Benalmadena: what to see and how to get there
Benalmadena is on the Costa del Sol, west of Malaga, between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. The municipality has three main areas: Benalmadena Pueblo, with its whitewashed streets and viewpoints; Arroyo de la Miel, home to the train station and cable car; and Benalmadena Costa, where you will find many of the beaches, hotels and restaurants.
You can spend the morning exploring the old village and Colomares Castle, head down for lunch by the sea and finish the day with a stroll around Puerto Marina. If you are travelling with children, Parque de la Paloma, the butterfly park and the wildlife parks are other places to visit during your stay.
History of Benalmadena
The municipality's caves contain evidence of human presence dating back to prehistoric times. Later contact with the Phoenicians and Roman settlement left remains that help explain how people lived and used the resources of this stretch of coast.
Benalmadena Pueblo developed around a fortress during the Muslim period. In 1485, it was captured by the forces of Ferdinand the Catholic and its citadel was destroyed. Resettlement proved difficult because of piracy and the threat of attacks along the coast. The Bermeja, Quebrada and del Muelle watchtowers are reminders of the need to keep watch over the sea.
In the late 18th century, Félix Solesio established a paper-making complex in Arroyo de la Miel to supply the Royal Playing Card Factory in Macharaviaya. The mills, water channels and workers' homes shaped the settlement. From the mid-20th century, tourism transformed the municipality and drove its expansion towards the coast.
Things to see and do in Benalmadena
The sights are spread between the village, Arroyo de la Miel and the coast. It makes sense to group your visits by area, particularly if you want to combine the old village with the beach or a trip up Calamorro.
Benalmadena Pueblo
The old village sits around 300 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas. Explore its narrow streets, squares and whitewashed houses on foot, stopping at Plaza de España and the Jardines del Muro to look out over the coast.
Places to visit in and around the village
- Benalmadena Butterfly Park, now Monowa: an indoor tropical garden where butterflies fly among the plants and you can see different stages of their life cycle. (Map)
- Stupa of Enlightenment: a Buddhist monument inaugurated in 2003, with a meditation hall and an open terrace overlooking the coast. (Map)
- Colomares Castle: built between 1987 and 1994 as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and his voyage to the Americas. Its intricate design combines elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar architecture. (Map)
- Jardines del Muro: gardens surrounding Santo Domingo Church, with several spots overlooking the sea. (Map)
- Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church: the municipality's oldest church, in the upper part of the historic village, altered and restored at various times. (Map)
- Felipe Orlando Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: a collection of objects from the pre-Columbian Americas, alongside an archaeological section devoted to the cultures that lived in Benalmadena. (More information)
Virgen de la Cruz festival
Benalmadena Pueblo holds its patron saint celebrations in August, around 15 August, the feast day of the Virgen de la Cruz. The programme includes religious ceremonies, concerts, children's activities and daytime festivities. Events take place in the village streets, Plaza de las Tres Culturas and the Los Nadales fairground.
Arroyo de la Miel
Arroyo de la Miel is a centre of everyday life in Benalmadena, with shops, bars and squares around the local train station. It is a convenient place to arrive by train, explore the centre and walk to the cable car or Parque de la Paloma.
Places to visit in Arroyo de la Miel
- Benalmadena Cable Car: links Arroyo de la Miel with Mount Calamorro, where you will find viewpoints and mountain paths. (Map)
- Inmaculada Concepción Church: in the centre of Arroyo de la Miel, beside Plaza de la Iglesia. (Map)
- Plaza Adolfo Suarez: also known as Plaza de la Mezquita, this square has bars and terraces and hosts some of the daytime San Juan festivities. (Map)
The cable car and walking on Calamorro
On the cable car journey, the town gradually gives way to the slopes of the sierra. From the upper station, you can follow paths to the viewpoints or head further along walking routes towards the Mirador Sur and Puerto de las Ovejas.
Calamorro also hosts birds of prey flight demonstrations run by the Fundación Valle de las Águilas. These require a separate ticket from the cable car. You can check the calendar and admission details on the Benalmadena Cable Car website.
Parque de la Paloma
Between Arroyo de la Miel and the coast, Parque de la Paloma has paths, gardens, a lake and children's play areas. Ducks and other birds are a familiar sight around the park. It is a pleasant place to rest in the shade or take a walk before heading down to the sea. (Map)
San Juan festival and weekly markets
The San Juan festival takes place in late June, with 24 June as its main day. There is music, a funfair and casetas (venues set up for eating, drinking and celebrating) at the fairground, as well as performances and daytime festivities in central Arroyo de la Miel. On the evening of 23 June, locals and visitors also gather on the beaches.
The second-hand market takes place on Wednesday mornings at the La Paloma fairground. On Fridays, there is a market on the open ground outside Tívoli, and fruit and vegetable stalls at La Paloma.
Benalmadena Costa
The coastal area runs between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. It has many of the municipality's beaches and places to stay, as well as the seafront promenade and Puerto Marina. The marina is one of the busiest areas for dinner, drinks or booking a boat trip. The Mirador Princess observation wheel is also nearby.
