13 Best Things To Do in Benalmadena Beyond the Resorts

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If you’re planning a trip to Benalmádena, you might be wondering: what are the best things to do in Benalmádena if you want to experience more than sunbeds and sangria?

For many travellers, Benalmádena is simply a place to relax by the pool. But if you’re curious to explore a little further, you’ll find there’s far more to this stretch of the Costa del Sol than first meets the eye.

After visiting Benalmádena three times myself, I was determined to uncover the real Spain beneath the touristy veneer. So I spent time exploring the area beyond the resorts.

From hilltop white villages and scenic cable car views to local tapas spots and cultural landmarks, there are plenty of ways to experience a more authentic side of southern Spain if you just look for it.

So, read on for the best things to do in Benalmádena, including cultural sights, beautiful viewpoints, foodie experiences and a few hidden gems you might otherwise miss. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to escape the tourist-heavy areas and find the spots the locals love.

Top tip: If you’re looking for authentic Spanish culture, head up to Benalmádena Pueblo, the charming white-washed old town perched on the hillside above the coast. With quiet plazas, traditional tapas bars and sweeping sea views, it feels a world away from the resorts below. Benalmadena Pueblo is also a lovely place to stay if you want a more local experience.

13 Things To Do in Benalmadena

1. Visit Benalmadena Pueblo

My absolute favourite place in Benalmadena is the Old Town, also known as Benalmadena Pueblo. Nestled into the hillside, above the coastal resort, Benalmadena Pueblo is perfect for those who want to escape the resorts and built-up seafront.

I’ve stayed in Benalmadena Pueblo three times and absolutely loved it. Not only is it a great base if you’re a solo traveller in Malaga, but it’s also the perfect spot to soak up Andalusian culture and charm!

Allow at least half a day to explore the white-washed streets, visit Plaza de España, enjoy the view from the scenic viewpoints and sample local cuisine in the tapas bars. The best way to explore is to wander down the beautiful side streets and see where it takes you.

Some of my favourite places to eat in Benalmadena Pueblo include:

Cafeteria Coral for affordable local tapas and a great evening atmosphere. This is where the locals go!

La Taberna de Sinfo for affordable local tapas dishes and local vibes. Order tapas off the bar – they change each day.

Despensa Ibérica for local vibes and a great selection of jamons to try. Order a platter of jamons to sample.

La Cepa for its beautiful location on a quaint little side street, great food and affordable prices. The croquettes here are particularly good.

Hotel La Fonda, if you want a more formal meal. Great food, friendly service, and they were happy to cater to my vegetarian mum. They also have fantastic views over the ocean from the restaurant.

2. Visit Castillo de Colomares

While you’re in Benalmadena Pueblo, don’t miss the incredible and striking Castillo de Colomares. This unique monument is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his voyage to the Americas.

The building itself is beautifully designed, with intricate decorations inspired by Gothic, Romanesque, Mudéjar and Byzantine design. Hidden among the towers, arches and carvings are symbolic details that tell the story of Columbus’s journey, including sculptures of the three famous ships, the Niña, Pinta and Santa María.

Rather than grand halls and furnished rooms, the monument is more like an open-air work of art, with incredible views out to sea. It’s also surprisingly small, which means you will only need an hour to explore the site.

I’ve visited Castillo de Colomares twice, and really enjoyed wandering around the gardens and enjoying the beautiful architecture.

It’s best to visit early in the morning as this attraction can get very busy from lunchtime onwards. If you want great photos, without hoardes of people ruining them, visit at 10 am when it opens.

This really is one of the best things to do in Benalmadena and unlike any castle you’ll see elsewhere in Spain. Plus, it only costs €3 to enter, so it’s one of the best things to do in Malaga on a budget.

3. Walk Around Puerto Marina

Benalmádena’s Puerto Marina is a lovely place for a walk, day or night. With its distinctive white buildings and winding waterways, it feels a little different from a typical marina. Even if you’re not planning a boat trip, it’s a lovely place to wander, especially in the evening when the lights reflect across the water.

Around the marina, you’ll find plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants, although I found the restaurants to be expensive and aimed at tourists, so I wouldn’t recommend eating here if you’re looking for more local food and culture.

Having said that, it’s a lively area, and if you visit earlier in the evening for a drink, you can enjoy the atmosphere before the nightlife crowds arrive.

Puerto Marina is also the starting point for several boat trips along the coast. You can join dolphin-watching tours, sunset cruises or short sightseeing trips out into the Mediterranean. It’s a fun way to see the Costa del Sol from a different perspective, and you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

4. Take the Cable Car to Monte Calamorro

For some of the best views on the Costa del Sol, take a ride on the Benalmádena cable car (Teleférico de Benalmádena). The cable car climbs from Arroyo de la Miel up to the summit of Mount Calamorro, rising nearly 800 metres above sea level.

