Once more, Puerto de Mazarron has become the centre of attention for dog lovers and dog breeding enthusiasts as it hosted the 14th edition of the National Dog Show, an event that becomes more popular with each passing year and attracted participants, breeders, and of course, pups with prowess to the charming coastal municipality.

More than 100 professional pups take the stage in Mazarron

The event attracted trainers of more than 100 dogs of various breeds, including extremely rare ones. Visitors who attended the event were treated to a unique opportunity to see the wide range of appearances and skills of the talented dogs, and both experts and amateurs alike enjoyed the show.

The dogs were judged by experts on various categories and evaluations, and trainers also got an opportunity to register their animals’ pedigree and confirm their breed. The event was a mix of both dog show professionalism and public spectacle, so seasoned experts and newcomers could enjoy the show in equal measure.

A prestigious competition to showcase world-class canines

The competition also boasts significant prestige; it was an official qualifying event for the Championship of the Region of Murcia, drawing high-level trainers and world-class canines to the idyllic shores of Puerto de Mazarron. Many of the dogs seen in the competition are set to compete on an international level.

A dog-lover atmosphere during a beautiful afternoon in Puerto de Mazarron

But what truly defined the day was the lively and family-friendly atmosphere among the dog lovers at the show. Spectators of all ages gathered to admire the adorable, striking, and professional pups in an event that combined leisure and community spirit, all in a seaside atmosphere that made for a wonderful afternoon.

With the event, Puerto de Mazarron has once more established itself as a hub for major, world-class competitions on the Costa Calida, and the XIV National Dog Show stands out as a celebration of both canine beauty and the enduring bond between trainers and their incredible animals.

Benalmadena Marina has opened bidding for the full redevelopment of its nautical centre. Council leaders want to improve links between the port and the town while turning the site into a better place for strolling and sea views. The port first opened in 1987 and has been due an upgrade for many years.

Investment details and timeline

Project costs will reach almost €3.5 million, and works should take around 13 months once a contractor is chosen. Offers stay open until June 25 through the standard public contracting process. Earlier board decisions backed even bigger infrastructure upgrades worth more than €3.6 million but were toned down a little.

New viewing plaza and mobility improvements

Designers plan to turn the roof of the main nautical centre building into an elevated public viewing gallery. This space will connect directly to the seafront promenade so people can walk across the structure and enjoy clear views over the docks and water. Surface parking near the centre will disappear to give over more space to pedestrian areas and extend the promenade route without interruption.

Building renovations and access improvements

A new, much more accessible ramp will link street level to the viewing gallery through landscaped ground with a lift providing step-free entry to all levels. Main tasks cover renewal of the building envelope, replacement of external windows and doors, roof waterproofing and updates to electrical, air conditioning and drainage systems. Interior spaces will be reorganised for better use. The auditorium will receive a major upgrade with a new entrance, flexible systems and improved facilities for cultural and social events. Old changing rooms will be removed while fresh service modules are built in several dock areas. Light pergolas and sail-style covers will create shade and visual links across the buildings.

Wider upgrades and next steps

Board members also approved earlier projects to move electrical transformers in the Malapesquera area for €650,000, install new access control barriers for €75,000 and carry out containment works near the harbour entrance for €95,000 euros. These steps hope to improve electrical reliability, security and protection against storms. Planners want every resident and visitor to reach the new plaza and full port area without barriers. The changes should make the nautical centre a more open destination centred on strolling and sea views.

As temperatures rise across Mallorca, a growing number of residents and visitors are swapping beach bars for ice baths, embracing a wellness trend that combines intense heat with invigorating cold-water immersion. Nestled in the countryside near Bunyola, a weekly sauna and cold plunge experience is attracting those looking to reset both body and mind.

Heat, cold and the great reset

The Sunday Ice & Fire ritual, organised by Sauna Tramuntana, takes place in a peaceful finca setting just outside Palma. Participants move between a wood-fired outdoor sauna and a cold plunge, creating a cycle of heat and cold that supporters say leaves them feeling energised, refreshed and mentally clearer.

The two-hour sessions run every Sunday evening and are designed as small-group gatherings, creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels more community-focused than competitive. During the summer months, organisers place extra emphasis on the cold plunge experience, offering a welcome escape from Mallorca’s heat.

Why saunas have stood the test of time

While ice baths may be the latest wellness obsession, saunas have been used for centuries, particularly in Nordic countries where they remain a central part of everyday life.

Research has linked regular sauna use with a range of potential health benefits. The intense heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation and creating a cardiovascular response similar to light exercise. Many sauna users report feeling deeply relaxed afterwards, thanks to the release of endorphins and the reduction of stress hormones.

Saunas are also popular among athletes and active individuals because they may help ease muscle tension and support recovery after exercise. The heat encourages muscles to relax, helping relieve stiffness and soreness.

Some studies have suggested that regular sauna use could contribute to improved heart health and lower blood pressure, although experts stress that saunas should complement – not replace – a healthy lifestyle.

The experience is equally valued for its mental benefits. Many people describe sauna sessions as a form of meditation, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from phones, emails and daily distractions.

Why ice baths are booming

Cold-water immersion has surged in popularity worldwide over the past few years, fuelled by athletes, wellness influencers and growing public interest in recovery and resilience.

According to Sauna Tramuntana, participants are drawn by potential benefits including reduced muscle fatigue, improved circulation, increased energy levels and enhanced mental clarity. Sauna sessions are also associated with relaxation, stress reduction and the feeling of wellbeing many people experience after alternating between hot and cold temperatures.

The concept itself is hardly new. Nordic cultures have practised hot-and-cold rituals for generations, often combining traditional saunas with icy lakes, rivers or snow. Sauna Tramuntana’s founders were involved in community sauna projects in Oslo before bringing the concept to Mallorca, blending Scandinavian traditions with the island’s outdoor lifestyle.

A different side of Mallorca

While Mallorca is often associated with beaches, nightlife and luxury resorts, experiences such as these highlight the island’s growing wellness scene. From yoga retreats and sound healing events to mountain hikes and outdoor fitness gatherings, demand for health-focused activities continues to rise.

The Bunyola sessions take place in a natural setting surrounded by countryside, offering a quieter alternative to the island’s busier tourist hotspots. Participants are encouraged to bring swimwear, water and towels, before spending the evening moving between fire and ice under the Mallorcan sky.

At €25 per session, organisers say the experience is designed to be accessible, welcoming both first-timers and seasoned cold-plunge enthusiasts. As Mallorca heads into another long, hot summer, it seems that one of the coolest tickets on the island may involve deliberately getting very cold indeed.