Area Guide Torremolinos

16th April 2025 · 10 min. read · by Manuel Dávila

A coastal, cosmopolitan, and open-minded town, Torremolinos was one of the pioneers of tourism on the Costa del Sol. Today, it preserves that same free-spirited and cheerful character, while offering a modern urban setting, natural green spaces, and seven kilometres of beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle all year round.

Its privileged location next to Málaga, pleasant climate, and diverse atmosphere make it an appealing choice both for permanent living and for investing in a second home with strong potential.

• Table of contents
• Where is Torremolinos?
• Why choose Torremolinos as a place to live or invest?
• What type of properties can I find in Torremolinos?
• Does Torremolinos have sea views?
• What is the environment and landscape like in Torremolinos?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Torremolinos?
• What services and amenities are in Torremolinos?
• Best restaurants in Torremolinos
• What international schools are near Torremolinos?
• What else can I do in Torremolinos and its surroundings?
• Is Torremolinos safe to live in?
• Our main reasons to choose Torremolinos

Torremolinos is located on the western shore of the Bay of Málaga, between the city of Málaga and Benalmádena. To the northwest, it borders Churriana, which is home to the international airport, as well as the charming town of Alhaurín de la Torre.

The municipality covers nearly 20 square kilometres and includes urban areas, coastline, and mountainous landscapes. Among its best-known neighbourhoods are La Carihuela, once a traditional fishing village, and Los Álamos, now one of the most exclusive residential areas by the sea.

With over 70,000 registered residents and a vibrant international community, Torremolinos is one of the key municipalities that make up the Western Costa del Sol.

1. A growing property market: Torremolinos is experiencing a highly positive phase of development, with a booming new-build sector, modern homes, and renovation opportunities in areas with strong potential.
2. Excellent airport connection: Málaga International Airport is just a 12-minute drive from the town centre, providing easy access to over 100 destinations around the world.
3. Close to Málaga city: Only 25 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train from the centre of Málaga, Torremolinos allows you to enjoy the city’s full cultural, gastronomic, and leisure offering while maintaining the peace and comfort of coastal living.
4. Mild climate all year round: With an average annual temperature of 20°C and over 300 days of sunshine, Torremolinos is perfect for enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.
5. An open and diverse town: Since its early days, Torremolinos has been known as a welcoming place with an open and inclusive mindset, widely recognised for its tolerant spirit and vibrant LGTBIQA+ community.
6. An ideal place for retirement or remote work: Its climate, relaxed lifestyle, excellent gastronomy, and strong connections with the rest of Europe make it a favourite destination for Europeans looking to settle permanently or work remotely.
7. Active cultural and social life: All year round, Torremolinos hosts a calendar full of festivals, celebrations, cultural events, and leisure activities for both residents and visitors.
8. Wide variety of properties: From sea-view penthouses to detached villas and modern apartments, Torremolinos offers a diverse real estate portfolio to suit different buyer profiles.
9. High rental returns: With steady tourist and residential demand throughout the year, Torremolinos offers attractive returns for investors, without relying solely on seasonal tourism.
10. Natural spaces and a healthy lifestyle: Torremolinos offers numerous parks, walking trails, green areas, and a long seafront promenade that encourage an active and healthy outdoor lifestyle.

Torremolinos offers a wide variety of properties to suit different lifestyles. From penthouses with open sea views to modern apartments and detached villas, the property market is diverse and well distributed throughout the municipality.

In Los Álamos, one of the most exclusive areas, contemporary homes dominate the landscape. These are ideal for those seeking comfort, privacy, and a vibrant atmosphere close to the beach. In Playamar and El Bajondillo, seafront apartments are plentiful, with direct access to the promenade and all amenities within walking distance.

El Pinillo and the area around the Congress Centre offer peaceful residential options that are well connected and spacious, making them perfect for families or permanent living. Thanks to this combination of seaside, urban, and residential zones, Torremolinos stands out as an excellent choice for both living and investing.

Its seven kilometres of coastline mean that many homes enjoy open views of the Mediterranean. In areas such as Playamar, El Bajondillo, La Carihuela, and Los Álamos, it is common to find properties with spacious terraces overlooking the sea and spectacular sunsets.

The landscape blends sea, green areas, cliffs, and natural formations such as El Morro, a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea and forms part of the Coastal Path (Senda Litoral). In addition, places like the Molino de Inca Botanical Garden offer peace and nature right in the heart of the town.

The beaches, many of which hold Blue Flag status, feature dark sand and full services, making them perfect to enjoy all year round. The balance between urban living and natural surroundings is one of Torremolinos’ greatest appeals.

Torremolinos stands out for its excellent connections with the rest of the Costa del Sol and inland Andalusia. The A-7 motorway runs along the northern part of the town, and the local commuter train links Torremolinos with Málaga, the airport, and Fuengirola. Urban bus services, pedestrian routes, and cycle lanes complete a smooth, convenient, and sustainable transport network.

