Torremolinos is a no-apologies beach resort on the Costa del Sol, 14 km west of Málaga. It was essentially invented by mass tourism in the 1950s and 60s — the hotels and development came early and came fast. That history is part of what makes it interesting: La Carihuela, the old fishermen's quarter at the western end of town, survived relatively intact and still has whitewashed cottages, local seafood restaurants, and a pace that predates the package holiday.
The town's 9 km of beach are broad and sandy, backed by a promenade with chiringuito bars. Benalmádena is walkable along the coast. The gay-friendly Nogalera neighbourhood gives Torremolinos a different character from most Costa del Sol resorts.