Things to Do in Torremolinos
Torremolinos has come a long way from its days as a sleepy fishing village. Today, it is one of the Costa del Sol’s liveliest resorts. Yet it still keeps plenty of Andalusian charm. You can swim at golden beaches, wander through botanical gardens and watch crocodiles being fed. You can also explore a tower that is more than 700 years old. In this guide, we share the best things to do in town. Need more background first? Read our Torremolinos guide.
La Carihuela
La Carihuela is the soul of Torremolinos. This old fishing quarter sits at the western end of town. In the 1950s and 1960s, stars such as Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra came here to relax. Today, a promenade of more than two kilometres links beach bars, shops and seafood restaurants. Stroll west and you will reach Puerto Marina in Benalmádena. Its narrow streets still keep a village feel. It tops our list because it captures the town’s seafaring spirit. Come at sunset, when the sea glows orange. Already in Spain? Get directions.
El Bajondillo Beach
Next, head to El Bajondillo Beach. This urban beach is 1.3 kilometres long and about 40 metres wide. It sits close to the town centre, so it is easy to reach. You can walk down the Camino de la Playa steps, or take the lift from Plaza del Panorama for a small fee. Chiringuitos, restaurants and water sports line the sand. Sun loungers and beach bars make a day here easy. It earns its place for its great mix of convenience and atmosphere. Families and groups of friends both love it. Get directions.
Los Álamos Beach
Want a livelier scene? Try Los Álamos Beach. It is more than a kilometre long and about 60 metres wide. Modern beach clubs play music all day, and you can try parasailing, jet skis or pedal boats. It makes our list because it feels young and cosmopolitan. Getting there is simple. Take the C1 train to Los Álamos or La Colina station. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. You can also catch a local bus. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio. Get directions.
Aqualand Torremolinos
Aqualand Torremolinos is the top pick for families and thrill seekers. This big water park has slides such as Black Hole, Twister, Kamikaze and the 15-metre Boomerang. Younger children can splash in a dedicated kids’ zone. Meanwhile, grown-ups can relax by the wave pool and jacuzzi. The park opens seasonally, so check dates before you go. Queues get long in summer. Therefore, we suggest you buy your ticket ahead. Buy tickets. Get directions.
Crocodile Park
Just next door, Crocodile Park is home to more than 200 crocodiles. You can see many species from walkways and viewing points. Daily feeding demonstrations bring the keepers and the animals together. There are also turtles and other reptiles to spot. It earns a place on the list because it is so different from the beach. Allow one to two hours. Buying tickets online can save time. Buy tickets. Get directions.
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden
For a calm morning, visit the Molino de Inca Botanical Garden. It holds almost a thousand plant species. A working replica of the old Inca mill turns with spring water. You will also find a 500-square-metre Japanese garden with hills and ponds. Many birds live here too. Shady paths make it a cool escape on hot days. We love it because it feels peaceful, yet it sits just outside the centre. Check the latest opening hours before you go. Get directions.
Parque de la Batería
Torremolinos’s “central park” is Parque de la Batería. It covers more than 74,000 square metres. A 9,000-square-metre lake sits at its heart. Climb the 15-metre tower for sea views, then spot the old Schneider cannons and bunkers. Children love the big play area, and joggers enjoy the running track. You can also hire a bike and use the cycle lane. It is on the list because it is free, green and easy to reach. Simply take the train to Montemar Alto station beside the park. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Get directions.
Casa de los Navajas
Next, admire Casa de los Navajas. Built in 1925, this Neo-Mudéjar palace faces the sea in El Bajondillo. Mozarabic decoration gives it a fairy-tale look. The house hosts weddings, exhibitions and concerts. Entry is usually free, so it is great value. Its sea views make it a lovely photo spot. It makes our list because it is one of the town’s most beautiful buildings. Many people call it a hidden gem. Get directions.
Torre Pimentel
History fans should see Torre Pimentel. Builders raised this 12-metre clay tower around the year 1300. Nasrid guards once watched the sea from its terrace. The tower gave the town its name, “Torremolinos”, which means Tower of the Mills. It is now a protected Monument of Cultural Interest. Nearby, the pedestrian streets of Cuesta del Tajo and Calle del Peligro offer shops and sea views. Stop in the Visitor Centre to learn how tourism shaped the town. Get directions.
Plaza Costa del Sol
The heart of town is Plaza Costa del Sol. Architect Salvador Moreno Peralta designed its wave-shaped pergola with 28 modules. Five sculptures and 26 types of flowers and aromatic plants fill the space. Street markets and open-air events pop up all year. Close by, Pasaje Begoña holds an important place in Spain’s LGBTQ history. This square is on the list because it shows modern Torremolinos at its best. Afterwards, stroll down Calle San Miguel for souvenirs. Get directions.
El Morro
Nature lovers will enjoy El Morro, also called La Punta. This rocky headland splits La Carihuela from El Bajondillo. A promenade now loops around it as part of the Senda Litoral coastal path. Visit at sunrise for stunning light. Interestingly, Gala Dalí posed for Spain’s first documented topless photo here in 1930. The walk is gentle and the sea air is wonderful. It earns its spot for its views and its story. Bring a camera. Get directions.
Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso
Art fans should drop into the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Architect Francisco Alonso Martos built it in 1935 as a school for railway workers’ orphans. The plan even copies the shape of an aeroplane. Today, it hosts exhibitions, cinema screenings and live shows. The Elena Laverón exhibition hall shows changing art. We included it because it adds culture to your beach break. It is also a handy rainy-day idea. Check the programme before you visit. Get directions.
Sierra de Torremolinos
Hikers can escape the crowds in the Sierra de Torremolinos. Pine forests, holm oaks and wild olive trees cover its trails. The viewpoint at La Cañada del Lobo gives some of the best panoramas on the Costa del Sol. Stage 34 of the Gran Senda de Málaga crosses here, too. It is a super choice for active visitors. Wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water. A car makes the trailheads easier to reach. You can hire a car in town. Hire a car with Discovercars. Get directions.
Casa Juan Los Mellizos
No visit is complete without pescaíto frito. For the classic version, head to Casa Juan Los Mellizos. This big La Carihuela restaurant fries fresh fish to order. It also serves paella and seafood platters on a large terrace. It makes the list because it is a local favourite. Arrive early at lunchtime, as it fills up fast. Order a mixed fried fish plate to share. Get directions.
Málaga
Finally, hop over to Málaga for a day trip. The C1 train takes about 20 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Once there, you can visit the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the busy tapas bars. It earns its place because it is so close and so rewarding. Need more ideas? See our best day trips from Málaga. Get directions.
Mijas
For a change of pace, visit Mijas, a whitewashed village in the hills above the coast. Its narrow lanes, flower pots and sweeping sea views feel a world away from the beach. Wander the old streets, then enjoy a coffee on a sunny square. It earns its place because it shows traditional Andalusia close to the coast. Our Mijas guide has more details. You can travel there by bus via Fuengirola. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio. Get directions.
Torremolinos offers far more than sun and sand. You can relax on a beach, splash in a water park and walk through centuries of history. You can also taste great seafood and hike in the hills. Pick a few favourites and enjoy the mix. Want to see more of the coast? Try our 7 day Costa del Sol itinerary. You can also explore Fuengirola next door.