Posted By
Planmytour Team
January 8, 2024
There are ample exciting Benalmadena things to do for first-time and repeat travellers to this scenic region in Spain. A postcard-worthy town nestled in the Malaga Province in Andalusia, Benalmádena is home to an incredibly wide selection of remarkable attractions and activities catering to all types of tourists and age groups. Bedecking the stunning resort of Costa del Sol, the charming town ensures tourists from around the world have an unforgettable experience. As such, you never have to wonder what to do in Benalmádena!
Whether you desire to delve into the region's rich history, explore its jaw-dropping coastline, or shop your heart out, you can do them all in a single trip! Check our carefully-curated list of the most thrilling things to do in Benalmádena Costa del Sol resort, and try your hand at as many of them as you can during your stay.
Spain, Mainland Spain, Costa Del Sol, Benalmadena / Benalmádena
Spain, Mainland Spain, Costa Del Sol, Benalmadena / Benalmádena
Spain, Mainland Spain, Costa Del Sol, Benalmadena / Benalmádena
The topmost of all Benalmadena attractions is the beloved Monchotren, aka the tourist train, taking you past several picturesque routes to see much of the region's beauty. Among the top things to do in Benalmadena in October thanks to the pleasant autumn weather, the train can take you through the Puerto Marina for panoramic sea views, or the historic Benalmádena Pueblo with stops at the famed Estupa (Buddhist Temple). The ideal train tour time is about 45 to 50 minutes long via regular routes.
Parked between Benalmádena Costa and Benalmádena Pueblo, this lively town boasts the best adults only hotel Benalmadena has known and is a must-see during your trip. Teeming with beautiful plazas, winding streets, and charming eateries serving traditional Andalusian tapas, it also boasts an impressively large British expat community. Explore a range of eclectic bars, restaurants, cafés, and the prominent Plaza de España, a peaceful square and one of the most sought-after tourist hotspots.
Wandering popular beaches is among the most amazing free things to do in Benalmadena on your holiday, ensuring a memorable seaside escape. Playa Arraya and Playa Bonita are two of the most famous ones to visit, easily accessible and linked to the city. Benalnatura Beach is a mind-numbing blend of soft sands and rocks, while the renowned Tajo del la Soga teeming with unparalleled natural beauty is the ideal choice for tranquil beach getaways.
Also called Benalmádena Pueblo and one of the most stunning places to visit in Benalmadena, the old town quarter is a magical and iconic spot to explore during your bargain holidays to Benalmádena. Perched atop a striking 250-metre hill, the captivating area peers out at the expansive Mediterranean Sea, depicting authentic Andalusian charm. Amble across narrow cobblestone streets, elegant squares, and stark-white houses, and don’t forget to sample the local cuisine!
The biggest water park in all of Costa del Sol and offering unmatched entertainment in Benalmadena, Aqualand is among the topmost Benalmádena attractions to experience as a family, couple, or solo! Expect your all-out water adventure to be filled with thrilling rides, fun tube slides, and spectacular garden areas all around. You can also set up an intimate picnic during your retreat, enjoying delicious local fare.
If you're wondering what to see in Benalmádena that you won't find elsewhere, Boal's Ice Bar is it! It’s also the answer to what to do in Benalmadena that will simply blow your mind! Spain's very first, everything here is made of ice, from the walls and seats to the bar and glasses. With temperature around -5°C, you will also see intriguing ice sculptures and other formations at the bar. So, head here for a chilled-out (pun intended!) time and enjoy your favourite drink or two in beautiful glasses made of ice.
A 15-minute cable car ride up to the peak of the Calamorro Mountain is among the most exciting and unforgettable things to do in Benalmádena Spain for those unafraid of heights. Besides breathtaking eagle-eye views, the birds of prey show is a bonus you must not forgo! While families can enjoy the ride, it's more popular among couples on a romantic, adults-only break, allowing them to revel in sweeping views in absolute privacy.
Costa del Sol Benalmádena boasts a wide and manifold range of entertainment venues featuring catchy live music, dance, theatrical performances, and other riveting shows. The Sunset Beach Club, Moonlight Theatre, Molly Malones Pub, and Bonanza Bar are some top places in the region to enjoy these entertainment activities. A casual concert hall with an on-site bar, the Auditorio Benalmádena is another must-visit for relaxed evening entertainment.
Among the most fascinating attractions Benalmádena is home to, this famous amusement park in Arroyo de la Miel is an excellent place to spend the day. Operational since 1972, it offers a plethora of fun options, including go-karting, carousels, waterslides, haunted houses, and a large indoor play area. On Fridays, the famous park hosts an expansive street market and a funfair with afternoon shows, ranking it among the top things to do in Benalmadena for families.
Indulging in adrenaline-pumping water sports is among the most thrilling things to do in Benalmádena Malaga for adventure seekers on a holiday. A haven for seaside fun in Benalmadena Spain, this is a great place for budget family escapes by the sea. Try everything from classic banana boat rides to jet skiing, snorkelling, fly-fishing, kayaking, and parasailing. Additionally, there are ample shallow-water areas for tiny tots to frolic about safely under the watchful supervision of parents and guardians.
