Torremolinos is part of Spain’s famous Costa del Sol region. This popular tourist destination boasts of 9 kilometres of pristine beaches, a bustling nightlife with hundreds of bars, restaurants and boutiques to choose form, and a number of water sports that people can enjoy around the year. Tourists flock here from all parts of Europe to escape the dreary winter and enjoy the sunshine and extensive partying.
A little less than 50 years ago Torremolinos was a quiet fishing village where the only sounds you’d hear on the shores were the quiet lapping of the waves and the breeze whistling through the trees. Not anymore. There are tourists and disco music, and the calls of street vendors peddling their wares. However, the government has taken steps to preserve some of the town’s natural beauty and charm.

For example, despite the sudden boom of apartments and towering hotels, the town remains to be picturesque. Beautiful landscaped gardens are scattered all across the area, containing over a thousands kinds of flowers, trees and other greenery. These gardens help retain some of the serenity of a seaside town, not to mention create little spots of nature for picture-taking and picnicking.

And despite the boom that the entire Costa del Sol region has seen in terms of property development—it seems that there’s always a condo being built, or a house being bought by a tourist who has fallen in love with the area and wishes to own a permanent vacation retreat—there are still many parts of Torremolinos that have been preserved from the march of modernization.

For example, right in the heart of the busy shopping district lies family owned fresh fish bars, holding true to the town’s tradition as a fishing village. This is the best place to buy seafood, and somehow it doesn’t seem odd that it’s sold right next to a designer boutique! You’ll also find tapas bars that are cooked in the traditional way, winding cobblestone streets, and charming balconies that are festooned with geraniums and other beautiful flowers.

Indeed, Torremolinos is a fine blend of rustic charm and party central–a perfect place to hold your next vacation in Spain.