Things to do in Benalmadena

The squat, yet undeniably spectacular, neo-Moorish Castillo El Bil-Bil was constructed in the 1930s as a private residence. After a long and complicated history, it’s now a community building holding events, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year – it’s also said that more civil weddings are held here than anywhere else in the province. This makes it something of a town landmark and one of the focal points along the beach. They share this distinction with the town’s famous Moorish watchtowers – these grand stone towers were built in the 16th-century to watch over the coast and protect the city.

Benalmadena Pueblo, located high above the sea inland, is home to the Benalmadena Museum, an incredible collection of Pre-Columbian American art. The museum owes its conception to the famous anthropologist and artist, Felipe Orlando-García Murciano, who donated his precious collection to the Town Hall, under the proviso that they build a museum to house it. The museum’s collection was later expanded thanks to several more generous donations, making this one of the most important collections of its kind in Europe.

Built to honour Christopher Columbus, the famous Castillo de Colomares is an astonishing architectural feat, full of fascinating information about the man credited with discovering America. The brainchild of Dr Esteban Martín Martín, this fairy-tale castle is the world’s largest monument to Columbus. Clever architectural details pick out key chapters in the explorer’s life and pay homage to his intrepid voyages around the globe. Once you visit the castle, you’ll see why it’s one of the best things to do in Benalmadena.

The largest of its kind in Europe, this huge white Stupa is a monument to the enlightened mind and is intended as a place to reflect, learn and meditate. The Enlightenment Stupa, as it’s more commonly known, was inaugurated in 2003 in a huge celebratory ceremony. Stupas represent an important event of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni’s life story – this one symbolises Buddha’s enlightenment and the nature of a fully awakened mind.

One of the town’s most popular attractions, the Mariposario de Benalmádena (Butterfly Park of Benalmadena) is a tropical paradise, home to more than 1,500 butterflies from all over the world. Visitors can walk through this spectacular space and see these incomparably-colourful insects floating around them – admittedly, not the place for people who have a fear of incomparably-colourful insects flying near their head…

Benalmadena is a great place to party! At Plaza Solymar you’ll find the younger crowds which are home to a range of pumping clubs and exciting bars. Wander over to the Marina where you’ll discover swanky hotels for a more upmarket night out, such as MAC hotel. La Cubana is a firm favourite for salsa music and a dance. Get your dancing shoes on!

One of the best ways to see the area is from the town’s spectacular cable-car ride. The Teleférico Benalmádena is a unique attraction offering visitors a bird’s eye view of the Costa del Sol – enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountainside, while taking in the area’s fascinating flora and fauna. Cyclists are encouraged to take their bikes on the cable car and descend using the amazing trails. This is definitely one of the most unmissable things to do in Benalmadena.