One of the main advantages of visiting Torremolinos on holiday is its strategic position, located half-way along the Málaga coastline more commonly referred to as the Costa del Sol. In less than a one-hour’s drive, you’ll be able to reach some of the province’s most charming coastal towns, incredible inland villages and the stunning surroundings of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Here’s a closer look at some of the most beautiful towns and villages close to Torremolinos:
Málaga
Given Torremolinos’ proximity to Málaga, it would be unforgivable to not visit the provincial capital during your holiday on the Costa del Sol. It is, quite simply, one of the most complete cities in Spain from a cultural, culinary and recreational perspective. During your time in the city, we recommend finding time to visit the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the new Pompidou Centre, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre and the Atarazanas Market. If you have time, you should also take a relaxing stroll through La Merced Square, down the famous Larios Street, through the park next to the port and around the Alcazaba fortress. To round off your time in the city, you should make the most of the opportunity to take a memorable dip at La Malagueta beach (or, indeed, any of the city’s other beaches!), and follow it up with a tapas route around some of the city centre’s bars and bodegas. One must-visit establishment is El Pimpi, whose historic wine barrels have been signed by numerous celebrities from around the world.
Mijas
In the early 20th century, Mijas was a small agricultural village nestled in the mountains (although not too far from the coast!) Today, it is among the province’s most popular tourist attractions. Its charm lies in the authenticity of its old town, characterised by whitewashed hillside houses that are adorned with colourful flower pots. Mijas is also renowned for its fleet of ‘donkey taxis.’ For decades, these adorable animals have helped transport goods through the inclined streets of this historic town. In addition to the wonderful views offered by its series of viewpoints, Mijas is also home to one of Spain’s most unique bullrings: oval in shape yet fully integrated into the village’s architecture. You would be forgiven for not knowing what lies beyond its doors!
Marbella
Marbella needs little introduction. The most famous resort town on the Costa del Sol, it is well known for its impressive array of luxury hotels, restaurants and designer boutiques—particularly around the Puerto Banús area. Marbella is also blessed with a pleasant year-round climate, meaning you’re practically guaranteed good weather whenever you choose to visit this slice of paradise on the Mediterranean coastline. All of this, combined with its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere, is why so many celebrities choose to live or spend their holidays here. But beyond the glamour, Marbella preserves the essence of a traditional fishing village, with a town centre that exhibits the hallmarks of traditional Andalusian architecture.
Benalmádena
Benalmádena is the closest town to Torremolinos. In fact, the two municipalities are connected by a pleasant beachfront promenade that skirts past the famous La Carihuela Beach. Benalmádena is a popular destination among sea lovers thanks to its Puerto Marina, where impressive luxury yachts are moored all year-round. It is also known for its quintessentially Andalusian old town, the Colomares Castle dedicated to Christopher Columbus, a striking Buddhist stupa, the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium and the Selwo Marina marine park. Also highly recommended is the Benalmádena Teleférico (cable car), which travels from the coast up into the mountains in as little as 15 minutes, offering those who brave it one of the most impressive panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.
Nerja
Located on the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, Nerja is arguably the coastline’s most iconic village (and certainly one of its prettiest!) It holds nostalgic value for many Spaniards who grew up watching the iconic TV series ‘Verano Azul,’ which was filmed here and helped to put the village on the map. Nerja’s beauty is matched by the clarity of its waters and the beauty of its beaches and coves. Two of its most popular photo spots include the Balcón de Europa Square, offering incredible views of the Mediterranean, and the Plaza de España. Just 3 km from the centre of Nerjas lie the famous Nerja Caves, which were discovered in 1959 and are considered as some of Spain’s natural wonders. The visitor route, which extends for 5 kilometres, will take you past dramatic stalactite, stalagmite and other impressive rock formations.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is nestled between the municipalities of Benalmádena and La Cala de Mijas towards the west of the Costa del Sol. It is a bustling tourist destination packed with large hotels, apartment blocks and a comprehensive array of services including shops, restaurants, parks and, of course, beaches. One of the most popular ones is San Francisco Beach (also known as Fuengirola Beach or Los Boliches Beach), which extends for nearly two kilometres and is flanked by a pleasant beachfront promenade. Insofar as monuments are concerned, Fuengirola is home to the Moorish Sohail Castle, perched on a hill by the sea. Its old town is also home to the 20th century Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the Salón Varietés Theatre, which specialises in English-language productions.
Alhaurín de la Torre
Located inland but just a short drive to the coastal municipalities of Málaga and Torremolinos, Alhaurín de la Torre is the quintessential Andalusian village. Nothing quite compares to embarking on a leisurely stroll through its streets, squares and alleyways lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colourful potted plants. During your time in Alhaurín de la Torre, you should also find time to visit the house of British writer and hispanist Gerald Brenan who lived here for many years, which now houses a foundation that preserves his personal library of over 5,000 books. The Church of San Sebastián, meanwhile, which was rebuilt in the 19th century after a devastating earthquake, is a lovely neoclassical building. From the area’s Moorish past, you can visit the Cortijo de Molina site, which retains remnants of a farmhouse and a tower dating back to the era of Muslim rule.
Coín
Not far from Alhaurín de la Torre is Coín, located in the Guadalhorce Valley. This municipality is renowned for being the eastern gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and the ‘Caminito del Rey’ (described in the next section). Coín’s well-preserved old town developed around the ancient Church of Santa María de la Encarnación, which was built on the site of a former mosque. This now deconsecrated church houses the Antonio Reyna Manescau Centre, which hosts an array of exhibitions and cultural events. The town’s religious heritage also extends to the Church of San Juan Bautista, La Caridad Hospital, the Church of San Andrés and the bell tower of the former Trinitarios Calzados Convent.
The Caminito del Rey
Since re-opening in 2015, the Caminito del Rey walkway has become one of the most popular inland tourist attractions in the Málaga province. This vertiginous walkway is found high up the steep slopes of the Gaitanes Gorge, nestled between the towns of Álora, Ardales and Antequera. Much of the walkway is built into the rock, about 100 metres above the ground and little more than a metre wide. To access the Caminito, you’ll need to head to the car park near the Visitor Reception Centre and take the shuttle bus to the starting point. Once you’ve finished the route, the same bus will take you back to the car park. The round-trip fare is €2.50 and must be paid in cash. While tickets can sometimes be purchased on-site, during peak periods they can only be purchased on the official website (caminitodelrey.info). Tickets cost €10 (or €18 for a guided tour) and are available only to those over the age of 8. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
