If the first thing you think of when you imagine a family summer holiday to Torremolinos is lying on a beautiful sandy beach soaking up the rays… then you’re not going to be disappointed.
One of Spain’s most famous resorts, Torremolinos has a total of six beaches along its 7km of sandy shoreline, which means that you and your family could pretty much visit a different one every day of your stay. And the best part is that they are all easily accessible, linked by a single promenade which runs from one end of the resort to the other.
From the close to town beaches, perfect for letting your teens discover on their own, to ones offering a dazzling selection of high octane watersports excitement, days beside the sea here can be as relaxed or action-packed as your family wants them to be.
The Best Beaches in Torremolinos
What makes the ‘best’ beach is a matter of choice and depends on what you’re looking for from your day by the sea. All I can tell you is which my family and I love the most – then it’s over to you and yours to explore this sunny coastal strip and decide for yourselves!
There are some things that all the beaches here have in common, however, and that’s clean, well-maintained sand, great facilities and a clear, calm sea, perfect for swimming in.
Playa El Bajondillo – For Central Sunbathing
If you don’t want to stray too far, or the kids are pestering to get out to work on their tans and you’d prefer to spend a little extra time over coffee, then you could safely send them down to Playa El Bajondillo alone.
This lively 1.1km beach is very central (just take the steps down from Calle San Miguel and you’re there) so your teens will be able to find it easily and save you a sun lounger for when you get there.
El Bajondillo is a great place to spend the day, as the promenade is lined with a variety of cafés, bars, shops and restaurants serving everything you’re likely to want or need.
Playamar Beach – For the Ultimate Watersports
Head northeast from Playa El Bajondillo and you’ll come to one of Torremolinos’ most famous beaches for watersports, Playamar (or Playa El Retiro as it’s sometimes known).
A beautiful 1.5km stretch of fine, yellow sand set in a more residential part of the town, Playamar has the benefit of many grassy ‘garden’ areas with plenty of shade so that you can escape the sun if it gets too hot. Of course there are still lots of cafés and bars along the promenade for you to shelter in too if you prefer, but if you’re looking to save a few euros a picnic in the shade is a popular option.
Your teens will love the young vibe of this stretch of coast which comes from the number of young adults heading here to take part in the vast range of watersports on offer. Everything from sailing and jet skiing to banana boating and wakeboarding is available, but if all you want to do is relax in the sun then there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and toilets on hand too.
Playa de la Carihuela – For Swimming and Socialising
If you turn to the west on the promenade from Playa El Bajondillo and past the rocky viewpoint of Punta de Torremolinos, you will find yourself on the vast and hugely popular Playa de la Carihuela.
The biggest of the resort’s beaches, at 2.1km long and 40m wide, Playa de la Carihuela is usually busy with families, teens and couples all coming to enjoy the well-manicured sand and beautiful coastline. As a result, there is a great range of restaurants, bars, shops and cafés to keep all the visitors happy and the promenade here offers some of the best people-watching opportunities in the resort.
Teens will love the buzz of this vibrant beach as well as the watersports. From Carihuela its worth exploring the neighbouring resort of Benalmadena, with its bustling Puerto Marina where scuba diving classes and catamaran rentals are offered to tempt the more adventurous young adults.
Other Things to Do with Teens
If your children are anything like mine you’ll need to drag them off their sun loungers at the end of the day, but if you lot want more from your holiday than just relaxing in the sun then there are plenty of other things for teens to do here. Check out this article for inspiration including everything from waterparks and theme parks to close encounters with crocodiles.
How to Get to Torremolinos
Getting to Torremolinos and the Costa del Sol couldn’t be easier, with regular flights from most UK airports flying into Málaga with a range of budget airlines. Prices start at around £32 and flights take approximately three hours.
Save yourself from tutting teenagers at Málaga airport as you fight your way to the front of the inevitable taxi queue by booking an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct before you set off. For a budget option, try the shared group transfer to get you quickly and stress-free from the airport to your resort.
Where to Stay:
Sol Timor Apartamentos – Just moments from the beach, the spacious Sol Timor Apartamentos benefit from a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and garden with palm-thatched umbrellas and sun loungers. All the apartments have balconies with sea views and free WiFi.
Sol Don Pedro – Part of a complex of three hotels, Sol Don Pedro is not only minutes from the beach; it also has three swimming pools and a variety of terraces and gardens. Teens concerned with the body-beautiful will love the wellness centre with Jacuzzi, sauna, hot spring bath and fitness centre. There’s free WiFi throughout and a selection of restaurants and bars across the three-hotel complex.
Melia Costa del Sol – Set on Bajondillo beach, image-conscious teens will love the sleek, stylish Melia Costa del Sol with its own state-of-the-art spa. There is a beautiful outdoor pool and for those who prefer to sunbathe on sand, Bajondillo is only a short stroll away.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct provides airport transfers to destinations across Europe and North Africa and is the most convenient way of getting from the airport to your destination. Avoid taxi and bus queues at the airport by booking a private car or economical shared group transfer online before you set off; a driver will be there to take you to your destination when you arrive at the airport.
