Having long outgrown its fish and chip image, Torremolinos has evolved into one of the Costa del Sol´s largest and most cosmopolitan resort towns. This lively town, only 35 minutes drive from Marbella, hosts the fabulous Tourist Day (Dia del Turista) celebrations every September.(September 4th, 2008).

Colourful processions and street parades take place in afternoon and evening, where many of the locals wear traditional dress. Music and dancing continues on the beaches of Bajondillo, Playamar and La Carihuela, where visitors flock from far and wide to join in the fun.

Tourism transformed the once small fishing village of Torremolinos into the fabulous beach resort that it is today, and in respect of this, free paella; fresh fish; wine and sangria is give out to the revellers. A perfect family day out in a relaxed and fun filled atmosphere.

Quality hotels, chic bars and stylish restaurants mingle with more informal cafés and fast food joints along the sea front promenade. The main town of Torremolinos is bustling with activity, and for shopaholics, there are hundreds of places to buy souvenirs, sports goods, shoes and clothing.

Located in the middle of town is the Calle San Miguel, the main artery of the town. This smartly paved street is lined with boutiques and shops with a great variety of goods on offer, attracting a constant flow of people. The Cuesta del Tajo, at the end of San Miguel, leads down a steep flight of steps through the old fishing district of El Bajondillo. This is a popular, picturesque area lined with restaurants and kiosks, selling souvenirs. The beach of El Bajondillo is situated at the bottom of here.

Most of the night life in Torremolinos revolves around the town centre and La Nogalera, which gets particularly busy at weekends. The older part of town is home to some fabulous fish and seafood restaurants –many of which are situated in Carihuela.

Summer time attracts a younger crowd to Torremolinos and July and August can be quite hectic. The town takes on a completely different character in between October and March, and many older visitors enjoy the mild winter season.

The beaches are long and sandy, and the promenade is clean and stylish. Many of the town´s hotels are situated beside the beaches of Bajondillo, Los Alamos and Playamar, and these are the busiest areas during the summer.

Away from the beach, Torremolinos is also famous for its beautiful parks and gardens, and the town is surrounded by wooded areas with natural springs and barbecue facilities. These parks offer some reprieve from the hectic summer schedule on the coast, and are within easy driving distance of the town centre.
A host of free music and dance festivals run throughout the summer months in Torremolinos, and details can be found from any tourist information office. Annual events include the Day of the Tourist, the Folk Dancing Competition, Holy Week, the Crosses of May and the amazing Romeria de San Miguel in September, when a colourful display of caravans, flamenco dancers, singers and musicians wind their way up to the forest behind the town for a night of barbecuing and dancing.

Water sports facilities are available on all of the main beaches, including paragliding, skiing, pedaloes and scuba diving, and there are several classes and courses to suit all age groups. Sports fans are also well catered for in Torremolinos. Over 30 world class golf courses are situated near the town and golf enthusiasts flock from all over Europe to play on the Costa del Sol. Many of the hotels boast tennis courts, and there is even an all weather horse racing track at Cerrado de Aguilas, el hipódromo, where visitors can have a flutter.

Aqualand is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol, and is located only 10 minutes from the centre of Torremolinos. All the top attractions are situated here, including the boomerang ride, which is a new addition, and is said to be terrifying. The park also comprises tranquil green areas, swimming pools and an 18-hole mini golf course.

Close to this is the Crocodile Park, where experts give guided tours and live demonstrations with the reptiles. The crocs can be viewed safely from only 2 metres away, and visitors can learn all about the strange origins and characteristics of the world´s most revered reptile. Three hundred crocodiles live in and around the park´s lake, including Europe´s biggest crocodile– Paco. The African museum explains all about the creature´s habits and history, and gives an interesting insight into the tribes who have both hunted and protected them. There is also an outside cafeteria and bar serving drinks and snacks. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to hold a baby crocodile and have their photo taken with it as a souvenir.

Benalmadena-Costa is a short walk along the promenade from Torremolinos, and Malaga is a five minute drive to the East. As a family resort, Torremolinos has it all. Entertainment, shows and family fun are the order of the day, and you will never be short of things to do. Prices are reasonable compared to the western resorts of the Costa del Sol, and there is a massive range of accommodation to choose from. Good transport links also exist, and Malaga, Fuengirola and Benalmadena can be reached by train, bus or taxi. Contact details: Torremolinos Tourist Office, Plaza de la Independencia, 29620, Torremolinos. Tel: 95 237 4231. Fax: 95 238 0166. E-mail: turismo@ayto-torremolinos.org
When: September 4th, 2008.
Entrance fee: Free.
Opening hours: Day and Night.
Getting there: Throughout the streets of Torremolinos and ending up on the beaches of La Carihuela, Bajondillo and Playamar.