Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Costa del Sol - Andalucia / Malaga to Marbella / Torremolinos
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| | | | Review by Doreen Lopez from Kingsley, Perth, Western Australia
We had a lovely family reunion, 12 of us, restaurants and shopping very good, nightlife interesting, people very friendly.
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| | Destination Guide : Torremolinos |
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| | | 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.
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| | | 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.
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| | | 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).
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| | Fact File : Torremolinos |
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| | | Torremolinos | | Did you know?
In Torremolinos you can hire a sun bed on the beach all year round.
Language
Spanish
Visas
UK citizens do not require a visa but should take their passports for identification.
Getting there
Direct flights from the UK to Malaga. Frequent buses between Malaga and Marbella, stopping at all the major resorts. Trains to Torremolinos every half-hour from Malaga city and airport.
Flying time from London
Two hours
Getting around
There are good train and bus services linking all of the Costa del Sol resorts. To venture inland, take a bus from either Marbella or Malaga.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Prices vary but expect to pay roughly: bottle of beer 75p, film for your camera £2.50, meal for two with wine £9, litre of petrol 45p, short taxi ride £5.50.
Weather
Summer temperatures range from 68-92F/20-33C; winter 48-58F/9-17C.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT, two hours during summer
International dialling code from the UK
00 34
Voltage
220V AC
Opening hours
Large supermarkets and department stores, Mon-Sat 9am-9pm; other shops and businesses, 9am-2pm and then 4.30/5pm-8pm. Banks, Mon-Fri 8.30am-2pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm (some banks are not open on Saturdays during the summer).
Health - Before you go
Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Make sure you have an EHIC health form, available from UK post offices.
Health - When you are there
Take adequate precautions to protect yourself and your children from the fierce summer sun.
Warnings
Pickpockets and bag snatchers are fairly common. Never leave anything valuable in a parked car, and don't pay people offering to watch your parked car - the Tourist Office recommends that you pretend not to understand them.
Emergency
Police Nacional 091, Policia Local 092. British Embassy, Calle de Fernando el Santo 16, Madrid, Tel. 319 02 00.
Customs
Partying, partying and partying. You're about as likely to experience traditional Spain in Torremolinos as you are a raffia donkey in the Prado Madrid.
Pets
You may bring your pet to and from Spain provided you have the correct documentation under the Pet Travel Scheme. This takes some time to set up - see your vet for details.
Tipping
A flat VAT of 7% on all meals means you are not required to tip, but most people leave some small change.
Tourist office
22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP, Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Torremolinos |
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 |  | Lively nightlife (6) | | | Family and kids (4) | | | Beach (3) | | | Beautiful Scenery (2) | | | Good value (1) |
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