Places to visit along the coast
- Puerto Marina: walk beside the boats, browse the shops or sit at one of the terraces around the harbour basins. (Map)
- SEA LIFE Benalmadena: an aquarium in Puerto Marina, with a range of marine species and activities exploring their habitats. (Map)
- El Bil-Bil Castle: a neo-Moorish building dating from the 1930s, now used for exhibitions and cultural events. (Map)
- Torrequebrada Casino: a leisure venue in Torrequebrada with gaming tables and poker tournaments. (Map)
- Benalmadena History Centre and Los Molinillos archaeological site: learn about the town's past at the centre, then visit the remains of Roman facilities used to produce oil and salted fish. (Map)
- Selwo Marina: a wildlife park beside Parque de la Paloma, with penguins, dolphins, sea lions and species from tropical forests. (Map)
The seafront promenade and beaches
The promenade follows much of the central beachfront, with beach bars and restaurants along the way. Further west, sandy stretches alternate with rocky coves. Here are some of the beaches:
- Carvajal: at the western end of the municipality, beside the boundary with Fuengirola.
- Malapesquera: one of the busier beaches around Puerto Marina.
- Torrevigia: a sheltered beach between breakwaters in the Torrequebrada area.
- Arroyo de la Miel: an urban beach close to accommodation, bars and restaurants.
- Benalnatura: a small naturist cove.
- Torre Bermeja: beside Puerto Marina and the seafront promenade.
- La Perla: one of the beaches in western Benalmadena.
- Santa Ana: a central beach with restaurants and access from the promenade.
- Las Viborillas: a cove surrounded by vegetation and rocky areas.
- Las Yucas: a beach in Torrequebrada with rocks around it.
Our guide to Benalmadena's beaches has more information to help you choose where to spend the day.
How to get to Benalmadena
From Malaga Airport, you can travel by car, train or private transfer. The most practical option depends on where you are staying: the train is convenient for Arroyo de la Miel, while reaching the village or some coastal accommodation means completing the journey by road.
Driving from the airport
From the airport, follow signs for Torremolinos and Benalmadena. The A-7 provides access to Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo, while the N-340 runs along the coast. You do not need to use the AP-7 toll motorway for this journey.
As a guide, allow 20–30 minutes to drive to many of the tourist areas, although the journey time depends on your destination and traffic. Roads into the coastal areas can be slower in summer and at busy times.
By train
The C-1 local train service (Cercanías), towards Fuengirola, connects the airport with Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel station in around 18 minutes. You can also board at Malaga Centro-Alameda or Malaga María Zambrano. Torremuelle is another station within the municipality that may be useful, depending on where you are staying.
You can walk from Arroyo de la Miel to parts of Benalmadena Costa, although there are hills and the distance varies with the beach or hotel. To reach Benalmadena Pueblo, it is usual to continue by bus or taxi. See our page on trains from Malaga Airport for more information.
By bus
The M-110 links Malaga with Benalmadena Costa via Torremolinos. The M-121 serves the coast, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo, and continues to Mijas. Check stops and timetables with the Malaga Area Transport Consortium.
Taxis, private transfers and car hire
Transfer to your accommodation
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your hotel or apartment. It can be a convenient option if you have luggage, are travelling in a group or are staying some distance from a train station.
Book a taxi to Benalmadena
Explore the surrounding area by car
If you want to combine a stay in Benalmadena with trips to Mijas or inland villages, hiring a car lets you plan your outings without relying on public transport timetables.
Car hire Malaga airport*No advance payment is required, and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure vehicle availability and the price.
Map of the route to Benalmadena
Tourist information
The Benalmadena Tourist Office is on Avenida Antonio Machado, opposite El Bil-Bil Castle. You can call +34 952 442 494 or email turismo@benalmadena.es.
For activities and help planning your visit, see the official Benalmadena tourism website and the Town Council website, which publishes the municipal events calendar.
Frequently asked questions about Benalmadena
What can you do in Benalmadena with children?
Parque de la Paloma has walks and play areas, with no admission charge. Other options include Monowa Butterfly Park, SEA LIFE and Selwo Marina. You can also take the cable car up Calamorro to look out over the coast from the mountain.
Which beach should you choose in Benalmadena?
Santa Ana, Torre Bermeja and Malapesquera are convenient if you want central beaches with restaurants nearby. Las Viborillas and Las Yucas have a more secluded, rocky setting, while Benalnatura is a naturist beach. Our guide to Benalmadena's beaches helps you compare the options.
Which cultural sights can you visit?
In Benalmadena Pueblo, you can explore the historic village and visit the Felipe Orlando Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Colomares Castle and the Stupa of Enlightenment are nearby. On the seafront, El Bil-Bil Castle hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Can you visit Benalmadena without a car?
Yes. The C-1 local train service serves Arroyo de la Miel and Torremuelle, and buses connect the coast with the village. Central Arroyo de la Miel, the old village and the seafront promenade can each be explored on foot. For journeys between these areas, a bus or taxi is useful, particularly given the distances and hills.
