The Arab Baths in Benalmadena: A Treat for the Senses

Arab Baths in BenalmadenaStressed out and in need of some R&R? Staying here at Sunset should help; however, if you need a little boost, I highly recommend a quick visit to the “Agua de Oriente” Arab baths in Benalmádena.

The Arab Baths are located in the centre of Benalmadena (just next to the Marina) and a mere 20 minute walk from Sunset Beach Club. Inspired by the Nazari architecture of XI century Granada, this impressive “Oasis” of relaxation is a real treat to the senses. I think the following phrase on the “Agua de Oriente” website describes the experience perfectly:

“A journey into the past, to discover a world of sensasions”

The traditional word for this type of Arab Bath is “Hammam” and in the next few paragraphs, I’ll provide you with a brief explanation of what you can expect on your visit – just in case you’ve never been before.

The “Hammam” Experience

As you can see by the photos, lighting and architecture are key components of the Hammam experience. When you enter the baths you are, literally, transported into another time period. (more…)

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada: Fun in the Snow Under a Starlit Sky

Night Skiing in Sierra Nevada

The "El Río" Run: Ready for Night Skiing!

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is enjoying a great season with more than 100km of runs open to the public. For ski lovers who live locally, it’s a required stop during the winter months. As the resort is a mere 2 hour drive away from the Costa del Sol, many visitors and tourists make the most of this short distance to drive up for the day and enjoy a fun packed skiing experience.

What many people don’t know is that Sierra Nevada was one of the pioneers in the discipline of night skiing. Skiing beneath the stars with the lights of the Alhambra Palace and Granada in the distance is a unique experience which all visitors to the Resort can enjoy during the months of January and February.

Every Saturday (until the end of February) the El Río run, with its 3,258km and 500m of slope, will switch on its flood lights between 7pm and 9:30pm, allowing ski lovers the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport after sunset.

The “El Río” run wasn’t designed for professionals, hence the reason for it being labelled a blue run; it’s not apt for the complete novice either! The idea is to provide an enjoyable experience to all those who want to try something different and that have, at least a little, skiing knowledge.

There’s just one problem: The normal daytime ski pass – and the season ticket – cannot be used for this night run…..you need to purchase a separate pass!

Let’s end on a positive note. As well as the daily treatment the snow throughout the station receives, the “El Río” run receives an extra dose of snow plough magic between 5pm and 7pm, before the night runs begin. You might have to pay extra for the privilege, but at least you’re guaranteed great snow conditions! 🙂

Equipment to be found at the local business Tom Wohrman Sports.

Glide Your Way Around Benalmadena on a Segway Tour

Segway tours in Benalmadena

Gliding through La Paloma Park in Benalmadena

You’ve probably seem them gliding through the streets of your local town or at least on television but, do you know what they are? The Segway personal transporter is actually the first ever self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device. It may look like a simple two wheeled electric scooter but, it is much more than that!

The Segway works through a concept called Dynamic Stabilization which enables it to work seamlessly with the body’s movements. So how on earth does it do that? Well, the Segway has built in gyroscopes and tilt sensors which monitor a rider’s gravity at about 100 times a second. This means that when the rider leans slightly forward, the Segway moves forward; likewise, when they lean back, it moves backwards. Pretty simple isn’t it? (more…)

A Fun Activity for Your Next Holiday in Benalmádena: Ice Skating!

Ice Skating in Benalmadena

This could be you.......Ice Skating in Benalmadena!

The Costa del Sol is usually regarded as a haven for sun, sea and sand holidays. Benalmadena in particular is well known for its beaches, restaurants, Marina and bustling night life; in the summer time, holiday makers flock to this sea side town for fun packed holidays.

But what about the quieter winter months? Well, the beach is still an option, although the sea might be a little cold for taking a dip! What many people don’t realise is that Benalmadena has much more to offer visitors than beaches and night life. The latest edition to the list of “alternative” activities is….wait for it…..an Ice Rink!

Yes, you read that right; the Costa del Sol has its very own Ice rink which is open from October until May, (Don’t suppose there’s too much demand for ice skating in the summer!) Apparently, the Benalmadena ice rink is the only one of its kind in Andalucia; with a surface area of 900 square metres and located within a 7000 square metre sports complex, it registered a total of 12.500 visits last year. (more…)

Enjoy Great Tapas at this Year’s “Ruta de la Tapa” in Benalmádena Pueblo

ruta de la tapa de benalmadena

A Selection of Tapas

The town of Benalmádena celebrates its third “Ruta de la Tapa”. This unique event starts on Friday the 15th October end continues until the 24th October and the town hall hope that it will help to vitalize restaurant activity and attract clients at a time when tourist activity is lower.

So what exactly is a “Ruta de la Tapa”? Well, basically, its an event where various establishments – in this case there are thirty – agree to form part of a gastronomic route that allows participants to sample a wide variety of traditional tapas for a set price which includes a drink – prices at this event are a very reasonable, 1.50 per tapa and drink! – Visitors are given a “passport” which they have to hand in at each establishment they visit so that it can be stamped. At the end of the route, visitors hand in the passports and are then entered into a prize draw where they can win various prizes. All visitors who participate in this year’s event will also be given special handkerchiefs which they will have to wear around their necks; this allows the establishments to identify anyone taking part.

The prizes for this year’s raffle include the following: free breakfast, lunch or dinners at the various restaurants and bars taking part; entrances to some of Benalmadena’s amusement parks and the star price this year: two cruises around the Mediterranean for 4 people!

Definitely a different experience for you to enjoy on your holidays; a great variety of tapas and wines all at very reasonable prices (1.50 Euro for a tapa and drink) and, of course, the chance to win a fantastic cruise!

The “Fiesta del Pescaito” in Benalmádena: Fresh Fish at Fantastic Prices!

fiesta del pescaito 2010 en benalmadena

Sardines Anyone?

The Costa del Sol is famous for its “Pescaito” (Fish Dishes) with many restaurants and beach bars (chiringuitos) offering a wide selection of fresh fish dishes – boquerones, calamares, Sardines…… –

For many, sitting at a nice little “chiringuito” enjoying some fish and a cool beer or “tinto de verano” is the highlight of their holiday! In that case, you won’t want to miss the Fiesta del Pescaito in Benalmadena this weekend!

From the 8th to the 12th October, all the beach bars and restaurants on the Santa Ana Beach (next to the windmill statue) will be serving all sorts of fish dishes at discounted prices. For example, all plates of fried fish (calamares, boquerones, etc) will cost just €4.50 and all plates of shell fish (prawns, lobster, clams, etc) can be purchased for €7; drinks such as beer and wine will be available at €1.50 per glass.

The reason for these discounts is that the local Business Association of Santa Ana decided to organise this “Fiesta” as a way to mark the end of the summer season. They held a similar event in June and it was a great success with many locals and holiday makers making the most of the great prices to enjoy some traditional “Pescaito”.