Seven things not to miss this summer when visiting Benalmádena

Mountains, beaches, a traditional historic center, and astonishing theme parks. These are just some of the attributes of Benalmádena, one of the most prosperous and complete towns on the Western Costa del Sol.

In its various population centers, there are enclaves of great tourist interest, such as one of the most beautiful marinas in Europe or a very emblematic Buddhist stupa.

Carvajal, Torrequebrada, La Viborilla, Las Yucas, Santa Ana, or Bilbil. Up to a dozen beaches can be counted along the coastline of Benalmádena.

Among them, there is a great variety, from wide sandy areas next to well-equipped promenades to more secluded coves, such as Viborilla or even Benalnatura, which is nudist. Many of the beaches in the municipal area have the endorsement of the Blue Flag or the Q for Quality.

It is a true architectural gem on the Mediterranean. In addition to its importance as a nautical destination—with more than a thousand mooring posts—Puerto Marina, as it is popularly known, has commercial, leisure, and tourist attractions.

There, one can find dozens of shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, nightclubs, and even venture out to sea through its offer of nautical tourism companies.

Within Puerto Marina, there is a true sanctuary of fauna related to our seas and oceans. This is Sea Life, a space where visitors often open their mouths in awe, not to yawn.

Watching a shark pass right overhead, seeing a ray island, or even observing the graceful movements of otters—one of this summer's novelties—are unforgettable experiences. There are various types, rates, and events at Sea Life, which is open every day of the summer from 10:30 in the morning to 11 at night.

It has been around for just over three decades, but it has already become another emblem of Benalmádena. The Colomares Castle is private, but it can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday in the summer (from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm). Tickets (between 2 and 3 euros) are paid directly at the ticket office.

This building was constructed by an individual to pay tribute to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the New World.

Interestingly, on the coast, there is another contemporary castle, although in a Neo-Mudejar style, the Bil-Bil Castle, where events are usually organized.

Educational talks with dolphins, encounters with penguins, or a tour among exotic birds. The Selwo Marina park, located just a few meters from the Paloma Park, is one of the many must-visit places on the Costa del Sol.

There, one can come into direct contact with some of the species that inhabit it, such as dolphins, penguins, or sea lions. Spectators can do everything from feeding them to swimming with them. The park is divided into five geographical areas, depending on the origin of its species: Ice Island, The Antilles, The Tropics, The Hollow, and Amazonia.

A step away from the Tívoli World amusement park, there is this cable car from the Selwo company, which takes you to the top of Calamorro, one of the hills with the best views of the Costa del Sol.

After an exciting journey—not suitable for those with a fear of heights—one can enjoy various activities at the summit, from stargazing to raptor shows or hiking trails. There are considerable discounts if purchased online on the Benalmádena Cable Car's own website.

They are so close to each other that it is inevitable to see them as a single plan. In Benalmádena Pueblo, the Butterfly Park and the Buddhist stupa, located practically opposite each other, can be visited this summer as one of the most recommended plans.

In the former, one can better understand the life of both butterflies and other living beings from different parts of the planet. One can even interact with some. In the latter, there is a place for relaxation with spectacular views of the coast.