20+ Best Things to Do in Torremolinos (An Insider’s Guide)
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.
Initially, it was just a tiny fishing town, but it has grown over the years, and I can’t believe how much has changed from a local perspective.
I frequently visit Torremolinos as it’s a short drive from my hometown, Malaga, and I can confirm it’s a more attractive 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 fantastic 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
Short on time? Here is a summary of the best of Torremolinos:
⭐ Best attractions: Casa de los Navajas, Molino de Inca Botanical Garden and La Batería Park.
🏖️ Best beaches: La Carihuela and Los Alamos (for a younger crowd!)
🥘 Best places to eat: La Mar del Garum and Miguel Cerdán Restaurante.
🍹 Best beach club: La Playa Surf.
🛏️ Best hotel: Meliá Costa del Sol.
🚗 Best day trips: Benalmadena, Mijas Pueblo and Malaga.
1. Explore 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 I didn’t come across this place until recently.
This historic house, located in the Bajondillo area, has become a must-see attraction for those who love the Neo-Mudejar architecture prevalent 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 just a tourist attraction but also a place where weddings and other special events take place.
Visiting Casa de Los Navajas is free, and this beautiful hidden gem in Torremolinos currently opens from Wednesday to Sunday.
2. Wander Torremolinos Town Centre
Apart from shopping at San Miguel Street, wander through 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 between Calle San Miguel and Cuesta del Tajo. Built around 1300, it was intended as a strategic point to defend the town during the Nasrid period in Andalusia.
Nowadays, you can’t go inside the tower, but it remains an important historical landmark.
3. Look for street art
Contemplating street art in a town or city is a great activity that is rarely mentioned in travel guides.
When I wander around Torremolinos Historical Centre, I love coming across beautiful art murals like the one in the pictures above.
The best way to discover street art is to be present and pay attention to what’s around you! You don’t always find cool paintings in the most popular places.
Torremolinos is indeed a popular resort on the 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 mainly offer fish and seafood dishes such as espetos de sardinas (barbecued sardines) and pescaíto frito (fried fish).
My top recommendations for traditional food are La Mar del Garum and Miguel Cerdán Restaurante.
However, the newest beach bars offer less traditional dishes and more international fare, such as sushi, tuna poke, and falafel bowls. 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 Playa Surf House 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 remember visiting it as a teenager!). However, unlike other theme parks and water parks, Aqualand has expanded and added 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, which has artificial waves set every hour.
Local tip
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. Get them now on their website.
6. Spend the day at Los Alamos Beach
I don’t know about you, but I don’t tend to spend 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 include an umbrella in case you don’t want to be exposed to the sun all day.
You’ll also find more local people on this beach than tourists and younger people.
7. Visit Jardín Botánico Molino de Inca
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden is the perfect place for those who love escaping crowds.
This tranquil 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 botanical garden includes Japanese gardens, a garden with hillocks and lakes, four viewpoints, and ornamental fountains.
It’s also home to some small animals like birds and rabbits, oh well, and owls! I was pretty surprised to see them there.
It’s truly a hidden gem on the outskirts of Torremolinos. I really enjoyed my visit.
8. Sip a cocktail at a beach bar
La Playa Surf is one of my favourite spots in Torremolinos to enjoy a drink or a meal on the beach.
Their menu includes 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.
9. Play mini-golf
Are you looking for something fun? Then you should go to the mini-golf course near the Burger King in Bajondillo. Not only is there a mini-golf course, but some arcade games, too.
This place is excellent for having fun with friends or family. Also, it’s a good spot to find somewhere to eat or drink. For example, Tiki Restaurant offers all sorts of sushi as well as top-notch cocktails.
10. Relax at Parque de la Batería
Parque de la Batería is a lovely spot to visit in Torremolinos. Most locals know about it, but many tourists miss this incredible park, which is located a 20-minute walk 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 and couples. Despite not being so well-known by tourists, it can be busy sometimes.
