The Costa Del Sol is home to some of the warmest cities in Europe, serving up 325 annual days of warm sunshine every single year.
And after spending 3 incredible months here enjoying the pleasant winter sunshine and practising my Spanish language (still got some way to go), I can assertively say that my favourite city in the region is Torremolinos, Spain.
Torremolinos was one of the first tourist destinations on the Costa Del Sol, dating back as early as the 1950s, and it is still one of the most popular among all the cities and towns along the sunshine coast. It boasts long sandy beaches stretching for kilometres, and a buzzing Torremlios nightlife with some great restaurants, bars and activities to suit any kind of visitor.
In this post, I will be sharing with you the best things to do in Torremolinos as well as my top tips for your visit to Torremolinos Spain. But first things first, let’s get into a little history and the geographical location of this beautiful, sun-drenched city.
The History Of Torremolinos
Torremolinos has a very long and somewhat dark history, with the first human settlement in the area dating back to as early as the Neanderthal era.
Yes, that’s right, Torremolinos, Spain is one of the oldest inhabited areas in all of Europe!
The name Torremolinos is actually derived from two words in Latin; ‘torre’ meaning tower, and ‘molinos’ meaning mills.
This is in reference to the many windmills that used to line the hilltops of Torremolinos, which were used for grinding wheat into flour.
During the Moorish occupation of Spain which lasted for over 700 years, Torremolinos was a small, unimportant fishing village.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that Torremolinos started to grow and develop into the tourist destination that it is today.
The first hotel in Torremolinos was built in 1907, followed by the construction of a railway station in 1909 which connected the village to the nearby city of Malaga.
The railway made Torremolinos much more accessible to tourists and visitors from all over Europe, and it wasn’t long before the village started to grow rapidly.
By the 1950s, Torremolinos in Spain was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the country, and it has continued to grow and develop ever since.
Where Is Torremolinos?
Torremolinos is a municipality located on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, southern Spain. The city has a population of around 70,000 people and is a super popular tourist destination from all over Europe (and further afield).
The city of Torremolinos, Spain, is in Andalucia, which is the southern autonomous community of the country with a very hot and dry climate. Torremolinos is just 11 kilometres from the city of Málaga and only a 15-minute drive from the airport, making it an ideal location for a holiday or even a weekend getaway if you’re based in Europe.
The Best Areas In Torremolinos, Spain
Torremolinos is made up of seven districts, with the most popular and well-known being La Carihuela. La Carihuela is Torremolinos’ original fishing village and is famous for its fresh seafood, pretty beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s also a tourist hotspot, packed with cute streets and a beach promenade that is brimming with restaurants and bars.
If you’re looking for a more lively area of Torremolinos, then El Bajondillo is the place to be. El Bajondillo is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s hotels, bars and clubs, as well as some great restaurants.
Other districts of Torremolinos, Spain include La Nogalera, Montemar, Los Alamos, La Colina and El Torreón.
Best Things To Do In Torremolinos, Spain
Torremolinos Spain is blessed with an abundance of things to see and do, making it the perfect holiday destination for couples, families and friends alike.
The city’s long sandy beaches are some of the best in all of Andalucia and are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and watersports.
It’s also a great place to base yourself in order to explore other parts of the Costa Del Sol and Andalucia, with plenty of day trips just waiting to be taken up and photos to be captured.
So, let’s get to it.
1. La Carihuela
As I have already mentioned, La Carihuela is Torremolinos’ original fishing village and one of its most popular districts.
The pretty little streets are lined with seafood restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy some fresh seafood while on holiday in Spain.
There are also a number of beaches in La Carihuela, all of which are perfect for sunning yourselves on, with sunbeds and umbrella sets readily available and food and drink service on the beach to really emphasise that fact you’re on your holidays.
Highlights:
- La Carhuela Beach – sit back and kick your feet up whilst you lap up the sun rays and the gentle crashing of waves against the sandy beach
- Paella at Restaurante Rias De Galicia – the best seafood restaurant in town serving up amazing Paella every day. Not only is the food awesome, but the people that work there are super friendly and go out of their way to make everything perfect for their guests.
- Enjoy an ice cream at Heladería D’Arbini – Delicious ice cream and good prices right on the beachfront. What more could you want? The only challenge you’ll have is eating it before it melts!
2. Parque La Batería
If you took the train to Montemar Alto station when you came from Malaga airport to Torremolinos, the chances are you saw this large, open green space to your left as you crossed over the railway tracks on your way down to La Carihuela.
