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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 Málaga 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 Málaga, 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 Benalmádena 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.
