Blog, Hotel Palmasol

Benalmádena with Kids: Cable Car, Sea Life, Selwo Marina & Butterfly Park

Benalmádena is an open-air adventure park for little ones and grown-ups alike. This guide brings together four family must-dos—Cable Car, Sea Life, Selwo Marina and the Butterfly Park—with handy tips, distances and a ready-to-use itinerary, all planned with Hotel Palmasol as your base.

Quick overview (distances from Hotel Palmasol)

  • Sea Life Benalmádena (Puerto Marina): ~5 min on foot.
  • Selwo Marina (Parque de la Paloma): ~7 min by car / ~25 min on foot.
  • Benalmádena Cable Car (Arroyo de la Miel): ~12–15 min by car.
  • Benalmádena Butterfly Park (Benalmádena Pueblo): ~15–20 min by car.

 

Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium

Sea Life Benalmádena: your first dive under the sea

Set in Puerto Marina, Sea Life is perfect for sparking children’s curiosity: glass tunnels, touch zones and educational talks that help them understand the marine ecosystem. It’s ideal as the first activity of the trip—just a short stroll from the hotel and no need for an early start.

Practical tips

  • Buy tickets online to skip queues.
  • Best times: first thing in the morning or late afternoon.
  • Pair it with an ice cream or a short boat ride around the marina.

Selwo Marina Benalmádena

Selwo Marina: meet dolphins and exotic birds

In the Parque de la Paloma area, Selwo Marina offers dolphin, sea lion and tropical bird presentations, plus learning zones and splash areas in season. It’s a perfect half-day plan to combine with a picnic among the ducks and turtles in the park.

Practical tips

  • Arrive 20–30 minutes before shows to get a good view.
  • Wear comfy shoes and a cap; in summer, bring sunscreen and a reusable bottle.
  • Parque de la Paloma is next door: gardens, a lake and play areas to unwind afterwards.

Benalmádena Cable Car

Benalmádena Cable Car: the “wow” views

The Cable Car climbs to the summit of Mount Calamorro with sweeping views of the Costa del Sol that leave everyone speechless. At the top you’ll find viewpoints and easy trails; on clear days you can see Sierra Nevada and even the outline of Africa.

Practical tips

  • Ride in the morning (best visibility) or at sunset for unforgettable memories.
  • Bring a light jacket: it’s breezier at the top.
  • Strollers: consider a baby carrier if you plan to walk the trails.

Benalmádena Butterfly Park

Benalmádena Butterfly Park: a tropical forest under one roof

In Benalmádena Pueblo, next to the Buddhist Stupa, the Butterfly Park is a tropical dome with hundreds of colourful butterflies flying freely. The visit is short (45–60 min) and very photogenic—perfect for wide-eyed little ones and parents with cameras.

Practical tips

  • It’s warm and humid inside: light clothing year-round.
  • Don’t touch the butterflies; do watch new births in the chrysalis area.
  • Round it off with a stroll through the whitewashed old town of Benalmádena Pueblo.

Suggested itinerary by age

With little ones (0–6) – 2 days

  1. Day 1: Morning at Sea Life (near the hotel) + relaxed afternoon at the beach/marina.
  2. Day 2: Butterfly Park (short visit) + ice cream in Benalmádena Pueblo + nap/pool time at the hotel.

With kids (7–12) – 2 days

  1. Day 1: Cable Car in the morning + picnic at the summit / Parque de la Paloma in the afternoon.
  2. Day 2: Selwo Marina + short boat trip around Puerto Marina at the end of the day.

With teens (13+)

  • Cable Car at sunset for epic photos.
  • Kayak or paddleboarding in the morning, and Sea Life late afternoon if the sun is strong.

When to go & seasonal tips

  • Spring/Autumn: mild weather and shorter queues—ideal for families.
  • Summer: start early and book online; stay hydrated and plan indoor visits at midday.
  • Winter: Cable Car and Butterfly Park shine on clear days.

Family checklist before you head out

  • Online tickets (save time).
  • Cap, sunscreen, reusable water bottle.
  • Comfortable footwear; light jacket for the Cable Car summit.
  • Baby carrier if you’ll be walking trails.
  • Small first-aid kit (plasters, after-sun).

FAQs

Can we do everything in one day?
With small children, we recommend spreading plans over two days to enjoy without rushing. If you only have one day: Cable Car in the morning and Sea Life in the late afternoon.

Do we need a car?
Not for Sea Life (it’s walkable) and Selwo Marina (longer walk). For the Cable Car and Butterfly Park, a car or taxi saves time.

Any options for very hot or rainy days?
Sea Life and the Butterfly Park are perfect: indoors, comfortable and educational.

Experience map

Plot the four key spots in Google Maps and add your location at Hotel Palmasol as your home base. Arrange the day by proximity (Puerto Marina → Parque de la Paloma → Arroyo de la Miel → Benalmádena Pueblo) to cut down on travel time.

Plan smart (and from the heart)

The magic of a family trip lives in the moments between activities: an ice cream by the sea, a pool break, a well-timed nap. That’s why choosing a well-located hotel makes all the difference.

Your ideal base: Hotel Palmasol

Steps from Puerto Marina and Benalmádena’s top family attractions, Hotel Palmasol blends location, gardens, a pool and a welcoming atmosphere designed for families. From here, everything is closer.

Book your stay at Hotel Palmasol