24 Best Things to Do in Torremolinos (A Local’s Guide)
If you’re wondering if there are many things to do in Torremolinos, the answer is yes!
Torremolinos is a popular choice among travellers because of its fantastic location – it’s close to Malaga Airport, Malaga City and other beautiful coastal towns.
In the beginning, it was only a tiny fishing town, but it has been growing over the years, and I can’t believe how much has changed from a local point of view. I usually visit Torremolinos and its beaches and can confirm it’s a better destination now.
Although it’s popular for its various hotels, holiday apartments, and beaches, it also has many fun activities. For example, you can spend the day at Aqualand, visit Casa de los Navajas building and wander its historic centre or soak up the sunshine at one of its amazing beach clubs.
If you’re ready to discover the best things to do in Torremolinos – from tourist attractions to local spots and unique hidden gems, where to stay, and tips to make the most of your holiday – keep reading!
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Things to do in Torremolinos, Spain
1. Discover the beautiful Casa de los Navajas building
One of the best things to do in Torremolinos is to visit Casa de los Navajas. It’s a bit hidden, so it wasn’t long ago when I came across this place.
This mansion, in the middle of the Bajondillo area, has become a must-see attraction for those who love the Neo-Mudejar architecture that is predominant in many historical buildings around Andalucia.
This building used to be the house of a wealthy family that chose Torremolinos as their second home. Nowadays, it isn’t only a tourist attraction but a place where weddings and other special events occur.
Visiting Casa de Los Navajas is free, and this beautiful hidden gem in Torremolinos currently opens from Friday to Sunday, however, do check the timetable before turning up there. I once made the mistake of going there, and it was closed.
2. Explore Torremolinos Town Centre
Apart from shopping at San Miguel Street, wander Torremolinos Old Town to discover other monuments that tell you more about the history behind this coastal town.
An example is Torre Pimentel, a tower situated between Calle San Miguel and Cuesta del Tajo. This tower was built approximately in 1300, and its aim was to be a strategic point to defend the town during the Nasrid period in Andalusia.
Nowadays, you can’t go inside the tower, but it’s an important historical reference point.
3. Look for the street art
Something that isn’t often mentioned in travel guides is contemplating street art in a town or city, and yet it’s a great activity.
When I was wandering around Torremolinos, I came across some beautiful art streets just like the one you can see in the pictures.
The best way to discover street art is by being present and paying attention to what’s around you! You don’t always find cool paintings in the most popular places.
Torremolinos is indeed a popular resort place in Costa Del Sol, but you can still find great things to do – from family attractions to activities for culture lovers.
4. Eat traditional food at a chiringuito
If you’re up for an authentic experience, eating at a chiringuito (a beach bar or restaurant) is a must-activity in Torremolinos and Costa del Sol. These beach restaurants mostly offer fish and seafood dishes such as espetos de sardinas (barbecued sardines) and pescaíto frito (fried fish).
However, the newest beach bars offer less traditional dishes and more international food such as sushi, tuna poke, falafel bowls, etc. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll probably find more options in the newest beach bars.
If you want something in the middle – not too traditional and not too international, La Palapa Beach offers a mix of traditional and international dishes and vegetarian dishes.
5. Have a fun day at Aqualand Torremolinos
Do you love water parks? If so, you can’t miss the opportunity to spend a fun day at Aqualand, one of the most popular Torremolinos attractions.
This water park with plenty of attractions will keep you entertained all day. It has been open for many years (I still remember visiting it when I was a teenager!). However, unlike other theme parks and water parks, Aqualand has been expanding and bringing new attractions.
If you love adrenaline, you must go on the Boomerang, a 15-metre-high half pipe. Once you climb up, you’re pushed in your float, and it makes the effect of a boomerang. You can go alone or with someone else in a double float.
But, if you prefer less adventurous attractions, you can go to the jacuzzi or the Surf Pool, a pool with artificial waves that is set every hour.
The price of the water park has increased over the year, which is a shame, but if you want to save a couple of euros, book your tickets online. This way you’ll pay 27 euros instead of 30.
