Benalmádena is a popular spot on the Costa del Sol, located in the province of Málaga. You won't run out of things to do in Benalmádena as the town is split into three very different areas, each with heaps going on. You have Benalmádena Costa, which has long sandy beaches and the well-known Puerto Marina. Further inland and connecting the areas is Arroyo de la Miel, which feels more like a lived-in Spanish town and acts as the main commercial centre. Then, set back on the hillside, is Benalmádena Pueblo, the original old village with its whitewashed houses and quiet, narrow streets.
Top Benalmádena attractions: the marina, parks and beaches
On the coastal strip of Benalmádena, you'll find a wide selection of beaches, a large park for a bit of shade, and the impressive marina.
Parque de la Paloma
A short walk uphill from the coast, this large park is a great place to escape the midday sun. It’s free to enter and has a large lake, a cactus garden and plenty of green space. You’ll also find chickens, peacocks and rabbits roaming freely, which makes it a good option for families.
Beaches and the Paseo Marítimo
The main beaches here are long and sandy, with plenty of chiringuitos (beach bars) for lunch or a drink. Playa de Malapesquera and Playa de Santa Ana are two of the most popular spots.
Puerto Marina
The town’s marina is known for its distinctive architecture, with apartments built on artificial islands connected by small bridges. It’s the centre of the action in the coastal area, filled with shops, international restaurants and bars. It is also the main departure point for boat trips, including dolphin-watching tours.
Benalmádena's authentic side: the old town and Arroyo de la Miel
Just a short bus ride inland from the coast, you can explore the parts of town where daily life has a more local focus. These areas give you a sense of what the region was like before tourism became its main industry.
What to do in Benalmádena Pueblo (Old Town)
Benalmádena Pueblo is a classic Andalusian pueblo blanco (whitewashed village) with flower-filled balconies and narrow, cobbled streets. It’s a much quieter and more relaxed place than the coast, perfect for a slow-paced wander.
The main things to see are:
- Plaza de España: the heart of the village is this pretty square, with a central fountain and surrounding orange trees that make it a lovely spot to sit and have a coffee.
- Panoramic views: the village offers incredible views out over the coastline. You'll find several viewpoints (miradores) as you walk around.
- Colomares Castle: this is not a historic fortress but an elaborate, fairytale-like monument built in the 20th century to honour Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
Exploring Arroyo de la Miel
Sandwiched between the coast and the pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel is the main commercial and residential hub of Benalmádena. It has the feel of a busy, working Spanish town and is where you'll find a great mix of shops and tapas bars.
Key features include:
- The train station: it offers a direct and easy link to Málaga airport, Málaga city centre, and down the coast to Fuengirola.
- The Friday market: If you’re looking for the local market, it’s held here every Friday morning in the car park of the former Tivoli World amusement park.
- Casa de la Cultura: the events space hosts a variety of events, including local art exhibitions, which are often free to visit. It also has a library and a theatre.
Fun things to do in Benalmádena for families and couples
Beyond the beaches and promenades, Benalmádena has a good few attractions that are perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a change of scenery.
Ride the Benalmádena Cable Car (teleférico)
The cable car departs from Arroyo de la Miel and takes you on a 15-minute journey up the side of Mount Calamorro for a completely different perspective on the region. Taking you over 770 metres above sea level, the panoramic view at the top is incredible. The vistas stretch from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Gibraltar coastline and, on a clear day, even across to Africa.
Family and couple attractions in Benalmádena
Benalmádena also has several other standout attractions that are great for a day out, especially when you fancy a break from the beach.
- Sea Life Benalmádena: located in the Puerto Marina, this aquarium is a classic family-friendly activity.
- Mariposario de Benalmádena: this is the town's beautiful butterfly park, housed inside a Thai-style temple. Thousands of butterflies from across the globe fly freely around you.
- Stupa of Enlightenment: right next to the butterfly park is this massive and striking Buddhist monument, the largest of its kind in the Western world.
- Aqualand Torremolinos: On hot summer days, the main local water park is a popular choice. It's technically in Torremolinos but sits right on the border with Benalmádena and is very easy to get to.
What to do in Benalmádena at night
Once the sun sets, Benalmádena offers a real mix of evening activities, depending on what you're in the mood for. The vibe changes quite a bit from one area to the next, so you can easily find a night out that suits you.
- Puerto Marina: the marina is full of sophisticated bars for a cocktail and restaurants that stay open late. Many of the bars have terraces overlooking the water, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening drink. As the night goes on, some of these venues turn into lively music bars or small clubs.
- Plaza Solymar: often called '24-Hour Square', this square is popular with a younger crowd and is packed with late-night bars and clubs that keep going until the early hours.
- Arroyo de la Miel & The Pueblo: for a more traditional Spanish evening, head to the town centre or the old village. Here, the nightlife is all about hopping between tapas bars. You can enjoy a low-key evening with some great local food and wine in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Things to do in Benalmádena in the rain
While the Costa del Sol is famous for its sunshine, you can occasionally get a day of rain, especially outside of the summer months. If you do get unlucky with the weather, there are still some good indoor options to keep you occupied.
- Sea Life Benalmádena: the aquarium in the marina is an obvious choice for a rainy day. It's completely indoors and is a great way to spend a couple of hours.
- The Butterfly Park: Benalmádena's Mariposario is another excellent rainy-day escape. The inside is a warm, tropical environment, so you can forget about the grey skies outside.
- Pre-Columbian art museum: in the centre of the old village, you'll find this small but fascinating museum. It's housed in a historic building and contains a collection of artefacts from Central and South America.
- Go shopping: while Benalmádena itself doesn't have a large indoor shopping centre, it's very easy to jump on the train from Arroyo de la Miel to the big shopping malls in nearby Fuengirola or Málaga city centre.
Benalmádena excursions and day trips
Thanks to the train line running through Arroyo de la Miel and the local bus network, it’s incredibly easy to go on excursions from Benalmádena without needing a car.
- Málaga City: the provincial capital is just a 20-minute train ride away. You can spend a day exploring the historic old town, visit the Picasso Museum, or wander around the redeveloped port area, Muelle Uno.
- Mijas Pueblo: if you liked Benalmádena Pueblo, you’ll love Mijas. It’s another beautiful white village perched on the mountainside, offering amazing views down to the coast. It’s a bit bigger and more famous than Benalmádena’s old town, with lots of craft shops and charming little squares.
- Fuengirola: hop on the train heading west and you’ll be in Fuengirola in about 15 minutes. It’s another major coastal town with over seven kilometres of sandy beaches, a large castle, and a huge street market on Tuesdays.
- Torremolinos: as Benalmádena’s direct neighbour, you can actually walk to Torremolinos along the seaside promenade. It’s famous for its lively atmosphere and has some great beaches, especially the La Carihuela area, known for its fantastic chiringuitos serving fresh fish.
Living in Benalmádena
There's more to Benalmádena than just a holiday experience. The way the town is split into three distinct areas—the lively coast, the practical town centre of Arroyo de la Miel, and the quiet old village—means it caters to a wide variety of lifestyles. The atmosphere, particularly up in the Pueblo, gives you a good insight into what living in Benalmádena is really like, away from the seasonal rush. For decades, it has been a popular destination for expats looking for a more peaceful setting while still being close to the coast. This balance is what makes the town a prime example of the lifestyle on offer throughout the region, which is a big part of what makes living on the Costa del Sol so appealing to people.