Torremolinos, situated on the famed Costa del Sol, is gaining significant recognition and increasing popularity as the top sun-soaked holiday destination. This budget Spanish beach town claims the most sunny days per year and has even captured the hearts of multiple Hollywood A-listers.
Most travellers to the Costa del Sol have their eyes set on popular sites such as Malaga or Marbella. However, there's a new contender in town – Torremolinos. Located just a short 10-minute train ride from Malaga, this sun-kissed town boasts a multitude of attractions, making it a favourite among the British back in the 1950s.
Based on a recent study by IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, Torremolinos not only ranks as the happiest spot on Costa Del Sol but also has the most sunny days each year. This spectacular town was home to Spain's first gay-friendly bar, opened in 1962, signifying its progressive nature.
In recent years, Torremolinos has experienced an incredible revival, marking a significant rise in its popularity. Local media reported a record-breaking increase in overseas tourists and overnight stays during August, signifying the town's resurgence as a popular holiday destination. A significant contribution to this growth is the new €6 million train station, which makes getting to this sun-drenched town a breeze.
The town is known for its glorious five-mile stretch of sandy beaches embellished with bars and cafes, offering plenty of fun places to drink, dine, and relax. Among the six beaches, La Carihuela Beach stands out for its extensive length and historical reputation for attracting famous stars like Orson Welles and Grace Kelly.
Apart from La Carihuela, other popular sandy spots include Los Alamos, Playamar, Bajondillo, and Montemar. A haven for budget tourists, Torremolinos presents an affordable nightlife with beers priced as low as €1.60.
One of the top photogenic spots in the town is the Ruta de Murales, adorned with murals depicting the town's famous visitors including Samuel L Jackson, John Lennon, Frank Sinatra, Picasso, and Salvador Dali.
For fun-seekers, the town hosts the largest water park on the Costa del Sol. Named Aqualand, this water wonderland is full of thrilling water slides, kid-friendly play zones, hot tubs, and a wave pool. Sport enthusiasts can also enjoy the tennis courts that have been graced by Novak Djokovic on several occasions.
The future looks bright for this sun-soaked resort town with a massive €515 million shopping centre set to open soon. Despite being announced in 2016, the project has been delayed multiple times, but the anticipation and excitement remain undeterred.
Winter travellers need not fret, as Torremolinos is a hit even during the colder season, with several bars and clubs remaining open. Even though the journey from the UK to Malaga is less than three hours, flights surprisingly start from only £14.99 with Ryanair. From the Malaga airport, Torremolinos is reachable in a swift 10-minute train ride.
With its increase in popularity, affordable prices, and accessibility, Torremolinos is poised to become an unforgettable Spanish seaside resort on every traveller's radar.