| Page Views: 8,976 Last Visit to Torremolinos: March, 2003 | Torremolinos, Costa Del Sol by Geoff_Wright - last update: Jan 9, 2004 |
Torremolinos is located in the south of Spain, on the Costa del Sol, some 12 kms from Malaga, and only 4 kms from the International Airport. Washed by the warm waters of the Medidterranean Sea, and close to the northern coast of Africa, it enjoys a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 22 degrees centigrade (70 degrees Fahrenheit), and in excess of 325 days of sunshine a year.
Surrounded by modern roads, and an excellent Autoroute (tolls apply), travel in and around the town is excellent. There is a central bus station, with frequent modern buses covering the whole area, and a modern train service to Malaga, to the East, and Fuengirola to the West. The train is fast, inexpensive and clean, with frequent trains, approximately every half hour.
The first we hear of the town is in 1489, in the last years of the Christian conquest, when after conquering Malaga in the allotment of the lands, reference is made to "Molinos" mills of the "Torre" tower. In 1502 it became part of the city of Malaga and was known by the name of the Torres de Pimentela. In 1745, the town appears for the first time on a map, made by Francisco Llobet, with the name "T. Molinos" or Torre de los Molinos, from where its present name comes. At some stage Torremolinos regained its independence, but was again annexed to Malaga in 1924. In September 1988 it again gained its independence.
Once a small and thriving fishing village, Torremolinos has over the past 40 years or so, altered out of all recoginiton. Like most of the Costa del Sol, the coastline is now dominated by high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, and there is little 'virgin' coastline left that is undeveloped, or not earmarked for development. Having said that, we were very pleased we chose Torremolinos as a holiday resort, rather than some of the neighbouring towns. Perhaps we just got to like it, but it is a place we would return to. Only a mile or two inland, and you are venturing into the old Andalucean towns, like Mijas and Ojen, and a little farther still, towns such as Ronda, steeped in history. (See my Ronda page). Torremolinos is a pretty, clean town. It is situated on a hill, above the beaches, and there is quite a steep climb from the beach up to the town. From our accommodation at beach level, there is a climb of 130 steps to reach the town, although there is a more gentle, winding paved footpath a hundred or so yards further along the beach road. |
|  | Calm before the Storms Blue Skies and sandy beaches. Just what the Doctor ordered! But a week later all this was gone!
We went there in March, and had been checking the local weather for several days prior to our journey. the temperatures had been in the mid-20's (70's F), and dry. During our first week the weather retained its English Summer charm, but all this changed halfway through our holiday. On the Sunday, there were severe storms. Ferry crossings to Africa were cancelled, and the beaches along the coast were literally wrecked. Such a shame for the local traders, amny of whom had just reopened their premises for the early spring visitors, only to have to shut them due to storm damage. And it rained! So, we took advantage of the wonderful transport system, and ventured inland where the weather was wonderful, as was the scenery! |
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Geoff_Wright's Torremolinos Travel Tips
 Comments for Geoff_Wright about Torremolinos | | | | |
Bwana_Brown Sun Feb 15, 2009 13:09 UTC
Geoff, thanks for this very interesting page! Too bad about the storm and the damage it did but your pics of the aftermath were great. I liked the looks of the marble staircase too - we never even managed to see the beach while there! | VeronicaG Fri Jul 18, 2008 22:32 UTC
We saw several silver or gold 'statue men' lined up on Oahu's main drag--same for our visit to Buenos Aires...they seem to be everywhere---enterprising people! Thanks for the tips, Geoff. | empbu Wed Mar 7, 2007 18:53 UTC
Nice tips on Torremolinos, thank you Geoff! I am there at the moment (arrived yesterday), visiting a friend who is working as a guide here. The scenery is incredible! :) | zizkov Wed Apr 21, 2004 00:55 UTC
Good page on Torremolinos - must have been pretty, er, stimulating having all that weather so close at hand. |
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