The journey itself is part of the experience, with panoramic views unfolding as you glide up the mountainside. On a clear day, you can see across the Mediterranean and even as far as the coast of North Africa.

But a word of warning: This may not be the attraction for you if you’re afraid of heights. The cable car sways in the wind, and the drop below is quite hair-raising, even if it is incredible to see!

At the top, you’ll find several walking trails and viewpoints to explore the surrounding mountains and take in the scenery.

It can be much colder at the top of the mountain than it is down on the beach, though. When I visited, the weather on the beach was sunny and warm, but the weather on the top of the mountain was significantly different – windy and rainy! Make sure to take layers and good walking shoes if you want to explore the walking trails.

Another word of caution: Please do not support the Garden of Eagles (Valle de las Águilas) attraction. When we were walking around, we spotted magnificent birds of prey chained by the leg to a tree, unable to move or fly.

When we confronted the workers about this, they became aggressive and unfriendly. Despite them trying to argue that they are working in ‘conservation’, what we saw was pure exploitation.

5. Visit the Butterfly Park (Mariposario de Benalmádena)

The Butterfly Park in Benalmadena is a wonderful attraction to visit, especially on a rainy day. We spent a lovely morning surrounded by incredible butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours.

The butterfly park is housed in a beautiful building that you can’t help but notice, as it looks like a Thai temple! Incidentally, it’s actually located next to the Buddhist Temple, so the design of the Butterfly Park may not have been a coincidence.

The butterflies are kept in a large greenhouse which holds over 1500 butterflies from all over the world. While technically kept in captivity (something I usually never promote), the butterflies have a huge space to fly around, with various plants, trees and structures to land on.

You can also watch butterflies as they emerge from their chrysalis in the ‘nursery’, which was absolutely fascinating.

The Butterfly Park offers a small cafe and gift shop, and there is ample space to park nearby.

5. Walk the Benalmadena Promenade

As I work remotely, I spent three weeks in Benalmádena in December. After finishing work, I made it a habit to head down to the seafront for an evening walk.

The promenade may be a little touristy and built up, but it’s still a lovely spot for a stroll along the coast. Palm trees line the walkway, you get a great view of the sunset over the ocean, and there’s always a relaxed atmosphere in the air.

Most evenings, I’d wander from my accommodation to the seafront and walk until I reached the nearest chiringuito (beach bar). There, I’d order a glass of vermut rojo and watch the sun set – the perfect way to end the day.

Whether you choose to enjoy the Promenade in the evening like me, or head down for a walk during the day, it’s a great spot for a stroll. The beachfront is lined with various shops, restaurants and bars, and there’s always a lovely atmosphere.

6. Relax on Benalmadena’s Best Beaches

The one thing the Costa del Sol has in abundance is beautiful beaches, and Benalmadena also has its fair share. While the beaches are all connected and feel like one long beach, they do have different names. These include Playa Arroyo de la Miel, Playa Bil-Bil, Playa Santa Ana and Playa Malapesquera.

The seafront of Benalmadena is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants, so it’s also easy to grab a bite to eat while you’re enjoying a beach day. Some of my favourite places to eat and drink on the beach at Benalmadena include:

Restaurante Virgen del Mar – great for local seafood and tapas, large portions for great prices.

Maracas Beach Bil-Bil – great bar and restaurant right on the beach, lovely place to have drinks in the evening too.

La Nueva – great local tapas bar right on the seafront. We had fantastic, friendly service and delicious food at great prices. Ate here a few times and loved it.

7. See the Stupa of Enlightenment

As one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in Europe, with a huge golden tower that glimmers in the sun, the Stupa of Enlightenment really stands out from the landscape around it.

This is one of the more unique things to do in Benalmadena, so it’s great if you’re looking for something to do away from the tourist traps. It’s right next to the Butterfly Park, so it’s a great one to visit on the same day.

The stupa is open to the public. There is a small shop and a cafe that is open in the summer.

8. Take a Day Trip from Benalmadena

The Costa del Sol truly has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach break, you’ve got it! If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure holiday, you’re in the right place. If you’re looking for history, culture and amazing food, well, you’ve found a goldmine!

From the city of Malaga itself to the stunning Pueblos Blancos along the Costa del Sol, there’s enough to do in Andalucia to keep you busy for a month.

Whether you decide to spend a day exploring the Centro Historico of Malaga itself, take a day trip to Frigiliana, known as Andalucia’s prettiest village, wander the streets of the whitewashed hillside town of Mijas Pueblo, or explore the Old Town of Marbella, there are tons of villages, towns and places that make the perfect day trip from Benalmadena.

If you’re happy to go further afield, you could even tackle the Caminito del Rey, only an 1 hour drive from Benalmadena.

