Mariposario de Benalmádena

The experience is genuinely magical, particularly for younger visitors. Entering the glasshouse, you are immediately surrounded by butterflies of extraordinary size and colour: blue morphos the size of an outstretched hand, iridescent green birdwings, bright yellow sulphurs, owl butterflies with eyespots the size of thumbnails. They settle on shoulders, arms, camera lenses, and hats without apparent concern, and the effect is immediately calming.

The park also contains a small reptile exhibition and a collection of mounted insect specimens from around the world, which provides useful context for the live butterflies. There is a gift shop and a small cafe.

Outside the main glasshouse, Benalmadena Pueblo is worth exploring in its own right — a traditional white Andalusian village with a very different character from the coastal resorts below. The adjacent Benalmadena Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the Western world, makes for an unusual and photogenic addition to the half-day.

Practical tips: the butterflies are most active in the morning when the temperature in the glasshouse is building. Wear light-coloured clothing — butterflies are more likely to land on you. Photography is excellent here — a fast lens or good phone camera makes a significant difference. The park is open year-round but is busiest in July and August.