If you visit 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.
11. 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.
12. 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 yourself! 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!
13. 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 from which you can see both Torremolinos and Benalmadena.
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.
14. Sunbathe at La Carihuela Beach
La Carihuela Beach is a popular beach among locals and tourists. It’s considered one of the best beaches in Torremolinos, with calm waters and fantastic facilities.
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.
15. 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 sculptures.
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.
16. Visit the Crocodile Park
It isn’t my type of activity, but you might want to do it, especially with kids.
Next to the water park Aqualand, you’ll find the Crocodile Park, where you can learn everything about crocodiles – including how they made it to survive for so many years. Apart from crocodiles, you’ll also see turtles and chameleons.
They have different opening times in the summer months (July and August) from the rest of the year, and you can check them on their website.
17. 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 get up to 5 people on it.
Other water activities you can do are kayaking or hopping on a surfboard.
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. However, avoid busy times such as late afternoons, evenings and weekends. The best time for a more relaxed 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 Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy and Parador de Málaga Golf Club, the first golf course built in the Costa del Sol. It’s located at the beginning of Torremolinos, close to Los Álamos.
In addition to these two golf courses, there are many other courses nearby Torremolinos, such as Golf Torrequebrada in Benalmadena and Chaparral Golf Club in Mijas.
20. Enjoy the sea views from Punta de Torremolinos
Punta de Torremolinos, situated between Bajondillo Beach and Rincón del Sol Beach, is an excellent 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, when the magical sunset is at its best.
21. 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 for couples who want to take a relaxing walk on the beach and families who want to take their kids out to play in the bouncy castles or at 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.
Things to do near Torremolinos
If you plan to spend more than two days in Torremolinos, I highly recommend visiting its nearby towns. I’ve compiled this list of day trips from Torremolinos, but some of the best excursions include Malaga, Mijas Pueblo and Ronda.
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 well-equipped with comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe, an en-suite bathroom, and air conditioning. Many of the rooms also have a stunning sea view.
Although the rooms and location are good, I loved the hotel’s facilities most, especially the rooftop pool and terrace, where you can unwind and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Book your stay
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 various points across Torremolinos (from Los Alamos, at 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.
If you want more information, I’ve written a detailed guide on how to get from the airport to Torremolinos.
Frequently asked questions about Torremolinos
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 the Costa del Sol.
The town used to have a negative reputation, and some people said it was tacky. However, it has been changing over the years, and it’s now an excellent place for couples, families, and solo travellers.
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 areas are considered better for parties.
Conclusion about things to do in Torremolinos
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 the opening of all the beach attractions.
I don’t recommend visiting Torremolinos in winter, as most beach clubs and attractions are closed. However, in winter, you can have sunny days with lovely temperatures, so you can walk on the promenade or look for nearby hiking trails.
In terms of budget, Torremolinos is relatively cheap compared with Marbella. Many tapas bars and chiringuitos 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 or join my Facebook group, which is the perfect place to ask questions and connect with others!
Safe adventures,
Cristina xx
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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
- 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 🙂
Cristina: Just found your travel information about Torremolinos. My sister and I have booked an Airbnb there for 3 weeks in January. I know the town will be very sleepy during that time, so will there still be some restaurants and shops open? We don’t expect it to be vibrant like it is in the summer. We don’t mind quiet, but if it’s dead, that’s another matter. We will have a rental car part of the time, and plan to take trips to Cordoba, Seville and Granada, maybe Gibalter. (by the way, do you know if the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier runs at all in the winter?) Thanks for any advice, recommendations and information you can give us. :p
Hi Pamela!
It’ll be quieter than other months for sure, but there are still restaurants and shops open in the old town and its surroundings. You’ll be in a good location to travel to other places, such as Malaga and Fuengirola, as well as the places you mentioned. I’ve never taken the Tarifa to Tangier ferry, but I’ve seen that they run all year round 🙂