Apartment for sale in Torremolinos

Una de las populares playas en Torremolinos

The town's immediacy to Málaga, its seven kilometres of beach and its superb climate ensured it quickly became something of a favourite among northern Europeans; less than a three-hour flight away for most, Torremolinos offered tangible tropical-ness, almost year-round warmth and an intriguing peek into the Spanish way of life.

By the 1980s, Torremolinos was most certainly one of the liveliest resorts in Europe, but the proliferation of low air fares and more air routes opened up a greater range of choice for the consumer, and Torremolinos soon fell out of favour with the average holidaymaker seeking fun in the sun. So it set about re-inventing itself.

La Carihuela Charm

First, the infrastructure was modernised, followed soon by bigger and better hotels and a greater choice of attractions. Soon, Torremolinos became a popular gay resort (it still is) and it has, in recent years, enhanced its appeal further, adding family-friendly attractions, traditional charm and a wider choice of commercial and investment opportunities than before.

The resort's La Carihuela district is built around the old fishing village and is a wonderfully charming part of the municipality. It is home to some of the best fish and seafood restaurants you are likely to find anywhere along the coast, and essentially acts as Torremolinos' back garden, such is its idyllic nature.

Day-Time Pursuits and Evening Pleasures

The stretch of beach that runs the entire length of the resort is dotted with thousands of sun-loungers and parasols, and along the promenade are numerous restaurants and chiringuitos (most of them Spanish in character and cuisine), while the street-side promenade is home to a more international offering of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops.

Souvenir shops in the famous "Calle San Miguel"

Vast commercial complex between Torremolinos and Málaga

Once in the town centre, street upon shop-fronted street stretches out before you, buzzing with activity day and night. Between the stores and gift shops sit plenty more bars and restaurants, most with an open-front where al fresco coffee-sipping and people-watching can be enjoyed at your leisure.

While a great place to simply stroll around, Torremolinos also offers several excellent attractions. Torremolinos Aquapark, for example, claims to have the tallest waterslide in Europe, and nearby is the Crocodile Park. Just outside of town, the sprawling Plaza Mayor commercial centre is home to an outlet village, a large Leroy Merlin store and an IKEA – idea for furnishing your newly-bought home in the sun