Torremolinos Holidays

Torremolinos has put in the hard yards to cement a spot among Spain’s holiday elite. It’s no fluke that it’s leapt from fishing village to up-tempo town over the years – the bar-lined beach, tip-top shopping and late-night party scene have made sure of that. And despite competition from its coastal counterparts and international rivals, the crowds keep coming back for another slice of the action.

The beach – La Carihuela – throws its hat in the ring when you weigh up Torremolinos’ liveliest parts. In true Costa del Sol form, it’s a long sandy number that’s chock-full of sun-seekers from sun-up to sun-down. The calm waters are ideal for a paddle, and banana boats rip through the waves further from the shore. Seafront strolls to neighbouring Benalmadena only take 10 minutes, too.

Suitcases tend to be a little heavier when holidaymakers make the return trip to Malaga Airport. That’s down to Calle San Miguel, the town’s pedestrian-only shopping street. It’s bang in the middle of the old quarter, and gets its name from Torremolinos’ patron saint. There’s a 50/50 split of mainstream names and quirky craft places, and once the shutters come down, the bars and clubs kick into action until the early hours.

Eating out’s a real international affair here. Chinese restaurants bump shoulders with Italian pizzerias, and British home favourites muscle in, too. But it’s the chiringuitos that trap real foodies. These waterfront joints all wear a traditional thatched roof for a hat, and the town’s famous grilled sardines top every menu. The authentic look’s long deserted Torremolinos, but its fishing history’s stuck around thanks to these seafood specialists.