SPAIN
Torremolinos

Torremolinos

Torremolinos is located on the Spanish Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. It belongs to the province of Málaga. Málaga in turn belongs to the autonomous region of Andalusia, the hottest region of all Europe. This region is known for its authentic buildings, beautiful nature and tasty Spanish food.

Torremolinos_{Photo: Simon CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Torremolinos is today a medium-sized town with 60,010 inhabitants, but before mass tourism to Spain starting in the 1950s, Torremolinos was a completely unknown fishing town. Today it is one of the most visited holiday destinations in Spain. Nevertheless, Torremolinos has largely retained its authentic charm and especially in the old fishing districts of La Carihuela, El Bajondillo and El Calvario, the typical Spanish atmosphere is still abundant.

Location

Torremolinos is located about 18 kilometers southwest of the city of Màlaga. The town has an area of 20 square kilometers and is located in the south of Spain on the Costa del Sol (translated: The Coast of the Sun). Torremolinos is located in the warmest region in Europe: Andalusia. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is 220 kilometers from Torremolinos.

Weather

Torremolinos has a very pleasant Mediterranean climate. It is located on the Costa del Sol and as the name of this coast suggests, the sun shines for many hours. Torremolinos is located on the Mediterranean Sea and this ensures that the summers are nice and warm and the winters very mild. Due to the proximity of the sea, a fresh breeze usually blows, but when a south wind blows it can get very hot and the temperatures in summer sometimes reach 40° C.

History

Prehistoric human skulls have been found in the limestone caves on the mountain behind the city. Remains from the Bronze Age have been found in the Tapada cave. Torremolinos was inhabited successively by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and the Moors. In 1498, the Catholic kings camped here during the siege of Málaga. Its original name was "Molinos de la Torre" (the mills of the tower). In 1502 Torremolinos came under the rule of Málaga with the name "Torres de Pimentel" (the towers of Pimentel), in honor of Rodrigo Pimentel, Count of Benavente.

Map Torremolinos 1889_{Photo: Public domain}

The town has developed over the centuries into a thriving fishing center, mainly centered around La Carihuela, an area just east of the town.

Sights

Torremolinos Beach_{Photo: Tiia Monto CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

You mainly visit Torremolinos because of the possibilities for a beach holiday. When you visit Torremolinos, it is a nice trip to go to one of the authentic fishing districts. In La Carihuela, El Bajondillo and El Calvario you will still find that authentic Spanish atmosphere. You can walk through the steep, narrow streets, view small fishermen's houses and then eat delicious fresh "pescadito" (fried fish) in the cozy fish restaurants.

The promenade of Torremolinos stretches between the areas of Playamar and La Carihuela, all the way to Benalmadena Marina and offers spectacular views of the sea. The boulevard is surrounded by bars, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Pimentel Tower Torremolinos_{Photo: Tyk CC 3.0 ) no changes made}

The Pimentel Tower is one of the most famous sights in Torremolinos and the tower stands next to the main beach. Known locally as the 'Torre Vigia', the tower is the town's namesake and was built in the 14th century as part of the region's defense strategy, as a remarkable vantage point. Today the tower has become a popular tourist attraction via a staircase you can climb up and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the coastline.

About fifty kilometers from Torremolinos there is an amazing limestone gorge 180 meters deep: La Garganta del Chorro. The water of the Rio Gualdahorce river runs through here. It is a unique nature reserve with several impressive waterfalls.

The name of the atmospheric seaside resort comes from the word Torre (tower) and Molinos (mill) and refers to the many windmills that used to be in the area. There is still one windmill in Torremolinos today, which has been transformed into a restaurant.

Tips

Torremolinos is a popular holiday destination among young people as they mainly look for entertainment in the pleasant seaside resort. In different parts of the center of Torremolinos you will find many pubs, cafes and large nightclubs. The Sant Miguel district in particular is the area where the young people enjoy themselves during their holiday.

Andalusia is best known for its sherry. Sherry grapes are grown in Jerez de la Frontera. That is approximately 220 kilometers from Torremolinos. Only the wine from this region can be called Sherry. There are different types of sherry that can all be tasted in Torremolinos. Sherry is usually drunk as an aperitif. People usually eat something else typically Spanish with this: tapas (singular: tapa).

Tapas Torremolinos_{Photo: José Porras CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Tapas are small snacks that serve to stimulate appetite. Tapa means lid. Tapas were created because in Spanish cafes lids were put on glasses to prevent flies and other insects from getting into the drinks. The snacks were put on the lids to dress the whole thing up a bit. Nowadays you still get free snacks with a drink in most Spanish cafes. The most famous tapas are; the tortilla (sort of omelet), patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy sauce), chorizo (spicy sausage) and stuffed mushrooms.