Hola! Welcome to Benalmadena, one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol. This vibrant Spanish town is divided into three parts, each with something different to offer. In Benalmadena Costa, you’ll find amazing sandy beaches, an award-winning marina, a beautiful green park, vivid nightlife, fresh seafood, and a wide range of activities. The old town, Benalmadena Pueblo, is the most beautiful part of the town which retains the authenticity of a typical Andalusian white village to this day. And Arroyo de la Miel is the main residential area, worth exploring if you want to observe local life or find less busy restaurants. Doesn’t it sound like an amazing destination? It sure does! Vamos, let’s discover all the amazing things to do in Benalmadena, Spain.
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Benalmadena, Spain FAQ
Benalmadena is a Spanish city located in Andalusia in the Province of Malaga on the sunny Costa del Sol. It’s just a short drive from nearby popular places like Malaga, Marbella, Mijas, or Torremolinos.
Benalmadena is best known for being one of the most popular holiday destinations on Costa del Sol thanks to its wide sandy beaches, award-winning marina, and stunning coastal views. Town is also popular for its old town which is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, and a stunning piece of architecture – the fairy-tale looking Colomares Castle.
Of course, Benalmadena is definitely worth visiting. It offers the perfect mix of seaside relaxation with an authentic Andalusian vibe. What’s more, this Southern Spain coastal town is not only a great holiday spot or place for a day trip from nearby towns, but might also serve as a great base for discovering many amazing places in Andalusia.
Benalmadena Pueblo is located about 7km from Benalmadena Costa, inland on a hill, at an altitude of about 200m a.s.l.
Three parts of Benalmadena, Spain
The town stretches from the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas mountains to the coast. It consists of 3 distinct parts:
- Benalmadena Costa – a holiday resort area located on the coast,
- Benalmadena Pueblo – a calm, traditional Andalusian white village located on a hill overlooking coastal areas with a fairy tale-looking castle,
- Arroyo de la Miel – main residential area where most of the locals live.
Vamos, let’s explore all parts of Benalmadena!
Things to do in Benalmadena Costa
Benalmadena Beaches
Costa del Sol is a haven for beach lovers, and one of the best things to do in Benalmadena is to hit the beach. Along the town’s coastline, you’ll find many great beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in warm Mediterranean Sea waters during your holidays. In Benalmadena, the beach choice might not be as big as in the other nearby towns, but the available beaches lack nothing and don’t disappoint.
Among the best beaches in Benalmadena, you’ll find Playa de Santa Ana, Playa de Bil Bil, and Playa del Arroyo de la Miel y los Melilleros. All of them are long and wide, boasting fine sand and calm sea waters. There you’ll also find various amenities like toilets, showers, lifeguards, and many nearby beach bars and restaurants. Other great beach choices, located a bit further, are Playa de Torre Vigía, Playa de Torrequebrada, and Playa de Carvajal. During high season, you might find them more peaceful and a little less crowded.
Paseo Maritimo Promenade
Along the Playa de Santa Ana beach, from Bil Bil Castle up to the Marina, stretches a beautiful Paseo Maritimo Promenade, perfect for relaxing strolls all day long. What we recommend is waking up early to see a magical sunrise, or coming in the evening to see beautiful sunset colors in the sky. The promenade is lined with restaurants and beach bars where you can eat lunch/dinner or just have a drink with sea views (we recommend La Sirena, serving fresh seafood and fish dishes). There you’ll also find many small shops, great if you’re in need of some new summer clothes, sun cream, flip flops, or just a small souvenir.
No matter the time of the year, walking along the promenade is one of the best things to do in Benalmadena. Oh, and if you wish, you can continue your walk through the award-winning marina, up to neighboring Torremolinos.
Bil Bil Castle
Bil Bil Castle (es. Castillo de El-Bil-Bil) is a unique, red-colored building you can find in Benalmadena Costa on a small square between Playa de Bil Bil and Playa de Santa Ana beaches. It was built in the 1930s as a summer house for a rich local family, in the Islamic-inspired style. Over the years, the castle changed owners a few times, until the 80s, when it was acquired by the city council.
