📜 Introduction.

Although Marbella is extremely popular, it is Benalmádena the true fairytale land of the Costa del Sol.

Between the cobbled streets of its picturesque pueblo blanco, fabulous castle, and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, this Andalusian jewel is a real concentration of beauty.

If you are planning an escape from Malaga or if you want to explore a decidedly more interesting and less touristy side of the coast, this is the perfect place for you. Get ready to discover Benalmádena, the fairytale land of the Costa del Sol.

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Table of Contents

• 📜 Introduction.
• 🗺️ A Bit of Geography: Understanding Benalmádena.
• 🌞 What to see in Benalmádena?
• 🛏️ Where to Stay in Benalmádena.
• 🍜 What to Eat in Benalmádena.
• 🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.
• 💡 Travel Tips.
• 🎈 Conclusion.

🗺️ A Bit of Geography: Understanding Benalmádena.

Before I dive into the magical sights, let’s quickly get our bearings. Benalmádena is located in the province of Malaga, right in the heart of the Costa del Sol. However, it is quite a unique municipality because it is actually split into three very distinct main areas.

• Benalmádena Costa. The vibrant, lower coastal strip home to the sun-drenched beaches, chiringuitos, the bustling Puerto Deportivo, and the main tourist resorts.
• Arroyo de la Miel. The commercial hub situated right in the middle, connecting the coast to the hills. This is where you’ll find the train station and the cable car.
• Benalmádena Pueblo. The original, historic heart of the town, perched high up in the mountains. This is the classic Andalusian whitewashed village (pueblo blanco) filled with narrow, flower-adorned streets.

So, when people simply say “Benalmádena”, they usually mean the whole municipality.

🌞 What to see in Benalmádena?

Out of all the towns surrounding Malaga, Benalmádena was genuinely my absolute favourite. It offers the most complete experience, boasting the perfect blend of beautiful coastline, culture, spectacular views, and brilliant activities. Below are my absolute favourite spots to explore.

👑 Castillo de Colomares.

This is perhaps the most photogenic spot in all of Benalmádena. The Castillo de Colomares isn’t a real medieval castle, but a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Mudéjar styles, but it was built between 1987 and 1994! Wandering amongst its intricately carved towers will literally make you feel like the main character in a fairytale.

🦋 Mariposario.

This is a very magical place. The Mariposario (Butterfly Park) is housed inside an incredible Thai temple and welcomes hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely in a tropical environment. Here, you can also find free birds, turtles, and exotic flowers. It’s an almost surreal experience!

⚓ Puerto Deportivo.

The Puerto Deportivo is considered one of the most beautiful marinas in all Spain, thanks to its highly unique architecture that harmoniously blends Andalusian, Arabic, and Indian influences. Stop here for a sunset aperitif: the colours of the sky reflecting on the water and the buildings are indescribable and will end your day perfectly.

🌵 Cactus y otras Suculentas Garden.

Make sure to wander through Parque de la Paloma, a massive, beautifully kept green oasis. The real treat hidden within is the Cactus Garden, perfect for capturing some aesthetically amazing photos.

🤍 Benalmadena Pueblo.

To experience the actual pueblo blanco, take a wander through the streets of the historic centre until you reach the beautiful Plaza de España. Right in the centre, you will find La Niña de Benalmádena, a gorgeous bronze statue of a young girl gently offering water from a shell. Created by the sculptor Jaime Pimentel, she has become the absolute symbol of the town’s warm hospitality.

🐠 Sea Life Aquarium.

As you head down towards the coast, make sure to pop into the Sea Life Aquarium. It is a nice spot for a break where you can get up close and personal with mesmerising rays, sharks, and sea turtles. You may also see advertisements for Selwo Marina, a marine animal park in the area. As I am personally against this kind of activity, I won’t suggest visiting it.

😎 Mirador del Columpio.

Whilst Benalmádena has countless gorgeous viewpoints, make sure the Mirador del Columpio is at the top of your list. Imagine swinging high above the coast with the endless blue of the Mediterranean right in front of you. Pure magic!

🏰 Three Towers.

If you take a stroll along the coastline, you’ll also spot three ancient stone watchtowers: Torre Bermeja, Torre Quebrada, and Torre Muelle. These were built centuries ago to defend the Andalusian coast from pirate attacks and remain proudly standing today.

🏺 Pre-Columbian Museum.

If you love history and ancient artefacts, you absolutely cannot miss the Felipe Orlando Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Located in the historic centre, this museum houses an incredible collection of artefacts from Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and Colombia. It is a small, but incredibly precious treasure right in the middle of Andalusia!

