BENALMADENA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Benalmádena, a coastal gem on the Costa del Sol, is known for its stunning beaches, lively marina, and rich cultural attractions. From exploring the charming old town and visiting the iconic Colomares Castle to enjoying the panoramic views from Mount Calamorro, Benalmádena promises a memorable visit. To help you plan your trip, we've created this ultimate Benalmadena itinerary. Let’s discover why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your Spanish travel bucket list!
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HIGHLIGHTS
Before diving into our recommended itineraries, here’s a quick overview - a helpful snapshot of what to expect and a concise summary to simplify your planning:
Day 1: Benalmádena Highlights
Playa de Bil-Bil, Bil-Bil Castle, Colomares Castle, Mount Calamorro Cable Car, Benalmádena Stupa, La Paloma Park
Day 2: From the Sea to the Streets of Benalmádena
Puerto Marina, Sea Life Aquarium, Benalmádena Pueblo, Museo de Arte Precolombino, Benalmádena Butterfly Park
Parasailing Adventure on the Costa del Sol, Nerja & Frigiliana Tour with Cueva de Nerja, Caminito del Rey Guided Tour
Málaga, Mijas Pueblo, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas
GETTING AROUND BENALMADENA
Benalmádena is well-connected and easy to navigate, with a mix of walkable areas, public transportation, and scenic transport options. The town is divided into three main areas:
Benalmádena Pueblo: The charming old town, known for its whitewashed streets and stunning hilltop views.
Benalmádena Costa: The coastal area, home to beautiful beaches, Puerto Marina, and major attractions.
Arroyo de la Miel: A lively district filled with shops, restaurants, and the town’s main train station.
Whether you're staying within the town or planning day trips to nearby destinations, there are several convenient ways to get around:
By Train: Benalmádena is served by the C1 Cercanías train line, which connects the town to Málaga, the airport, Fuengirola, and other Costa del Sol destinations. The main station, Arroyo de la Miel, is centrally located and offers a quick and affordable way to explore beyond Benalmádena.
By Bus: Benalmádena has a reliable bus network that connects different parts of the town and nearby areas. The M-103 bus line serves Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Nueva Torrequebrada, while the M-110 route links Benalmádena Costa with Málaga. For connections to Torremolinos and Fuengirola, the M-120 bus route is a convenient option. These regional buses also provide easy access to Mijas and other Costa del Sol destinations.
By Cable Car: For a scenic experience, take the Teleférico Benalmádena, which ascends to Mount Calamorro, offering panoramic views and hiking trails at the summit.
By Car: Renting a car is a great option for exploring beyond Benalmádena, especially if you plan to visit places like Ronda, Caminito del Rey, or Setenil de las Bodegas. However, parking near the coast and in Benalmádena Pueblo can be limited during peak seasons.
1-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Benalmádena Highlights
Morning: Start your day at Playa de Bil-Bil, a scenic beach named after the Moorish-style Bil-Bil Castle. Then, visit Colomares Castle, a unique monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Escorpio, a cozy restaurant known for its grilled meats, seafood dishes, and homemade tapas, offering authentic Spanish flavors in a relaxed setting.
Afternoon: Take the Mount Calamorro Cable Car for sweeping views over the coast. Once at the top, explore hiking trails that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, and even Morocco on clear days. Then, descend and visit the Benalmádena Stupa, a striking Buddhist monument with serene surroundings.
Evening: Watch the sunset at La Paloma Park, a lush green space with walking paths, fountains, and free-roaming animals. End your day with dinner at Restaurante La Sirena, a popular choice for fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes, just a short walk from the park.
2-DAY ITINERARY
Planning to spend 2 days in Benalmádena? Make the most of your visit by including these activities:
Day 2: From the Sea to the Streets of Benalmádena
Morning: Head to Puerto Marina, one of the most beautiful marinas in Europe, where you can visit the Sea Life Aquarium. Then, embark on a dolphin-watching boat tour, an unforgettable experience where you can spot dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying scenic coastal views.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Restaurante La Fuente, known for its fresh seafood and Andalusian flavors, located in the charming Benalmádena Pueblo.
Afternoon: Explore the whitewashed streets of Benalmádena Pueblo, stopping by the Museo de Arte Precolombino. Then, visit the Benalmádena Butterfly Park, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies in a tropical setting.
Evening: Dine at Lucena II, a highly-rated restaurant offering authentic Andalusian cuisine, including delicious grilled meats and seafood in a welcoming atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY
Benalmádena offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Boutique Hotel Pueblo: A charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Benalmádena Pueblo, blending Andalusian character with contemporary comforts in a peaceful setting.
Comfy Studios: A modern and well-equipped aparthotel offering spacious studios with kitchenettes, perfect for a comfortable and independent stay near Benalmádena’s attractions.
Hotel Benalmadena Beach: A modern beachfront hotel with stylish rooms, a relaxing pool area, and direct access to the golden sands, offering a perfect coastal retreat.
Hotel Las Arenas: A stylish and elegant hotel with modern amenities, a rooftop terrace, and a prime location near Bil-Bil Castle and the beachfront.
Hotel Best Triton: A well-located seafront hotel featuring spacious rooms, multiple pools, and lush gardens, just a short walk from Puerto Marina and the lively promenade.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
If you find yourself with extra time in Benalmádena, consider including these activities in your plans:
Parasailing Adventure on the Costa del Sol: Soar above the coastline with a thrilling parasailing experience, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of Benalmádena and the Mediterranean Sea. Book here →
Nerja & Frigiliana Tour with Cueva de Nerja: Discover the stunning coastal town of Nerja, explore the famous Nerja Caves, and visit the charming whitewashed village of Frigiliana on a guided day trip. Book here →
Caminito del Rey Guided Tour: Experience one of Spain’s most breathtaking hiking routes with a guided tour of the Caminito del Rey, a spectacular walkway through dramatic gorges and cliffs. Book here →
BEYOND BENALMADENA
While Benalmádena has lots to offer, there are also several amazing places nearby worth exploring:
Málaga: A dynamic coastal city blending history, culture, and gastronomy. Visit the Alcazaba, explore the Picasso Museum, and take a sunset stroll along the Muelle Uno waterfront.
Mijas Pueblo: A postcard-perfect white village perched in the hills. Wander through its charming cobbled streets, admire the panoramic coastal views, and discover traditional Andalusian craftsmanship in local artisan shops.
Torremolinos: Known for its golden beaches, vibrant promenade, and excellent seafood restaurants, this lively coastal town is perfect for a relaxed seaside escape.
Fuengirola: A family-friendly town offering long sandy beaches, a bustling marina, and attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola and Sohail Castle, blending history with coastal charm. Check out our ultimate Fuengirola itinerary →
Marbella: A blend of luxury and Andalusian charm, Marbella offers high-end shopping, stylish beach clubs, and a picturesque old town filled with bougainvillea-covered walls and hidden plazas.
Ronda: A breathtaking hilltop town with one of Spain’s most iconic views. Stand atop the Puente Nuevo bridge, admire sweeping views over the dramatic El Tajo gorge, and explore its deep-rooted history. Book here →
Setenil de las Bodegas: One of Spain’s most unique villages, Setenil is famous for its whitewashed houses built directly into rock formations. Stroll beneath the overhanging cliffs of Calle Cuevas del Sol, where cafés and shops are nestled under natural stone canopies. Book here →