Mariposario de Benalmádena

Costa del Sol


Next to the Buddhist stupa, in a quasi-Thai temple in Benalmádena (get off the train at Torremuelle station), this butterfly park is a delight. There are some 1500 fluttery creatures, including exotic subtropical species, moths and cocoons (in action), along with impressive plants and water features. Two iguanas, a wallaby and a giant tortoise are resident in the park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Costa del Sol attractions

1. Buddhist Stupa

0.07 MILES

The largest Buddhist stupa in Europe is in Benalmádena Pueblo. It rises up, majestically out of place, on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by new…

2. Museo Benalmádena

0.67 MILES

There are two sections to this museum: one exhibits local archaeological finds; the other, more curiously, has a fantastic collection of Mexican and…

3. Virgen de la Peña

3.05 MILES

If you walk past the ayuntamiento (town hall), you will reach this grotto where the Virgin is said to have appeared to two children who were led here by a…

4. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Mijas

3.19 MILES

Notwithstanding its diminutive size, this museum houses the world's second-largest collection of Picasso ceramics, along with bronze figurines, glassware,…

5. Casa Museo de Mijas

3.21 MILES

This quaint folk museum was created and is run by Carmen Escalona, who specialises in crafting folk-themed models that, together with other artefacts,…

6. Plaza de Toros

3.23 MILES

This unusual square bullring is located at the top of the village, and is surrounded by lush ornamental gardens with wonderful views of the coast. There's…

7. Puerto Deportivo de Benalmádena

3.87 MILES

This port on the coast in Benalmádena is striking for its GaudÍ-Asian-Mr-Whippy–style architecture, and its large choice of bars, restaurants and shops…

8. Bioparc

4.46 MILES

This zoo has spacious enclosures and treats its animals very well. It runs conservation and breeding programs as well as educational activities. The…