Benalmadena
approx. 35 min
Benalmadena packs a lot into one town – an award-winning marina, a cable car into the mountains, a Buddhist stupa with sea views and a pretty white village above the coast.
Why visit Benalmadena?
Benalmádena is divided into three parts: Benalmádena Costa by the sea, Arroyo de la Miel in the middle and the old white village of Benalmádena Pueblo up on the hillside. Together they offer one of the most varied days out on the Costa del Sol – perfect for families, couples and anyone who likes views.
Top sights in Benalmadena
Puerto Marina. Benalmádena's marina is known for its unusual, almost fairytale architecture, with white buildings rising from the water like islands. It is full of restaurants, bars and shops, and many boat trips and dolphin-watching excursions depart from here.
Teleférico Benalmádena. The cable car takes you from Arroyo de la Miel up to the top of Mount Calamorro, with sweeping views over the coast. On clear days you can see as far as Gibraltar and the mountains of North Africa.
The Buddhist Stupa. The Benalmádena Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Europe. It sits on a hill above the town with fantastic views, and you can visit the meditation hall inside.
Colomares Castle. A fantasy-style monument built in the 20th century in honour of Christopher Columbus, mixing Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish styles.
Benalmádena Pueblo. The original village, with whitewashed streets, a lovely main square and small restaurants – a quieter, more traditional side of the town.
Family attractions. Sea Life aquarium at the marina, Selwo Marina dolphin park and the Tivoli World amusement park in Arroyo de la Miel are popular with families.
Food and drink
Puerto Marina has a wide choice of restaurants and bars with terraces over the water. For something more traditional, head up to Benalmádena Pueblo for tapas in the village square.
Getting to Benalmadena from Riviera del Sol
The drive takes around 35 minutes. The local train from Fuengirola stops in Benalmádena (Arroyo de la Miel), close to the cable car and Tivoli World.
Good to know
Check the cable car's opening days – it may close in strong winds and on some days in winter.
Combine the Stupa and Colomares Castle – they are close to each other on the hillside.
Book tours and tickets
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