3 day Itinerary for Benalmádena
Three days is the perfect amount of time to get under the skin of Benalmádena. This buzzing resort on the Costa del Sol packs in beaches, quirky monuments and whitewashed villages, all within easy reach of each other. Below, we’ve mapped out a relaxed three-day plan. Day one explores the coast, day two heads uphill into history, and day three gets wild with animals and adventure. Let’s get started.
Day 1: Puerto Marina and the seafront
Start your trip gently by exploring the coast. First up, wander around Puerto Marina, Benalmádena’s striking harbour. Its Moorish-style towers and bobbing yachts make it one of the prettiest marinas on the coast. Get directions.
Next, stroll five minutes along the promenade to Castillo de Bil-Bil, a fairy-tale, Neo-Arab building right on the beach. It’s free to admire from outside and often hosts small exhibitions inside. Get directions.
After that, grab lunch at TORO Puerto Marina, known for its Spanish tasting menus and lovely waterfront tables. Reviewers regularly praise the perfectly cooked steaks and the relaxed marina views. Get directions in the link above.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on Playa de Bil-Bil or Playa Santa Ana, two of the calmest beaches in town. Both have soft golden sand and plenty of chiringuitos nearby for a cold drink. Get directions.
Round off the evening with tapas at Lime & Lemon, a firm favourite for its modern twist on classic small plates. Guests often mention the friendly staff and the standout burrata focaccia. Get directions in the link above.
Day 2: Benalmádena Pueblo and Colomares Castle
Day two heads for the hills. Begin in Benalmádena Pueblo, the original whitewashed village, and wander its narrow, flower-lined streets. Give yourself an hour just to get pleasantly lost. Get directions.
From there, walk uphill to the Castillo de Colomares, a fantastical monument to Christopher Columbus built by hand over seven years. It also holds the world’s smallest church. Tickets are cheap and can be bought at the gate, though it’s worth booking a guided tour in advance for the full story behind its design. Get directions.
Stop for lunch at Don Vicente – Grill, Restaurant & Coffee, tucked away from the traffic in the Pueblo. Reviewers consistently praise the well-seasoned meats and friendly service. Get directions.
In the afternoon, hop on the Teleférico Benalmádena cable car, which glides up to the summit of Monte Calamorro in around 15 minutes. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views across the coast, and on clear days, even Africa. Advance tickets can be bought here to skip the queue. Get directions.
While up top, look out for the falconry display, usually held early afternoon, and explore a few of the marked hiking trails before heading back down. Finish the day with dinner at Restaurante Bodega Charolais, a Pueblo institution known for its extensive wine list and hearty tapas. Get directions.
Day 3: Wildlife and family adventure
Save your final day for Benalmádena’s brilliant animal parks. Kick off at Selwo Marina, where you can watch penguin feedings, dolphin displays and exotic bird shows. It’s worth booking tickets online in advance, especially in peak season. Get directions.
Next door, dive into Sea Life Benalmádena, home to over 5,000 marine creatures across 25 aquariums, including sharks, rays and the largest seahorse collection on the coast. Again, buying tickets online beforehand is a smart move and often cheaper too. Get directions.
Break for lunch at La Sirena, known for its excellent-value set menu and standout seafood platters. Reviewers regularly mention the superb prawn pil pil. Get directions.
Round off the afternoon at the Benalmádena Butterfly Park, or Mariposario de Benalmádena, one of Europe’s largest butterfly parks. Hundreds of butterflies fly freely around a tropical greenhouse, and some even land right on you. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended during busy months. Get directions.
For your final evening, treat yourself at ANGUS Puerto Marina, a steakhouse known for its tender Argentine beef cooked over coal. It’s a fitting way to end a busy few days. Get directions.
If you have extra time, Benalmádena also makes a great base for day trips. Nearby towns like Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Mijas are all within a short drive, so it’s easy to extend your Costa del Sol adventure.