Stupa of Enlightenment Benalmádena – What to See, Views, Peaceful Gardens & Visitor Information

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1. Overview

The Stupa of Enlightenment is a Tibetan Buddhist monument located just outside Benalmádena Pueblo and is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Costa del Sol.

The 33-metre-high stupa was inaugurated on 5 October 2003 and was the final major project of the Bhutanese Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche.

The monument represents the Buddha's enlightenment and is intended as a symbol of peace, prosperity and harmony.

Unlike most stupas, which are sealed structures, the Benalmádena Stupa contains a meditation hall inside. This makes it particularly unusual and gives visitors the opportunity to experience the building rather than simply view it from outside. 

2. Location & Address

The Stupa is located in El Retamar, just outside Benalmádena Pueblo.

Address:

Avenida Retamar, s/n
29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

It is approximately:

15 minutes' walk from Benalmádena Pueblo

5 minutes' drive from Castillo de Colomares

5 minutes' drive from Butterfly Park

Its elevated position provides impressive views across Benalmádena and the Mediterranean and, on a clear day, towards Gibraltar and the North African coast. 

3. Opening Times

The current published opening times are:

Tuesday to Sunday:

10:00am – 2:00pm

4:00pm – 6:30pm

Monday: Closed

Guided meditation:

Sunday at 6:00pm

The meditation hall closes at 5:15pm on Sundays to allow preparations for the meditation.

Opening times can change with the season, so it is worth checking before travelling. 

Admission: Free

4. What You'll Find at the Stupa

The Stupa and surrounding area offer several interesting features, including:

33-metre-high Buddhist stupa

Large golden pinnacle

Meditation hall

Buddhist exhibition

Traditional Tibetan Buddhist artwork

Visitors are also welcome to walk around the outside of the Stupa in a clockwise direction, following the traditional Buddhist practice of circumambulation. 

5. How to Get There

By car:

The Stupa is easy to reach by car from the A-7. Take exit 217 towards Benalmádena-Mijas and follow the signs towards Benalmádena Pueblo. The Stupa is clearly visible from the main road.

By train:

Take the Cercanías C1 train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel station.

From the station, take the L2 bus towards Benalmádena Pueblo and get off at the Estupa Tibetana stop, which is directly beside the Stupa.

By bus:

The L2, M112 and M121 services stop at Estupa Tibetana, making the Stupa relatively easy to reach without a car. 

On foot:

It is possible to walk from Benalmádena Pueblo, with the Stupa around a 15-minute walk from the historic centre, although the route includes some uphill sections. 

6. Parking

There is parking available around the Stupa, making it a relatively easy attraction to visit by car.

The location is particularly convenient if you are planning to visit several attractions around Benalmádena Pueblo on the same day.

Parking can become busier during the main tourist season, so arriving earlier is advisable if you want to park close to the entrance.

But have a look at the parking options below for more information about parking in Benalmádena and the best places to leave your car when visiting the Stupa and Benalmádena Pueblo.

7. Tips for Visiting

Allow around 45 minutes to an hour for your visit.

Take your time looking around the meditation hall and exhibition.

Wear comfortable shoes if you are walking from Benalmádena Pueblo.

Take a camera as the views from the Stupa are excellent.

The Butterfly Park is also only a short distance away.

8. Nearby Attractions

Benalmádena Pueblo

Castillo de Colomares

Butterfly Park

Jardines del Muro

9. Overall Experience

The Stupa of Enlightenment is one of those Benalmádena attractions that is difficult to compare with anything else on the Costa del Sol. Its huge white structure and golden top make it immediately recognisable, while the peaceful surroundings and views across the coast give it an atmosphere that is completely different from the busy resort below.

You don't need to be interested in Buddhism to appreciate the building. The architecture, the story behind its construction, the meditation hall and the panoramic views make it an interesting place to visit in its own right.

Our tip: Combine the Stupa with Benalmádena Pueblo, Castillo de Colomares and the Butterfly Park rather than making a separate journey just to see it. If you can time your visit for the late afternoon, the views and changing light over the Mediterranean can make it an especially memorable stop.

Address. Av. Retamar, s/n, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

Getting around the Costa del Sol