General Background
The modern town of Torremolinos is often thought of as the place to go for a cheap package holiday, after gaining a bit of a dodgy reputation in the 1970’s. Nowadays however, this reputation is a thing of the past, with Torremolinos becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Close to Malaga airport, the town is known as the gay capital of the Costa del Sol and has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
About the area
Torremolinos is a Mediterranean resort town typically known for its sandy beaches. However, there have also been a number of important archaeological discoveries made there, including a number of human bones, tools and pottery, proving that the town was settled as early as the Neolithic Age.
Originally, Torremolinos’ economy was reliant on the mill industry, which is how it got its name – Torremolinos translates to ‘The Tower of the Mills’. However, this industry started dying out in the early 20th century, and the resort started to become increasingly reliant on tourism.
Back in 1962, Torremolinos opened Spain’s first ever gay bar which lead to an outcry and number of public arrests. Fortunately, times have moved on a lot since then, and the town now has a thriving gay culture.
What to see
As you come into Torremolinos, the first thing you’ll see is the statue at its entrance, known as the Monuemento al Turista. As you drive further into the town, you will see the beautiful, sandy beach – La Carihuela. This area caters to all, offering beachfront dining, coastal walks, shopping and, if you’re in the mood for it, clubbing.
On the outskirts of the town, you will find the Plaza Mayor. This complex comprises of shops, restaurants and a number of bars to choose from. It also has a multi-screen cinema which shows films in both Spanish and English, as well as a place to play arcade games. Just up the road from there you will find another, slightly smaller retail park, featuring a recently built IKEA.
Your trip to Torremolinos wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famed crocodile park either, or the town’s truly stunning Molino de Inca Botanical Garden.
How to get there
Torremolinos is only a stone’s throw away from Malaga airport so getting to the resort is very easy. You can either drive the 10 km down the AP7, get a bus from the airport for €3.80, or take a short one-way train ride for €1.80.
The town also offers a range of public transport options, so getting around the place is a doddle.