Parque La Batería is a small but perfectly formed park set back just behind La Carihuela.
The park has a number of sculptures, fountains and benches for people to enjoy, as well as some incredible views out over the sea.
It’s the perfect place to take a break from all the sun and heat, with plenty of shady areas to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade.
How to get there: 10 minutes walk uphill from the beach of La Carihuela. Head towards Montemar Alto station and you will see it on your right as your approach.
3. Crocodrillos Park
This one is definitely for the kids (and the young at heart). Crocodrillos Park is a small zoo that’s home to, you guessed it, crocodiles!
The park also has a number of other animals such as turtles, iguanas, snakes and lizards to see as well.
There’s also a playground for the kids to let off some steam, as well as kiosks serving drinks and snacks.
They also do live talks every hour or so in high season so stick around if you want to learn more. I heard you can also get to hold a crocodile, which obviously makes for an awesome photo op for the kids (or adults alike)
Opening hours: Crocodrillos Park is open every day from 11:00 – 17:00 and is located just behind Torremolinos’ Aqualand.
Entrance fee: €13.50 per adult / €9.50 per child
How to get there: 20-minute walk from Torremolinos train station or a 5-minute taxi from La Carihuela.
4. Aqualand Torremolinos
Aqualand Torremolinos is one of the most popular water parks on the Costa Del Sol and is a great day out for families with young children (or big kids like me).
The aqua park in Torremolinos has a number of different slides and pools, as well as a kid’s area with smaller slides and splash pads. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try out the black hole slide!
The water park is definitely something fun to do in Torremolinos whilst you are here. You’ll certainly come away with some great memories, probably a little exhausted from all the fun, and most definitely a little redder than you were before you arrived!
Pro-Tip – Book your Aqualand and Crocodrillos Park tickets together and save. Combined price €38 per adult / €31 per child. Available here.
Opening hours: July and August 11:00 – 19:00 September 11:00 – 18:00
Entrance fee: Online price €29 per adult (+11 years old) / €22 per child
How to get there: Aqualand is situated right next door to Crocodrillos Park, so you can either walk 20 minutes from Torremolinos Train station or take a short taxi ride.
5. Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
The Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca is Torremolinos’ very own botanical garden and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Previously an old flour mill, you will still find the old mill stones jotted around the green space and gardens.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Torremolinos, then these gardens should definitely make it on your itinerary list and pas a few hours in the peace and quiet. The gardens are home to a huge variety of flowers, plants and trees, as well as a number of ponds, fountains and sculptures and are lovely to wonder around and get lost in nature for a bit.
You’ll meander through the shaded pathways and around numerous water features until your find the perfect space to unpack your picnic. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the wonderful gardens set back just a short walk behind Torremolinos in Spain.
Give yourself an hour to walk around and more if you plan on setting down somewhere with a picnic.
How to get there: From the centre of Torremolinos, it will take around 20 minutes to walk the 2km. You can also take a short taxi ride if you’re down in La Carihuela and don’t face the walk in the heat of the sun.
6. Round Of Golf On The Costa Del Sol
The Costa Del Sol has long been a mecca for golfers from all over the world, and there are a number of world-class courses within easy reach of Torremolinos.
If you’re looking to tee off on your Torremolinos holiday, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. With over 50 courses to choose from, there’s a layout and difficulty to suit all abilities.
A few of the most popular Torremolinos golf courses include:
– Torrequebrada Golf Club
– La Cala Golf Resort
– Mijas Golf Club
– Santana Golf & Country Club
So, if you’re a fan of the fairways, make sure you pack your clubs and hit one of Torremolinos’ many golf courses during your stay. You won’t regret it!
7. Get Your Shopping Fix At Calle San Miguel
Calle San Miguel is another fun thing to do in Torremolinos during your stay. Its pedestrianised shopping street that runs steeply up from close to the beach up towards Torremolinos Station. It’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or grab some gifts to take back home with you.
The street is lined with a number of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a few bars should you fancy a refreshing drink in the heat of the day.
There’s a good mix of shops on Calle San Miguel, including international brands, high-street fashion stores, jewellers and gift shops.
You could easily spend a couple of hours browsing the shops and grabbing something to eat or drink, and I’d recommend you visit the bustling square of Plaza San Miguel as well for a real local buzz. There is also the Church of San Miguel here where you can grab a quick peek inside.
How to get there: You will find Calle San Miguel at the centre of El Bajondillo in Torremolinos, Spain.
