Torremolinos is a municipality in the province of Malaga that in recent years has become one of the favourite locations on the Costa del Sol, and no wonder!
Torremolinos is a delightful city in Andalusia that has both architectural and cultural heritage as well as high-quality beaches. Many tourists are attracted by the good climate of the city, accompanied by the quality of its waters and sand.
Enjoying the typical espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) while relaxing on the sand is something you simply must experience in your lifetime.
The city features beaches of excellent quality, tasty and varied gastronomy, and a wide range of leisure activities, both day and night. Below we will tell you more about the city, so that you know what to see and what to do in Torremolinos, which is divided into several areas: the city centre, the Paseo Marítimo, La Carihuela, Los Álamos, El Bajondillo, Los Pinares, Montemar and El Calvario.
Why Has it Become so Well Known on the Costa del Sol?
One of the reasons why Torremolinos has become so well known on the Costa del Sol is because a large number of important people, whether celebrities from the cinema industry or other artistic fields have chosen this place to spend their holidays or to even purchase a residence.
Many filmmakers, actresses, writers, royalty and many more have passed through the town. Among others, we can highlight Nina Ricci, Salomé, John Lennon, Paloma Picasso or Salvador Dalí.
Also of note are the film director Orson Wells, the actress Ava Gardner and the famous Frank Sinatra. In addition, other personalities such as Sofía Loren, Diana Dors and Geraldine Chaplin, among many others, have passed through Torremolinos.
This town is also known on the Costa del Sol for its proximity to the city of Malaga, the capital of the province. Following the AP-7 from Malaga you can get there by car in just 22 minutes, or with the Cercanías C-1, which will take you to the airport and the centre of Malaga in just 20 minutes.
What to Do in Torremolinos:
Spend a Day on the Beaches of Torremolinos
Some of the best beaches in Malaga are located in Torremolinos. If you like sunbathing and listening to the waves on the shore, you cannot miss the following beaches:
Costa Lago beach: this urban beach is located between Los Alamos and Playamar. It is very popular with young people and is equipped with many services and facilities, including sun lounger hire and showers.
Bajondillo Beach: another of the urban beaches of Torremolinos, this beach has fine sand and calm waters. It is next to the promenade, ideal for strolling around the shops or having lunch.
Playa de Bajondillo
Playa de la Carihuela: this is one of the areas with the best beaches, the best known and the best quality. It’s a top destination for tourists and foreigners, and you have to go if you like to eat with your feet in the sand, as this beach has magnificent beach bars.
They say that the best spot to eat at near the Playa de la Carihuela is the Chiringuito Larry Torremolinos, where you can enjoy a delicious paella, well up to the standards of Spanish locals. Even if the restaurant is full, you will be well attended to by their staff. It’s known as an excellent place to try the sea bass and sardines on the spit.
Take a Stroll Along its Stunning Promenade
A gorgeous stretch of six kilometres, the promenade of Torremolinos is the perfect place for strolling, cycling and rollerblading with the sea on one side and small orchards of jungle flowers on the other, with beach bars to stop at to try traditional dishes and specialities.
The promenade of Torremolinos is reminiscent of a miniature Miami Beach with an authentic local flavour, where there is no shortage of amusements for the kids, such as trampolines, swings, and rides.
Plus, you’ll the views from the top of the Torremolinos viewpoints, where you can enjoy unbeatable panoramic views.
Promenade of Torremolinos
Go on a Shopping Spree on Calle San Miguel
Calle San Miguel is one of the busiest streets in Europe and is a pedestrian street with restaurants, shops and bars. You certainly won’t leave Torremolinos without having passed through it several times. The street leads from the 1300’s Torre del Pimentel, which gives its name to the town along with the hydraulic flour mills present in Torremolinos, to the Paseo Marítimo El Bajondillo.
Calle de San Miguel
There are Tons to Do with the Kids
Did you know that the first water park in Spain, Aqualand, is in Torremolinos? In addition to the beach and its many attractions, this enclave joins the free children’s shows held in the streets of the recently pedestrianised centre; the Crocodile Park. Here they can learn about these giant reptiles, visit huge parks such as La Batería, with a large lake to paddle in, and even small forests, such as the beautiful Pinares area, where you can run and play in the open air.
It’s also possible to immerse yourself in nature in the Molino del Inca Botanical Garden, where you will discover the springs of Torremolinos among hundreds of floral species and birds of prey that will make this excursion an exciting experience for the whole family.
La Bateria Park
Where to Stay?
In Torremolinos, there is no lack of hotels, as i’s a city with a completely touristic vocation. You can find accommodation both in the city centre and on the beach. You will find a wide choice of hotels, holiday homes and flats. We recommend booking in advance, as the hotels get booked out in the summer months, while in winter not all the structures are open.
The coast of Torremolinos is practically joined to the coast of Benalmadena and Malaga, so there are many structures available, it is easy to move between the villages of the Costa del Sol, so you can check prices and offers in the whole area.
Melia Costa del Sol (4 stars) – Beautiful beachfront hotel, oozing elegant and modern vibes with panoramic views. Ideal for an unforgettable holiday.
El Pozo (3 stars) – In the centre of Torremolinos a few metres from the train station, excellent value for money. Modern with spacious rooms, parking and private transfers to Malaga airport.
Elegance Adriano (3 stars) – In the centre of Torremolinos about 10 minutes from the beach. Good value for money, simple rooms.
Pension Guadalupe Cozy Inns (2 stars) – Cosy and charming, just a few metres from Bajondillo beach. Excellent value for money
Hostal La Palmera (2 stars) – Simple family run hostel in the centre of Torremolinos. Good prices.
Hotel Melia Costa del Sol