Overlooking Bahía Grande Beach is a historic railway station that once welcomed visitors on scenic journeys from Montevideo.
Visit the Old Train Station (Antigua Estación de Tren de la Paloma) to see a slice of Uruguayan railway history. This station once received regular trains from further afield in Rocha, as well as Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The trains arrived with vacationing families eager to take advantage of La Paloma’s comfortable laid-back atmosphere, glorious sandy beaches and excellent surfing opportunities. Train service has since ceased but the Old Train Station serves as a reminder of train travel in the 1900s.
The building of the Old Train Station is simple. It has a covered porch, which was once used as the waiting, boarding and disembarking area. Sit on one of the benches and imagine a time when trains would arrive with excited beachgoers.
Work is currently underway to redevelop the station into a museum for anthropology and history. The site will celebrate the station’s history in addition to the cultural heritage of La Paloma. Find out about these plans and get more information at the tourist office located on Avenida Solari.
While visiting the train station, check out the schedule of events at the nearby La Paloma Cultural Center. Attend art exhibitions, literary talks, live music performances, movie screenings and theater productions.
Located at the entrance to La Paloma, the Old Train Station is just a short walk from Bahía Grande Beach. The curving bay with golden sand and gentle waves is a popular family beach. Watch people practicing watersports such as kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The town of La Paloma has a small population, so you’re likely to find quiet spots on the beach to relax with sunbathing or building sandcastles. Walk north to La Paloma Port to see colorful fishing boats and big freight ships.