🎟️ Get your Aqualand tickets online
6. Visit the Crocodile Park
Next to the water park Aqualand, you’ll find Crocodile Park. In this park, you’ll learn everything about crocodiles – including how they made it to survive for so many years. Apart from crocodiles, you can also see turtles and chameleons.
The entry fee is 16,00€; however, you can get your ticket for 13,50€ if you book it online. They have different opening times in the summer months (July and August) compared to the rest of the year, and you can check those on their website.
7. Spend the day at Los Alamos Beach
I don’t know about you, but I don’t tend to last hours and hours sunbathing on the beach; I must do something. Los Alamos beach is very lively as it has great beach clubs that play music and offer delicious food and drinks.
On top of that, you can also hire a sunbed with them – some of them include an umbrella in case you don’t want to be exposed to the sun all day.
On this beach, you’ll also find more local people than tourists as well as younger people.
8. Hire a pedal boat
One of the best things to do when visiting the beach in Torremolinos is the variety of water activities you can do – including pedal boats.
If you’re with a group of friends or family, hiring a pedal boat is a fun activity that will keep everyone entertained, and it isn’t very expensive either as you can rent one for 20 euros and you can get up to 5 people on it.
Other water activities you can do are kayaking or hopping on a surfboard.
9. Sip a cocktail at a beach bar
La Playa Surf is one of my favourite spots in Torremolinos to enjoy a drink or meal on the beach.
Their food menu has anything from nibbles and snacks like gyozas to burgers and fish dishes. I love their grilled salmon with sweet potato mash and vegetables (I highly recommend it!). Their burgers are generous, and they also have a vegetarian one, which my cousin loves.
The prices are a bit higher than on average, but you’re expected to pay more in restaurants on the beach.
In the evening, order a drink and chill on their comfortable sofas or chairs overlooking the sea.
10. Play mini-golf
Are you looking for something fun? Then you should go to the mini-golf course located near the Burger King Bajondillo area. Not only is there a mini-golf course, but some arcade games too.
This place is excellent whether you want to have fun with friends or family. Also, it’s a good spot to find somewhere to eat or drink. For example, Tiki Restaurant offers excellent dishes as well as cocktails.
11. Relax at Parque de la Batería
Parque de la Batería is a hidden gem in Torremolinos. Most locals know about the place, but many tourists miss this incredible park. The park is located a 20-minute walk up from the famous Carihuela Beach.
The entrance is free, and the park offers many green spaces and other beautiful features such as an artificial lake where you can rent a boat, a tower with incredible views of the sea and Torremolinos, Venetian-style fountains and a playground for children.
It’s a good place for families, photographers, bloggers and couples. You can find it busy sometimes despite not being so well-known by tourists.
If you’re visiting the park during the summer months, you’ll find it very tranquil in the late afternoon as most people prefer going to the beach or having a siesta.
Visiting Parque de la Batería is one of the best free things to do in Torremolinos.
12. Climb up to the Camino de la Playa viewpoint
If you’re in the Bajondillo area, next to the Melia Hotel, there is a staircase that goes all the way up to the top of the town. Although looking at those hundreds of stairs may put you off, it’s definitely worth going through this path as there’s a viewpoint where you get stunning views of the coast.
The path is known as Camino de la Playa, and you can also go down from Torremolinos town to the beach.
13. Visit Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
For those who love escaping crowds, Molino de Inca is the perfect place to do so. This tranquil botanic garden in Camino de Los Pinares, away from the town centre, has almost a thousand plant species that make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical.
The botanic garden also includes Japanese gardens and a garden with hillocks and lakes, four viewpoints and ornamental fountains.
14. Shop in Torremolinos
Torremolinos town centre, specifically Calle San Miguel, is the perfect spot to shop or buy souvenirs.
Shopping in Torremolinos isn’t as good as in Malaga, but you’ll come across many boutique shops to find a unique gift for someone else or you! Many shops sell anything from clothing to authentic Spanish leather products such as belts, shoes and bags.
If you love street markets, Torremolinos has two different street markets. On Thursdays, you’ll find the general “mercadillo”, where they mainly sell vegetables, fruits, plants and clothes. In contrast, you’ll find El Rastro on Sundays, which sells second-hand antiques and collector items.
