Torremolinos
Torremolinos is perfect for anyone looking for a villa in Spain within a well-established expat community. It has beautiful beaches and easy access to the Costa del Sol’s major attractions and a lively town centre.
Visit Torremolinos and you may expect to find it packed with party people, rows of high rises and full English breakfasts, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. However, look a little closer and another side emerges, one of pristine beaches, beautiful public parks resplendent with magnolia and banana trees, and there are even reminders of its former existence as a fishing village.
With its carefree, happy atmosphere Torremolinos appeals to visitors young and old, straight or gay, all brought here by the plentiful accommodation and infinite entertainments. But ask anyone who lives here all year round and they might point you in the direction of quieter residential areas like El Calvario with its fishermen’s cottages and unmissable seafood restaurants. Come with an open mind and look past the reputation and you’ll find a town that has survived the worst excesses of the tourist boom and emerged as something altogether more appealing.
Community
As this busy stretch of the Costa del Sol has developed, Torremolinos has almost turned into an extension of nearby Malaga and merged with its equally popular neighbour, Benalmadena. Despite this, with a permanent population of 70,000 people, it retains a proud and distinct character thanks to its largely Spanish population (around 75%) and the international tourists who flock to the town each summer.
Property
There are more than just apartments to be found in Torremolinos (although there are a lot of those). Head to the west side of town and La Carihuela for more traditional Spanish townhouses and villas to suit all budgets and tastes.
Amenities
Calle San Miguel is the main shopping area, where you can buy everything from fresh fish to the latest fashions. Every type of sport and leisure interest is catered for in Torremolinos, including golf, tennis and water sports. Spend any time here and you’ll soon find the best restaurants where you can try the local speciality pescaíto frito, or fried fish.
Health
Torremolinos has a wide range of healthcare options including several public health clinics and the Hospital Marítimo. For more specialist care, the University Hospital in Malaga is just a few minutes’ drive and there are many private doctors and dentists to choose from.
Cost of Living
It might be a holiday mecca but you will find the cost of living in Torremolinos extremely reasonable, particularly if you avoid the obvious tourist traps. And with Malaga right next door you will have access to a range of bigger shops and markets where you can find some fantastic bargains.