Supermarkets:

The town offers a wide range of supermarkets, including Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, and Aldi, as well as organic food shops and local markets. Notable options also include Supercor and the Gourmet Experience at El Corte Inglés in Plaza Mayor, where you can find premium products, international brands, and delicatessen specialities.

Shops, fashion, and home décor:

The town centre, particularly around Calle San Miguel, is home to a wide selection of fashion boutiques, shoe shops, jewellers, and home décor stores. Just a few minutes away, Plaza Mayor shopping centre and El Corte Inglés Outlet offer a broader retail experience, with national and international brands in a modern, accessible setting.

Healthcare and pharmacies:

Torremolinos is served by public hospitals such as Hospital Marítimo and Hospital de Torremolinos, as well as renowned private clinics including Vithas, HM Santa Elena, and Med24h. Healthcare is complemented by more than thirty pharmacies and several local health centres throughout the municipality.

Sports and wellness centres:

The town offers excellent sports facilities. The Ciudad de Torremolinos Sports Stadium is a key venue for professional athletes, particularly in athletics. The Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy, with a nine-hole course and practice area, is a top choice for golf enthusiasts. There are also padel and tennis clubs, gyms, yoga studios, and a wide variety of outdoor activities that promote a healthy and active lifestyle all year round.

Torremolinos boasts a diverse and flavourful culinary scene, with options to suit all tastes. Among the most iconic beach bars are Casa Antonio, opened in 1952, and Restaurante Miguel Cerdán, founded in 1941. Both are true references of traditional seaside cuisine.

Along the coast, restaurants such as La Coquina, Los Manueles, and José Cerdán serve the classic espetos de sardinas, grilled over open flames, a local delicacy that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.

Beach clubs like Playa Miguel, Edén Beach, Jazba, and The Beach at the Meliá Costa del Sol hotel add a contemporary flair, combining music, cocktails, and modern cuisine in stylish seafront settings.

In the heart of the town, places such as La Escalera, Mesón Galego Antoxo, and La Experiencia offer a fusion of local tradition and international flavours, all served in a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

In Torremolinos and its surrounding areas, there is a diverse and high-quality educational offering, with international and private schools renowned for their academic excellence, modern teaching methods, and multicultural approach.

Among the international schools, Sunny View School stands out as one of the oldest on the Costa del Sol. It offers a British education with a strong academic programme and a focus on the personal development of each student.

Colegio Miramar is another leading institution in the area. It provides trilingual education in Spanish, English, and French, with a participative learning model and an inclusive environment welcoming students from a variety of national backgrounds.

Colegio Bilingüe La Latina completes the offering with a comprehensive education from early years through to sixth form, combining academic rigour with emotional support in an innovative setting tailored to the challenges of the 21st century.

These institutions make Torremolinos a highly attractive option for families seeking a demanding, high-quality education within an international environment.

Torremolinos is a vibrant town, offering events and activities for all ages throughout the year. Highlights include the Casa de los Navajas, a neo-Mudejar style seafront mansion, and the Pimentel Tower, from which the town takes its name. Both are must-see landmarks.

Celebrations such as the Día del Pescaíto, the San Miguel Fair, Holy Week, LGTBIQA+ Pride, and the traditional jábegas boat races reflect the town’s lively and inclusive spirit. The beaches are perfect for paddle surfing, snorkelling, jet skiing, or simply enjoying a sunny day by the sea.

Attractions such as Aqualand, one of the largest water parks on the coast, and the Crocodile Park, ideal for family visits, add to the town’s appeal. For golf lovers, the Miguel Ángel Jiménez Academy and nearby courses in Benalmádena, Mijas, and Marbella are just a short drive away.

Torremolinos is a safe town, with strong public services, visible security, efficient transport, and an active, diverse community. Its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a high quality of life by the sea.

• A vibrant town with its own identity: Torremolinos blends tradition, diversity, and modernity in a Mediterranean setting that embraces inclusion, culture, and wellbeing.
• A privileged location next to Málaga: Its proximity to the city centre and the international airport makes Torremolinos an ideal place for those seeking easy mobility without giving up the coastal lifestyle.
• A balanced mix of sea, city, and nature: With seven kilometres of coastline, urban parks, and a scenic seafront promenade, Torremolinos invites you to enjoy outdoor living all year round.
• A broad and growing property market: From modern beachfront homes to properties with renovation potential, the town offers something for every type of buyer.
• An active and healthy lifestyle: Local gastronomy, outdoor sports, cultural activities, and a mild climate encourage a dynamic lifestyle in harmony with the surroundings.
• A safe and welcoming environment: Torremolinos stands out for its laid-back atmosphere, tolerant character, and international community, making it an ideal place both to live and to invest.