Torremolinos

Torremolinos, a town only 12 kilómetres from Málaga capital, has a long and extensive history, as the many Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arab remains found in the area testify. The first written reports of Torremolinos date from 1489, a time when the Catholic Monarchs decided to boost repopulation in the place known then as Torres de Pimentel. Years later, in 1502, the town was placed under the jurisdiction of Málaga capital. This coastal enclave built some castles and watchtowers to protect itself from attack. The Castle of Santa Clara, from the 18th century, was one of the most important in the town. The major change undergone by Torremolinos occurred in the second half of the 20th century, when this fishing town discovered the enormous tourist potential of its extensive coastline and mild climate. Torremolinos has since become one of the chief centres for attracting tourists on the Costa del Sol, thanks to major tourist facilities and the quality of its infrastructure. Bajondillo, Carihuela, Los Álamos or Playamar are a just a few of the magnificent beaches to grace this coastline, where you will find major hotel complexes, housing developments, and even a Conference Centre which hosts important international meetings. Torremolinos offers countless possiblilties: from swimming and soaking up the sun at almost any time of year, to playing all kinds of sports, including golf, not forgetting the many restaurants in which you can sample the local “pescaíto” frito (fried fish). Sights In spite of the considerable urban development witnessed in recent decades, Torremolinos has managed to preserve the seafaring atmosphere on the streets of its most traditional neighbourhoods: El Calvario, El Bajondillo and La Carihuela. In the historic part of town stands the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, while it is also possible to find fine examples of noble architecture, outstanding among which is the Casa de los Navaja, built in the 19th century. But the greatest symbol of its heritage is the Torre de Pimentel or Torre de los Molinos, a defensive construction and which gives the city its name. Meanwhile, in the area known as Cortijo del Tajo major archaeological sites have been uncovered corresponding to the Neolithic age, as well as the pre-Roman and Roman periods. Gastronomy, festivals and surrounding area Gastronomy in Torremolinos is chiefly based on produce from the sea. Its most emblematic dish is “pescaíto” frito (fried fish), although there are many other recipes for fish prepared in the most varied ways: salted, on the grill, etc. The Designation of Origin Málaga standard is known for the excellent quality of its wines, especially sweet wines. Prominent on Torremolinos' calendar of events are the Fair and the festival in honour of its patron saint, San Miguel, which are held between the end of September and the beginning of October. A week earlier, the popular Pilgrimage of San Miguel takes place. La Carihuela is the setting each 16 July for the Fair of el Carmen, whose main event is the procession of the Virgin. Next door to Torremolinos, it is possible to visit other towns in the Málaga region with a deep-rooted tourist tradition, such as Benalmádena and Fuengirola. Inland are mountain villages such as Mijas, which boasts typically Andalusian houses, or Alhaurín el Grande, with its church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the palace of Montellano. And only 12 kilometres from Torremolinos is Málaga capital, which combines important heritage, headed by the citadel and the Castle of Gibralfaro, with an enormous range of leisure opportunities.