Benalmadena

Mariposa Tropical (Benalmádena Butterfly Park), 

Calle Muerde, 29630,  Benalmádena,  Andalusia,   Spain

Mariposa Tropical is a beautiful butterfly park located in Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain. This tropical paradise is home to over 1,500 butterflies from around the world, as well as exotic plants and waterfalls. It offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, making it a popular attraction on the Costa del Sol.
Owl Butterfly
Owl Butterfly ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The owl butterflies (genus Caligo) are very large, crepuscular Neotropical butterflies best known for their dramatic eyespots on the underside of the hindwings that mimic predator eyes; they occur in rainforests from Mexico through Central and South America and are commonly seen in tropical butterfly houses worldwide
Brazilian Red Cloaks
Brazilian Red Cloaks ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Moon moth
Moon moth ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Moon moths are large, often greenish Saturniid moths in the genus Actias (commonly called moon or luna moths); adults have long hindwing tails, do not feed as adults, and live only a few days while their caterpillars feed on broadleaf trees such as sweetgum and mulberry
Ailanthus_silkmoth ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The Ailanthus silkmoth (Samia cynthia) is a large saturniid moth whose caterpillars commonly feed on Ailanthus (tree-of-heaven) and related plants; it has been used for coarse “eri” silk and has established introduced populations outside Asia, including parts of Europe and North America.
Gouldian Finch
Gouldian Finch ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is a striking, small Australian finch prized by aviculturists worldwide; it is currently listed as Least Concern by IUCN but faces serious local declines in northern Australia and legal protection under Australian law, so most birds you’ll see in the UK are captive-bred descendants of earlier exports
Gouldian Finch
Gouldian Finch ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Gouldian Finch
Gouldian Finch ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Atlas moth
Atlas moth ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is one of the world’s largest moths, with a wingspan commonly around 20–25 cm and a wing surface area often exceeding 160 cm²; it is native to tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and the adult does not feed, living only a few days to mate and lay eggs.
Owl Moth Feeding
Owl Moth Feeding ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Owl Butterfly
Owl Butterfly ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Owl Butterfly
Owl Butterfly ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Monarch
Monarch ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Monarch
Monarch ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Gonimbrasia
Gonimbrasia ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Gonimbrasia is a genus of large African saturniid moths (family Saturniidae) that includes economically and ecologically important species such as the mopane worm (Gonimbrasia belina); these moths are best known for their sizeable, often gregarious caterpillars and wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. For Michael in Horsham: you’ll only encounter them in collections, museums, or specialist exhibits in the UK rather than in the wild.
Owl Butterfly
Owl Butterfly ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Epiphora Moth ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Epiphora are a genus of large African saturniid moths (family Saturniidae), native to sub-Saharan Africa and containing dozens of species — the group includes visually striking adults and often gregarious, economically important caterpillars; in the UK you’ll only encounter them in museum collections, specialist exhibits, or private entomological holdings
White Witch Moth
White Witch Moth ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The White Witch moth (Thysania agrippina) is one of the world’s largest moths by wingspan (record ~30 cm) and occurs across tropical Americas from Mexico to Uruguay
Spanish_Moon_Moth_Mariposario_de_Benalmádena_20171023_20171023_1501.jpg
Spanish_Moon_Moth_Mariposario_de_Benalmádena_20171023_20171023_1501.jpg ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The Spanish moon moth (Graellsia isabellae) is a rare, emerald-green saturniid native to mountainous Spain and parts of southern France; it overwinters as a pupa, emerges in spring (late April–May), and its caterpillars feed mainly on pine needles (Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris) — it is the sole species in the genus Graellsia and has a restricted, relic alpine distribution.
Common Postman
Common Postman ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The “Postman” or Common Postman is Heliconius melpomene, a brightly coloured Neotropical butterfly famous for Müllerian mimicry and pollen-feeding
Common Postman
Common Postman ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
View of Benalmádena ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The “Large Tree Nymph” is Idea leuconoe (also called the paper-kite or rice-paper butterfly): a large, slow-flying Southeast Asian danaid often shown in tropical butterfly houses; adults have a wingspan of about 12–14 cm and larvae feed on toxic vines in the genus Parsonsia making the species unpalatable to predators
Green Iguana
Green Iguana ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Green Iguana
Green Iguana ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Green Iguana
Green Iguana ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, arboreal, mostly herbivorous lizard native from southern Mexico through Central and South America; adults commonly reach 1.5–2 m total length, can live 8–20+ years in captivity, and require large, warm, humid enclosures with UVB lighting and a high-leaf/vegetable diet
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Benalmádena

Monowa (the former Mariposario de Benalmádena) is Benalmádena’s tropical butterfly park — open daily 10:00–18:00, home to 1,500–2,000 free-flying butterflies from 50–150 species seasonally, and tickets are sold on the park’s official site; the attraction relaunched with a stronger conservation and education focus under the Monowa name.

