I have arrived in this city, hoping to spend a considerable amount of time on the beaches of the Costa del Sol. Unfortunately, I have found them in rough shape. Filled with debris and garbage that I think is a result of the recent floods. I can however enjoy another aspect of the waterfront. Walking the beautiful promenade in Torremolinos is a lovely way to start the day.
East Side
This 6.5 kilometre stretch of walking path is divided up into roughly three parts, an East side, middle and west side. The most eastern end begins at a parking lot on the outskirts of town, not too far from the Malaga Airport actually. Here there is a bolus of new construction, extending this already sprawling municipality.
Not the most attractive part of town, this east side parallels a number of beaches. At the far end is Playa de los Alamos, then comes Playamar, Bajondillo (the most populated spot) and lastly Playa del Lido closest to the mid point.
Large resort hotels are here, such as a Riu and an Occidental, however the west side is definitely more popular for those. There are a few shops, lots of beach clubs and two sets of stairs to get up to the city as this side is quite a drop down from town. There is even a public elevator that will cost riders €0.50 for a lift up.
Mid Point
My favourite part of the promenade is the mid point or El Morro. A natural rock formation juts out into the sea here. It was once a beautiful terraced garden that belonged to an English couple. Now a large apartment complex has taken the space of the castle and estate up top and completely eradicated all of the history.
What is left of the gardens has been carved from, to create the promenade. Within the rock face, is a home for birds, wildlife and a feral cat colony.
There are multiple benches along here, to sit and enjoy a beautiful sunrise. Also find statuary of artist Salvador Dali and his muse Gala. It was she who is attributed to being the first female to go topless in the region, and make it a popular choice for enjoying the sun.
West Side
By far the more attractive and better maintained part of the promenade is the west side. This paved path is lined with tall palms, small park like area’s, statues, little sitting coves and generally much more to see. Here find almost the entire promenade lined with shops, restaurants, café’s and such, as well as beach clubs, back to back all along the sand.
Beaches here are Playa Rincon del Sol at the mid point followed by Playa de la Carihuela (the most popular place), and Playa de Fuente Salud right at the very end near the marina and the Burger King.
If you have walked this far, you will now find yourself at the entrance to the marina. I walk out to a light house and over to the large ferris wheel that no tourist city seems to be complete without. Just past here find the boats bobbing in the water and many fish in the shallow water.
My favourite time of day to walk this stretch is at sunrise. Watching that big bright Mediterranean sun rise over the horizon and bask the town in warmth is beautiful. There are few people, mostly those out for exercise and walking quickly like I am or running. In all of Torremolinos, this is the place that brings me the most joy.