Nowadays, Bil Bil Castle serves as a cultural center with various exhibits and events. Inside, you’ll also find the Benalmadena Tourist Office. It’s also a place where you can get married! Entrance to Bil Bil Castle is free during opening hours.
Puerto Marina
You can’t leave Benalmadena Costa without exploring the beautiful Puerto Marina, a two-time award winner of the “Best Marina in the World”. It’s a marina unlike any other you’ll see on Costa del Sol, and we’re not surprised that it was appreciated by the jury. Simply wander around and admire marvelous buildings, yachts, and boats. The vibe is just amazing, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of the top things to do in Benalmadena.
In Puerto Marina, you’ll also find many small shops, all sorts of restaurants and cafes, perfect for a short break. There you’ll also find attractions like the Ferris Wheel or Sea Life Benalmadena – a place where you’ll immerse in the underwater world and discover various aquatic species. If you’re up for a cruise along the coast or dolphin watching, it’s also a great place to book those Benalmadena attractions.
Paloma Park
Paloma Park (es. Parque de la Paloma) is a huge, well-kept green space located just a short uphill walk from the coastline near Bil Bil Castle. It offers a tranquil escape from bustling areas and an opportunity to unwind in nature. By many, Paloma Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks on the Costa del Sol. There you’ll find many walking paths, a lake, palm trees, a cactus garden, children’s playgrounds, an outdoor gym, dining areas, and many animals. From some places you can also admire sea and mountain views.
Next to Paloma Park, you’ll also find Selwo Marina Park, where you can take part in shows featuring various marine animals and exotic birds. It’s a nice attraction in Benalmadena, especially for those traveling with kids.
Benalmadena Cable Car
If you want to take a good look at Benalmadena Costa and its surroundings from above, head to Benalmadena Cable Car. Its stop is located in the Arroyo de la Miel area, close to the town’s train station. During the 15-minute-long ride, it’ll take you to the top of Mount Calamorro, the town’s highest point located at an altitude of almost 800 m a.s.l.
At the top, you can admire breathtaking views of Costa del Sol, take part in a birds of prey show, and dine in a restaurant with coastal views. It’s one of the must-have things to do in Benalmadena, but only if you don’t mind heights or cable cars.
The cost of tickets to Benalmadena Cable Car depends on the day of the week, but costs approximately €20 for a normal ticket and €15 for a reduced one. Entrance to the Birds of Prey Show isn’t included in the price and additionally costs €7 for adults and €4.5 for children 3-12 (October 2025). When the weather is bad, the cable car is closed. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit telefericobenalmadena.com website.
Things to do in Benalmadena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo Old Town Streets
Benalmadena Pueblo is located only about 7 kilometers from the Costa. It’s the most beautiful part of the town (at least in our opinion), which retains the authenticity of a typical Andalusian white village to this day. It’s full of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses generously decorated with colorful flowers. Wandering around in this mesmerizing labyrinth and discovering what each corner has to offer is, without a doubt, one of the most memorable things to do in Benalmadena.
In Benalmadena Pueblo, you’ll find points of interest like Plaza España -the town’s main square filled with orange trees, restaurants, and a fountain with a small girl “La Niña”, 17th 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman, and Jardines del Muro – gardens with spectacular views.
Colomares Castle
Colomares Castle (es. Castillo de Colomares) is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture you’ll see in your life. It might look like a fairy-tale castle, but in reality, it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America! The most fascinating fact is that… it was built by only 3 people! Exploring Colomares Castle is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Benalmadena, which you don’t want to miss.
A visit to Benalmadena Castle costs only €3 for adults, and €2 for children and pensioners (October 2025). It’s closed on Mondays. For current ticket prices and opening hours, visit the castillomonumentocolomares.com website.
