Torremolinos, an old fishing village located just 13 kilometres from Málaga is, today, a fantastic holiday destination if you’re looking for nice beaches, an excellent climate, good food and buzzing nightlife. This town has more than 68,000 inhabitants, 15,000 of which are foreigners who’ve been seduced by its charms.
How Torremolinos has changed
In the fifties, a key decade for Torremolinos, it became one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol. It enticed numerous foreigners, who were attracted by the town’s liberal character. Intellectuals of the time, artists and lots of members of the jet set enjoyed the sun during the day, and the animated evenings. This was the time of the famous cultural movement movida malagueña. Today, its nightlife is still legendary, thanks to the variety of beach bars and clubs where you can keep partying until dawn, 365 days a year.
The beaches of Torremolinos
Lots of people say that Torremolinos has some of the best beaches in Málaga, thanks to both their length and their sand. One of the best known is the Playa del Bajondillo, located in the neighbourhood which it takes its name from, between Playamar and Playa de la Carihuela. 40 metres wide and more than a kilometre long, this beach is one of the most frequently visited thanks to how close it is to the city centre, and how easy it is to access. What’s more, it offers water sports, and you can enjoy a wonderfully relaxed beach day here.
The other most popular beach in Torremolinos is La Carihuela, which is 2,100 metres long, and is also 40 metres wide. It is said to be the best urban beach in Málaga, thanks to its clean waters and fine sand. In the past, dozens of fishermen lived in this area, going out to sea every day. These days, the restaurants or beach bars right on the shore—serving fried fish, gazpacho, and other delicacies from Málaga—are hugely popular with visitors. If you prefer, you can also enjoy its wide seaside promenade, perfect for a day of shopping, and bursting with restaurants and clubs.
What to do in Torremolinos
- Calle de San Miguel, the beating heart of the city
This is where everything happens. It is a pedestrianised street lined with shops, which—at its end—gives out onto the promenade and the Playa de Bajondillo. Taking a stroll along San Miguel, you’ll come across the Molino de la Torre, a tower built in the fourteenth century, from which the guards of the Kingdom of Granada were defending the city, keeping guard from the excellent vantage point at the top of a cliff, protecting the city against the possible enemies who could attack from the sea. Today, it’s known as the Torre de Pimentel.
- Parque de la Batería, a beautiful place for relaxing
This is to the north of La Carihuela. Here, you can take a bike ride, a stroll, or enjoy a family picnic in one of its many corners. But its main attractions are the lake, which you can float around on in one of the rental boats, and the lookout tower, from which you can enjoy stunning views of Torremolinos.
- Pablo Picasso Cultural Centre
This is another of the cultural attractions that Torremolinos has to offer. The Antiguo Colegio de Huérfanos Ferroviarios [Former School for Railway Orphans], built in 1935 by the architect Francisco Alonso Martos, is today a cultural centre which holds artistic workshops for all ages. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1990.
If you visit Torremolinos as a family, you can’t miss the opportunity of enjoying a day at Aqualand Torremolinos, which you’ll find on Calle Cuba, number 10. It boasts slides, waves for surfing and a pool for the youngest members of the family. This is a water world for all ages, where fun is guaranteed, and it’s conveniently located very close to the centre.
Markets in Torremolinos
If you like shopping, Torremolinos offers different, fun options, as during the year different neighbourhoods deck out their streets for their famous markets, the stalls selling clothes, products for the home, accessories, decorations, cleaning products and food. What’s more, you can visit the Torremolinos Fairground every day of the week and, on Saturdays, there’s a used car market. If you’re looking for a vintage treasure, you might find it here.
Where to eat in Torremolinos?
Tapas, upmarket meals or fusion cuisine… What are you after exactly? Whatever it is, you won’t find it difficult to track down. The best thing about Torremolinos is that it offers high quality, local produce at good prices.
A few suggestions include the El Gato Lounge, where you can sample creative tapas and cocktails, whilst enjoying the wonderful sea views. But if you’re looking to sample a delicious rice dish, you can try the Chiringuito Los Manueles restaurant, which is extremely well located, in Playamar. Can you think of anything better than savouring a seafood or vegetable paella, or rice in a broth, right on the beach?
If you want to explore the town itself and you’re looking for a more upmarket spot, try the Caliu Restaurant, on Avenida de España. Here, you’ll need to book ahead. Barbecued octopus, provoleta cheese with herbs and mushrooms, or the best Norwegian salmon with cockle sauce are some of their specialities. This is also a perfect option for dinner, as the restaurant has a charming courtyard, ideal for celebrating special occasions.
