Torremolinos
LOCAL INFORMATION
History has bequeathed Torremolinos
corners of profound local flavour, such as the seafarers' district of
La Carihuela, as well as a great many vestiges of it rich past, among
them the town's Keep.
Over the year, the town enjoys every one of its traditional fairs, festivals
and pilgrimages to the full. The local cuisine cannot be ignored, with “pescaíto”
frito (fried fish) as the star attraction.
Torremolinos, a town only 12 kilómetres
from Malaga capital, has a long and extensive
history, as the many Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arab remains found in the
area testify.
The first written reports of Torremolinos date
from 1489, a time when the Catholic Monarchs decided to boost repopulation
in the place known then as Torres de Pimentel. Years later, in 1502, the town
was placed under the jurisdiction of Malaga
capital. This coastal enclave built some castles and watchtowers to protect
itself from attack. The Castle of Santa Clara, from the 18th century, was
one of the most important in the town.
The major change undergone by Torremolinos
occurred in the second half of the 20th century, when this fishing town discovered
the enormous tourist potential of its extensive coastline and mild climate.
It has since become one of the chief centres for attracting tourists on the
Costa del Sol, thanks to major tourist facilities
and the quality of its infrastructure.
Bajondillo, Carihuela,
Los Alamos or Playamar
are a just a few of the magnificent beaches to grace this coastline, where
you will find major hotel complexes, housing developments, and even a Conference
Centre which hosts important international meetings.
Torremolinos offers countless possiblilties:
from swimming and soaking up the sun at almost any time of year, to playing
all kinds of sports, including golf, not forgetting the many restaurants in
which you can sample the local “pescaíto” frito (fried
fish).
Sights
In spite of the considerable urban development witnessed in recent decades,
Torremolinos has managed to preserve the
seafaring atmosphere on the streets of its most traditional neighbourhoods:
El Calvario, El
Bajondillo and La Carihuela.
In the historic part of town stands the parish church of Nuestra Señora
del Carmen, while it is also possible to find fine examples of noble architecture,
outstanding among which is the Casa de los Navaja, built in the 19th century.
But the greatest symbol of its heritage is the Torre de Pimentel or Torre
de los Molinos, a defensive construction and which gives the city its name.
Meanwhile, in the area known as Cortijo
del Tajo major archaeological sites have been uncovered corresponding
to the Neolithic age, as well as the pre-Roman and Roman periods.
Gastronomy, festivals and surrounding area
Gastronomy in Torremolinos is chiefly based
on produce from the sea. Its most emblematic dish is “pescaíto”
frito (fried fish), although there are many other recipes for fish prepared
in the most varied ways: salted, on the grill, etc. The Designation of Origin
Málaga standard is known for the excellent
quality of its wines, especially sweet wines.
Prominent on Torremolinos' calendar of events
are the Fair and the festival in honour of its patron saint, San Miguel, which
are held between the end of September and the beginning of October. A week
earlier, the popular Pilgrimage of San Miguel takes place.
La Carihuela is the setting each 16 July
for the Fair of >el Carmen, whose main event
is the procession of the Virgin.
Next door to Torremolinos, it is possible
to visit other towns in the Málaga region
with a deep-rooted tourist tradition, such as Benalmádena
and Fuengirola. Inland are mountain villages
such as Mijas, which boasts typically Andalusian
houses, or Alhaurín el Grande, with its church of Nuestra Señora
de la Encarnación and the palace of Montellano. And only 12 kilometres
from Torremolinos is Málaga
capital, which combines important heritage, headed by the citadel and the
Castle of Gibralfaro, with an enormous range of leisure opportunities.