Benalmadena Pueblo Fair
In August the whitewashed hilltop village holds its annual feria with casetas, flamenco, horses and day-and-night celebrations.
PlizioGo
Sardine skewers roasted over an open fire, best enjoyed at traditional chiringuitos along the beach.
A mixed platter of locally caught fried fish, widely available in seafood restaurants near the port.
Explore the narrow streets of Benalmádena Pueblo for small, authentic bars serving regional dishes.
A bustling street market near the Tivoli parking lot, great for finding clothes, accessories, and local crafts.
Browse through a variety of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops in the pretty marina area.
A vast, beautiful park in the center of town featuring a large lake, a cactus garden, and free-roaming peacocks and rabbits.
Visit this large Buddhist monument situated high above the town for meditation and sweeping coastal views.
Water temperature…
In August the whitewashed hilltop village holds its annual feria with casetas, flamenco, horses and day-and-night celebrations.
Around the summer solstice in late June, the Noche de San Juan is celebrated with beach bonfires, music and a lively fair.
Benalmádena is one of the most diverse destinations on the Costa del Sol, offering three distinct environments. Benalmádena Pueblo is the original hilltop village with whitewashed houses and floral balconies. Arroyo de la Miel serves as the bustling commercial district, while Benalmádena Costa is home to the tourism industry and beaches. The Puerto Marina is an architectural landmark, blending Moorish and modern styles, and has been voted the best marina in the world on several occasions. The Benalmádena Cable Car takes visitors to the summit of Mount Calamorro at 769 meters, providing panoramic views that stretch to the African coast. Another highlight is the Castillo de Colomares, a unique castle-monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. The town also features the Enlightenment Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in the West, measuring 33 meters in height. With 20 kilometers of coastline, it provides everything from quiet coves to lively beaches.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 57 | 69 | 51 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 29 | 60 | 82 | 71 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day on the coast of Benalmádena starts at the architecturally unique Puerto Marina. Discover marine life at Sea Life and Selwo Marina, then relax in the idyllic Parque de la Paloma among the animals. The crowning finish is a visit to the Butterfly Park, a colorful oasis right next to the great Stupa.
The morning at Puerto Marina is atmospheric despite the rain, with unique reflections on the wet promenade. At noon, the Sea Life aquarium provides the perfect dry escape into the underwater world. In the afternoon, we stroll with an umbrella through Selwo Marina and the lush Parque de la Paloma. The greenery looks incredibly vibrant in the rain. By late afternoon, the Mariposario offers a warm tropical sanctuary filled with butterflies, making us forget the grey skies. We finish the evening at a cozy waterfront café.
A winter morning on the Costa del Sol is mild and sunny, perfect for exploring the marina. At noon, we enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the aquarium, away from the summer heat. The afternoon at Selwo Marina is pleasantly cool, and the animals are often more active than in summer. Parque de la Paloma remains lush even in winter under the gentle sun. Near sunset, we visit the Butterfly Park, where the tropical warmth feels especially comforting. The day ends early with clear views of the illuminated coast in the crisp air.
This bike tour combines the sea breeze of the marina with the charm of the mountains. After starting at the port and visiting the lush Parque de la Paloma, the route leads up to the old village of Benalmádena Pueblo. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and cultural treasures at the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.
We start our bike ride at the harbor, where the asphalt glistens in the rain. The ride to Parque de la Paloma is short, but we must watch out for puddles. At noon we reach the cable car, which might close in high winds—a good time for a dry break. The climb to Benalmádena Pueblo is more challenging in damp weather. In the village, we find shelter in the narrow streets and visit the museum. The downhill ride back to the coast requires full focus on the wet roads.
A bright winter morning is ideal for a coastal ride starting from the marina. The wind is fresh, but the sun warms our backs as we head to the park. At noon, the cable car takes us up Mount Calamorro, where the crisp winter air allows for incredible views across to Africa. Then, we cycle up to the white village. In the Pueblo, we enjoy the Andalusian sun in a sheltered spot. A visit to the museum rounds off the cultural afternoon before we head back at dusk.
By car, you can easily explore the spectacular sights in the hills. Start at the fairytale Castillo de Colomares and the picturesque village. Then visit the majestic Stupa and the Butterfly Park. Spend the afternoon back on the coast in the luxurious Puerto Marina and the Sea Life aquarium.
We start dry in the car and drive to Castillo de Colomares, which looks like an enchanted castle in the rain. We continue up to the Pueblo, parking conveniently near the center. At noon, we visit the Stupa and the adjacent Butterfly Park—both offer excellent ways to escape the weather. The car stays in the nearby parking lot. In the afternoon, we drive back to the coast to Puerto Marina. A quick sprint from the parking garage leads to Sea Life, where we can spend the rest of the day indoors.
We take advantage of the sunny winter morning for a drive to Castillo de Colomares. The architectural details stand out beautifully in the crisp light. At noon, we explore Benalmádena Pueblo. We park easily on the outskirts and walk through the flower-lined streets to the Stupa, where winter views are sharpest. After the Butterfly Park, we drive down to Puerto Marina. Finding a parking spot at the harbor is much more relaxed in winter than in high season. We end the day at Sea Life and enjoy the sunset over the marina before heading home comfortably by car.
May, June, September and October are best, warm but not packed. July and August fill the Costa del Sol, winter suits the Mariposario butterfly park, the Calamorro cable car and day trips inland.
Benalmadena is safe, Puerto Marina stays well-lit at night. Watch for distraction thieves on the promenade (flower offers followed by a bag grab), and never park overnight at the beach with valuables visible.
Benalmadena caters to international visitors, English works everywhere and many Puerto Marina shops display German and Russian signage. Up in the old pueblo on the hill a few Spanish words help, the vibe there is more traditional.
The largest Buddhist Stupa in the Western world, standing 33 meters tall and offering a peaceful atmosphere with sea views.
