Torremolinos near Málaga

About Torremolinos

Torremolinos lies on the western shore of the Bay of Málaga, below the Sierra de Mijas, just 13 kilometres from Málaga. As late as the mid-20th century it was a small fishing village; from the late 1950s hotels went up and it became the first resort on the Costa del Sol.

Today it's one of the coast's most popular resorts, with long beaches, a promenade, bars and restaurants. It's calmer than its reputation suggests: height limits on new buildings have kept the centre open and the older quarters cosy.

What to see in Torremolinos

• La Carihuela — the old fishing quarter by the sea.
• Bajondillo and Playamar beaches — wide sand.
• Calle San Miguel — the pedestrian centre and shops.
• Torre de Pimentel — the old tower behind the town's name.
• Inojosa mills — traces of old watermills by the stream.
• The promenade — walks along the whole bay.

The beaches and La Carihuela

Torremolinos's beaches run for nearly 8 kilometres, from Bajondillo below the cliffs in the centre through broad Playamar to the old fishing quarter of La Carihuela in the west. The sand is dark and fine, the water shelves gently, and beach restaurants and lounger hire line the whole shore.

La Carihuela is the cosiest part of town, with the low white houses of former fishermen and seafront restaurants grilling sardines on skewers over embers, the espetos that are the coast's signature dish. It's lovely for an evening stroll and dinner on a terrace.

The centre and Calle San Miguel

The centre is pedestrian Calle San Miguel, lined with shops, cafés and bars, which leads down to steps and paths to the sea. Nearby stands the Torre de Pimentel, an old watchtower that, along with old watermills, is said to have given the town its name.

Torremolinos is known as one of Spain's most welcoming and open-minded resorts, with lively evenings in the centre, yet it's also popular with families, especially in the quieter west around La Carihuela.

Beyond the beach

The promenade is great for cycling or scooting all the way to Benalmádena's marina, and there's a water park, shady parks and viewpoints above Bajondillo beach looking across the whole bay towards Málaga and the mountains behind it.

Tips for your trip

Summers are hot, around 30 °C by day, with a refreshing sea breeze. Winters are mild at 17–19 °C, and many northern Europeans spend the cold months here. Swimming is usually from June to October, and the sea is still cool in spring and autumn.

Torremolinos makes a handy base: the train runs to Málaga and Benalmádena, and buses to Mijas and Marbella. Hotels are often cheaper than in Málaga itself.

With children, pick the beaches around La Carihuela and Playamar, with gentle shallows, playgrounds on the promenade and plenty of restaurants with kids' menus.

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How to do it right

• Cercanías train, 20 minutes.
• Espetos in La Carihuela.
• Gentle shallows.
• A handy base for trips.

Questions