Stupa of Enlightenment
One of the most interesting things to do in Benalmadena Pueblo is visiting the Stupa of Enlightenment, a Buddhist temple for peace, harmony in the world, and a place of meditation. The building is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Once you’re inside, it’s best to walk around in a clockwise direction just to honor the tradition. Many believe that wishes made near a Stupa will come true, so don’t forget to make one too. The entrance to the Stupa of Enlightenment is free during the opening hours.
Outside the Benalmadena Stupa, you can admire beautiful views of the Costa del Sol, and after that, you can visit a souvenir shop that offers traditional ceramic figures or books to learn more about Buddhism. You can also visit a Butterfly Park, located right next door, where you can walk amongst 1500+ butterflies from all around the world, flying freely above your head, between artificial waterfalls and many flowers.
Things to do in Arroyo de la Miel
Arroyo de la Miel is the main residential area where most of the Benalmadena locals live. In our opinion, it’s not very spectacular, but if you want to observe typical local life or find some less busy restaurants or tapas bars, it’s a place you’re looking for. Also, if you decide to use the cable car, then you can take a nice stroll around the area. While there, don’t miss places like Plaza de la Mezquita or Plaza de la Tribuna.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Benalmadena, Spain?
Benalmadena is located about 20km from Malaga, 15km from Mijas Pueblo, 40km from Marbella, and 70km from Estepona. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car, train, or bus.
Where to park in Benalmadena?
In Benalmadena Costa, there are many free spots around and some paid parking garages too. For free ones, it’s best to look among residential streets above the promenade. For a parking garage, we recommend Parking Solymar, located close to Puerto Marina.
In Benalmadena Pueblo, your best option is to leave your car in this big and free public parking. It’s located close to the old town streets and Colomares Castle.
Airports near Benalmadena
The closest airport to Benalmadena is located in Malaga, only 15km away. From it, you can reach the town by bus, train, car, or taxi. You can check the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com website.
To Benalmadena by bus
You can easily get to Benalmadena by bus. There are direct and usually cheap connections from many places like Malaga, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, or Nerja. To check the connections that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
Benalmadena Pueblo is located only 7km from Benalmadena Costa. To get there, you need to take a bus or a taxi. The trip by bus takes about 25 minutes and starts near Paloma Park. A taxi ride takes only about 5 minutes and costs about €10.
To Benalmadena by train
Benalmadena’s train station is located in the Arroyo de la Miel area, about 2 kilometers from the coastal areas and 3.5 kilometers from the old town. But only a short line connecting Fuengirola and Malaga passes through it – here you can check out a map of train stations on the route.
Things to do in Benalmadena, Spain – Summing up
As you can see, Benalmadena offers the best of all worlds – the authentic charm of Benalmadena Pueblo, the vibrant local atmosphere of Arroyo de la Miel, and the sunny coastline of Benalmadena Costa filled with beautiful beaches and endless activities. Whether you’re wandering through whitewashed streets, admiring sea views from the award-winning marina, or enjoying tapas in a local plaza, this Costa del Sol town has something for every traveler. It’s a destination that perfectly blends Andalusian character with seaside relaxation. And with so many wonderful things to do in Benalmadena, it’s easy to see why visitors keep coming back. Enjoy!
Our videos from Benalmadena
Our opinion about Benalmadena
For the first time, we visited Benalmadena during our #season1 of digital nomads life. Back then, we only visited Benalmadena Pueblo with Colomares Castle as a half-day trip from Mijas, where we lived for a few weeks. Two years later, during #season3, we spent 7 weeks living in Benalmadena Costa.
So, what can we say after all this time? We really like Benalmadena and we’d happily come back again! The old town enchanted us from the first steps, and we loved wandering its quiet streets and soaking in the authentic Andalusian atmosphere. To this day, it remains one of our favorite white villages in Andalusia.
As for the coastal part, it didn’t really steal our hearts, but we found it nice to live there, especially during the quieter winter months. We especially enjoyed daily walks along the promenade, relaxing in Paloma Park, and watching colorful sunrises and sunsets.
Oh, and we also found Benalmadena a good starting point for discovering the Province of Malaga!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Benalmadena?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Benalmadena:
