Torremolinos: things to do, beaches and getting there
Torremolinos lies on the Costa del Sol between Malaga and Benalmadena, at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas. Its beaches, the old fishing quarter of La Carihuela and easy access to Malaga Airport make it a convenient base for a seaside holiday.
The town was one of Spain’s first international holiday destinations. That heritage is still apparent in its historic hotels, nightlife and streets, where residents and visitors from many countries mingle. Torremolinos is also a well-established LGBTQ+ destination.
A good way to explore is to walk through the centre and along Calle San Miguel, then head down to Bajondillo and La Carihuela. The town centre sits above the coast, so allow for hills and steps when planning your walks. With more time, you can visit Parque de la Bateria and Molino de Inca Botanical Garden, or follow the trails into the hills.
History of Torremolinos
People have lived in the Torremolinos area since prehistoric times. Finds from sites such as the Encanto, Tesoro and Tapada caves reveal different periods of occupation. Roman remains include evidence of fish salting and a burial ground.
The Torre de los Molinos, also known as Torre Pimentel, dates from the Nasrid period and stands beside Cuesta del Tajo. The tower and the mills powered by the local springs gave Torremolinos its name. Fishing and milling were central to the local economy before tourism developed.
Coastal defences were strengthened in the 18th century with the construction of Santa Clara Castle. In Montemar, the cannons and bunkers in what is now Parque de la Bateria recall the military role of this stretch of coast, which was fortified during the Spanish Civil War.
Torremolinos became part of Malaga municipality in 1924 and regained its status as a separate municipality on 27 September 1988. Between those dates, fishing and milling gave way to international tourism. The pioneering hotels of the first half of the 20th century were followed by rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s, when visitors included Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra.
It was against this backdrop that Toni’s Bar, considered Spain’s first gay bar, opened in 1962 in Pasaje Begoña. Today, the passage is an important place to learn about LGBTQ+ rights and cultural life in 1960s Torremolinos.
Read more on our page about the history of Torremolinos.
Things to see and do in Torremolinos
Calle San Miguel and Bajondillo fit easily into the same walk. Set aside some extra time for the parks and attractions in the upper part of town.
Calle San Miguel and Torre Pimentel
Calle San Miguel is one of Torremolinos’ main shopping streets, lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Follow it from the pedestrianised centre towards the old town. At the seaward end, you will find San Miguel Church and Torre Pimentel before heading down Cuesta del Tajo towards Bajondillo.
The tower is twelve metres tall and once formed part of the Nasrid coastal watchtower network. The interior is not open to visitors, but you can see the outside during your walk.
Casa de los Navajas
Casa de los Navajas is a Neo-Mudéjar mansion built in 1925 beside Bajondillo. Its ornate façade and elevated coastal position set it apart from the surrounding buildings. It stands on Calle Antonio Navajas Ruiz, near the seafront promenade, with another entrance from Calle de las Mercedes.
The building is open to visitors and also hosts exhibitions, cultural events and ceremonies. Admission is free. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday; from 15 September to 14 June, visiting hours are 10:30–14:00 and 15:00–18:30. In summer, evening opening extends to 22:00. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Beaches in Torremolinos
With almost seven kilometres of coastline, the beaches of Torremolinos are ideal for combining a swim with a walk, sport or a meal by the sea. The promenade connects the different areas and curves around El Morro, the rocky headland separating Bajondillo from La Carihuela.
- Los Alamos: at the eastern end of town, with beach bars, restaurants and nightlife beside the sand.
- Playamar: beach volleyball areas and a choice of water sports make this a good place to combine swimming with something more active.
- El Bajondillo: below the town centre and close to Casa de los Navajas. You can combine time on the beach with a walk around the old town, allowing for the climb back up.
- La Carihuela: the beach of Torremolinos’ historic fishing quarter, known for its restaurants and beach bars serving fried fish and seafood.
Montemar, El Saltillo and El Pinillo are other, mainly residential, areas of Torremolinos. Montemar stretches uphill from La Carihuela, close to Parque de la Bateria; El Saltillo lies towards the boundary with Benalmadena, while El Pinillo has its own local train station.
Golf and a nearby naturist beach
Parador de Malaga Golf
If you would like to play golf during your stay, Parador de Malaga Golf is close to Los Alamos, just inside Malaga municipality. Beside the hotel are an 18-hole course, a nine-hole course and practice facilities. There is also a golf school and equipment hire. You can find details of the facilities and book a tee time on the Parador de Malaga Golf website.
Guadalmar naturist area
Guadalmar Beach, east of the golf course and near the mouth of the Guadalhorce river, has a designated naturist area. It is within Malaga city and is a nearby option if you are looking for a naturist beach while staying in Torremolinos. See its location and facilities on the Guadalmar Beach information page.
