Best Things To Do In Benalmádena | Guide by a Local (2025)

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If you're planning a trip to Spain in 2025 and want to avoid the usual busy spots like Barcelona, Madrid, or Majorca, Benalmádena is definitely worth considering. It's a relaxed town with real charm, a chilled-out vibe, and the icing on the cake is: It's pretty affordable.

I've been living here with my partner and two toddlers for the past five years, and I’m excited to share what makes Benalmádena special — from our favorite local spots (with or without kids) to practical tips and personal recommendations, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

According to leading Spanish tourism sources, the average holiday in Spain lasts around 8.5 nights. So I’ve put together a short and sweet list of 13 of the best things to do in Benalmádena — ideal for a weekend escape or a longer stay, with a special focus on budget-friendly activities you’ll actually enjoy.

If there’s one thing that Benalmádena is known for, it’s its beach life. Benalmádena Costa offers nearly 10 km of coastline, giving you plenty of sandy real estate to find the perfect spot where to throw down your beach towel.

Having lived here for five years, I’ve tried just about every beach in town (with toddlers in tow) and following my top 6 beach picks, along with some useful tips and notes:

👉Check out the Complete Google Maps Beach list here.

Step out during siesta hours and you'll catch the smell of grilled sardines, citrus and smoky BBQ wafting through the air. I explored every corner, tasted everything, and put together this shortlist of the Top 6 restaurants (chiringuitos) in Benalmádena. These places offer authentic Andalucian cuisine and the best of the international kitchen:

However, mushrooms and alcohol are not allowed. To visit a coffeeshop, you must register and pay a one-off fee of around €25 or £21.

Note that you cannot buy and leave immediately; you must plan to stay for a while due to legal requirements. Some of the best coffee shops, like Habana Smoking Club, offer entertainment such as PlayStation, pool and other games. They also often show live sports on their TV screens.

Benalmádena Pueblo is up the hill, away from the beach. However, it is home to the Castillo Monumento Colomares, also known as the Colomares Castle. This monument, dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, was the vision of Esteban Martín, who began the project in 1987 with the help of two masons and completed it seven years later.

From here you can enjoy stunning views of the sea, and on a clear day you can even see Gibraltar and Morocco!

In the Jardines del Muro (Wall Gardens) you'll find the Catholic church Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. 

The whole area serves as a viewing platform, offering incredible views of Benalmádena. There are also several restaurants with panoramic views. 

i: Benalmádena Pueblo's main car park is about an 8 minute walk from here.

If you are looking for a luxurious experience and want to impress your family or partner, Puerto Marina is the place to be.

It is a haven for the wealthy and a fantastic place to shop, dine or simply enjoy a drink. 

The area boasts a variety of bars and restaurants including Italian, seafood, steakhouses and much more. 

You can also book a boat, visit a coffee shop or ride the Viena Wheel for a unique experience. If you are travelling with children, there are plenty of attractions to keep them entertained while you enjoy your meal.

One of my favourite moments is when Izi takes me to the pier at Torrequebrada or Árbol en la Roca, a beach with exceptionally clear water, beautiful rocks and plenty of privacy.

Puerto Marina: Preferred by more mature people, we've already provided information on this upmarket area.

Plaza Solymar: Ideal for a younger crowd, Plaza Solymar offers a variety of entertainment including a retro disco, an Irish pub with karaoke and even a strip club. On weekends it gets packed with party-goers looking for fun and more drinks!

Bonanza Square: If you want to be closer to the city centre, Bonanza Square is the place to be. There are plenty of sports bars, karaoke spots, kebab restaurants and live music venues.

If you search for the old town of Benalmádena on Google, you'll probably get more results for Benalmádena Pueblo (The Village)...

However, Benalmádena also has its own old town, located around the centre of Arroyo de la Miel. 

The architecture here is traditional, combining the Spanish white house style with Arab-Moroccan influences. You'll find many local restaurants and cafes tucked away in the narrow streets.

For a lovely spot to enjoy a beer in the shade while listening to the soothing sounds of the fountains, head to the Plaza de la Tribuna. 

This area offers a mix of British residents, Spanish and Italian food, and a relaxed and affordable atmosphere.

Almost all the golf courses in Benalmádena are located around the Torrequebrada urbanisation. Some Booking.com, hotels & Airbnb rentals in the area even provide access to these golf courses.

So Izi and I have checked out the most popular one for you: Golf Torrequebrada.

