Benalmádena: coast, beaches and hilltop views

Benalmádena: pictures of coastlines, quiet beaches, hillside views and Mediterranean light along the Costa del Sol. Discover photos of panoramic spots such as the Mirador de Orión, green escapes like Parque de Retamar, and unique attractions including the Monowa Mariposario de Benalmádena, also known as the Butterfly Park, the Buddhist temple known as the Stupa of Enlightenment, and the Playa Bonita Snorkeling Point.

Playa Bonita Snorkeling point on the Carretera de Cádiz in Benalmádena, at sunset
Playa Bonita Snorkeling point on the Carretera de Cádiz in Benalmádena.
Benalmádena hillside view from the Mirador de Orión viewpoint on Camino a Fuengirola
Benalmádena hillside view from the Mirador de Orión viewpoint on Camino a Fuengirola.

Playa Bonita and snorkeling point in Benalmádena

Playa Bonita is one of the most beautiful beaches in Benalmádena, located 20 kilometers from the city of Málaga and 2 kilometers from the center of Benalmádena. The beach is located on the Carretera de Cádiz.

Playa Bonita in Benalmádena, Málaga province, with some beach hotels in the background, at sunset
Playa Bonita in Benalmádena, Málaga province, with some beach hotels in the background, at sunset.

Playa Bonita is a quiet, family-friendly cove protected by stone breakwaters. These breakwaters block high waves, making the shallow, crystal-clear water very safe and ideal for children to swim in. The location is also excellent for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. Additionally, a lifeguard is on duty, and beach chairs are available for rent.

Snorkeling spot at Playa Bonita on the Carretera de Cádiz in Benalmádena at sunset, with beach hotels and rocks in the background
Snorkeling spot at Playa Bonita on the Carretera de Cádiz in Benalmádena at sunset.

Mirador de Orión, the Estupa de la Iluminación buddhist temple and the Parque Rústico de Retamar

Below you can see the Mirador de Orion viewpoint, which offers an unexpectedly beautiful view of the town, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. It is located near the A7 motorway (Autopista del Mediterraneo) between Málaga and Marbella, and parking spaces are easily available for a quick stop at the viewpoint.

Benalmádena view from the Mirador de Orión on Camino a Fuengirola
Benalmádena view from the Mirador de Orión.

Within walking distance is Parque Rústico de Retamar, a green zone featuring modern art and a second viewpoint nestled among the rocks. Next to the park lies the Buddhist temple, The Stupa of Enlightenment. And just a stone’s throw away is Monowa Butterfly Park (Mariposario), a tropical indoor butterfly garden in a Thai style (see the photos below).

Parque Rústico de Retamar with the Tibetan Buddhist Stupa in the background, on Calle Heliotropo, Benalmádena
Parque Rústico de Retamar with the Tibetan Buddhist Stupa in the background.
Benalmádena view from the Parque Rústico de Retamar on Calle Heliotropo, Benalmádena
Another magnificent hidden wide view of Benalmádena from Retamar Rustic Park, on Heliotropo Street.

It is located near the Orión viewpoint and offers a similar panoramic view.

Monowa Butterfly Park in Benalmádena

Below, you can see some pictures of butterflies in the nearby Monowa Butterfly Park (Mariposario).

Butterfly sitting on a trunk at the Mariposario (Butterfly Park) on Calle Muérdago in Benalmádena
Butterfly sitting on a trunk at the Mariposario (Butterfly Park).
Butterfly feeding on a banana at the Mariposario (Butterfly Park) on Calle Muérdago in Benalmádena
Butterfly feeding on a banana at the Mariposario (Butterfly Park).

Arroyo de la Miel

Arroyo de la Miel (see below) is a charming and lively village in southern Spain on the Costa del Sol. Together with Benalmádena Pueblo and Benalmádena Costa, it forms the municipality of Benalmádena. It has the character of a traditional Andalusian village, with narrow, cozy streets, whitewashed houses, and lively squares full of terraces.

Avenida de la Estación in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena with the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción in the background
Avenida de la Estación in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena with the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción in the background.

Arroyo de la Miel has its own train station on line C-1, providing a direct and fast connection between Málaga Airport, the city centre of Málaga, and the seaside resort of Fuengirola.

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