Parks, gardens and countryside
Parque de la Bateria
Parque de la Bateria is in Montemar, north of La Carihuela and close to Montemar Alto train station. It has paths, a viewing tower, exercise areas and a children’s playground, as well as a lake and remains from its military past.
If you are travelling with children, you can combine a walk with some time in the playground. Admission is free. From 15 September to 14 June, the park is open from 07:30 to 21:00, staying open until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. From 15 June to 14 September, it is open from 07:30 to 23:00.
For details of the facilities, see the Parque de la Bateria information page.
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden is on Camino de los Pinares, close to Aqualand and Pinar de los Manantiales. Among its palms and trees are ponds, aviaries and a Japanese garden. The replica mill and natural springs help explain the importance of water in the town’s history.
You can get there on foot or by car, although it is some distance from the seafront. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 from 15 September to 14 June, and 10:00–21:00 from 15 June to 14 September. It is closed on Mondays. See the Molino de Inca Botanical Garden information page for more details.
Pinar de Torremolinos
Pinar de los Manantiales, also known as Pinar de Torremolinos or Los Pinares, is a pine woodland in the upper part of town, beside the sports area. There are paths for walking and exercise, fountains and picnic tables. Designated barbecues are also available, subject to seasonal restrictions and the rules displayed on site.
Find Pinar de los Manantiales on the map.
Cañada del Lobo
Cañada del Lobo is a mountain area in the hills above Torremolinos. Trails climb through pine woods, holm oaks and cork oaks to several viewpoints. From the viewpoint marked by a sculpture of a howling wolf, you can see a long stretch of the Costa del Sol.
Find the Cañada del Lobo viewpoint on the map.
Walking routes from Torremolinos
From Los Pinares, you can follow the Camino del Agua and join the PR-A 172, the Puertos de Torremolinos trail. The route climbs into the hills above the town, passes the Cañuelo spring and Puerto del Canuto, then continues towards Cañada del Lobo and Puerto de las Ovejas, with views of the coast and the Guadalhorce Valley.
Other walks from Torremolinos include local trails along the Cañuelo and Pinillos streams, as well as mountain routes towards Jabalcuza and Tajo de las Palomas. The council’s walking information website has maps, route descriptions and difficulty ratings for several local walks.
Aqualand water park
Aqualand Torremolinos has slides, pools and children’s areas on Calle Cuba, in the upper part of town. There are places to eat and designated picnic areas, so you can spend much of the day here.
The park opens seasonally, and some rides have height or weight restrictions. Check the official Aqualand calendar when choosing your day and planning your visit.
Crocodile Park
Crocodile Park is next to Aqualand. You can observe crocodiles and learn about them during your visit. The park also runs environmental education activities and takes part in conservation projects for other reptiles, including tortoises and chameleons.
If you are planning a family visit, check the official Crocodile Park website for opening times and activities.
Seafront promenade and Sunday flea market
The seafront promenade connects the beaches without taking you uphill into the centre. You can take a short walk between Bajondillo and La Carihuela or continue towards Playamar and Los Alamos, stopping at beach bars along the way.
On Sundays, the Torremolinos flea market takes place at the fairground from 09:00 to 14:00, with antiques and second-hand goods. The fairground is inland, so plan how to get there if you are staying by the beach.
Festivals in Torremolinos
The San Miguel pilgrimage and the seafaring celebrations in La Carihuela are among the main events in the Torremolinos calendar.
- San Miguel pilgrimage and fair: held in September in honour of the town’s patron saint. The pilgrimage makes its way to the San Miguel chapel in Los Pinares. Fair celebrations take place in the centre by day and at the fairground at night, with music, decorated venues known as casetas and fairground rides.
- Virgen del Carmen: on 16 July, La Carihuela honours the patron saint of seafarers with religious events and a procession through the streets and out to sea.
- San Juan night: the night of 23 June is celebrated with seaside gatherings known as moragas, music and the burning of júas, figures placed on the bonfires. La Carihuela, Montemar Alto and Cantarranas are among the areas where events take place.
For each year’s dates and events, see the Torremolinos cultural calendar.
Getting to Torremolinos and getting around
Torremolinos has direct train services to Malaga Airport, Malaga-Maria Zambrano station and other towns on the Costa del Sol. The best way to get around locally depends on where you are staying and whether you are heading to the centre, the beach or the upper part of town.
Local trains
The C-1 local train service (Cercanías) runs between Malaga-Centro Alameda and Fuengirola, with five stations in Torremolinos. From east to west, they are:
- Los Alamos
- La Colina
- Torremolinos, in La Nogalera, beside the town centre.
- Montemar Alto, close to Parque de la Bateria.
- El Pinillo
The C-1 also serves Benalmadena-Arroyo de la Miel and Fuengirola. If you arrive on a long-distance or high-speed train, you can change to the local service at Malaga-Maria Zambrano. Check the distance from your chosen station to your accommodation, as the stations are not on the beachfront.
