Benalmádena Butterfly House

What will you see inside Monowa Butterfly Park with your tickets?

Many people think there are only butterflies here, until they buy tickets and visit the butterfly house in Benalmádena. The place turns out to be a little tropical oasis full of surprises. As you step inside, you’re immersed in a glass-enclosed garden at around 26°C with a constant 80 per cent humidity (so make sure you wear light clothing!).

Here’s everything you’ll find on your tour:

• Over 1,500 exotic butterflies: They fly completely freely and belong to around 150 different species brought from tropical regions all over the world.

• The breeding area (Laboratory): You’ll be able to see the chrysalises up close and, with a bit of luck, witness the butterflies hatching live. It’s a brilliant way to explain the life cycle to children.

Amazing animals: As well as insects, small mammals such as a cute wallaby (a small kangaroo), tropical birds and even tortoises can be seen scampering around the garden.

Parking tips and how to get to the Butterfly House

The park is situated in Benalmádena Pueblo, right next to the spectacular Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment (a huge temple with a golden dome that can be seen from halfway along the coast).

Where to park for free: Unlike other parks, you’re in luck here. Right on the open ground in front of the Buddhist Stupa and the Butterfly House itself, there’s an outdoor public car park that’s 100 per cent free.

Combining activities: A visit to the butterfly house can easily be done in an hour or so; a great idea is to combine it with a visit to the Buddhist Stupa and a stroll through the whitewashed streets of the historic centre of Benalmádena Pueblo, all in the same morning.

Where can you eat well and cheaply near the Butterfly House? (Our recommendations)

Our top tip is to give the beach bars a miss for a day and make the most of being up here to enjoy some tapas in Benalmádena Pueblo, a typical Andalusian village with white houses and hanging flower pots. It’s the most authentic and pretty part of the town.

La Alternativa (Plaza de las Tres Culturas) – The king of traditional tapas

Why we love it: If you’re looking for that classic Málaga atmosphere with a bar, wooden tables and perfectly poured cañas, this place is a sure-fire hit. It’s right in the heart of the town and its portions are generous, homemade and at incredibly competitive prices.

What to order: Don’t leave without trying their fried aubergines with cane honey, the Russian salad or their famous lean pork with tomato. Absolutely finger-licking good!

La Niña Restaurant – A terrace with Andalusian charm

Why we love it: It’s situated in the legendary Plaza de España (home to the statue of the Niña de Benalmádena). Dining on its outdoor terrace, surrounded by white walls and flower pots, is a real treat. They’re absolutely brilliant with families and children.

What to order: Their charcoal-grilled meats are spectacular, but if you prefer something lighter, the ‘secreto ibérico’ or their homemade croquettes never disappoint.

El Higuerón – For a special occasion (with breathtaking views)

Why we love it: If you fancy treating yourself or are looking for a romantic evening for two, this restaurant is situated a little further up the mountain (a 3-minute drive from the Butterfly House). It’s a glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the gorge and boasts the most spectacular views of the entire Málaga coastline. It’s more expensive than the others, but the experience is well worth it.

What to order: Their rice dishes are a delight for the palate, the fish is fresh from the bay, and they have a spectacular wine list. (Tip: ring ahead to book a table right by the window).

What to do on a rainy day in Benalmádena?

If your holiday on the Costa del Sol has been marred by a grey or stormy day, don’t stay cooped up in your hotel or holiday flat. The Mariposario in Benalmádena is officially one of the best indoor activities in the whole province.

As it’s completely sheltered by a huge, heated glass dome, the temperature inside is always like a tropical summer (between 24°C and 29°C), no matter how cold or rainy it is outside. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy an exotic natural setting and keep the children entertained in a safe, colourful environment whilst it’s raining outside.

What to see near the Butterfly House: Plan your day trip

As you leave the butterfly house, you can make the most of your trip to the upper part of Benalmádena to visit these three other attractions, which are practically next door:

The Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment (20 metres away): As we mentioned earlier, they share a free public car park, so you won’t even have to move your car! It is the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world. Entry to its meditation hall is free, and its outdoor viewing platform offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Mediterranean Sea.

Colomares Castle (5 minutes’ drive away): This is a monument that will leave you speechless; shaped like a fairytale castle, it was built in the late 20th century to honour Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the Americas. It’s a place that delights children and adults alike.

Benalmádena Pueblo (a 10-minute walk): The town’s old quarter. It’s a beautiful maze of white pedestrianised streets, façades adorned with pots of colourful flowers, and hidden squares where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a beer in complete tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

Combined Passes: How to save money if you’re visiting several parks in Benalmádena

If you’re spending a few days on the Costa del Sol, one of the best ways to save money is to opt for combined passes. When you buy a package for two or more attractions, the price per ticket drops significantly compared to buying them separately.

As Selwo Marina and the Benalmádena Cable Car are very close to each other and belong to the same group, there are official passes designed to help you save as much as possible. Here are our top recommendations, all available for immediate online booking:

Selwo Marina + Cable Car Package: Ideal for a day packed with adventures. The perfect itinerary is to visit the dolphinarium in the morning and take the cable car up to the top of the hill in the afternoon to watch the sunset, but you can organise it to suit your own travel plans.

SelwoPack (3 Parks): Includes entry to Selwo Marina (Benalmádena), the cable car and also the large Selwo Aventura safari park (in Estepona).

It’s the top choice for families coming to spend a whole week here.

As the Butterfly House is booked separately, our expert recommendation is that you book your ticket for the Butterfly House separately and use our official links to buy the Selwo packs with an instant discount, thereby avoiding the queues at the ticket office.