Another fantastic shopping spot near Torremolinos is Plaza Mayor, one of the biggest shopping centres in Costa del Sol, which happens to be my favourite. You have shops, restaurants, a cinema and more!
15. Walk from Torremolinos to Benalmadena
If you love walking, you’ll be happy to know that you can walk from Torremolinos to Benalmadena. Not only is it a beautiful walk where you can contemplate the beach at all times, but you can also stop by a cafe or restaurant to have some food or drink.
On the walk from Torremolinos to Benalmadena, you’ll pass Punta de Torremolinos, a beautiful balcony where you can see both Torremolinos on one side and Benalmadena on the other side.
During the summer months, you’ll find it very lively and busy during the afternoon and evenings, so if you prefer a relaxing walk with fewer crowds, getting up early is your best option.
16. Sunbathe at La Carihuela beach
A popular beach among locals and tourists is La Carihuela beach – the longest beach in Torremolinos with calm waters and dark-coloured sand.
You want to visit this Torremolinos beach if you love a lively atmosphere, a long promenade with many traditional and international restaurants and boutique shops, and water sports.
Although it’s often busy, avoid going to La Carihuela beach on weekends as Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days, and you can even struggle to find a place on the beach unless you go very early or in the evening.
17. Discover the sand exhibitions
If you go for a walk on Torremolinos promenade during the summer months, I’m sure you’ll find incredible sand exhibitions. There are a couple of talented men who build figures of famous people or a town with sand.
Although there isn’t an exact location, you can sometimes find them near the Torremolinos tourism office and walking towards Punta de Torremolinos.
18. Wander La Carihuela streets
La Carihuela area is packed with many streets where you can find boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. But also, looking beyond these shops and cafes, you’ll find beautiful small whitewashed streets decorated with lively flowers.
You can definitely spend some time wandering its streets and taking photos of them. However, avoid busy times such as late afternoons, evenings and weekends. The best time to have a more relaxing experience is early morning.
19. Play golf in Torremolinos
Costa del Sol is also well-known for its golf courses. Torremolinos has several golf courses, and the two most popular are Miguel Angel Jimenez Golf Academy and Parador de Málaga Golf Club, which is the first golf course built in Costa del Sol. It’s located at the very beginning of Torremolinos, close to Los Álamos.
In addition to these two golf courses, there are many other courses nearby Torremolinos – Golf Torrequebrada in Benalmadena, Chaparral Golf Club in Mijas, etc.
19. Enjoy the sea views from Punta de Torremolinos
Punta de Torremolinos, situated between Bajondillo Beach and Rincón del Sol Beach, is a great viewpoint from which to contemplate the two sides of Torremolinos.
The locals also know this place as “Punta Gatuna”, and the reason behind this is that this small place is home to many street cats.
My favourite time to visit Punta de Torremolinos is in the evening, just the right time for the magical sunset.
20. Explore Torremolinos at night
There are many things to do in Torremolinos at night. Whether you love a good party or dancing salsa or bachata while having a refreshing cocktail, Torremolinos has plenty of beach clubs where you can have a good time.
However, Torremolinos isn’t only for young people who love parties but also couples who want to go for a relaxing walk on the beach and families who want to take their kids out to play in the bouncy castles or mini-golf.
If you go to have some drinks out, you must know that alcohol isn’t measured as in other countries like the UK, so alcoholic drinks can be very strong.
⭐ THE BEST ACTIVITIES & TOURS IN TORREMOLINOS
Things to do near Torremolinos
I highly recommend visiting its nearby towns if you plan to spend more than two days in Torremolinos. There are many fantastic day trips from Torremolinos. These are my favourites:
22. Go on a day trip to Benalmadena
Benalmadena is next to Torremolinos, and you don’t even need to drive to visit Benalmadena; however, it’ll make things easier as many attractions are spread across two parts: Benalmadena Costa (the coast side) and Benalmadena Pueblo (the old town).
The town has famous tourist attractions as well as hidden gems. If you plan to spend a half or full day in Benalmadena, you can visit popular places such as Benalmadena cable car and the Butterfly Park of Benalmadena.
