Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Costa del Sol - Andalucia / Malaga to Marbella / Torremolinos
 |  | Destination Guide : Torremolinos |
|
| | | Party-lovers' resort |  | Why go on holiday to Torremolinos? Torremolinos is not to everyone's taste, being a rather cramped high-rise resort. The large-scale urban development dates from the 1950s and today the locality stretches out to Benalmadena Costa.
But for many party-lovers and families with young children it's a terrific base for a fun holiday.
How much does it cost? As a rough guide, a package holiday including flights and seven nights' half-board accommodation in a three-star hotel (twin room) in July is about £450.
A standard return flight to Malaga airport (10km away from Torremolinos) from London starts from about £150 but you might get a bargain with a low-cost airline. A night in a moderate hotel costs around £20.
When should I go? Torremolinos has a superb climate year-round but May, June and September are the ideal months if you want to avoid the summer crowds and extreme heat. Temperatures range from 8C (46F) in winter to 34C (93F) in summer.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Spain.
|
|
 |
|
|
| | | Soak up the sun | | What should I do when I'm there? There's plenty to do besides soaking up the sun on the five miles of sandy beaches, with loads of sporting activities, numerous shops and many restaurants.
What activities can I do? Choose from hiking, bowling, riding, swimming and watersports. A few kilometres from Torremolinos are several golf courses and a first-class marina.
Any bits of 'the old Torremolinos' left? Not many - Torremolinos really is a shrine to the modern-day package holidaymaker. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Muslims all once settled here.
The main legacy of the Islamic period is the watchtower at the end of Calle San Miguel, referred to in a 1947 decree as Torre de los Molinos (Tower of the Mills) - from which the resort takes its name.
Now packed with bars, shops and restaurants, La Carihuela was once a quiet, typical fishing village which still (just) conserves some of its former charm.
Are there any festivals? Every year there's a romeria (open-air festival) in honour of San Miguel, the patron saint of Torremolinos. It's a religious pilgrimage through the streets of the town.
The fishing village of La Virgen del Carmen also throws a romeria on July 16 and there's even a Dia del Turista (Tourists' Day) in September.
|
|
 |
|
|
| | | Outrageous nightlife | | Where's good for nightlife? Party people rejoice - Torremolinos is the liveliest resort on the Costa del Sol. There's a wide range of nightlife, including bars, bowling alleys, restaurants, live shows, cabaret and discos.
The nightlife can be rather outrageous and it's a popular destination with gay travellers and transvestites.
Fun Beach features several dance floors and a swimming pool (the staff serve up drinks sporting swimwear!) and is reputed to be the largest disco in Europe.
What's the food like? Egg and chips, mate! Joking apart, if you want to try Spanish food you can eat well on the Costa del Sol. It is, after all part of Andalucia, which is famous for its fish and shellfish and is where tapas was invented.
Most of the beach bars sell delicious 'el pescaito frito' - small fried fish - a typical local dish.
What should I buy? Handicrafts native to the Costa del Sol include clay pottery, embroidered table linen, handkerchiefs and sheets, and handmade leather shoes.
What is there for children to do? There is an Aquapark in Torremolinos, and the amusement park Tivoli World (funfair rides and amusements open until late at night) and Sealife Centre are both located at Benalmadena.
Horse-loving kids will appreciate a visit to El Ranchito, near Torremolinos, for demonstrations of dressage and to see the Andalusian horses.
Tourist office Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London, W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
|
|
 |
|
|
 |  | Available rental properties in Torremolinos |
|
| |  | | La Roca Chica Beach holiday?
Well you can’t get much closer than this. 20 feet of pavement is all that will separate you from the beach at Bajondillo.
|  | | Townhouse in La Carihuela Charming two bedroom house in La Carihuela. Large terrace ideal for outside eating/sunbathing. Famous beach and restaurants two minute walk away. Fully equipped including UK satellite TV.
|  | | Studio Apartment Torremolinos Studio apartment near the centre of Torremolinos, balcony with great sea view, quiet location close to town centre and beach
|  | | Studio Apartment,Torremolinos Modernised studio apartment in a quiet location close to the town centre of torremolinos,Fantastic sea views,well fitted.
|  | | 3 bedroom apartment Torreolinos A Large well maintainterd 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in the centre of Torremolinos,Nice secure complex with gardens and 2 pools.
| | Click here for more properties... |
|
|
|
|
|
|