Torremolinos has thankfully long outgrown its Monty
Python spam and chips image and, over recent years, has evolved as an
attractive and appealing resort noted for its clean sandy beaches, wide
choice of hotels and restaurants and unparalleled variety of entertainment,
activities and nightlife available.
Torremolinos is located 7km west of M�laga airport and was the first Costa
del Sol resort to be developed back in the early sixties when it was little
more than a sleepy village, still today the town reflects its heritage with
several of the original fresh fish bars located right in the shopping
centre, incongruously flanked by exclusive boutiques and gift shops. In
general, however, the wave of tourists who descended on the town in the
fifties and sixties changed the face of Torremolinos for ever.
Over the years, Torremolinos has evolved as an attractive and appealing
resort, noted for its clean sandy beaches, wide choice of hotels and
restaurants and unparalleled variety of entertainment, activities and
nightlife available. At the height of summer, the resort has a great appeal
for the younger set, with a reputation for its hectic nightlife. Out of
season, however, it takes on a different character. Now practically a suburb
of M�laga, the atmosphere is much more Spanish, especially at weekends, with
an air of friendliness and welcome.
Packed with tantalising shops, thronging with people of every nationality
and located right at the heart of the town is the pedestrian only Calle San
Miguel, the main artery of the town. This smartly paved pedestrianised
street is lined with boutiques and shops with a great variety of goods on
offer, attracting a constant flow of people. The Cuesta del Tajo, at the end
of San Miguel, leads down a steep flight of steps through the old fishing
district of El Bajondillo. This is a popular, picturesque area lined with
restaurants and market-style kiosks, selling souvenirs. Down at the bottom
is the beach of El Bajondillo.
The beach area shows another side of Torremolinos. With massive hotels,
apartment blocks, bars and restaurants, this area is packed during the
summer. To the left, the Playa de Bajondillo gives way to the beaches of
Playamar and Los Alamos. To the right, beyond the Castillo de Santa Clara,
lie the beach areas of La Carihuela and Montemar.
The seafront promenade, Paseo Maritimo, extends east to Playamar and west to
La Carihuela, now continuing as far as Benalm�dena Marina. The walk to La
Carihuela offers pleasant sea views and some dramatic rock formations,
before entering the old fishing village of La Carihuela which is a
delightful area of picturesque simple houses and bougainvillea clad patios
where old men play dominoes and drink anis. Many of the original cottages
still exist and not all have been turned into bars or shops. Some have stood
still in time. Wander around the area early one morning before the tourists
wake up and see a different world. This is the area also known for its
excellent seafood restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars).
The area of El Calvario is less known to the average tourist. Located to the
north of the main road which cuts through Torremolinos, it offers a quieter
area of small streets of bars, with an appeal to those who prefer to be away
from the bustle of the centre.
While some may feel that Torremolinos has an abundance of concrete highrises,
this is offset by the recent emergence of numerous public gardens. More than
one thousand species of trees have been planted in the town, ranging from
the exotic magnolia and banana tree to vibrantly colourful beds of roses and
azaleas. On the outskirts of town, there are three forests with freshwater
springs and barbecue facilities and highly recommended for those seeking a
little reprieve from the bucket and spade scenario on the coast. At the same
time, if it's family fun you want, Torremolinos is hard to beat with
seasonal seasports including windsurfing, paragliding, water skiing and
pedal boats.
If this sounds all just too energetic however, then of course there is the
sunlounger alternative or plenty of places where you can while away the
hours sitting in picturesque surroundings, sipping a glass of sangria and
simply watching the world go by.