If you opt for the hidden gems, you don’t want to miss Castillo de Colomares, a beautiful building in the shape of a castle that is a monument to Christopher Colombus, Benalmadena Old Town, and the Stupa de Benalmadena, an incredible Buddhist temple with a viewpoint to Benalmadena coast.
23. Explore Marbella
Luxury shopping at Puerto Banus, exploring the beautiful old town, and sunbathing at the beach club are a few of the activities Marbella is famous for.
If you’re after beautiful whitewashed houses and bright pink flowers, you’ll spend some time wandering Marbella Old Town. It’s definitely a worth visiting location.
Besides the beaches, you can also enjoy some lovely walks in Marbella. Walk from the city centre to Puerto Banus and Dunas de Artola in Cabopino, or hike La Concha if you’re an experienced hiker and the weather conditions are good.
Marbella is an easy day trip from Torremolinos as it’s only a 38-minute drive, but if you don’t drive, you can take a bus from Malaga airport to get to Marbella.
24. Spend the day in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is only an hour and 30 minutes drive from Torremolinos; however, if you don’t have a car, you can always book a trip with Get Your Guide. I booked a very affordable and comfortable trip with them from Costa del Sol to Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is the perfect day trip because it’s a small country that offers many activities to do in a day. A must-see attraction is the Nature Reserve, where you find the famous Rock of Gibraltar and its cheeky monkeys, as well as St Michael’s Cave, an incredible limestone cave that you won’t find anywhere else.
Apart from this, you can also spend the day shopping, exploring the lively and colourful streets of Gibraltar or relaxing at Catalan’s Bay.
Where to stay in Torremolinos
There are many different types of accommodation in Torremolinos; however, one of my top choices is Meliá Costa del Sol.
Meliá Costa del Sol
Its location can’t be better. It overlooks the beach in the Bajondillo area and is a few minutes walk from Torremolinos town centre.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style and are well-equipped with comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, a safe, an ensuite bathroom, and air conditioning. On top of this, many of the rooms include a stunning sea view.
Although the rooms are good and the location is excellent, the hotel facilities are what I loved the most about staying at this hotel, especially their rooftop pool and terrace where you can unwind and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
📌 Check out Melia Costa del Sol’s availability and rates here
How to get to Torremolinos
Torremolinos is only a 9-minute drive from Malaga Airport (AGP). However, if you don’t plan to rent a car for your trip, you can also access Torremolinos by public transport.
The fastest public transport is the train. You’ll need to take the C1 RENFE Cercanías train towards Fuengirola. The train stops at different spots across Torremolinos (from Los Alamos, which is the very beginning of the town, to the town centre).
It won’t take more than 10 minutes to reach Torremolinos, regardless of where you stop.
📌 Read exactly how to get from Malaga Airport to Torremolinos
Frequently asked questions about Torremolinos
Where is Torremolinos?
Torremolinos is in the province of Malaga, in Southern Spain.
Is Torremolinos a good holiday destination?
Torremolinos is a great holiday destination; it has plenty of activities for all ages and is close to Malaga, the airport and other incredible towns around Costa del Sol.
The town used to have a negative reputation in the past, and some people said it was tacky. However, the town has been changing over the years, and it’s an excellent place for couples, families and solo travellers.
How far is Torremolinos from the airport?
Torremolinos is the best place to stay in Costa del Sol if you want to be close to Malaga-Costa del Sol airport. It’s just a 12-minute drive.
Is Torremolinos safe?
Torremolinos is a safe destination. Like in any town or city, you may want to avoid walking alone at night as it’s the time when smaller incidents can happen. However, police regularly patrol the beach area – where you’ll find most of the clubs – at night.
Is Torremolinos a party place?
Like many Costa del Sol towns, you’ll find that nightlife is part of these places. Torremolinos has good nightlife, but other nearby places are considered better for parties.
Is Torremolinos or Benalmadena nicer?
Both destinations are nice. It really depends on the activities you want to do during your holiday. For example, Benalmadena has a wider variety of activities for all ages and better nightlife, whereas Torremolinos is better for beaches.
I personally love both places, and the good thing is that they’re very close to each other.
