With over 7km of sandy beaches and an energetic nightlife scene, Torremolinos has long been a destination for travellers to Spain's Costa del Sol. Nowadays the town attracts a diverse crowd, reflected in the activities you can do here – from fine dining to adventure sports. A short drive inland the green peaks of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range will be within your sights, while Andalusia's Moorish past is just a day trip away.
Some hostels in Torremolinos have free breakfast options, while others have outdoor swimming pools. You can stay in a place designed for a gypsy queen by Picasso's cousin, but if you're looking for island-style accommodation, find a Torremolinos hostel where the rooms have a balcony or terrace. There are hostels on the beachfront or in the historic La Carihuela district, and some have air con in the rooms and free Wi-Fi as well.
In the centre of Torremolinos is the lively Plaza de la Nogalera, where fiestas are held year round. Here you'll find bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping on pedestrian-only Calle San Miguel. Walk towards the sea and you'll find the Paseo Marítimo promenade. Whether you're having a seafood lunch or sunbathing, this is the place for people watching. The former fishing district of La Carihuela is crammed with picturesque bungalows and flower-filled lanes. To the north of Paseo Marítimo, Los Álamos is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood that's the best spot for nightlife.
While you're in Torremolinos you can try windsurfing – you'll find Playamar beach full of brightly coloured sails catching the breeze. You can picnic in the Molino de Inca botanical gardens under the shade of a 1000-year-old olive tree or take the cable car to the top of Calamorro Mountain for views over the Mediterranean. The hilltop villages of southern Spain are hidden gems, and Benalmádena is particularly atmospheric with whitewashed buildings surrounding a serene plaza. Adventurous visitors can hike through the unusual limestone formations of El Torcal de Antequera – a nature reserve an hour's drive north of Torremolinos.
The best way to get to Torremolinos is to fly to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and take a 25-minute bus into the town. Trains run every 20 minutes from Malaga, taking 18 minutes to get to Torremolinos Train Station in the centre of town. Use local buses to get between the coastal towns or into the hilltop villages, and if you're staying for a few days it's worth buying a travel card, which reduces the cost of your fares.