9. Take a Boat Trip from Puerto Marina

If you want to see the Costa del Sol from a different perspective, taking a boat trip from Puerto Marina is a great way to spend a few hours. Several companies run excursions along the coastline, ranging from short 2-hour sightseeing cruises to sunset trips out on the Mediterranean.

One of the most popular options is a dolphin-watching tour. The waters off the coast of Benalmádena are home to several species of dolphins, and it’s not uncommon to see them swimming alongside the boat. While sightings are never guaranteed, many visitors are lucky enough to spot them playing in the waves.

Even if dolphins don’t appear, the trip is still worthwhile. Being out on the water gives you a completely different view of the coastline, with the beaches, marinas and mountains of the Costa del Sol stretching out in the distance.

If you’re looking for a relaxed activity between sightseeing and beach time, a boat trip from Puerto Marina is an easy and memorable addition to your Benalmádena itinerary.

10. Visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum

A tiny museum in Benalmadena Pueblo that is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum is a small but fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in history and culture. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts from ancient civilisations across the Americas, including the Maya, Aztec and Inca.

Inside, you’ll find ceramics, sculptures and everyday objects that offer a glimpse into life in these societies long before European explorers arrived. The exhibits are thoughtfully displayed and easy to explore, even if you only have an hour to spare.

It’s not a large museum, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re already wandering the streets of Benalmádena Pueblo, it’s well worth stepping inside for a deeper look at a lesser-known part of world history. It’s also a good thing to do in Benalmadena in the rain.

11. Hike Mina de la Trinidad, Cerro del Moro

Benalmadena is surrounded by incredible mountains. When I see mountains, I think of only one thing… hiking!

If you’re looking for a challenging 10.8 km day hike, why not hike the Mina de la Trinidad trail around Cerro del Moro? We parked at the Butterfly Park and headed for the trailhead, which starts just across the road.

To start the hike, you’ll pass through a tunnel, called Arte Callejero Nesui, which is actually an attraction in itself for the incredible street art murals painted there.

The hike is quite challenging due to it being largely uphill for the first half of the hike, and there are no facilities or amenities along the way, so you’ll need to take plenty of water and food with you and wear comfortable walking shoes. It might be a trek, but the views across the Costa del Sol are worth it.

You can find the route on All Trails.

12. Explore Arroyo de la Miel

Arroyo de la Miel is a lively inland town centre above Benalmádena. It’s where many locals live and work, so it feels a little more everyday and less touristy than the beachfront areas.

You’ll find plenty of cafés, tapas bars, shops and local businesses here, making it a nice place to wander for an hour or two. It’s also where the Benalmádena cable car (Teleférico de Benalmádena) departs, so it makes sense to combine exploring Arroyo de la Miel with a trip on the cable car.

There’s also a weekly street market held here every Friday from 9 am until 2 pm, selling clothing, souvenirs and household items. While it’s a busy local market, I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip just for the market itself. Much of what’s on sale tends to be fairly low-quality clothing and products.

13. Get Dessert at the Meeting Point Cafe

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Meeting Point Cafe in Benalmadena. Serving a wide range of incredible desserts, the cafe is open until 10 pm and is a great place to go after dinner for something sweet.

It’s also a lovely cafe to visit during the day. They serve great lunches, and it’s a nice place to work remotely if you’re a digital nomad, working while you travel.

How to Get Around Benalmadena

Getting around Benalmádena is fairly straightforward, and you have a few different options depending on how much exploring you plan to do.

Hiring a car: Car hire is one of the easiest ways to get around if you want the freedom to explore beyond the resort areas. The Costa del Sol is full of beautiful places within easy driving distance, including white villages, coastal towns and scenic viewpoints. Car rental in Spain is usually quite affordable, and I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals.

Buses and trains: If you’d rather not drive, public transport is also a good option. Buses run regularly between different parts of Benalmádena, including the seafront, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Pueblo. There’s also a coastal train line that connects nearby towns such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Málaga, making it easy to take day trips along the Costa del Sol if you don’t have a rental car.

On foot: That said, walking is still one of the nicest ways to explore the area, especially along the seafront promenade and around Puerto Marina. Benalmádena is quite a large town and is really spread out over a large area, so you’ll likely combine walking with buses or taxis depending on where you’re staying.

Guided tours: If you don’t have a hire car, and don’t want to use public transport to explore Andalucia, I recommend booking some of the best tours in Malaga. Guided tours will often depart from Malaga, Benalmadena or one of the other large resorts such as Fuengirola or Torremolinos, so it depends on where you’re staying.

One thing to keep in mind is that Benalmádena Pueblo sits high on the hillside above the coast. While it might look close on the map, walking up from the seafront would be a long and steep uphill trek. It’s much easier to reach the village by bus, taxi or car.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about visiting Benalmadena, please get in touch via the contact form. I’d love to hear from you!