Mariposario Benalmádena: Europe's Largest Butterfly Park

If you're looking for something genuinely magical on the Costa del Sol — something that works for adults and children equally well and stays with you long after you leave — the Mariposario de Benalmádena is it.

More than 1,500 butterflies from 150 species fly freely inside an enormous tropical glasshouse in Benalmádena Pueblo, about twenty minutes west of Málaga. They land on your arms, your shoulders, your camera. Blue morphos the size of your hand drift past at eye level. Iridescent green birdwings settle on flowers a metre away. It is genuinely extraordinary.

We visited on a Tuesday morning, arriving just after opening at 10:00. This turned out to be exactly right — the butterflies are most active in the morning warmth, and we had the glasshouse to ourselves for the first thirty minutes before the coach groups arrived.

Practical details: adults 12 EUR, children (3–12) 9 EUR. Allow 1–1.5 hours inside. Wear bright colours — the butterflies are drawn to them. The park is open daily 10:00–19:30 in summer, closing earlier in winter.

Combine with a walk through Benalmádena Pueblo and a visit to the extraordinary Stupa — one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the Western world — just a short walk away. Sea Life Benalmádena and the Teleférico (cable car) are also nearby if you want a full day out.