The best beaches in Torremolinos are a big part of what makes this destination so popular. Once home to quiet fishing villages, the region became a hot commodity for European holidaymakers in the 1950s and has rapidly grown in popularity since. With a fantastic selection of watersports and beach activities, an action-packed day out is easily managed.

Lined with beach bars and restaurants, the promenades along the waterfront are lively day and night. For those looking to get a taste of the region’s history as a fishing village can make the most of fresh seafood at the many tapas bars, while party-favouring folk can dance the night away in a number of nearby beach clubs. The only choice you need to make now is which one of the best beaches in Torremolinos to visit first.

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    Playamar

    Ideal for a stress-free beach day

    Playamar
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    Brimming with sunbeds, watersports and pedal boats, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you occupied at Playamar. Sometimes referred to as Retiro beach, dark sand runs for 1 km along the resort region’s waterfront. The moderate waves that lap at the beach are ideal for sailing and diving for those looking to engage in a more active day out.

    This beach has all the amenities you need including beach bars, kiosks, umbrella rental and bathrooms. Throughout the summer a range of beach entertainment is available to watch and Playamar is one of the best places in Torremolinos to watch the sunset as you enjoy a sundowner from one of the many chiringuitos running along the promenade.

    Location: Playamar, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain

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  • 2

    Playa de la Carihuela

    The largest beach in Torremolinos

    Playa de la Carihuela
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    Sheltered, clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming at Playa de la Carihuela, the largest of Torremolinos’ beaches. Like most of the beaches along this expanse of coastline, its dark sand is great for beach sports including volleyball. At Puerto Marina, on the western end of the beach, you can access everything from diving and sailing lessons to boat and catamaran hire.

    The most popular of all the Torremolinos beaches, its sandy shores quickly fill through the height of summer due to the proximity to the major resorts in the region. Shops, restaurants and bars are plentiful along the promenade, as well as providing play areas for children.

    Location: Playa de la Carihuela, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain

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    photo by Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

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    Playa El Bajondillo

    By one of the first seaside towns on the Costa del Sol

    Playa El Bajondillo
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    The urban beach of Playa El Bajondillo connects to Playamar and offers beachgoers plenty of shaded green spaces for a relaxing picnic or to escape the midday sun. As with the other beaches in the area, there is plenty of choice for dining and drinking options along the seafront as well as concert and entertainment facilities throughout the summer.

    What was once a quiet fishing village quickly expanded in the 1950s to attract a new crowd as a vacation hotspot among Europeans. After seeing a period of young travellers through the ‘80s and ‘90s for ‘disco tourism’, the beach now welcomes families as well as those in search of year-round sunshine.

    Location: Playa El Bajondillo, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain

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    Playa Los Alamos

    For a quieter beach experience

    Playa Los Alamos
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    Those looking for a more peaceful beach experience will find a haven at Playa Los Alamos. The furthest from the centre of Torremolinos, the 1-km beach is covered in grey sand with towering palms peppered throughout. A little more hidden than the other beaches nearby, visitors are often rewarded with fewer crowds and plenty of space.

    By day, the beach entertains sunseekers with kitesurfing and ping pong, but at night the nearby bars along the promenade come to life with many also featuring beach clubs. Groups can often be found practising pilates or getting their adrenaline pumping with fitness classes, making the most of the outdoor atmosphere.

    Location: Playa Los Alamos, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain

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    photo by Alfon34 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

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    Playa la Fuente de la Salud

    Catch a glimpse of local beach art

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    The smallest of beaches in the area, spanning just 150 metres, Playa la Fuente de la Salud is loved for its fine sand, receiving a Blue Flag award in 2019 for its high quality. Despite its size, the beach has much to offer visitors. A sailing club, as well as numerous nautical activities, keep beachgoers busy.

    If you’re looking to mix a little bit of culture with your beach day out, Playa la Fuente de la Salud features a variety of sand sculptures exhibited by local street artists for something a little different. All the convenient amenities from umbrella and sun lounger rentals to pedal boats and paragliding are on offer. When you’re ready for a mid-afternoon snack, there’s plenty of choice with beach bars and restaurants lining the nearby promenade.

    Location: Playa la Fuente de la Salud, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

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Kiri Nowak | Contributing Writer