What you’ll see and learn

Live metamorphosis: the park schedules live chrysalis hatching demonstrations (puparium shows) at regular intervals so visitors can watch butterflies emerge.
Species diversity: specimens come from Asia, Latin America and Africa, with weekly species rotations and curated exhibits highlighting pollinators and life cycles.
Immersive environment: tropical planting, humidity, fruit feeding stations and water features recreate a rainforest microclimate for natural butterfly behaviour.

Conservation, education and recent relaunch

Relaunch & mission: Monowa relaunched with renewed emphasis on conservation, science and education, funding projects internationally (Thailand, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Africa) and locally supporting regional butterfly protection initiatives.
Educational focus: new exhibits include breeding-area access, a pollinating insects exhibit, and an interactive “My Butterfly” space designed to engage children and schools.

References

monowa.es ,  euroweeklynews.com ,  zoospedia.com , Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot

Playa Carvajal, 

Paseo Marítimo,  Benalmádena,  Andalusia,   Spain

Playa Carvajal is a beautiful urban beach located in Benalmádena, on the Costa del Sol in Málaga, Spain. Known for its golden sand, clear waters, and family-friendly atmosphere, Playa Carvajal offers a variety of amenities, including beach bars, water sports, and easy access to nearby attractions.
Playa Carvajal
Playa Carvajal ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Playa Carvajal
Playa Carvajal ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Playa Carvajal ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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Playa Carvajal

Playa Carvajal is one of the most accessible, calm-water beaches on the Costa del Sol, sitting right on the border between Fuengirola and Benalmádena. It’s known for dark sand, colourful parasols, easy train access, and consistently high cleanliness ratings.

Accessibility & Getting There

Train: The C1 Cercanías line stops directly at Carvajal Station, right opposite the beach.
Walking: You can walk from Fuengirola along the seafront promenade.
Parking: Available nearby but fills quickly in summer.

Services & Facilities

Colourful parasols for hire (a signature feature of the beach)
Showers, toilets, bins, cleaning service — part of why it wins quality awards
Accessible walkways reaching the water’s edge
Beach bars (chiringuitos) serving fried fish and drinks with sea views
Water sports: Parasailing, boat trips, dolphin-watching tours nearby

References

www.spain.info ,  www.tripadvisor.co.uk ,  www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo , Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot

Stupa of Enlightenment (Estupa de la Iluminación), 

Calle Estupa,  Benalmádena,  Andalusia,   Spain

Estupa de la Iluminació
Estupa de la Iluminació ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Estupa de la Iluminació
Estupa de la Iluminació ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Estupa de la Iluminació
Estupa de la Iluminació ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
map for location

Estupa de la Iluminación

The Estupa de la Iluminación in Benalmádena is the largest Buddhist stupa in the West, a 33-metre monument symbolising the Buddha’s enlightenment and serving as a centre for peace, meditation, and cultural learning. It stands on a panoramic hilltop in Benalmádena Pueblo, overlooking the Costa del Sol.

Spiritual & Cultural Significance

Conceived by Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, a revered Bhutanese Buddhist master who oversaw the project until his death in 2003.
Guided spiritually by the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
Built according to precise Tibetan architectural proportions, with symbolic objects sealed inside the structure

Unique Architectural Features

Most stupas are sealed, but this one is exceptional:
100 m² meditation hall inside — extremely rare for a stupa
Interior murals depicting the life of the Buddha Sakyamuni
Exhibition space on Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan culture
Architect: Woitek Kossowski, a Polish-German architect

References

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Selwo Marina, 

Ctra. de Benalmádena a Mijas,  Benalmádena,  Andalusia,   Spain

dolphin
dolphin ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Two trainers, one male and one female, are interacting with several dolphins
Two trainers, one male and one female, are interacting with several dolphins ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
sea lion
sea lion ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
a dolphin swimming in a pool
a dolphin swimming in a pool ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
a group of dolphins swimming
a group of dolphins swimming ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
a dolphin leaping out of the water
a dolphin leaping out of the water ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
A dolphin is seen leaping out of the bright blue water
A dolphin is seen leaping out of the bright blue water ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
Walrus
Walrus ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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Walrus
Walrus ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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sea lion
sea lion ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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sea lion
sea lion ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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sea lion
sea lion ‐ photo by ,
©www.mgaylard.co.uk.
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Selwo Marina

Selwo Marina is a compact marine and wildlife park in Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol, known for dolphins, penguins, sea lions, exotic birds, and conservation-focused talks.

What Selwo Marina Offers

Dolphins, sea lions, penguins, exotic birds, crocodiles, snakes, piranhas, anacondas, rays
Dolphin and sea lion presentations, plus educational talks across zones like the Amazon and Tropics
Penguin Encounter inside an Antarctic-style frozen cave
VIP Experience with keepers for behind-the-scenes access
Conservation programmes, including participation in releasing loggerhead turtles into the sea

References

www.selwomarina.es/en ,  www.visitcostadelsol.com ,  www.tripadvisor.co.uk , Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot
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