Torremolinos, with about 71,000 inhabitants, is a Costa del Sol resort in the province of Málaga, in Andalusia, a few kilometres from the airport. In the 1950s and 60s it symbolised Spain's first boom in international tourism, drawing artists, actors and travellers from around the world. Today it is a very popular beach destination, with lively nightlife and a long tradition of openness to the LGBT community.
History
The name recalls the Arab watchtower (torre) and the many water mills (molinos) that ground wheat, fed by local springs. Until the 1950s it was a village of fishermen and millers, part of Málaga; it became independent in 1988.
Beaches
Torremolinos has about seven kilometres of dark-sand beaches with facilities and a promenade:
- La Carihuela, the old fishermen's quarter, with low houses and seafood restaurants;
- Playamar, wide, with hotels;
- El Bajondillo, below the centre;
- Los Álamos, towards Málaga, with beach bars.
What to see
- Calle San Miguel, the pedestrian shopping street leading down to the sea.
- The Torre de los Molinos, the 14th-century tower that gave the town its name.
- The Molino de Inca, a restored old mill with gardens, and the Molino de la Bóveda.
- The Casa de los Navajas, a neo-Mudéjar mansion by the sea.
- La Batería park, with Civil War cannons and a viewpoint.
Fun
Aqualand water park, the Crocodile Park and nightlife around Plaza de La Nogalera. Torremolinos hosts one of Andalusia's biggest Pride events, in June.
Food and festivals
Pescaíto frito, espetos de sardinas grilled over embers in sand-filled boats, gazpacho and porra antequerana. The San Miguel festivities, in late September, with a pilgrimage, and the sea procession of the Virgen del Carmen in July.
Getting there
Málaga airport is about 5 km away. Cercanías trains link Torremolinos with the airport, Málaga and Fuengirola. See also Marbella.