Compare Benalmadena holidays

What to do in Benalmádena

It's tempting to spend all your time on the beautiful beaches during a Benalmádena holiday, but there’s plenty to do when you want to get moving. You won’t need to go far to explore a colourful castle, meet exotic sea creatures and get your adrenaline pumping at the theme parks.

Beaches

Benalmádena’s coastline has more than 9km (6 miles) of beaches including the popular Playa Malapesquera. Located near the marina, it’s ideal if you want to hire a boat or try a watersport.

Another popular choice for families is Carvajal Beach, a little further down the coast. It’s great for sunbathing and has plenty to do between the chiringuitos, shops and restaurants nearby.

For something quieter, head for the coves of Torremuelle. Note that nudists are welcome here.

Amusement parks

Two amusement parks are within a 15-minute drive of Benalmádena. Tivoli World, a fairground-style theme park, has more than 30 attractions. Hop on the Ferris wheel for an impressive view of the coast or take on the 60-metre tower drop to get your heart pumping.

Aqualand Torremolinos, meanwhile, is the Costa del Sol’s biggest waterpark. Here, you’re invited to plunge down (and up) the huge half pipe or try the vertigo-inducing Kamikaze drop (it’s 22m high!). There are more sedate slides, ideal for younger swimmers, at Kidzworld.

Animal encounters

Head to the marina’s Sea Life Aquarium to check out everything from sharks and colourful clownfish to octopuses and sea turtles. You’ll be able to stroke a starfish or crab, watch otters having their lunch and have a go at feeding rays yourself.

Next to the Buddhist stūpa, Mariposario de Benalmádena is a butterfly park in spectacular grounds. Colourful butterflies fly freely around the lush surrounds that include big-leaved plants, ponds and waterfalls.

Colomares Castle

This unusual castle is an elaborate monument to explorer Christopher Columbus. It was the dream of US surgeon Dr Esteban Martín Martín, who designed and funded the project’s seven-year build.

The castle has towers more than 30m (nearly 100ft) high in a mix of Moorish, Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles. The design references Columbus’s travels, and inside the complex, a large book details his voyages. Also worth a look is the tiny church, said to be one of the world’s smallest.

Paloma Park

In the heart of Benalmádena, Paloma Park is a plant-filled sanctuary by the coast. The constructed green space is perfect for a stroll along paths around its lake and surrounded by the park’s residents – ducks, rabbits, peacocks and emus.

The park is a great spot for a run, or you can hire a four-seater quadricycle for a bit of family fun. Look out for the 2,000-plus cacti planted here.