La Carihuela, Torremolinos, Guide and Forum

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Welcome to Torremolinos

Torremolinos is the largest of the resorts of the Costa del Sol and probably the most famous. It has received somewhat of a bad reputation, which has led local authorities to improve the cleanliness of the beaches and make an effort to keep the night life under control. During tourist season, different nationalities come together in Torremolinos for a little "fun in the sun." During the day the 9 km of beach are packed with bodies taking advantage of the summer sun. Temperatures often hover around 30° and 40° C (from 85° to over 100° F). There are plentiful beachfront cafés (called chiringuitos) selling fried fish, snacks and soft drinks, which are as good as the ride back from the main beach to the centre of town - uphill all the way.

When the sun sets, the town is still full of life. Restaurants provide almost all possible flavours, so you won't feel like you're only trying typical Andalusian food. Bars are in abundance which claim their heritage from one nationality or another: Irish, British, Dutch and German. Name it and Torremolinos probably has it. Crowded nightclubs pump out the latest music and remain open until dawn, or even later. There's no mistaking: Torremolinos is a place to have fun, so if you're looking for calm and relaxation do it elsewhere!

After the peak of summer's high season, Torremolinos becomes a quiet place. The 'party hearty' atmosphere decreases and travelers come to stay during the calm winters. The beach promenade is packed with Spanish families who go out for lunch and stroll the beach on Sunday. The mixture in Torremolinos of sun, fun and value for your money has caused people to come back year after year.

Activities

 Tivoli World (95 244 28 48), the Costa del Sol's biggest theme park, is located in Arroyo de Miel, 3 km north-west of Torremolinos. There are two dozen rides to choose from, including those geared towards tiny tots, as well as regular concerts, flamenco shows and a choice of restaurants and bars. It's open daily from 10am to 6pm and entry is 3.60 EUR.

Sea Life (95 256 01 50), situated at the entrance of Benalmadena Port, is an excellent aquarium with a "touch pool" educational section for young children who can handle crabs and starfish, as well as see tiny sharks and rays swimming in their egg cases with the aid of magnifying glasses. Opening hours are 10 am to 8 pm and the entrance is 5.90 EUR for adults and 4.10 EUR for children under 12.

Aquapark (95 238 88 88), about ten minutes walk north of Calle San Miguel near the Palacio de Congresos, is a typical family-fun water park with more than 30 rides, including the blood-curdling Kamikaze chute. The park is open from May until September, 10am-7pm, and the cost is 10.80 EUR for adults and 6.80 EUR for children.

Equestrian Show,"Ritmo a Caballo" (equestrian ballet). The Andalusians are arguably the most skilful horsemen in Europe and this weekly show, held at El Ranchito riding stables in La Colina (95 238 3140) is very professional with explanations in English and Spanish. Seating is limited, so reserve first.

Beaches

There are six main beaches in Torremolinos: Los Alamos, Playamar, Bajondillo, La Carihuela, Montemar and El Saltillo. The 7 km main promenade has recently undergone improvements with additional landscaping and wider pavements. Now all the beaches are linked.

Festivals

Like all the towns in Andalucia Torremolinos celebrates numerous traditional festivals. Here are some of the more important.  

• Carnivals (Feburary)
• Holy Week (March)
• Crosses of May, (early May)
• Corpus Christi (June)
• Saint John's Eve (23 June)
• Virgen del Carmen (16 July) Celebrated in La Carihuela
• Romaneria (end September)
• Summer Feria centers around Saint Michaels day (September 29) the towns patron saint.

The Day of the Tourist (end Sept) is a more moderate but equally important concept. The town hall will organise free events such as entertainment and the cooking of a huge Paella.

An important annual event in Torremolinos is the Spanish Ballroom Dancing Championships which takes place in October in the Congress Palace. Mr and Mrs Banderas (Antonio's parents) take a great interest, they won a couple of years ago.

Healing Hands, Massage and Reflexology, Costa del sol, Spain
Healings Hands, Massage and Reflexology, Costa del sol, Southern Spain.