Local and interurban buses
Buses complement the train service, reaching other parts of town and destinations without a local train station. Avanza’s interurban routes through Torremolinos include:
- M-110: Malaga–Torremolinos–Benalmadena Costa.
- M-112: Malaga–Mijas.
- M-120: Torremolinos–Fuengirola.
- M-121: Torremolinos–Benalmadena–Mijas.
- M-320: Malaga–Marbella.
Check stops and times for your day of travel on the Malaga Area Transport Consortium website. The pedestrianised centre and the seafront promenade are easy to explore on foot; bear in mind the change in elevation when walking between them.
From Malaga Airport
The C-1 local train towards Fuengirola is the direct public transport option from the airport to Torremolinos. The journey to Torremolinos station takes approximately 10–15 minutes, excluding waiting time and the onward journey to your accommodation.
There is no direct bus from the airport terminal to Torremolinos. The M-110 stops at Cruce Aeropuerto on the main road, away from the terminal. Walking to that stop is a long and inconvenient journey with luggage, so the train is the more practical choice.
For other connections, see our guide to Malaga Airport buses. You can also check flight arrivals and departures.
Hire a car to explore the surrounding area
Picking up a hire car at Malaga Airport can be useful if you plan to combine your stay in Torremolinos with trips around the province or elsewhere in Andalusia, particularly to places without a train service. You can organise your visits without relying on public transport timetables.
Car hire at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer to your accommodation
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation in Torremolinos without changing transport. It is a convenient option if you are travelling as a group, have plenty of luggage or are staying some distance from a local train station.
Taxi from Malaga Airport*No advance payment is required, and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.
The map below shows the road route from the Malagacar offices, near Malaga Airport, to Torremolinos:
Tourist information in Torremolinos
The tourist offices can help with information about places to visit, activities and local services. You can call in at:
- Tourist Interpretation Centre: Cuesta del Tajo, 11. Telephone: 952 070 595.
- Bajondillo-Playamar Tourist Office: Plaza de las Comunidades Autónomas. Telephone: 952 371 909.
- La Carihuela Tourist Office: Plaza del Remo. Telephone: 952 372 956.
The council’s document lists opening hours for the tourist offices and main visitor attractions. More contact details are available on the official Torremolinos tourism website. For council services, visit the Torremolinos Town Council website.
Frequently asked questions about Torremolinos
When is the best time to visit Torremolinos?
Spring and autumn are good times for walks and excursions, with generally milder temperatures than in midsummer. July and August are the busiest months for beach holidays. Winter is quieter, although swimming and outdoor activities depend on the weather.
What should I see on a first visit to Torremolinos?
Start with Calle San Miguel and Torre Pimentel, walk down to Bajondillo and follow the promenade to La Carihuela. If you have more time, add Parque de la Bateria or Molino de Inca Botanical Garden.
What is there to do in Torremolinos with children?
Parque de la Bateria has playgrounds and space for walks, while at Molino de Inca you can explore the gardens and see birds. Aqualand is another option during its opening season; some rides have height or weight restrictions. At Crocodile Park you can see crocodiles and other reptiles. You can also combine time on the beach with a short seafront walk.
How do I get to Torremolinos from Malaga Airport and get around?
The C-1 local train connects the airport with Torremolinos in approximately 10–15 minutes to the town-centre station. There is no direct bus from the terminal to Torremolinos; the M-110 calls at Cruce Aeropuerto, a stop some distance from the terminal. Within the town, combine walking, trains and buses, allowing for the hills between the centre and the beach. Taxis, private transfers and hire cars are other options, depending on your accommodation and plans.
What food should I try in Torremolinos?
Pescaíto frito (fried fish) and espetos de sardinas (sardines grilled on skewers) are two favourites at the beach bars. La Carihuela has a long tradition of fish and seafood restaurants. You can also try regional dishes such as ensalada malagueña, a local salad. For something sweet, try a torta de aceite, a crisp olive-oil biscuit, or an artisan ice cream.
What cultural sights can I visit in Torremolinos?
Torre Pimentel, Molino de Inca Botanical Garden and Pasaje Begoña reveal different periods of the town’s history. Casa de los Navajas is open free of charge from Wednesday to Sunday and is known for its Neo-Mudéjar architecture. The San Miguel fair and Virgen del Carmen celebrations are a chance to experience local traditions.
Are there walking trails near Torremolinos?
Yes. From Los Pinares you can join the Puertos de Torremolinos trail, which runs through the hills above the town and passes Cañada del Lobo. There are also local trails along the Cañuelo and Pinillos streams. For a walk without heading into the mountains, stay on the paths in Pinar de los Manantiales.
