We
had our first family holiday in Benalmadena this year and the only
downside to it was that we had not visited before. The children aged 7
and 9 had so much to occupy themselves with that not once did we hear
the usual "im bored". The Jupiter apartments where we stayed had a
gigantic swimmimg pool where they spent many happy hours. The weather in
the UK was atrocias at the time, but in Benalmadena we hardly saw a
cloud in the sky for the whole two weeks. The children loved Paloma park
and we also took them on the cable car, Tivoli fun park and after
feeding the fish in the lovely marina visited the Sealife centre. My
hubby loved the price of lagar which worked out at less than £1.50 a
pint in the bar we used, where last year it was almost double that in
Majorca. And thanks to this wonderful website, we knew so much about the
resort before leaving the UK that we didnt need to trapse the streets
looking for things. And guess what, we have already booked the same
apartment for next years holiday because the children wont let us go
anywhere else now. Judy M from Manchester. 6/10/10
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Well, where do I start?
I first visited
Benal last easter. I had booked a holiday there for the end of June and
decided, in November, that I had better do some "research". I came
across the Benalmadena Visitors Guide and saw that there was heaps to do
and see. As it had been a long, cold winter, I decided to go off at
easter as there seemed to be too much to do to fit it all into 2 weeks
in the summer.
I was
pleasantly surprised. I arrived at night, so it was off to the hotel and
to bed. I went out exploring the next day and came across Paloma Park.
What a great, peaceful, restful place. I could just spend hours there. I
did, over the 2 weeks, spend time wandering about the resort, along the
paseo, to the marina, torremolinos, arroyo, to name but a few places. I
met up with a few members of the forum and had great fun. The weather
was fine - warm enough most days to wear shorts, though it was a bit
cool a couple of times. Nothing like the weather back home though
(snow)!
It was with
reluctance that I left Benal at the end of my 2 weeks. I had my 2 weeks
at the end of June to look forward to, though.
At the end of
June, I was back in Benal. To a different hotel this time, but again it
was 2 weeks of pure bliss and relaxation for me. I managed to fit in a
visit to Marbella. As it was so warm, I just took things easy and
"chilled out" by not doing too much. Again, I met members from the forum
and it was great putting faces to names.
I think I'm now
"hooked on Benal". I've already booked 2 weeks there next April and 3
weeks at the end of June. I just have to sort out my flights.
In the past,
there are places that I returned to on holiday, but at no times had I
been reluctant to leave. There's "something" about Benal that makes it
feel homely, everyone is very pleasant, it's got a good atmosphere and I
feel completely safe (as a lone traveller). I just wish I had found it
years ago!
My
sister-in-law, after listening to all I had to say about Benal, asked me
if I would "up sticks and retire there". She just got the feeling that I
had enjoyed things so much and that I was missing being there. She's
never said that to me about anywhere else I've been! I'm just counting
down the months until I'm back over there!
Yvonne R from Inverness. 6/10/10
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We
had a great week in Benalmadena in early December. The resort was
really quiet but the weather was splendid. Temperatures reached 75F on a
few occasions, which was really a surprise for the time of year. A few
people were even swimming in the sea. We only paid £210 for two flights
and accommodation, which was a self catering studio in Minerva near
Bonanza. Eating out was a bargain if you shop about. And hubby was well
pleased when he found a bar selling pints of lager at €1. All in all a
great holiday at a great price. Will definitely return.
Lorraine T from Crawley. 9/1/11
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I wish we had found Benalmadena years ago. We
have had many holidays in Benidorm, Majorca and Ibiza which we have
thoroughly enjoyed, but our recent visit to Benalmadena tops the list.
We visited Benalmadena Pueblo, Paloma park and rode on the cable car. We
marvelled at the beautiful marina and the lovely walk along the
promenade. The people are very friendly and prices of things are cheaper
than in other parts of Spain. We stayed at the Bali hotel, and we found
this very good value and the food was great. The weather was just as we
had expected, cloudless skies for all the time we was there. We will
definitely be returning some time soon.
Jim and Marion W from Droitwich. 10/07/11
