Torremolinos or Fuengirola, Which is Better?
If you’re organising a trip to Costa Del Sol, you’ll likely wonder which coastal resort might be better, Torremolinos or Fuengirola.
Being from Costa Del Sol, I’ve travelled between Torremolinos and Fuengirola many times, and I can tell you which is better for you.
In summary, Torremolinos is a great choice if you’re looking for a cheaper holiday, close to the airport, and with good beaches, whereas Fuengirola offers a lively atmosphere and a great location for exploring the Costa del Sol.
In this blog post, I’ll compare both towns, from their attractions and beaches to their proximity to the airport and accommodations.
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Attractions
Torremolinos
Torremolinos doesn’t have as many attractions as other Costa del Sol destinations like Benalmadena, but you’ll still find things to do that don’t involve going to the beach.
One of the main points of interest is the old town of Torremolinos. Stroll the streets to find street art, do some shopping and find monuments like Torre Pimentel or the Beatles statue.
Near the old town, you can go to one of the hidden gems of Torremolinos, Casa de los Navajas. This beautiful Moorish building is worth visiting. It’s small but has impressive architecture, and the entry is free.
If you go to La Carihuela area, head to Parque de la Batería. This park is ideal for families but also for anyone who loves green spaces. You can find marble statues, a large artificial lake where you can rent a rowing boat, a playground with a carousel, and a tower offering incredible coastal views. It’s one of my favourite places in Torremolinos.
Other great activities in Torremolinos include visiting the Aqualand water park, which usually opens from May to October, and exploring the Molino de Inca botanical garden.
Fuengirola
Similar to Torremolinos, Fuengirola has a few attractions to visit.
The most emblematic building in Fuengirola is Castillo de Sohail. In my opinion, it isn’t the best castle in Malaga province because it doesn’t have much to see inside. However, it is worth visiting for its beautiful coastal views.
The castle is free to enter and open most days, but if you go to Fuengirola in summer, don’t be surprised if it’s closed. Some concerts and traditional events take place in the castle.
Whether you love animals or you’re looking for a fun family activity, check out BIOPARC Fuengirola. It’s the only zoo in Malaga, home to 200 animal species. Besides seeing the animals, you can join their educational yet entertaining exhibitions to learn interesting facts about them.
If you visit Fuengirola in the summer, you might also want to add Aquamijas to your list. This water park is located just outside Fuengirola.
It’s cheaper than Aqualand in Torremolinos, but there are fewer attractions.
Which has better attractions? I prefer Torremolinos to Fuengirola. Although it’s true that Torremolinos doesn’t have a ton of attractions, Fuengirola doesn’t either. However, Torremolinos is closer to Benalmadena, which offers many more activities, especially for families.
Beaches
Torremolinos
Torremolinos is home to many fantastic beaches, perfect for all types of travellers.
Most beaches in Torremolinos have good facilities (showers, public toilets, disabled access, etc.) and are well connected too.
The best beach in Torremolinos is Playa de la Carihuela, located towards Benalmadena. It’s a great beach with a lovely promenade, home to many shops and restaurants.
Another popular beach, especially among locals, is Playa de los Alamos. This beach has a young and lively atmosphere, as there are many fantastic beach clubs where you can rent a sunbed and spend the day, or enjoy the nightlife.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is home to many incredible beaches that stretch from El Ejido to Torreblanca.
Its beach promenade is packed with beautiful palm trees, flowers, and sculptures, as well as fantastic restaurants and beach clubs where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Playa El Ejido is my favourite beach in Fuengirola. It’s locally known as Playa el Castillo (the castle beach) because it’s just next to Fuengirola’s Castle.
Another popular beach is Playa Los Boliches. It has everything you need to spend a great day on the beach – sun beds, water activities, restaurants and more.
Which one has better beaches? Fuengirola has better beaches than Torremolinos.
Food
Torremolinos
There are plenty of food options in Torremolinos.
If you’re up for tasting Malaga traditional dishes, there are many great chiringuitos (beach bars) in Torremolinos, where you can eat the famous sardine skewers.
But not only can you find good restaurants serving local dishes, but you can also eat amazing international dishes or local dishes with a twist. Eat anything from noodles and pizza to tuna tartare.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also popular in places that offer international meals.
Fuengirola
In my opinion, Fuengirola doesn’t have many good restaurants serving local dishes.
If you go to the beachside, you’ll find many international restaurants, which don’t feel very authentic to the area. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t good places to eat; there are some great gems. I would definitely check out Bar El Chipiron and Changueiro-Bar de Vinos.
Which one has better food? I prefer Torremolinos over Fuengirola for food, especially when it comes to local cuisine.
Location
Torremolinos
In case you wonder where Torremolinos is, it is on the west side of Malaga and only a 20 minute drive from the city centre of Malaga.
However, it’s only an approximately 10 minute drive from the airport. This can be longer depending on which area of Torremolinos you’re travelling to.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is 35 minutes from Malaga city centre and approximately 20 minutes from the airport.
Which one has a better location? Both towns are close to Malaga and the airport. However, Torremolinos is closer.
Prices
Torremolinos
Prices in Torremolinos are similar to those in Malaga and other towns in the Costa del Sol. You can find budget-friendly hotels or apartments and restaurants, but also on the other side of the spectrum.
For example, if you want to eat cheaper, avoid the beachfront; it’s there where you’ll usually find beach clubs and restaurants that charge more than others in the old town or less touristy side of Torremolinos.
These are some examples of prices:
- Accommodation – rooms from 30 GBP per night
- Meal at a beach club – approximately 17 GBP per person
- Meal at a traditional restaurant – 12 GBP per person
- Transport – between 1 and 1.50 GBP one-way
Fuengirola
The prices you find in Fuengirola don’t differ much from the ones in Torremolinos. However, I find that some parts of Fuengirola are more expensive than Torremolinos, and there are more luxury hotels and apartments.
