Zone 1: Torremolinos, La Carihuela & Benalmadena
This zone is no more than 20 minutes from Malaga airport. Public transport with bus lines and a direct train connection to Torremolinos and Benalmadena makes it an ideal zone if you don't want to use a car.
Torremolinos
The coastline of Torremolinos is approximately 7 kilometers long and is subdivided into 4 large beaches. They are characterized by the wide variety of activities. Playa El Bajondillo is the most central beach of 1100m and along the pleasant promenade you will find a large selection of restaurants and bars, Playa La Carihuela is one of the most popular beaches and the neighboring port of Benalmadena provides plenty of facilities and water sports. . Playamar beach is even better equipped, especially if you like water sports activities. Playa Los Alamos is the most easterly location and therefore a bit quieter. The beaches of Torremolinos are all very well maintained, Blue Flags , nice beach bars, sun beds and water sport activities.
Originally a fishing village, Torremolinos has something to offer to everyone in terms of food, drinks and restaurants. Over 300 eateries with a choice of local Spanish dishes, fine dining, pizza, Chinese, bistro bars and of course fish.
Restaurants in Torremolinos vary in quality, but there is a good amount of quality restaurants in the city. You can choose from a selection of Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and authentic Spanish restaurants in Torremolinos. And of course the chiringuitos that serve fresh salads and light lunches while you are on the beach.
These restaurants are named in the Michelin Guide:
La Luna Blanca: restaurant that serves the most authentic Japanese sushi, sashimi and tempura.
Restaurant Juan, Los Mellizos: specialized in seafood and shellfish, also exists in Fuengirola and Marbella and has a great reputation for the freshness of its products.
There is plenty of entertainment in Torremolinos. For adults and children, there is something for everyone. Torremolinos is a friendly city where everything can be found. An energetic nightlife for everyone and especially for the gay community, there is much entertainment. Torremolinos has always been popular because of its glamorous nightlife and bohemian carefree lifestyle. This reputation was gained during the sixties and seventies. At the end of May there is the Gay-Pride with more than 40,000 visitors. The nightlife of the LGBT community can be recognized by a rainbow flag.
Torremolinos also offers amusement parks such as Aqualand, a large swimming paradise for young and old, Crocodile Park, Bateria Park, etc. The city center has been made car-free and you can walk around in the streets with its many shops and bars. In addition to Spanish local festivals and La feria de San Miguel, there are also major festivals such as Los Alamos Beach Music Festival
Benalmadena
Benalmadena the 3rd major metropolitan city after Malaga and Torremolinos. And it has 3 centers Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa.
Benalmadena Pueblo: the original village, which lies approximately three kilometers inland at an altitude of approximately 200 m above average sea level. The core consists of a typical Andalusian village with a white front, but also contains many recent buildings in modern architectural styles.
Arroyo de La Miel: originally a separate village, situated between the Pueblo and Benalmadena Costa. It has become the most important Spanish residential area of ​​Benalmadena and also has a shopping street and center in itself.
Benalmadena Costa: The coastline of Benalmadena with discos, hotels, beaches, shopping centers and an extensive marina. Benalmadena Costa has many all-inclusive holiday hotels.
The beaches Malibu, Arroyo Hondo and Bonita are 3 beaches in 1. Together 610 meters long and 15-20 meters wide with extremely calm water due to the presence of breakwaters. Perfect beach for small children. Only accessible by car or bus. Playa Tajo de la Soga is one of the wildest beaches in Benalmadena and is directly connected to Playa Carvajal (Fuengirola) a quiet beach with medium waves. The coastal strip of Benalmadena is a bit rougher with cliffs, rocks so that you can still find some small bays here. Playa La Viborilla is a small beach, but the small dimensions make it all the more charming. The beach is 100 meters long and 10-15 meters wide. A must for snorkeling enthusiasts. If you like long, relaxing walks, then Playa Santa Ana is a choice.
There are many places of interest on the coast for example the Museo de Arte. Castillo de ColoMares is a castle (more like a monument) that is a unique homage to Columbus. The The Buddhist Stupa from which there is a viewpoint over the entire coastline of Benalmadena or the Bil-Bil Castle (Arabic style building).
Golf courses in Benalmadena are challenging and yet fun for even the least experienced golfers. Play a fantastic 18 hole on Torrequebrada Golf during the day.
There are also the Pitch & Put courses: Benalmadena golf and Bil Bil Golf
Entertainment is definitely an asset of Benalmadena: from the marina that has received the 'Best Marina in the World' award several times and where it is wonderful to stay, you can easily take boat trips to spot dolphins or visit Sea Life Center. You can visit the Aquarium, participate in numerous water sports, including; sailing, diving, kayaking, water skiing. The Centro Náutico of the marina is a meeting place for sailors, among others. Visit Selwo Marina, a dolphinarium and then continue on the hop-on-hop off bus to Tivoli World, an amusement park from where a teleferico (cable car) goes to the top of the 769 meter high Calamorro mountain that gives a panoramic view of Sierra Nevada, Gibraltar and even Moroccan coastline. The city park: Paloma Park,,Butterfly Parc, Jardin de las Aguilas (garden of the eagles) in short there is plenty to do for every age.
Benalmadena has plenty of choice of restaurants and eateries. But here our selection:
Blankko, is a lounge restaurant with a beautiful view, or dine with almost feet in the sea and in the shade of the trees: restaurant La viborilla and restaurant La Cala.
For fresh sushi you can go to In Asia inn the marina or for a culinary 5 or 6-course menu at hotel La fonda in Benalmadena Pueblo.
For an aperitif you can go to the Salitos Lounge Bar of La luna beachclub.