8. Pass A Day In Benalmádena Costa
Benalmádena Costa is a beautiful resort town situated just next to Torremolinos, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for a change of scenery.
The main beach here is lovely, set in its own little cove with volleyball nets to the rear, and you could easily pass the day here alone.
Take a walk around the large Benalmádena Marina and watch the world go by, before grabbing a spot of lunch in one of the many seafront restaurants, grab an ice cream to cool off or simply enjoy a bit of retail therapy with the many shops along the waterfront.
The marina itself is one of the best in the Costa Del Sol – an emblem of the Andalusian sea – and carves its way around the waterfront creating narrow channels for boats to pass through and visitors to enjoy.
How to get there: From La Carihuela you can walk to the marina of Benalmádena in around 15 minutes, and the beach is another 15 minutes through here. You can take a short taxi ride if you are coming from El Bajondillo and the other side of Torremolinos.
9. Benalmádena Pueblo & Cable Car
Benalmádena Pueblo is a beautiful whitewashed village situated inland from Torremolinos, set high up and far back from the touristic areas making it well worth a visit during your stay.
The winding streets are lined with traditional Spanish bars and restaurants, as well as a number of small shops selling souvenirs and local goods.
In keeping with local Andalusian tradition, you’ll find terracotta pots with an array of different flowers and colours hanging from walls, and contrasted against the whitewashed walls, it really does look superb and makes for some great photo opportunities.
There’s also a 16th-century castle here – Castillo de Bil-Bil – which is now a cultural centre and museum, and definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of Andalusia.
In the evening, take a ride on the Benalmádena Cable Car to the top of Calamorro Mountain for some incredible views over Torremolinos, Fuengirola and even as far as Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day.
They also put on bird of prey shows up here which is well worth the stop and runs twice daily at 12.30 and 14:30.
It takes around 15 minutes to reach the top where you can also climb another 10 minutes on foot for the best views over the region.
How to get there: Benalmádena Pueblo can be reached by bus from Torremolinos, and costs around €3 for the 25-minute journey. You can also take a short taxi. The cable car is a 5-minute walk from Benalmádena train station.
Entrance fee: Tickets for the cable car are €19.90 per adult / €15.90 per child and can be purchased online or at the ticket office at the bottom of the cable car.
Opening hours: The cable car operates from 10:00 – 19:00 from May – September / 10:00 – 17:00 the rest of the year.
10. Butterfly Park
Set in a beautiful sub-tropical garden within Torremolinos, this butterfly park is home to over 1500 butterflies from around 85 different species, including some that are native to Spain.
I still find it a little odd that it’s set inside what looks like a Thai temple, but it all adds to the fun I guess!
As you walk around the park, you’ll be able to see the different stages of a butterfly’s life cycle, including eggs, caterpillars and of course fully-grown butterflies fluttering around the flowers and plants.
There’s also a small museum on-site with information about the different species of butterfly, as well as a number of other exotic plants on display.
If you’re visiting with young children, they’ll love the small petting zoo which has a number of farm animals that they can stroke and feed.
How to get there: The butterfly park is located just off the main road between Torremolinos and Fuengirola and can be reached in 20 minutes by car.
Entrance fees: €8.50 per adult / €7.50 per child
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:30
11. Day Trip To Malaga from Torremolinos
No trip to the Costa Del Sol or Torremolinos in Spain would be complete without seeing the capital city of Malaga.
Although it’s only a small city, the Old Town is draped in history and culture, and the architecture and atmosphere are like nowhere else in Andalusia.
Wander the narrow streets of the old town, stopping off at the Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro castle and of course, the grand Cathedral of Malaga.
If you’re interested in art and culture, be sure to visit one of the many museums including the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the Archaeological Museum.
And if it’s getting a little too hot under the midday sun, you can retreat to one of the many beaches there. My favourite? Podregalejo, without a doubt, is my favourite Malaga beach lined with restaurants and a buzzy atmosphere, and a great place to get away from the tourists when in Malaga and indulge with the locals for a few hours.
For something a little different, you could also take a ride on the historic Malaga Hop-on-Hop-off bus or take a boat trip out to see the city from the water.
How to get there: Torremolinos is just a short train ride from Malaga city centre and trains depart every 30 minutes. Fares cost around €3.80 for a one-way ticket.
You could also take a taxi or drive here, but if you are driving yourself, you will have to pay for parking in one of the underground carparks where you’ll pay around €1.20 per hour.