Conclusion about things to do in Torremolinos
As you can see, Torremolinos is a great summer destination that offers a bit of everything for all ages. There are plenty of things to do in Torremolinos for families, couples and solo travellers!
If you want fewer tourists, the best time to visit Torremolinos is late May and early June, just in time for all the beach attractions opening.
I don’t recommend visiting Torremolinos in winter as most beach clubs and attractions are closed. In winter, you can have sunny days with lovely temperatures, so you can go for a walk on the promenade or look for nearby hiking trails.
In terms of budget, Torremolinos is relatively cheap in comparison with Marbella. There are many tapas bars and chiringuitos that offer good deals such as “menú del día” which usually includes a starter, main course and dessert for a really good price.
If you have any questions or want more recommendations about what to do in Torremolinos, you can drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help anyone to have better experiences in my country.
Safe adventures,
Cristina xx
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Top things to check before travelling to Torremolinos Spain
- Book flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Discover all the amazing things you can do in Malaga for free in this guide.
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to discover the traditional food in Malaga and Costa del Sol.
- Unsure where to stay? This guide will tell you the best hotels in the area.
- Rent a car in Torremolinos to travel with ease and explore other towns.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
Other guides to help you plan your trip to Costa del Sol
- Benalmadena or Torremolinos – Which is the Best?
- Torremolinos or Fuengirola, Which is Better?
- How to get from Malaga Airport to Torremolinos
- Day Trip to Gibraltar from Torremolinos (With Top Tips)
- The Perfect 1 Week Costa del Sol Itinerary
- Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol
- 14 Towns in Malaga You Will Love
I’ve been here so many times but I don’t think I’ve done anything in the city itself that’s on your list other than walking along the promenade! So many things to do here – I had no idea!
It has happened the same to me with other destinations. I believe if we often visit a place, we get used to doing the same stuff. I hope you visit all of these things next time 🙂
You had me at hike up to the Camino de la Playa viewpoint – I love that kind of location when you get up high and see the city from above. Benalmadena looks amaaaazing too! Torremolinos all looks fantastic!
I am glad you like it! The views are stunning.
I am building my list of must-see place when I visit Spain! Thanks for all of the great ideas.
You are welcome. I am happy to inspire others to visit Southern Spain 🙂
I have literally always wanted to visit Torremolinos, and dang, it looks so beautiful!! I love your photographs 🙂
Thank you so much, Amy! I hope you visit Torremolinos soon 🙂
Torremolinos looks like a beautiful destination – the beaches, the cobblestone streets, all the beautiful flowering trees. Spain is high on my life travel bucket list. Thanks for sharing your top tips!
I am very happy to hear that Spain is high on your travel bucket list! I hope you visit Spain soon.
We love checking our street art and murals in the cities we visit as well.
It’s great to hear that!
Looks so beautiful, especially Marbella. Thanks for a great guide
Thank you, Elyse. I love Marbella too.
Looks so beautiful. I think I would have to stay at Torremolinos and at Benalmadena, to experience them both.
That sounds great! Both places have unique things to do 🙂
I’ve never heard of Torremolinos prior to reading this blog post, but wow, it looks incredible! I definitely need to go and also visit Gibraltar. Great guide Cristina! 🙂
Is it a good idea to stay at Airbnb in Torremolino and go to Malaga frequently for sight seeing and night life for two weeks of staying in Malaga area in November? Or If I do most of my leisure activities in Malaga, it’s better to stay in Malaga?
Travelling between Malaga and Torremolinos is affordable and easy. You can take either the train or bus. However, I would recommend staying in Malaga if you want to sightsee and enjoy the nightlife. Torremolinos is very quiet in November (it’s much better during the summer).
Great advice on both areas. I am booking to travel at the start of may with two children (16 and 7). I think I would stay in either but is there much to do for kids in April?
Hi Charlene! Waterparks and water activities won’t be available, but you can still do plenty of activities like going to La Batería Park and playing mini golf in Torremolinos, visiting La Paloma Park and taking the cable car in Benalmadena, and going to Selwo Aventura in Estepona (if they like animals). Then if you go on a day trip to Malaga, you can visit kid-friendly museums like MIMA, spot the parakeets at Parque de Malaga, and much more 🙂