Parque de la Paloma In Benalmádena, Spain
Parque de la Paloma is an incredible park in Benalmádena that kids and adults, as well as locals and tourists, both enjoy. It’s definitely a must-visit attraction in Benalmádena. It’s a huge park covering the entire side of a hill that spans a large section of green space and there are separate sections for enjoying. Every time I visit Parque de la Paloma, I noticed something new and it’s high on my list of recommended things to do in Benalmádena.
Local Tip: If you visit on a Sunday, prepare yourself for a lot of families having birthday parties, enjoying a picnic, kids playing with soccer balls, and more. It’s usual quite a busier time at the park full of locals. It’s a great place to enjoy people watching and taking in how locals spend their time with family and friends.
Sections Of Parque de la Paloma Benalmádena, Spain
I’m excited to share with you some of the different sections within the park that you don’t want to miss on your trip to Benalmádena.
Large Pond
There is a large pond at the base of the park. It has ducks and geese in it and many people stop to feed them bread, especially on Sundays with families out to enjoy the park. There is also a walking loop so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pond.
Workout/Exercise Sections
Much to my delight, there are a few outdoor workout sections around the pond. I was impressed to see that people actually use this equipment and come to workout at the park. With my background in Public Health and Health Promotion this made me very happy to see.
I enjoy using the equipment every winter I’m in Spain. There’s something pretty neat about working out on the equipment outside while enjoying the views of the park. It never gets old for me.
There are three separate sections of workout equipment all are around the base of the pond so just follow the loop around to check them out.
Local Tip: If it’s been raining, these workout sections can get a bit muddy. I’d give it a few days to dry up.
Lookout & Giant Chair
Just up from the pond and gym area (with the TRX style bars) is a beautiful lookout spot with a giant chair for a great picture and the best seat in the park to enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Bronze Head Sculptures
As you walk around the park, you’ll eventually come across three giant bronze sculptures of heads laying, in what seems like random placement, on the grass. They are really neat pieces of art and another thing that makes this park so unique. Locals refer to these giant bronze sculptures as “Las Cabezas” or “The Heads”.
These bronze sculptures are made by artist José Seguiri. José was born in Málaga and studied at the Higher School Of Fine Arts in Madrid. If you’re continuing your trip to Málaga, Seville, or Madrid you’ll come across more of his beautiful sculptures in these city centres.
Cactus Garden
Another really neat part of the park is the cactus and succulent garden area. It’s such an interesting contrast to the other sections of the park.
Bamboo Garden & Pond
Right near the cactus garden and the library, there is a beautiful bamboo-lined walkway and mini pond. There’s also a unique marble lion sculpture. Don’t be surprised if you find a few roosters back there.
Lily Pad Pond With Lady Fountain
There is a large lily pad pond with a fountain and a figure of a lady laying in the centre of it. It’s surrounded by benches and is such a beautiful spot to sit and take a break. I often bring a book to read here.
Palm Tree Row
Heading back down towards the main big pond is what I call ‘palm tree row’. The palm trees on either side of the walkway create a canopy. This is also a great spot for trendy Instagram pictures in Benalmádena.
Zebra
Right next to palm tree row is a Zebra sculpture. It’s a completely random addition to the park and that’s part of what makes wandering around Parque de la Paloma so fun. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Cafés
There are three cafés nestled throughout the park so you can easily stop to enjoy a coffee. The one I recommend the most because of its location (great for people watching) and curb appeal is Café Bar Europa. It’s located at the corner of Ave del Parque and Ave. Federico García Lorca.
Kids Playground
There is a really amazing kids playground right in the park. It has everything kids will love including a bridge that goes over the pathway and slides.
Petting Zoo
If all of this wasn’t enough to make this a must-visit place in Benalmádena, they also have a petting zoo. There are goats, peacocks, and a few other animals that you can check out.
Parque de la Paloma is a must-visit park and one of my top activities on my list of things to do in Benalmádena. I hope you enjoy your visit to the park and taking in the beauty of all these different unique sections.
