As a curious traveller who likes to mix a little relaxation along with the adventure, I have no problems with a good old beach holiday — that’s if the location is right. If you’re like me and you’re someone who is looking to combine the opportunity to rest and recharge with a few days of exploration, then Torremuelle Beach on the Costa del Sol is the ideal destination for your next getaway.
Located in Benalmádena and close to fantastic Fuengirola (which is another excellent base for independent travellers) this area boasts a huge twenty kilometres of beautiful coastline and Torremuelle is something of a hidden gem. Out of the seventeen beaches along this stretch of shoreline this is probably the quietest, which means that when you do just want to relax, you get to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun in peace.
Besides the soft sand and sparkling waves, however, there are loads of sights to see and things to do in the surrounding area. Here are a few of my favourite attractions to break up the days of sunbathing and swimming.
Colomares Castle
This fascinating piece of architecture is sure to delight all wannabe explorers. Despite its name, Colomares is not actually an historic castle but a great monument to the pioneer Christopher Columbus. Built between 1987 and 1994, you’ll notice an interesting combination of architectural styles come together in this fairytale structure. The decorated turrets complement the embellished facade and the building’s careful design celebrates a number of styles that have influenced Spanish culture over the centuries: Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar. You’d never have guessed it was designed by a Doctor from the United States!
Taking up a whopping 1,500 metres, this is the largest monument to the explorer in the world! You could spend a couple of hours wandering around the intricate building and taking it all in.
Top tip: Perhaps the most curious part of all is, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the castle houses the smallest church in the world. Occupying only 1.96 metres of floor space you won’t want to miss out this beautiful feature found inside.
Teleférico Benalmádena
This is my favourite recommendation when people are looking for something that everyone will enjoy. The teleférico (cable car in Spanish) offers visitors an unforgettable aerial trip to the top of Monte Calamorro where incredible panoramic views of the Costa del Sol await. Once you’ve taken all your photos (and marvelled at the view) there’s a vast array of activities to choose from:
- Falconry displays: get up close and personal and witness the beauty of rare birds of prey including the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and eagle owl.
- Nature walks: there are a few marked walking routes offering a lovely representation of the diverse flora of the Mediterranean.
- See the Sights: perfectly placed viewpoints allow tourists to witness spectacular landscapes. On a clear day, you can even see the coast of Africa!
Flamenco Benalmádena
You can’t come to Spain and not experience the stunning art of authentic flamenco, a dance born in the heart of sunny Seville and practised all over the country. In fact, one of the features that make this establishment in the south so revered is that all of its performers have been traditionally trained in Seville, meaning that every performance is a great introduction to this passionate dance form.
The most popular show, and my personal favourite, is the “Flamenco Tradicional”. It’s perfect for travellers who have no prior knowledge of the artform, lasts just over an hour and usually stars three or four different performers. Since reputation is everything, the artists are carefully selected to ensure that the performance is of the highest quality and as close to the traditional style as possible.
Top tip: The venue opens from 6.30 pm and serves a lovely selection of Spanish tapas. Get there early and treat yourself to delicacies like cured ham, local cheese and tortilla.
Parque de La Paloma
Despite being a beach location, Tourremualle still has it’s green spaces to offer and by far the best is the expansive Paloma Park. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon, a stroll under the shade of the trees offers welcome respite from the hot midday sun. There are a number of paved walkways throughout the park, allowing visitors to explore the flora and fauna – and there is an interesting collection to see too! There are peacocks, chickens, rabbits and even an area with ostriches and goats so animal lovers will be delighted at the sights on offer!
Here are a few other highlights:
- Picnic on one of the green lawns in the sunshine.
- Cactus Garden: green-fingered guests will enjoy this part of the park, which has more than 450 species of cactus!
- Open-air concerts: in the summer months, the municipal auditorium on the west side of the park organises musical shows that are always a fun night out.
Into The Blue Diving
If you’re looking for a little bit of an adrenaline rush, nothing beats a day of scuba diving. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete novice wanting to learn, this friendly diving school offers classes and dive outings to suit everyone. Into The Blue knows where all the best dive sites are, which means you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on your exploration into the underwater world. You can choose from a range of different courses or if you’re experienced and are looking to get back into the water, they can organise trips to the best sites on the coast.
So, now that you have the insider knowledge of what’s a must-see and do, what are you waiting for? Your beach holiday with a twist is waiting!
Where to Stay
Apartamento Modern Vista Panoramica Mar – This one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher and washing machine is ideal if you are looking to self cater. There’s also a sun terrace, perfect for enjoying an ‘al fresco’ morning coffee.
Apartamento Moderno Vista Panoramica Mar – This well serviced apartment offers excellent accommodation with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The garden offers a relaxing place in which to escape with a book and the outdoor pool is another bonus feature.
Pueblo Dona Pepa – A beachfront property complete with a private pool, this is a secluded paradise. Fitted with a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and a small garden too, this spot has lots going for it.
How to Get There
There are numerous flights from UK airports to Malaga with a range of airlines. I’d recommend pre-booking a shuttle transfer for when you land so that the holiday can begin as soon as you’re on the tarmac. It’s also a great way to save a few extra pounds as you can share the cost of the journey; you may even meet a few like-minded travellers!
Overview
- UK to AGP: 2 hours 54 minutes
- AGP to Torremuelle Distance: 19 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 26 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the leading providers of airport transfers in Europe and North Africa. Our friendly, experienced drivers make sure that our customers enjoy a smooth and safe journey to their next destination. Pre-book before you leave, choose a private or shared option, and look forward to seamless onward travel.
