Torremolinos is a municipality in the south of Spain. It was one of the first resorts developed on the Costa del Sol and has long been synonymous with slow beach days and an electrifying nightlife. The LGBT events and Feria San Miguel (“San Miguel Fair”) alone attracted over 200,000 visitors in 2023. But there’s more to this coastal town than meets the eye—a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy invites visitors to savour life one drink at a time.
Originally a small fishing village, Torremolinos first rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as one of the pioneering tourist destinations in Spain. The town’s name, derived from the words “Torre” (tower) and “Molinos” (mills), harks back to its historical roots, where a series of mills lined the area’s streams. The 1950s and 60s saw a boom in tourism, transforming Torremolinos into a vibrant hub that attracted international visitors, drawn by its golden beaches, mild climate, and welcoming atmosphere.
Torremolinos is famously where Frank Sinatra was involved in a brawl with a photographer (while on location for Colonel Von Ryan), where Brigitte Bardot holidayed and shot The Moonlight Jewelers (1957) and where celebrities like Judy Garland, Marlon Brando and Kirk Douglas sunbathed under the Mediterranean blue sky.
Today, Torremolinos retains its historical charm while offering all the modern amenities and nightlife that make it a must-visit destination on the Costa del Sol. If you only have two nights to experience the magic of Torremolinos, here’s how to make every moment count.
Night One: La Carihuela and the Sunset Spectacle
Your first evening in Torremolinos should begin in La Carihuela, the town’s historic fishing district. As you wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll feel its past right under your feet—this was once a simple fishing village before it transformed into one of Spain’s most beloved tourist destinations. The atmosphere here is a mix of old-world charm with modern signage, with traditional Andalusian whitewashed houses sitting side by side with boutiques and cafés.
La Carihuela Beach courtesy of turismotorremolinos.es
La Carihuela Beach
Address: Paseo Marítimo, La Carihuela, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
As the sun sets, head down to the promenade that stretches along La Carihuela Beach. Find a spot at one of the chiringuitos (beach bars) that line the shore. El Horno Beach Bar is a local favourite, known for its relaxed vibe and perfectly prepared espetos—sardines skewered and grilled over an open flame. Pair this with a glass of chilled tinto de verano (a refreshing mix of red wine and soda), and you’ve got the perfect introduction to the culinary offerings of Torremolinos.
El Horno Beach Bar
Address: Calle Bulto, 69, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Website: elhornobeach.com
Phone: +34 952 05 56 98
After dinner, let the night unfold with a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo. The promenade is alive with street performers, musicians, and a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the cool evening air. For a relaxed drink with stunning sea views, stop by Kandinsky Gin & Cocktail Bar. This chic spot offers an impressive selection of cocktails, including a variety of gin-based concoctions, all served with a sophisticated flair.
Kandinsky Gin & Cocktail Bar
Address: Paseo Marítimo, 47, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 647 97 70 63
Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
If you’re in the mood for something more lively, make your way to La Nogalera, Torremolinos' nightlife epicentre. Here, you’ll find a mix of bars and clubs catering to all tastes, but Aqua Club stands out with its open-air dance floor and DJs spinning until the early hours.
Aqua Club
Address: Plaza de La Nogalera, 12, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Website: aqua-club.com
Phone: +34 952 38 69 24
Night Two: From Tapas to Tantalising Beats
Your second night in Torremolinos is about discovering the town’s culinary and cultural heartbeat. Begin your evening at Casa Juan Los Mellizos, a revered spot in La Carihuela, where the seafood is always fresh, and the atmosphere is quintessentially Andalusian. Start with a selection of tapas—boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar), gambas al pil-pil (prawns in garlic and chilli), and the ever-popular jamón ibérico. For your main course, the paella de mariscos (seafood paella) is a must-try, embodying the flavours of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Casa Juan Los Mellizos
Address: Calle San Ginés, 20, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Website: losmellizos.net
Phone: +34 952 37 35 83
Once your appetite is satisfied, delve into Torremolinos’ cultural side. Visit the Casa de los Navajas, a beautifully preserved Moorish-style palace that dates back to the early 20th century. The ornate architecture and stunning sea views make it a perfect spot for a post-dinner walk, offering a glimpse into the town’s more refined history.
Casa de los Navajas
Address: Calle Las Mercedes, 1, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Check for seasonal variations)
Phone: +34 952 37 95 09
As the night deepens, it’s time to return to La Nogalera, but this time for a different experience. Palladium Disco is a must-visit—this iconic venue has been at the heart of Torremolinos’ nightlife scene since the 1980s. With its retro décor and a playlist that spans decades, it’s the ideal place to dance the night away.
Palladium Disco
Address: Plaza de La Nogalera, 9, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 38 23 75
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, head to Voom Voom, a laid-back bar known for its eclectic mix of music, from jazz to reggae. The intimate setting is perfect for winding down your two-night adventure, offering a more subdued, but no less enjoyable, end to your time in Torremolinos.
Voom Voom
Address: Calle Skal, 8, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 616 66 92 05
LGBTQ+ Friendliness and Local Events
Torremolinos is celebrated not only for its stunning beaches and nightlife but also for its openness and inclusivity, particularly toward LGBTQ+ visitors. The town has long been a beacon of acceptance on the Costa del Sol, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that is both visible and active.
La Nogalera, the heart of Torremolinos' nightlife, is particularly known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and cafés. This area has played a significant role in making Torremolinos one of Spain's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Clubs like Eden Copas and Parthenon are popular spots, offering a safe space where everyone can enjoy a night out without fear of judgement.
Eden Copas
Address: Plaza de La Nogalera, 7, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 619 93 03 44
Parthenon
Address: Plaza de La Nogalera, 5, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 607 69 84 32
Torremolinos also hosts several events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. The most notable of these is Torremolinos Pride, which takes place every June. The event draws thousands of visitors from around the world for a week of parades, concerts, and parties, all celebrating love, equality, and freedom. Another significant event is the MadBear Beach Festival, held in August, which caters specifically to the bear community within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
In addition to its LGBTQ+ events, Torremolinos also offers a rich calendar of local festivals and cultural events. The Feria de San Miguel in September is a highlight, featuring traditional Andalusian music, dancing, and food, as the town honours its patron saint with processions and festivities that last late into the night.
A Town of Contrasts
Torremolinos is a town of contrasts—where the old meets the new, it’s especially known for its great beach life environment and bombastic nightlife instead of historical sites and museums. Over two nights, you’ll experience this dynamic interplay as you move from its historic centre in La Carihuela to the vibrant, contemporary nightlife of La Nogalera. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the beach or dancing until dawn, Torremolinos is more than just a beach town; it’s a place to experience life that feels genuine and memorable to each person. Each night has its own unique “vibe”, every meal offers something new to discover, and the moments you spend here tend to stay with you long after you’ve left.
For more information on living and traveling on the Costa del Sol, visit us at ultimate-lifestyles.com