Travelers Best

Torremolinos a beach resort in the neighborhood of Malaga was once a tiny obscure fishing village on the Costa del Sol. Today, despite retaining a mix of traditional and modern culture and lifestyle, it is one of the most popular beach destinations along the Spanish Coast.

Torremolinos has a separate municipality than that of the Costa del Sol. Its history goes back 150,000 years when it was first a settlement, a vantage point, refuge and camping ground for armies. Skulls belonging to Greeks, Phoenicians and Arabs with some belonging to humans from the Bronze Age throw considerable light on its historic eras.

However it was only in 1948 post the Siege of Malaga that Christianity spread in Torremolinos. Later it came under the rule of Malaga and was named Torres de Pimentel for a few years around 1502. Consequently Torremolinos was put on the map by Francisco Llobet a map maker by profession and after a brief albeit fruitful dependence on Malaga, Torremolinos became independent again in 1988.

Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol enjoys a good climate throughout the year as it is located in the middle of high and low mountains and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Summers are very intense so it’s best to plan a holiday during autumn or winter when there aren’t too many other tourists.

What to See

Torremolinos has three famous museums, the Museo Del Tatuje “El Templo”, Museo Picasso Malaga and the Museo Casa Natel de Picasso. The first museum is a favorite with tattoo lovers, in English it simply means the Tattoo Museum. The Museo Del Tatuaje “El Templo” showcases more than 100,000 tattoos along with other relics that tell the story of tattooing in the ancient times.

The Museo Picasso Malaga in Torremolinos features various collections by Picasso. The collections are housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, a 16th century building of Andalusian architecture. It also has some interesting remains from the Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Renaissance periods, to give visitors a slice of Malaga history. The museum which is closed on Mondays offers a significant discount to students.

The Museo Casa Natal de Picasso at the Plaza de la Merced is the third museum of interest in Torremolinos. It is the birthplace of the great artist Pablo Picasso. The museum is open throughout the week and a must see for all Picasso fans. Another museum worth a visit outside Torremolinos but still along the Costa del Sol in Malaga is the Bonsai Museum in Marbella.

What to do

Torremolinos has the busiest beaches on the Costa del Sol which are safe for children and just right for surfers. Sun beds, complimentary shades and skilled lifeguards can be found at regular intervals along the stretch of this nine kilometer beach as well as local chiringuitos, or beach bars that serve a mix of local and international cuisines in a rather fun ambience.

The beach offers a chance to sail, water-ski, dive, and windsurf, paraglide or fish with experienced anglers. Or simply take a walk to La Carihuela, the ancient fishing quarter that has survived the ambush of mass tourism for a traditional seafood meal at one of the typical diners. There are numerous outlets that teach beginners how to dive, water ski and paraglide among others.

The Aqua Park Torremolinos is the biggest water park on the Costa del Sol, which has plenty of new and old attractions including a wave pool, tropical lake, wild river ride, a bubble pool, kamikaze death slide and foam slides. Sea Life Centre is another huge family attraction located in the port area of the neighboring beach Benalmadena. Kids will also love the Tivoli Amusement Park, Benalmadena Cable Car, Crocodile Park, Yelmo Cinema and the Karting for Kids to name just a few of the many attractions.

There are a large number of bars and night clubs that offers senior citizens and adults equal entertainment opportunities. The other main attraction in Torremolinos would be the promenade off the beach that has cafes and restaurants along its sidewalks.

M.A.H.