Paloma Park Gets a Much-Needed Makeover

Paloma Park in Benalmadena

Feeding the ducks in Paloma Park

Paloma Park is one of Benalmadena’s most popular attractions – for locals and tourists alike.

Famous for its large lake, extensive gardens (including one consisting of cactus trees) and its diverse collection of animals, many of which roam freely through its grounds, Paloma Parkis a must-visit for all visitors to Benalmadena.

Those of you who have visited the park recently may have noticed that it was starting to look a little run down and in need of a little TLC. Thankfully, this iconic landmark is now set to receive a major face lift thanks to a special state fund of €200,000.

The improvement works began last Friday and will include the following:

  • Replacement of the main lake’s ‘feeder’ waterways
  • New Signage
  • New Street Lamps
  • New park benches
  • Installation of a new eco-friendly irrigation system that uses recycled water

The work is set to last several months but once finished will restore Paloma Park’s reputation as one of the Costa del Sol’s most beautiful public parks.

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Benalmadena and beyond…

St Patricks Day (2013) in Benalmadena

Have you got any plans for St.Patrick’s Day?

It’s a pretty big deal here with lots of special events and celebrations taking place up and down the Coast. Below we’ve included some of the more popular celebrations taking place:

#1  Sunset Beach Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

We’re an Irish owned hotel so our St. Patrick’s Day is an important event on our calendar. As there are lots of activities and events taking place during the day in the centre of town (see below), we’ve saved our celebrations for Sunday evening.

The fun starts at 6.30pm with Happy Hour where you’ll be able to get two pints of Guinness for the price of one and free smoked salmon canapés! (more…)

Get Your Trainers on for the 30th Edition of the Benalmadena ‘Turkey Race’

Carrera del Pavo - Turkey Race in BenalmadenaNext Sunday the 16th December 2012, Arroyo de la Miel will celebrate its 30th ‘Carrera Urbana del Pavo’ (literally translated as The Urban Turkey Race!). This fun event was started 30 years ago as a way to foment running amongst the Benalmadena population, allowing both visitors and locals the opportunity to discover the pleasures of running.

The ‘Carrera del Pavo’ is a massively popular event – last year there were 1900 participants – and attracts runners of all ages; this year there will be 22 different categories, 11 for men and another 11 for women. The organisers will also be handing out lots of prizes including one for each of the first 5 participants (in each category) to cross the finish line.

The race consists of a 4.5 km urban run through the streets of Arroyo de la Miel. Starting off at the ‘Polideportivo Arroyo de la Miel’ at 11am participants will make their way through this urban race course and head for the finish line at the feria ground next to Paloma Park. Everyone is welcome to enter; however, entries must be received by the 14th December due to the use of a new computer system this year which will read bar codes on each participant as they cross the finish line.

We must admit that we were curious as to why they called it the ‘Turkey Race’… apparently, when this traditional race was first held 30 years ago, it involved running after a live turkey and the winner got to take it home! Nowadays the winners still get a turkey as a prize… just that now, its frozen! 🙂

From Sunset Beach Club we’d like to wish all the participants the best of luck!

3 Local Christmas Markets you can Visit Over the Festive Season

Christmas Markets on the Costa del SolChristmas is fast approaching and you can really start to feel the magic of the festive season; the streets are decorated with colourful lights and local shops and businesses are getting into the Christmas spirit with shop fronts showing off wonderful gifts and products which are sure to attract passers by!

There’s nothing quite like a good Christmas Market to get into the festive spirit and we’re happy to report that there are quite a few locations for you to choose from this year. These markets are a great opportunity to buy interesting gifts and treats to take home as well as a chance to sample delicious sweets, cakes, and other wonderful local products, so typical at this time of year. (more…)

Local Events: The Festival of Christmas Traditions

Festival of Christmas Traditions in Benalmadena

Delicious looking food at the Colombian Stand last year...

Christmas is just around the corner and Benalmadena is getting ready for a festive season full of activities for all the family. The fun starts this coming weekend (8th December) with the fabulous Festival of Christmas Traditions.

Located in the Plaza dela Mezquitathe Festival starts at 12 noon and goes on until 8 pm. You’ll find stalls representing 16 countries and offering typical Christmas products, entertainment and lots more surprises! (more…)

Benalmadena´s ‘Healthy Living’ Walking Routes

Benalmadena Healthy living walking routes

Benalmadena ‘Healthy Living’ Walking Routes

If you enjoy a good and healthy walk when you visit Benalmadena on holiday, we’ve got some great little walking routes which you must try; no need to worry about your fitness levels as there is something for everyone!

Benalmadena is actually a member of the Spanish Healthy Cities Network (Red Española de Ciudades Saludables) and a couple of years ago the town hall decided to set up a 23 km walking route connecting the 3 main areas of the town, Benalmadena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo (town). (more…)