Benalmadena is an excellent choice for a family vacation near Malaga, located between Fuengirola and Torremolinos. This town sits in the heart of Costa del Sol, just 11 km from Málaga Airport, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province for many good reasons. This paradise has stunning coastlines, landscapes, landmarks, restaurants, and many other things to see and do. This town has three parts: the coast, the old Pueblo town, and the new Arroyo de la Miel town. You can do a lot of different things in this village besides just going to the famous tourist spots. This post will give you helpful tips on what to do and see in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol.
History of Benalmadena
You can trace the history of Benalmadena all the way back to prehistoric times. According to archaeological research, people lived in the area as early as 20,000 years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic time. This Costa Del Sol town name comes from the Arabic word “Ibn al-Madin,” which means “the sons of the mines.” Muslims lived here for many hundreds of years until Christian forces from the Kingdom of Castile came.
The Christians occupied and destroyed the village as punishment for local resistance. This town was repopulated with ancient Christians in the mid-16th century, but they had a very hard time settling in an unsafe setting. The village was constantly attacked by pirates from the sea. The population started to increase when pirate and Berber attacks decreased.
Top Things to Do and See in Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol
Tivoli World Theme Park
If you want some fun and excitement, you should visit Tivoli World Theme Park. Tivoli World Theme Park, which opened in the 1970s, provides pleasure for visitors of all ages. This is one of the best spots to go in Costa Del Sol. The park features lots of attractions, including several Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and thrilling experiences such as the Haunted Mansion of Terror.
You should also check Tivoli World’s schedule for live shows, events, and activities. The park also has dining options and retail stores. You can walk or take the bus to get to Tivoli Park from where you stay in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol.
Mariposario de Benalmádena (Butterfly Park)
You should go to this butterfly park (Mariposario de Benalmádena) with your friends or kids. You may find more than 1,500 exotic butterflies here, imported from all around the world. The breeding centre is responsible for the welfare of these butterflies. This Butterfly Park is the largest place in Europe that is only for butterflies. These butterflies are flying around between artificial lakes and beautiful flowers.
Parque La Paloma Park
This lovely park is right in the middle of town, only a three-minute walk from the beach. Parque La Paloma is one of the most beautiful places on the Costa del Sol, and nature lovers should go there. You can enjoy a relaxing time there, have a picnic, or do some exercise to stay in shape while you’re travelling.
You might see rabbits, turkeys, ducks, birds, and other animals in the park. They normally let you feed them because they are so used to people. Parque La Paloma Park is, without a doubt, one of the best free things to do in town!
Benalmádena Coast Beaches
There are 17 beaches located across about 20 kilometres of shoreline in Benalmádena, Costa Del Sol. Arroyo Hondo, La Morera, Bil-Bil, La Perla, and Arroyo de la Miel are a few of them. The beaches of this town are accessible via a promenade, which features a variety of restaurants and seaside bars. Bil Bil Beach is town’s main beach, so it’s a busy place with lots of things to do.
You can sunbathe on hammocks or play water sports. The seaside CostaWater Park at Playa de Bil Bil is thrilling. Street markets in the summer sell unique gifts, clothes, and other things, as well as live music and cultural events. You can find water sports on most beaches, but there are also quieter beaches hidden between private cliffs where you can rest.
Selwo Marina
The Selwo Marina is a great place to go in this village of Costa del Sol, if you’re looking for things to do with your family. You can see dolphins, sea lions, and even penguins closely at this water park. There are many areas in the park, and each one has its own special things to do.
You can discover more about these amazing animals and watch amazing performances. The park also has an aquarium with many different kinds of fish and other sea creatures. This provides an educational and engaging experience.
Teleférico de Benalmádena Cable Car
The Teleférico de Benalmádena, a cable car trip in town, is another one of the most exciting things to do in Benalmádena, Costa Del Sol. The cable car station is close to the rail station in Arroyo de la Miel. This journey from town to Monte Calamorro takes 12 minutes.
On this cable ride, you will hear an audio guide who will describe everything you see. When you get to the top, you can also watch a show on how to train birds. Overall, the ride is a truly amazing experience.
Benalmádena Pueblo Museum
If you like museums, you should check out the Pueblo Museum. It has both an art gallery and an archaeological museum under one roof. This is just one more of the many free things to do in Benalmadena.
It’s right in the middle of the old town, which is great. The history of the town before Columbus is the main subject of the museum. It is a truly unique thing to do inside in town, especially if you are interested in history.
Local Cuisine at Benalmádena
If you go to Benalmádena, you should try the delicious and mouthwatering regional dishes. You must try the freshly caught fish, paella, and desserts. There are a lot of different tastes in Andalusia, Costa Del Sol. When you want to try fresh cuisine, go to local restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars). As a tourist, one must not miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine.
If you want to find the best hotels, bars, and restaurants in Benalmadena, you can also use the infocostadelsol.com recommendation page. We recommend Pizzeria Popular in Arroyo de la Miel if you’re looking for a place to eat in city. This heaven offers a wide variety of breakfast options. However, the Pan Deluxe Scandinavian Cafe serves the best food in town. If you want Nordic flavours with a bit of Mediterranean charm, this is the place to go.
Is Benalmádena Worth Visiting?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Benalmádena, whether you’re travelling alone or with family or friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy at sites like Butterfly Park, the Cable Car, Selwo Marina, and Sea Life. If you’re visiting Benalmadena from Malaga for a day or longer, you won’t be bored. You can visit old town, enjoy at Selwo Marina, chill out on the beach, and do many other things. Benalmadena is also known for its exciting and colourful nightlife in Costa Del Sol.
There are bars on the beach, restaurants that serve tapas, places to go out at night near the port, and festivities. It is suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups because it offers both party options and relaxed vibes. There is a lot to do and see in Benalmadena. You can enjoy a modern marina, seaside promenade, beach clubs, nightlife, and excellent everyday services in this town of Costa Del Sol. It has a nice mix of vacation vibes and everyday life, making it good for both short stays and long getaways.
This paradise is also near other lovely towns, such as Torremolinos, that are well worth a day trip. If you want to find the best restaurants, hotels, and night bars in Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol, check out our recommendations page. Our website offers an extensive list of the top hotels, bars, restaurants and other businesses. We provide entrepreneurs and service providers with the opportunity to promote their businesses through our platform, infocostadelsol.com.