12. Day Trip To Marbella
Marbella is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa Del Sol, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll definitely want to add this to your list of fun things to do whilst in Torremolinos, providing you have the time.
The Old Town is full of character with its whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, cobbled streets, and hanging flower pots from every wall along the narrow streets. There is also a beautiful beach where you can relax in the sun or get out on the action with the many water sports on offer down here.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk or cycle along the promenade from Marbella to Puerto Banus – a journey of around 12km.
Puerto Banus is the place to see and be seen, with its luxury yachts, designer shops and celebrity hangouts. If you want to do some shopping, of course, there are plenty of designer boutiques and shops to browse in Puerto Banus.
It’s well worth a visit even if it’s just to people watch!
How to get there: Take a car rental and drive the 48km down the coast to Marbella. It takes around 40 minutes to reach there by car.
The train line stops at Fuengirola and doesn’t go further south down the Costa Del Sol, but there are 4 buses that depart every day from Torremolinos to Marbella and will take around 1 hour to get there.
13. Day Trip To Nerja
Nerja was once a sleepy fishing village but has blossomed into a beautiful beach town full of typical Spanish whitewashed houses, winding streets, and colourful flowers. You’ll find this incredible town just east of Torremolinos on the Costa Del Sol, and the photogenic old town here oozes with charm and history.
The main attraction in Nerja is the Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja Caves) which are a series of caves located just outside of the town centre. The caves are open to the public and there are guided tours available in a number of languages. Initially, I was a little underwhelmed when entering the caves, but as you go deeper they open up into this incredible underworld of fascinating rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites. Trust me – you definitely won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking for a beach, Nerja has plenty of options for you, including Burriana Beach which is the largest and most popular beach in Nerja. It is well-equipped for families, with showers, toilets and plenty of restaurants and bars lining the beachfront.
If you want a beach away from the hustle and bustle, then check out Playa de Maro. This beach is consistently being voted as one of the best beaches in Spain, tucked away under the cliffs of Nerja with waterfalls and underway caves to explore and a great spot to go snorkelling.
How to get there: It’s around a 1 hour to drive to reach Nerja from Torremolinos, so your best bet is to hire a car for the day and drive the 75km yourself. It’s also a very scenic drive which I know you’ll also enjoy!
You can also book one of the many tours from Torremolinos.
Entrance fees: Nerja Caves cost €14 per adult and €6 per child. Children under 6 go in for free.
Opening hours: Nerja caves are open 9:30 – 15:30, although hours sometimes extend during the summer months so it’s worth checking before you go.
13 Best Things to Do in Torremolinos, Spain
- La Carihuela
- Parque La Batería
- Crocodrillos Park
- Aqualand Torremolinos
- Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
- Golf on the Costa Del Sol
- Shopping at Calle San Miguel
- Benalmádena Costa
- Benalmádena Pueblo and Cable Car
- Butterfly Park
- Day Trip to Malaga
- Day Trip to Marbella
- Day trip to Nerja
FAQ
What is the weather like in Torremolinos, Spain?
The Torremolinos weather is lovely all year round, with hot summers and mild winters. It enjoys an extended high season thanks to its warm climate, stretching from Easter all the way until the end of October.
The average temperature in Torremolinos is 24 degrees Celsius annually, with highs of +32 degrees in summer and 17 degrees during the coldest months of January and February.
What Is The Nearest Airprt To Torremolinos?
Malaga airport is the closest airport to Torremolinos and is just a short 15 minute drive away. You can either rent a car from the airport or take a taxi from outside of the terminal.
How To Get To Torremolinos?
The best way to get to Torremolinos is by flying into the nearby airport of Malaga, which has regular flights from all over Europe and Internationally. From the airport, Torremolinos is just a 15-minute drive away or you can use the well-connected trains which will get you from the airport in Malaga to Torremolinos in around 20 minutes and cost around €4 for the oneway trip.
How Much Does A Taxi Cost From Malaga Airport To Torremolinos?
A taxi will cost you around €25 for the 8km drive from Malaga airport. All of the taxis in Malaga are metered so the price can vary slightly depending on the time of day, holidays etc.
How Is The Torremolinos Nightlife?
Torremolinos has long known how to party, with a longstanding reputation as one of the liveliest towns along the sun-drenched coast of the Costa Del Sol. Whether you want to have casual drinks at a lively or dance the night away until sunrise, there are options here to suit any kind of party-goer.
