Escape from the bucket-and-spade brigade with a visit to one of Benalmádena's family attractions. Perfect for kids big and small, our guide offers a selection of things to do from theme parks and beyond in this beautiful part of Andalusia. This Costa del Sol resort delivers fun for all the family.
Castle in the sky – Castillo de Colomares
You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into a film set. For Colomares Castle looks like something from out of the movies. A tribute to Columbus' discovery of America, there are 16 stops to explore on a tour of this monument.
Located in Benalmádena Pueblo, the castle was constructed between the years of 1987 and 1994. A short walk downhill from the main street, Castillo de Colomares offers a lesson in architecture. Incorporating, as it does, Byzantine, Gothic, Mudejar, and Roman styles.
Eagle Garden – Jardin de las Aguilas
Hop onto the cable car to best reach the lofty heights of the Garden of the Eagles. There are 160 species of birds of prey on display here. Catch one of the regular shows and you can boast to your friends back home that you saw the Eagles in performance.
Fishy business – Benalmádena Sea Life Aquarium
You'll feel like a little yellow fish in the deep blue sea at Benalmádena's aquarium. Especially if you brave its underwater tunnel. Elsewhere, you're able to hold a crab and touch a starfish at the attraction's Rockpool Experience.
An Otter Oasis showcases the aquarium's Asian short-clawed otters. They're a few of the 2,000 creatures to see. Truly, it's the age of Aquarius.
Float on – Mariposario de Benalmádena
Open everyday from 10.00am to 6:00pm, Butterfly Park Benalmádena houses more than 1,500 of our fluttering friends. Spread over 2,000 square metres, it's the largest park of its kind in the whole of Europe. And with its pagoda, a visit here is to Thai for.
For more information on the Butterfly park in Benalmádena.
Mountain high – Teleférico Benalmádena
In 15 minutes you're whisked from down low, Benalmádena Costa, to up high, to the summit of Mount Calamorro. From 771 metres above sea level, look not at all closely, especially on a clear day, and you'll be able to see the African shoreline. Head towards Arroyo de la Miel's Tivoli Park for this cable-car ride as you'll discover the entrance next door.
Open from 11:00am to 5:00pm in winter months, the closing time extends to midnight during the summer. A night-time ride is understandably more of a white-knuckle experience. So, for those with families, using the cable car in daylight is a better option.
For more information see Benalmádena's cable car - a family excursion.