Torremolinos
Torremolinos is probably one of the most well know destinations on the Costa del Sol and is located approximately 12 kilomteres from the centre of Malaga.
Due to its position the climate is temperate with an average of 18 degrees and rainfall will not normally exceed 500 litres. Its territory spreads out mostly around a narrow strip at the foothills of the Mijas mountain range specifically the Sierra llana.
Torremolinos was once an independent town but then in 1924, when an insufficiency of its own resources failed to meet the needs of its inhabitants Torremolinos was forced to request adherence to Malaga. Shortly afterwards a group of pioneers began the transformation of this small fishing town into a tourist destination. It was George Langworthy who bought the primitive Santa Clara Castle and turned it into a famous foreigner’s residence this was closely followed by the opening of the Cortijo de cuzazorra by Ms.Carlotta Alessandri.
Famous people had already began spending their summers in Torremolinos and in 1948 the restaurant El Remo opened closely followed by the first luxury hotel in the region which opened in 1959, from then on Torremolinos became throughout the 60s a destination for a broad selection of famous and wealthy people.
Torremolinos gained back its independence in the summer of 1988, and these days it is a tourist city of the first order, with urban, cultural, social and development of its infrastructures that has helped with its tourist appeal , offering visitors excellent public services and a clean and tidy urban environment.
The Plaza de la Costa del Sol which has recently undergone improvements to its roads, gardens and street furnishings is the centre of this destination, and is very close to Molino de los Monoja with different bars and surroundings, and of course there is the famous San Miguel street which is the commercial centre, here visitors will find many different shops including, jewellery, perfume, fashion and souvenir shops, various cafes and bazaars and quaint little tea rooms.
At the end of San Miguel street is the square with the same name and the church which is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, next to the church are some stairs which lead to the Pimental Tower, there you will find the restaurant Molino de la Torre, from this point a group of ramps and stairs take you to Bajondillo beach.
La Carihuela which is an old fisherman’s neighbourhood is located in the western seaboard and has an attractive pedestrian area, small squares and gardens and the Virgen Del Carmen church. The Montemar and ElSlillo beaches are located close to Benalmadena .
The magnificent and well cared for beaches, with their array of services start at La Roca Punta de Torremolinos at the outskirts of Torremolinos. El Bajondillo which you can get to by way of beautiful gardens and steps adeptly named the “camino del al playa” (path to the beach). A seaside avenue with a verity of shops, bars, restaurants take you East to Playamar.
Torremolinos has began to revitalise its local ancient festivals including the celebration on July 16th when a crowded procession gather on the beach in La Carihuela for the Virgin blessing the water.
Aqualand
Built in 1984 Aqualands facilites are constantly being up dated, this was the first water park to be opened in Spain and it is still the largest on the Costa del Sol. Located just 10 minutes from Torremolinos center Aqualand is an ideal place to spend a fun packed day out. It totals 70,000 meters square and is home to the highest Kamikaze water slide in Spain.
Some Nightlife
This is a very small selection of someof the night clubs available in Torremolinos.
The Palladium
The Palladium, situated on C/Mallorca, is one of the town´s best loved late night venues and boasts a swimming pool, lasers and one of the most extravagant lighting systems you will ever clap eyes on. Open from 3am-9am, the hours and the entertainment are extraordinary. Situated over three floors, the music keeps pumping all night, and many revelers dance themselves into frenzy. Guest DJ´s take to the decks at the weekends and there are a host of shows and cabaret acts booked during the summer months.
Fun Beach
The Fun Beach disco and nightclub is also situated in C/Mallorca and offers clubbers the best in late night entertainment. Also including a swimming pool, the staff is all decked out in swimwear and clubbers are encouraged to dress as crazily as possible. Attracting a predominantly young crowd, this is one of the town´s premier nightspots, and enjoys a fabulous reputation for fun and games. Open from 10pm to 7am, there is no need to bar hop to get that last elusive drink.
Pipers
Pipers is much more than a club and disco. Boasting some of the best live acts on the coast, this quirky club is a must for many holidaymakers. Oddly enough, there is a plane suspended from the ceiling, and some eye-catching oddments are scattered around. On stage performances take place nightly in the summer months, and there is something for every age group to enjoy in this fabulous venue.