☸️ Estupa de la Iluminación.

Just a short distance from Benalmádena Pueblo and close to the Mariposario, you will find something truly unexpected. Standing at an impressive 33m tall, it is actually the largest Buddhist stupa in Europe, symbol of peace, prosperity, and harmony.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Benalmádena.

Since I lived in Malaga and could easily pop over to Benalmádena for the day, I never actually needed to stay overnight myself. However, I have done some digging for you!

• The Boathouse. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, check this out. It is actual accommodation inside a lovely boat moored right on the coast, usually costing around €110 per night.
• Spirit Hotel. If you prefer absolute comfort and luxury, this one is for you. It boasts an outdoor pool, a fantastic restaurant, two bars, and exceptional service. It is a bit on the pricey side at around €300 per night, but totally worth it for a special treat.
• Roberto Guest House “Casa Compartida”. If you are searching for something genuinely budget-friendly, there unfortunately aren’t too many options in the immediate area. I might suggest checking this guest house out; however, do bear in mind that, according to the reviews, it is fairly average.

However, on Booking.com you will surely find the best accommodation that suits your needs.

🔽 Ready to travel? You can search for your next accommodation directly in the bar below! 🔽

🍜 What to Eat in Benalmádena.

Just like the rest of Andalusia, Benalmádena boasts plenty of mouth-watering food, from fresh Mediterranean seafood to classics like croquetas and Spanish tortilla. However, because the town is incredibly popular with expats (roughly 30% to 35% of its 75,000 residents are from the UK, Scandinavia, and France) finding a traditional Spanish restaurant serving authentic local dishes can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge amongst all the international pubs!

But don’t worry. Here are some spots I recommend for a foodie experience.

• El Ancla (Benalmádena Costa). If you are craving fresh seafood right by the sea, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy pescaíto frito whilst looking out over the water.
• Lime & Lemon (Benalmádena Costa). Located close to the marina, this eatery offers a modern twist on classic Spanish, international, and even sweet tapas!
• Casa Rafael ‘Papa Erig’ (Arroyo de la Miel). Between Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa, this restaurant is one of the most traditional seafood places in the area. In fact, there is no printed menu available: instead, all the dishes are written on the walls or on chalkboards.
• Salu Grill & Wine Restaurant (Benalmádena Pueblo). A superb choice for meat lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. They serve grilled dishes in a cosy, welcoming environment.
• Spanish Garden (Benalmádena Costa). This restaurant offers traditional Spanish flavours served in a stunning courtyard setting, making it perfect for a romantic or quiet dinner.

🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.

You can easily purchase tickets for the Castillo de Colomares, the Mariposario, and Sea Life directly at the counter upon arrival. There is usually very little risk of them selling out or not finding a spot on the day. However, always check opening times and closing days.

Instead, if you are planning on doing more specific activities such as taking the cable car or booking sea experiences, I highly recommend checking out GetYourGuide in advance.

💡 Travel Tips.

You can easily get to Benalmádena from Malaga by taking the Cercanías (the local commuter train). Trains depart roughly every 20 minutes, and the journey takes less than half an hour. Once you arrive, there are several local buses to help you navigate the municipality and reach major points of interest, such as the Castillo de Colomares. If you prefer not to wait for a bus, especially from the main Arroyo de la Miel station, grabbing a taxi is incredibly easy. Cabify is a popular ride-hailing app in Spain that works exactly like Uber.

🎁 Use the referral code below to register on Cabify to unlock your €20 discount 🎁

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If you are planning a longer trip , especially during spring and summer where there are many Ferias and events in Southern Spain, I highly recommend hiring a car. A road trip along the Costa del Sol is the absolute greatest option for reaching further stops in Andalusia. It gives you the complete freedom to easily combine multiple towns and locations at your own pace!

🔽 Ready to roll? You can search for your next car directly in the bar below 🔽

🎈 Conclusion.

Benalmádena is much more than just a seaside resort. It is a place with a vibrant soul that blends sea, nature, and breathtaking panoramas in a sublime way. It is the ideal destination for those seeking something special beyond the usual Andalusian routes, and it is incredibly easy to see why it steals the heart of anyone who visits.

So, in case you are travelling to Malaga, do not miss Benalmádena, the fairytale land in the Costa del Sol.

💬 And you? Had you ever heard of Benalmádena before? If you are now tempted to book a trip, let me know in the comments which of these fairytale spots you’ll be visiting first!

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