These are some examples of prices:
- Accommodation – rooms from 40 GBP per night
- Meal at a beach club – approximately 25 GBP per person
- Meal at a traditional restaurant – 17 GBP per person
- Transport – between 1 and 1.70 GBP one-way
Which town is cheaper? Torremolinos is cheaper than Fuengirola.
Day trips
Torremolinos
If you plan to explore beyond Torremolinos, which I highly recommend, you aren’t far away from other beautiful destinations in Costa del Sol.
The easiest day trip from Torremolinos is to Benalmadena, its neighbouring town. You can even walk from Torremolinos to Benalmadena.
What can you do in Benalmadena on a day trip from Torremolinos? Go to Puerto Marina (Benalmadena’s port), visit the lovely park of Parque de la Paloma, take the cable car to the top of Calamorro Mount and explore the old town.
Another easy trip is Malaga; you can take the RENFE Cercanías train and be in the centre of Malaga in no time.
There are many incredible things to do in Malaga in one day, from visiting the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre and Picasso Museum to eating your way through Malaga at the Atarazanas market.
Fuengirola
You can travel to the same destinations as above from Fuengirola, and you don’t need a car, as you can take the train.
Another day trip from Fuengirola that you can do without a car is Mijas Pueblo. This whitewashed town, set in the mountains, is very picturesque and a clear example of an authentic Spanish white village.
However, you might want to consider renting a car to explore beyond the locations mentioned above.
Other great day trips from Fuengirola include Marbella, Estepona and Gibraltar.
Which has better day trips? You can do the same day trips from both towns, so there isn’t much difference.
Accommodation
Torremolinos
The accommodation options in Torremolinos are plentiful. You can either stay at a budget-friendly hostel in the historic centre or a beachfront four-star hotel with a pool.
It really depends on your travel style. However, it’s important to know that many hostels and hotels with fewer than 3 stars aren’t very modern.
One of my favourite hotels in Torremolinos is Melia. It’s right next to the beach, the rooms are spacious and have balconies overlooking the sea, and it has a great pool too.
Other good hotels in Torremolinos are:
Fuengirola
Fuengirola also offers different types of accommodation, but it’s more likely you’ll find hotels with renovated facilities and modern rooms.
Although I haven’t stayed at any of these hotels, these are some of the best hotels in Fuengirola, according to friends:
Which one has better accommodation? Fuengirola has better hotels than Torremolinos.
Transport
Torremolinos
Torremolinos is very well-connected, so you won’t have any problems moving around and outside the town.
If you stay in the centre of Torremolinos, you won’t need to use transport; you can walk to places, but be aware that it is hilly and there are stairs to go down to the beach.
However, if you stay in Los Alamos, La Carihuela or other parts of Torremolinos, you can either take the bus or the train. In most cases, I prefer to use the train because it’s quicker.
On top of this, it’s very easy to travel from Torremolinos to the airport, Malaga, and other towns like Benalmadena and Fuengirola by train.
Fuengirola
What about transportation in Fuengirola? Well, you can also take the train and bus to travel to the airport and other destinations.
Fuengirola bus station offers a good range of buses to Mijas Pueblo, Marbella, and other destinations outside Malaga province.
Which one has better transport? Torremolinos and Fuengirola are well-connected, and you can use the same modes of transportation.
Nightlife
Torremolinos
When it comes to nightlife, Torremolinos is the winner. It’s known for its vibrant and lively nightlife.
As happens in all of the Costa del Sol, the nightlife is at its best during the summer months, as many beach clubs won’t open in winter.
There are plenty of great beach clubs along the promenade. Whether you love listening to R&B music or dancing to salsa or bachata, there’s a place in Torremolinos.
In addition, Torremolinos is famous for its LGBT-friendly clubs.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola also has a good atmosphere for partying, but it isn’t as popular as Torremolinos.
Which one has better nightlife? Torremolinos has better nightlife than Fuengirola.
Frequently asked questions about Torremolinos vs Fuengirola
Is Torremolinos tacky?
Torremolinos used to have a reputation for being tacky, but it has improved over the last couple of years.
Is Torremolinos worth a visit?
There are more beautiful destinations in Costa del Sol, but Torremolinos is a good option if you want a cheaper holiday while being in a very good location to travel to Malaga and its surroundings.
Is Fuengirola tacky?
No, but you’ll find areas that don’t feel very authentic and are touristy.
Is Fuengirola worth a visit?
Fuengirola is worth visiting for its beaches. Also, it’s very close to the pretty whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo.
How do you get from Torremolinos to Fuengirola?
The quickest way to travel from Torremolinos to Fuengirola is by car, which only takes 12 minutes. However, you can also take the C-1 train towards Fuengirola. The train journey only takes 20 minutes.
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Conclusion: Should I visit Torremolinos or Fuengirola?
It really depends on the type of experience you want.
As a local, I can say that Fuengirola is more international than Torremolinos. The expat community bigger.
Torremolinos isn’t the most traditional town in Malaga, but despite being international, it still keeps its local charm of what used to be a fishing village in some areas.
Have a lovely holiday in Costa del Sol!
Cristina xx
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Things to do before visiting Fuengirola or Torremolinos
- Compare and book cheap flights to Malaga Airport (AGP) with Skyscanner.
- Are you looking for accommodation? Get the best deals on Booking.com
- Book the best activities and tours with Get Your Guide.
- Check out this guide to try traditional food in Costa del Sol.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around the Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance with SafetyWing for your trip.
Just wanted to say thank you. This guide really helped my family decide which location to pick. We ended up picking Torremolinos and we are currently here!