Torremolinos Holiday Guide

There are plenty of cheap package holiday deals to Torremolinos – there's no shortage of inexpensive hotels – and with hundreds of charters and low-cost carriers flying in each week it's easy to pick up a bargain flight. Malaga airport is just 7km away, so it's about a 10 minute transfer, and there's an electric train that runs along the coast.

It's easy to get around town and to other resorts on public transport, but for exploring Andalucía further it's a good idea to hire a car. The town itself is on a hill and can be tricky to negotiate on foot for those with walking difficulties.

Sweeping, wide sandy beaches line the coast here and the 7km seafront promenade has recently been widened and landscaped. The main beaches of Playa de Bajondillo, Playamar, Los Alamaos and La Carihuela are crammed with rows of sun loungers and umbrellas and it can get very crowded in summer; however, there are plenty of facilities, from cafés to windsurfing and volleyball, and play areas for children on holiday too.

The promenade extends east to Playamar and west to picturesque La Carihuela, and now continues as far as the Benalmadena marina. It's great for an early evening stroll; you'll pass some dramatic rock formations before reaching La Carihuela.

Torremolinos isn't really a place for sightseeing holidays. For historic sights you'll have to head out of town, perhaps to nearby Malaga for a taste of Moorish architecture at the citadels of Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. There's a cathedral here and some good museums too, including the new Picasso Museum.

To get away from the hectic bustle of the beaches and town centre, head to the forests on the outskirts of town. They're pretty and peaceful, with barbecue facilities and fresh springs, and it makes a nice change to the beach.

For daytime snacking there are dozens of beach-front cafés (called chiringuitos) – stop for some fried fish (a local specialty) and a beer. Restaurants cater for every taste, from traditional Spanish to pizza, and there are plenty of greasy cafes geared up for the British tourists. For fine dining, head to nearby Marbella where you'll find lots of glitzy places to eat.

Andalusian food shouldn't be missed. From baby squid in garlic to barbecued sardines, it's fresh and tasty. The seaside Carihuela area is renowned for its fish restaurants and is particularly popular with local families for Sunday lunch. Wash it down with wine from Malaga – it's some of the best in Spain– and there are all kinds of sherry to be sampled too.

Few towns on the Costa del Sol have as many bars, restaurants and nightclubs and the nightlife is lively and varied, with venues ranging from salsa-dancing Spanish clubs to some of the biggest discos in Europe. There are Irish, English, Dutch and German bars, as well as more local taverna-style hangouts.
Recently, the heart of the action has moved a little further down the coast to Benalmadena's marina, while Puerto Banus is the place to head for a more sophisticated party scene.

The pedestrianised Calle San Miguel is the town's main street and it's great for shopping, with all kinds of shops and boutiques selling buckets and spades, clothes, swimwear, jewellery and souvenirs. Look out for leather goods, lace, embroidery and handcrafted pottery – and, of course, the local wine and sherry is great value.There's plenty of family fun to be had in and around Torremolinos. The biggest theme park on the Costa del Sol, Tivoli World, is just 3km out of town, with dozens of rides and regular shows and concerts.

Aqualand is just 10 minutes from the town centre too with more than 30 rides, including the breathtaking new 'Boomerang' for the adventurous. SeaLife, at Benalmadena port, is a great aquarium with a 'touch pool' for young children to learn more about the underwater world. Pony trekking in the countryside can be arranged at an equestrian centre in the hills just outside town.

For a taste of a typical, whitewashed Andalusian village, head to Mijas. It's just outside Fuengirola and an easy day trip. A little further afield and less visited by tourists is Ronda, a spectacular, sparkling white town built on a dramatic gorge in the mountains.
Another Andalusian highlight is Granada to the north-east. The crowning glory is the Alhambra, the palace-fortress built by the Moors which towers over the town. It's a magical place in beautiful natural setting. Trips are offered by local tour operators and there are buses from Malaga too.
Any golfers on holiday here will be spoilt for choice too – there are dozens of great courses along the coast here for anyone who fancies a round.