Spending an evening at the vibrant marina is among the best Spain Benalmádena things to do, allowing you access to endless bars, restaurants, cafés, shopping outlets, and even an aquarium. Take a stroll along the brightly-lit marina, one of the most scenic places to visit in Benalmadena, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or two. Listen to soothing live music at one of the chic bars while taking in breathtaking views of boats afloat glittering moon-lit waters.
The scenic park is one of the quietest places to see and spend time during cheap holidays to Benalmádena. Located in the centre of town, it's home to plenty of serene garden areas, an impressive lake, play areas for kids, and other entertainment in Benalmadena. There are also good chances to spot adorable animals, such as rabbits, wild ducks, and turtles, roaming about freely inside the park. It’s a good spot for quiet romantic evenings, too, offering couples privacy and peace amid sublime surroundings.
Have dinner at Bonanza Square, an exciting Benalmádena to do activity for foodies touring the region. Sampling the most exquisite seafood options, truffle ice cream, and pates with homemade bread is among the top must-do activities Benalmadena has to offer ardent seafood lovers. Lime & Lemon Restaurant is another popular place to eat here, known for its scrumptious lunch fare. You can also tuck into tapas at traditional local bars or fresh fish at one of the beachfront bars for an authentic dining experience.
The largest one in Europe and one of the top things to do in Benalmadena for families, the stunning Butterfly Park is a treat to sore eyes. Visiting this beautiful place home to over 150 species of butterflies is among the most tranquil things to do here. You can also discover other exotic animals at the custom-built park and butterfly breeding centre, like birds, turtles, fish, chameleons, and a tammar wallaby. Moreover, the lush gardens are teeming with ferns, orchids, and other vibrant tropical flora, elevating the already surreal experience.
Head to the marina or the 24 Hour Square to experience the best nightlife Benalmádena has to offer. Lined with a sea of bars, nightclubs, discos, and cocktail bars, these are the trendiest places to party after dark. Arroyo de la Miel is the ideal setting to enjoy relaxed Benalmadena nightlife with a chilled beer on the terraces and rooftops of traditional tapas bars. Among the most exciting things to do in Benalmadena for couples and grown-ups who like to party, Kiu Bar, El Elefante, and La Cubana are fantastic nightlife hotspots to explore.
Among the most fun things to do in Benalmadena for adults and kids alike, the famed Andalusian horse show held at El Ranchito is doubtless the topmost attraction to enjoy even on last-minute getaways, especially if you happen to be a genuine equestrian lover. Watch beautiful horses and their finely dressed riders strut confidently across the course to soothing music. As the riders present their skills, be amazed at the unique choreography, with ethereal music elevating the experience.
One of the most exciting Benalmádena Costa del Sol things to do is to explore the bustling traditional bazaars held Monday through Sunday in the region - each market a different day! Picking handmade crafts, jewellery, and other souvenirs from colourful stalls will undoubtedly be one of the most remarkable activities Benalmadena offers shopaholics on a holiday. Haggle for the best bargains as you collect remarkable local items to gift your loved ones back home.
An excursion to the Colomares Castle is a must for history lovers on budget Benalmádena holidays. Among the most impressive sights to behold and memorable places to visit in Benalmadena, the impressive structure was built over 30 years ago as a dedication to the life and adventures of the legendary Christopher Columbus. There are fancy decorations all around, hidden clues, a small church, and several other gems to explore here.
A visit to Sea Life will bring marine life lovers across the most amazing things to see in Benalmádena. The facility is home to a range of colourful fish, intimidating sharks, giant turtles, and other sea creatures, all of which you can see clearly in a guided tour. Another of the best Benalmadena things to do here is attend informative lectures that can help kids and adults alike learn more about these fascinating sea creatures.
Teeing off at lush world-class golf courses is among the most fun activities in Benalmadena Spain, whether you're an amateur or a pro golfer. Golf Torrequebrada, Benalmadena Golf, and Bil Bil Golf are some of the most popular golf courses to visit, each clubhouse featuring modern amenities and panoramic views. They also have fancy dressing rooms, restaurants, bars, and terraces, making the visit unforgettable.
Located in the neighbouring town of Fuengirola, this is one of the top zoos in Spain and among the topmost things to do in Benalmadena in January for families on a getaway. Called Bioparc Fuengirola, it's home to all kinds of fascinating wildlife, from baby Hippopotamuses and striking Silverback Gorillas to Sumatran Tigers and the endangered Red Pandas. All in all, the sprawling zoo is home to around 200 animal species, with approximately 1,400 animal residents.
The scenic Benalmádena city centre is the ideal base to settle down for a holiday retreat. But taking off on day trips, tours, and excursions to various parts of the Costa del Sol is among the most unique things to do in Benalmadena. You can head to the Arabic gem of Granada to see iconic landmarks like the Alhambra Castle. A day trip to Ronda, deemed the capital of modern bullfighting is another exhilarating option. Gibraltar, Cordoba, and Seville are other popular excursions from here.
