Benalmádena Stupa
Europe's tallest Buddhist stupa, offering serene reflection and breathtaking sea views on the Costa del Sol.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Benalmádena Stupa
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's tallest Buddhist stupa, offering serene reflection and breathtaking sea views on the Costa del Sol.
"A hidden gem and a truly peaceful spot with stunning views over the Costa del Sol."
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be inconsistent; verify before you go to avoid disappointment . :clock1:
🙏 Be Respectful
It's a place of worship. Maintain quiet and reverence for those praying . :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stupa Itself
Main structure
Europe's tallest Buddhist stupa, a 33m monument symbolizing peace and harmony.
Panoramic Sea Views
Hilltop location
Breathtaking vistas of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea from its elevated perch.
Meditation Hall
Inside the stupa
A serene space featuring murals depicting Buddha's life and a calming golden statue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be inconsistent; verify before you go to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
🙏 Be Respectful
It's a place of worship. Maintain quiet and reverence for those praying. :pray:
🚶♀️ Walk Up for Views
Challenge yourself with a walk from the seafront for rewarding sea views. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Stunning panoramic views make for incredible photos, especially at sunset.+1 :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be inconsistent; verify before you go to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
🙏 Be Respectful
It's a place of worship. Maintain quiet and reverence for those praying. :pray:
🚶♀️ Walk Up for Views
Challenge yourself with a walk from the seafront for rewarding sea views. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Stunning panoramic views make for incredible photos, especially at sunset.+1 :camera:
💖 Support with Donations
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this beautiful spiritual site. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Benalmádena Stupa as a peaceful, beautiful landmark with stunning sea views, often calling it a hidden gem. Its status as the largest Buddhist stupa in Western Europe and its serene atmosphere are frequently highlighted. However, some travelers have noted issues with inconsistent opening hours, leading to disappointment.
"Nice location to come and enjoy the view. The temple is a beautiful landmark, nicely lit in the evenings and visible from coast or highway above when you cross Fuengirola . There are parking as available at the site so no hassle and good option for a pitstop :)"
Jay Z
"The Stupa of Enlightenment in Benalmádena, Málaga, is a hidden gem and a truly peaceful spot. It’s the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world, standing proudly with stunning views over the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere is serene and spiritual, perfect for quiet reflection. Inside, beautiful murals tell the story of Buddha’s life, and the golden statue creates a calming energy. Entry is free, and you can even take part in meditations. It’s a lovely mix of culture, beauty, and peace—definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area."
MAT
"Arrived at 4:30 pm was closed. Here the real opening hours in July 2025
Just too sad they don't provide the real hours on Google. Anyway peaceful area."
Inès Love
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stupa is located on a hilltop in Benalmádena. You can drive and park nearby. For a more active approach, some visitors suggest walking up from the seafront, which is about 300 meters above sea level and offers great views along the way.
Public transport options to Benalmádena are available, and from there, a taxi or a walk would be necessary.
Yes, there is parking available at the site, making it a convenient stop.
It's a challenging but rewarding walk from the seafront up to the Stupa, offering scenic views as you ascend.
Many drone videos showcase the Stupa from above, highlighting its unique architecture and coastal setting.+2 For ground-level photos, consider visiting during the golden hour for stunning light on the monument and sea.
While public transport can get you to Benalmádena, the Stupa's hilltop location means you'll likely need a taxi or a walk from the nearest bus stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Benalmádena Stupa is free. However, donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of this spiritual site.
Opening hours can be inconsistent, and some visitors have reported closures outside of stated times. It's best to check locally or try to visit during typical daytime hours, though evenings are also noted for their beauty when lit.
The entrance to the Benalmádena Stupa is free of charge.
While the Stupa is a landmark, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours or early evening when it's illuminated, and to confirm operating hours to avoid disappointment.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the religious nature of the site, maintaining quiet and appropriate behavior, especially when others are praying or meditating.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a meditation hall with beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha and a calming golden statue. The atmosphere is designed for reflection and peace.
Yes, the Stupa offers a peaceful environment for meditation, and some sources mention that meditation sessions are available for those interested.
The Stupa is situated on a hilltop, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea.
Yes, it's a great option for a pitstop, offering a unique cultural experience and beautiful scenery in a relatively short amount of time.
It's the largest Buddhist stupa in Western Europe, built to symbolize peace, prosperity, and harmony for all beings.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire site offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the Stupa itself to the panoramic sea views.+2 The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting.
Several TikTok videos feature impressive drone footage of the Stupa, showcasing its scale and location.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of others who are praying or meditating and avoid intrusive photography in those areas.
Its unique architecture, striking white facade, and the dramatic coastal backdrop make it a visually captivating subject.
Absolutely. The combination of the impressive monument and the expansive sea views provides a wealth of photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Meditators
+1 The serene atmosphere inside the meditation hall, with its murals and calming energy, is conducive to inner peace.📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+2 Visiting during the golden hour or at dusk when the Stupa is illuminated can yield particularly dramatic shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stupa of Enlightenment: A Symbol of Peace
+1 Inaugurated in 2003, this architectural marvel was built with the intention of symbolizing peace, prosperity, and harmony for all beings.+1 Its design follows traditional Tibetan Buddhist principles, making it a unique spiritual landmark in Spain.The Stupa's location on a hilltop provides not only a sense of elevation but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.
+1 This scenic setting enhances the tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both spiritual reflection and appreciation of natural beauty. Visitors often describe the feeling of peace and calm upon arrival, noting it as an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling coast.Inside the Stupa, visitors can explore a meditation hall adorned with murals that narrate the life of Buddha. A golden statue within this space contributes to the calming energy of the interior.
While entry is free, donations are encouraged to support the ongoing maintenance and spiritual mission of the Stupa.Experiencing the Stupa: Tips from Visitors
As a place of worship, respectful behavior is paramount. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a quiet demeanor, especially when others are praying or meditating.
For those seeking a more active experience, the walk up to the Stupa from the seafront is a popular suggestion. This ascent, which can be around 300 meters above sea level, offers rewarding views along the way.
+2 The combination of unique architecture and expansive sea views makes it a highly photogenic location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit