Planning your trip to Benalmadena before you arrive will ensure you get the most out of your time in the Spanish resort. A wide range of attractions are located in the area, some of which are accessible by car and the others you can access on foot. One of the most well-known theme parks in Benalmadena is Tivoli World. If you’re lucky, you might visit on a date when Maria Isabel sings live.

The Selwo Marina and Sea Life Benalmadena will give you a unique insight into the underwater world and both are credited with high levels of conservation and best practise with aniimal care and protection, whereas the Buddhist temple Benalmádena Stupa will allow you a moment of peace and tranquility. Look out onto the Costa del Sol from Europe's largest stupa at this temple, which stands tall at 33 metres.

The culinary scene in Benalmadena is diverse and will appeal to everyone, with the variation of cuisine on offer. Most restaurants are located close to the marina, where the fresh seafood is plucked directly from the ocean. Although Spanish cuisine is the specialty, many other options are on offer, including Indian, Chinese and international fare.

For the best fish and meat dishes, book a table at Escorpio Restaurante, where the wine list is just as impressive as the food menu. Otelli is highly-rated for its European brunch, lunch and dinner options. Alternatively, drink wine and chow down on seasonal dishes at Sollo.

There’s no shortage of things for the family to do when on holiday in Benalmadena. One of the most popular tourist attractions for groups travelling with kids is the Butterfly Park. Marvel at the various species of butterfly here, before joining the family at Colomares Castle. Learn about the fascinating life of Christopher Columbus at this attraction, and afterwards, ascend to the peak of Mount Calamorro by cable car. A stroll around the flora and fauna-filled Parque de la Paloma is also worth adding to the itinerary.

Private tours and boat excursions can be arranged with ease when you are on holiday in Benalmadena. Pack your swimsuit and prepare for a day of coastal sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling. Alternatively, catch your own dinner on a fishing charter tour around the coast. Set aside an entire day for a dolphin and whale-spotting trip on the water, or explore Benalmadena on a Segway. Gear rental is easy to find in this Spanish resort, with bike rental available for just a couple of euros per day.

Benalmadena boasts 10 kilometres of shingle and sandy beaches, some of which are natural and others that are man-made. If you want to sunbathe just footsteps away from restaurants and shops, check out the facilities at Carvajal Beach. This beach has earned Blue Flag status, much like Malapesquera Beach, which is 50 metres wide and 700 metres long.

Visit this beach in July to commemorate the Virgen del Carmen Festival with the locals and tourists, or make your way to Arroyo de la Miel village. Positioned at the foot of this traditional community is Arroyo Beach. Some other beaches worth visiting for a paddle include Santa Ana Beach, Torremuelle Beach, Viborillas Beach, and perhaps the most peaceful beach of them all, Arroyo Hondo.

Although you can spend your holiday in Benalmadena relaxing with your feet up, there’s a nightlife scene worth checking out in the bustling resort. Make your way to the marina to find late-night bars or get dressed up for an evening on 24-hour Square. Here, you will find discos and clubs that open until the early hours of the morning.

Funky decor and three dance floors are concealed inside Kiu, where you can socialise on the balcony or dance inside the Atlantis room. Kiu is based in downtown Benalmadena, as is El Elefante. Fancy a unique nightlife experience? Drink from ice-carved glasses inside Boal’s Ice Bar, where the vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed. La Cubana, Banana Cafe and Discoteca Aqa are a few other popular spots near the marina.

A romantic stroll around the Old Village is certainly something worth doing with your loved one. Better known as Benalmadena Pueblo, this neighbourhood is based a short distance from the Plaza Espana Benalmadena. Walk hand-in-hand around this landmark or spend some quality time at the Garden of Eagles. Bike tours are a popular choice for active couples who want to see hidden gems around Benalmadena, such as Plaza de Ole. Don't forget to check out Santa Domingo Church, which is one of the most sacred religious sites in the region.

As the southern-most region in Spain, Andalusia and its surrounding resorts have a distinctive culture that cannot be compared to other European destinations. Once upon a time, the land was ruled by the Romans, before the region was conquered by the North African Moors in the 8^th century. Those times may be long gone, but the past is kept alive in the culture, customs and ancient buildings around the region.

Flamenco dance and music actually originated in this region, where the traditional bullfighting continues to attract tourists. The local people enjoy a slower pace of life in this part of Spain, so you can expect a relaxing holiday in Benalmadena. Since most of the population is religious, you will likely see a lot of Holy Week events taking place. Plan your trip at the beginning of February to witness fireworks, dancing, drinking, floats and parades at the Carnival of Cádiz.