During the renovation of the irrigation system on holes 1-5 you can enjoy unlimited golf for a day with access to 17 open holes. Buggy, trolley and club hire is a one-off payment and you can book your first round in advance, with subsequent rounds scheduled on the day, subject to availability and a maximum of 90 minutes between rounds.

For junior players, a valid passport or ID is required for verification. In addition, a booklet of 10 non-transferable green fees is available for €750, allowing play at any time in low season and before 10:30am in mid season, with a surcharge of €13 per round in mid 2024. A monthly season ticket offers unlimited golf for 30 consecutive days in low and mid season for €990.

Additional golf services such as buggies, manual trolleys and club hire for men and women are also available. Enjoy the scenic views and excellent facilities that Benalmádena's golf courses have to offer!

The Benalmádena cable car is a 5 minute walk from Arroyo de la Miel station, which is located in front of the now closed Tivoli World park.

At the bottom station you'll find a fast food restaurant, drinks and ice cream. Here's a quick overview of ticket prices and discounts available for online bookings:

• General admission (return): 41.80 for 2 tickets (20.90 each)
• Reduced admission (return): 33.80 for 2 tickets (16.90 each)
• General admission (one way): 27.80€ for 2 tickets (13.90€ each)
• Reduced admission (one way): 23.80€ for 2 tickets (11.90€ each)

If you book online you will get a 2%-4% discount.

Reduced Ticket Information:

• Children : Applies to those from 1 meter tall or 3 to 7 years old.
• Seniors : For individuals 65 years or older.
• Persons with Disabilities : Available for those with a disability equal to or greater than 33%, including one free companion for each paying disabled visitor.
• Large Families : Discounted price per person with mandatory presentation of accreditation.

Take advantage of these savings and enjoy the stunning views that Benalmádena has to offer!

At the top station, you can buy tickets for the birds of prey show, enjoy a meal or climb the safe stairs to the top of the hill. Learn about the lives of owls, eagles and falcons and see them in action!

i: Although it is generally safe, we strongly advise you to be very careful with young children, especially babies. Occasionally the birds fly free and small moving objects may attract their attention.

One of the best places to go is the rooftop bar at the Las Arenas Hotel, which is part of the Meliá group. This amazing place serves great cocktails and is open to the public. Just take the lift to the top floor!

If you prefer to stay on the ground, take a walk along the Paseo Marítimo (the seafront). You can enjoy the fresh breeze and watch the sea. 

The promenade stretches for about 1.5km or a leisurely 20 minute walk from end to end. 

Check out AirBNB, Booking.com or hotels in Benalmádena that give you access to these water parks!

However, there is a place where your children can enjoy water attractions in the sea: Costawaterpark - Benalmádena

i: At the moment, Benalmádena does not have a public & closed water park.

However, in Torremolinos, just a 5 minute drive from Benalmadena, is Aqualand Torremolinos, which offers day tickets from just €13.50!

To find out more about Torremolinos, read this article.

Parque de la Paloma is Benalmádena's oasis, located just 10 minutes walk from the town centre (Arroyo de la Miel) and 5 minutes walk from the beach.

The park has a large lake inhabited by a variety of birds such as ducks and swans. You can often see parrots, turtles, rabbits, chickens and roosters roaming freely around the park, as well as goats (not free roaming).

For fitness enthusiasts, the park has some quality outdoor gym equipment - the best I've ever seen.

There are three cafes, numerous children's playgrounds, green areas and fields.

Although open fires are not allowed, it's a great place to picnic, take a walk or just relax with the family.

i: Remember that there are strict rules to protect the animals in the park; feeding or chasing them is not allowed. Free parking is available around all four entrances.

In conclusion, Benalmádena is the perfect destination for travellers, offering a myriad of activities and attractions throughout the year! 

Relax on the gorgeous beaches of Benalmádena, enjoy the incredible local cuisine at top-notch restaurants, and explore the fascinating historical sites.

To make sure you get the best experience, it’s a great idea to book your hotel well in advance, especially during peak seasons. That way, you’ll be sure to get the best accommodation and deals! 

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is a great way to plan your outdoor and indoor activities more effectively, and help you make the most of your time there!

Plan for appropriate childcare, considering the weather conditions and outdoor activities, and you and your family will have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. With proper planning and a bit of foresight, your trip to Benalmadena can be a memorable and delightful experience!

i: While the ongoing drought in 2024 has led to the shutdown of beach showers, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beach!