 650 reviews.
We open for dinner only, from 7 pm to 11:30 pm. If you arrive early, from 7 pm to 9 pm you have our 28 € daily menu, a simple way to eat well without fuss. If you prefer to choose at leisure, you can see our full menu.
To get to know the area, we have guides dedicated to our neighbourhood, Montemar, and to the Puerto Marina area.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Benalmádena
How much time do you need to see Benalmádena?
In one long day you see the essentials. With two days you can add Selwo Marina, more beach time and a relaxed afternoon in Puerto Marina.
What is the most beautiful part of Benalmádena?
The views from Mount Calamorro, the Enlightenment Stupa, the white Pueblo and Puerto Marina at sunset are usually what surprises people most.
What can you do for free in Benalmádena?
The Stupa, Paloma Park, the promenade, the beaches, the Pueblo and the outside of El Bil-Bil Castle and Puerto Marina cost nothing.
How do you get to the cable car from Torremolinos?
The easiest way is the C-1 train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel and a few minutes’ walk. There are also intercity buses.
Are Benalmádena Costa and Torremolinos next to each other?
Yes. La Carihuela, in Torremolinos, ends right where Benalmádena Costa begins. From Caliu you can walk to Puerto Marina in about 12 minutes.
What to do in Benalmádena when it rains?
The Butterfly Park, Sea Life, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the inside of the Stupa are good indoor options.
Conclusion
Benalmádena offers much more than a photo in Puerto Marina. Between the white Pueblo, the Stupa, the cable car, the parks and the promenade, there are plans for every taste and age.
Organise the day by area, buy the tickets you will use online and leave the afternoon for the Costa, when the light is at its best.
And when the day is over, we are a short walk away, in La Carihuela. Book your table at Caliu and round off your trip with a good dinner by the sea.
