Torremolinos is probably the most famous of the Costa del Sol resorts due to the fact that it was the first town in this area to be developed for tourism. Originally a fishing village, as were most towns on the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is now a large resort, with many high-rise hotels and apartment blocks, and is still growing in all directions. There has been an attempt recently to improve this concrete jungle feeling by the creation of many public gardens in the town with many colourful flowers and exotic trees. The town of Torremolinos can be thought of as two seperate sections: Torremolinos centre which was the first part to be developed; and the more attractive and more authentically Spanish area of La Carihuela to the west which is a charming area with many of the original fishermen's cottages still existing and pretty houses with bougainvillea covered patios. The seafront promenade, Paseo Maritimo, runs from Playamar along to La Carihuela, continuing as far as Benalmadena Marina. The walk from the centre of Torremolinos to La Carihuela is a pleasant one with lovely sea views and many excellent seafront fish restaurants along the way. Most tourists come to the Torremolinos, Costa del Sol to enjoy the beaches and the weather and they won't be disappointed by Torremolinos's beaches as they are clean and sandy and tend to be wider and longer than many others on the Costa del Sol which has also contributed to its popularity as a resort. Playamar beach stretches to the east and the Carihuela beaches stretches to the west towards Benalmadena Costa and although they do tend to get busy during the peak summer months of July and August there is always some space to be found for the sun worshippers to lie and soak up the sun. For the more adventurous holiday maker there are numerous water sports and activities available all along the beaches such as windsurfing, paragliding and water-skiing. Cheap flights and holidays are available to Torremolinos all year round.

Region - Andalucia.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Madrid.
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro, about €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely accepted in Torremolinos.
Time Difference - GMT+1 hour.
Flight Time UK - 2 - 3 hours.
Torremolinos Airport - AGP (Malaga).
Distance from Torremolinos Airport - Approximately 4 miles.
Taxi Fare from Torremolinos Airport - About €20 (£14).

Driving in Spain - In Torremolinos they drive on the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required .
Electricity in Spain - In Torremolinos is 220v, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 0034.
Torremolinos Public Phones - Torremolinos International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards .
Torremolinos Mobile Phones - Torremolinos has all major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - Torremolinos emergency services are 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Torremolinos Health Risks - None.
Torremolinos Safety & Security - Motorists, particularly those towing caravans, should be aware of highway pirates, who target foreign registered vehicles in service areas and subsequently stop them on the hard shoulder of motorways.

Shop Opening Times in Torremolinos - Banks open in Torremolinos 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Shops open in Torremolinos 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Department stores and commercial centres in Torremolinos 10.00-21.00. Office hours in Torremolinos are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Torremolinos - Public Holidays in Torremolinos are Jan 1, 6, March 1, 25, May 1, June 24, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25, 28.

Torremolinos Accommodation - Accommodation is registered and inspected by the Malaga regional authorities. Torremolinos hotels are classified from one to five-star. Torremolinos hostels/pensions are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation in Torremolinos includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies, motels, self-catering, campsites, family guest houses, country villas, health spas and monasteries. There is a network of paradors, which are often converted palaces and mansions in Torremolinos.

Tipping in Torremolinos - In Torremolinos service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants in Torremolinos often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Torremolinos Standard of Living - In Torremolinos a Bottle of beer (330ml) - €1 (70p), mineral water (1L) - €0.90 (62p) and three course meal with drinks - €12 (£8.25).

Local Festivals in Torremolinos - The Malaguenian Holy Week celebrations and August feasts with bull fighting, horses and beautiful women dressed in traditional costumes. The annual Malaga fair in August is an exuberant week-long street party with plenty of flamenco and 'fino'(sherry).The fair commemorates the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487 and lasts for ten full festive days. This castanet-clicking fiesta starts off with a bang, literally, with an impressive firework display in the park which can be seen for miles around, not just in Malaga. The best view is from the Port if you happen to be on a cruise ship or can persuade a sailor friend to drop anchor there for a few hours. The following day the people take to the streets, the women in flouncy flamenco dresses, to dance, drink and, generally, make merry. The traditional dance of Andalucia is called 'Sevillanas' comprising four distinct dances with plenty of finger-clicking, foot-stomping and, above all, feeling. This is where 'dancing in the street' can be appreciated spontaneously 'en vida' which is really the only way Spanish dancing should be performed. .

Torremolinos Climate - In Torremolinos the Sea breezes from the Mediterranean coastline regulates the summer heat to a more comfortable levels than the inland Andalusian towns and the Malaga Mountains form the perfect barrier to protect the city from the colder weather in winter. It can still be very hot in July and August and it can be colder (minimum of around 13 °C) between December and February. Some much needed rainfall is to be expected in Torremolinos during the colder months, but it usually does not usually last for long. .

Tourist Information on Torremolinos
For more information on Torremolinos go to www.andalucia.com

Disclaimer

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