Situated along Spain‘s Costa del Sol just 14 km from Malaga, Torremolinos is one of Europe’s favorite playgrounds. Dating back to 1482, it was originally a small fishing town. In the early sixties, it was transformed into Costa del Sol’s first resort and soon became a favorite destination for Hollywood celebrities. Frank Sinatra, Briggite Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren frequented the town and beaches.

Even today a mural by the street artist Guillermo Paz of French actress Briggite Bardot overlooks the Plaza Costa del Sol.

With over 300 sunny days every year, it’s no wonder Torremolinos continues to be the most popular resort on the Costa del Sol. Encompassing multiple plazas and inviting beaches, there is a lot to do in this seaside town!

Plaza Costa del Sol

Designed by the Spanish architect Salvador Moreno Peralta, the pedestrian only Plaza del Sol is highlighted by its pergola that evokes the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Hosting numerous restaurants, tapa bars and boutiques, the plaza is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

Calle San Miguel

Torremolinos’ busiest pedestrian street, Calle San Miguel is the vibrant heart of the city. Leading from the Plaza Costa del Sol, we took leisurely walks along the canopy shaded street. Lined with souvenir shops, restaurants and gelato stands, San Miguel is a popular both day and night.

Cuesta del Tajo

The most picturesque area of Torremolinos, the steps of Cuesta del Tajo lazely wind down to the Paseo Maritimo and Mediterranean Sea. Here you will find local dealers selling handmade ceramics as well as the expected souvenirs.

Plaza de la Nogalera

The expansive Plaza de La Nogalera is surrounded by tapa bars, excellent restaurants and nightclubs. It is also the location of the train station connecting Torremolinos to the airport, the city of Malaga, and Malaga’s Zambrano train station.

Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso

Named in honor of the Spanish artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the square features a bronze statue of Picasso anchored by the Parroquia de Madre del Buen Cansejo, a Roman Catholic Church built in 1974. An ideal spot to relax away from the more crowded Plaza Costa del Sol.

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

At the end of Calle San Miguel sits the small 18th century Andalusian neoclassical church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Built in 1718, it is the oldest church in Torremolinos.

Torre Pimentel

The Torres Pimentel, built in the mid-1300s during the Moorish period, is the last surviving watch tower in Torremolinos and one of the oldest on the Costa del Sol. During the town’s early history, neighborhood mills developed around the watch towers. The area was called Torre de los Molinos or “Tower of the Mills” which eventually was shortened to Torremolinos.

Constructed of a solid base of rammed earth, the upper floors of the Tower have windows and a terrace from where watchmen stood watch for possible attacks coming from the Mediterranean Sea. Even though the Tower is an imposing 12m high, it is easy to miss. Walk along Calle San Miguel toward Bajondillo Beach and look to your left from the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Church. The Tower is nondescript, but an important Torremolinos landmark.

Be Intrigued By El Morrow

The natural travertine hill that shapes a small cape along the Torremolinos promenade divides the beaches of La Carihuela and El Bajondillo. It was here that Gala Dalí’, the wife of the famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí’, became the first documented woman to go topless in Spain. A statue commemorating her “place in history” can be found at the foothill of the cliff.

Stroll Along The Paseo Maritimo

Stretching 6km along Torremolinos’ renowned sandy beaches, the picturesque Paseo Maritimo (Promenade) is lined with beachfront chiringuitos (beach bars), boutiques and hotels

Sunbathe On Torremolinos Famous Beaches

With more than 7km of coastline, Torremolinos is famous for its well maintained beaches. Four main beaches are easily accessible – La Carihuela Beach, Bajondillo Beach, Playamar Beach and Los Alamos Beach. All have been awarded the Q Flag for beach quality, safety and sustainability standards with three awarded the Blue and Ecobeach Flags for high beach environmental and quality standards.

Relax At One of The Beach Clubs

Several beach clubs can be found on both the La Carihuela and El Bajondillo beaches. Enjoy a Sangria, Mojito, Aperol Spritz or Piña Colada while relaxing in a comfortable lounge chair under the shade of a beach umbrella! All you need is a swim suit and beach towel!

Have Lunch Along The Beach

One of our favorite beach restaurants is El Gato Playa. Offering classic tapas, poke bowls, burgers and great cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the beach, El Gato has been a favorite among locals since 2006.

We highly recommend the burger made with meat from Galicia, smoked pork, cheddar cheese, tomato and sweet onion. Add an order of fries, a cold Cervezas Mahou or Mojito de Fresa and you will definitely be in heaven!

Plan Your Trip Around A Festival

Torremolinos in addition to being a beach town is also a party town. Hosting local festivals and celebrations, planning your trip to correspond to one of the annual events will be an added bonus to your vacation.

Feria de San Miguel

The streets come alive during the week long Feria de San Miguel. Music, parades and mouth-watering Spanish food, the Feria de San Miguel is the perfect event to experience the festive spirit first hand! Held each September.

Carnaval de Torremolinos

Carnaval de Torremolinos is a wild celebration with colorful costumes and live performances. Held each February.

Offering plentiful sunshine, some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches, a vibrant Old Town, pulsating nightlife and excellent food choices, Torremolinos holds something for everyone!