At a time when most European hotspots are getting way too crowded and chaotic, finding a place for that relaxing transatlantic summer getaway you’ve been dreaming of for so long can prove to be somewhat of a challenge.
Sure, the Mediterranean is filled with dreamy beach hubs, but is there a city that has yet to be overrun by mass tourism?
Luckily for all of us, there is.
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Costa del Sol in Spain, you’ll find Torremolinos, a gorgeous resort town that’s currently trending like never before, yet weirdly enough remains a mystery among most U.S. travelers.
So, today, we’re delving into everything you need to know about why Europeans themselves can’t get enough of this Spanish gem and why you, too, should consider adding it to your travel bucket list this summer.
One Of Spain’s Best-Kept Secrets
When you think of a Spanish summer getaway, your mind immediately goes to places like Barcelona, Ibiza, Costa Brava, or the Canary Islands, and guess what – most other travelers go through that exact same thought process, too.
Not looking to see if there’s anything beyond the glitz and glamour of the most popular hotspots would be your first mistake, though – you’d be overlooking Torremolinos, which has managed to fly under the radar all these years despite being home to some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches.
Featuring the typical combo of golden sands and crystal-clear waters that all Spanish hubs are known for, the beaches here go a step further by also providing picture-perfect views and a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere.
Don’t believe me?
A quick trip to Playa del Bajondillo, Playa de la Carihuela, or Playa de los Alamos should be enough to convince you.
Plenty Of Culture To Take In, Too
Don’t write Torremolinos off as just another pretty resort town just yet, though.
As one of the first places of settlement of the oldest Mediterranean civilization, there’s a lot of culture and history to take in, too.
Just take a look at the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center, Molino de Inca Botanical Garden, or Casa de los Navajas, and tell me you don’t feel connected to the region’s storied past.
Better yet, attend one of the many traditional festivals, pilgrimages, and fairs that take place throughout the year and try some pescaíto frito – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Beyond The Pretty Sights
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sunbathing session at the beach or a long sightseeing excursion, but sometimes, especially when on vacation, you want to spend your days doing something a bit more exciting.
Luckily, there are so many things to do in Torremolinos that it’s virtually impossible to get bored.
Whether a sailing trip across Costa del Sol, a Jeep tour, a flamenco show, or a beach party is more up your speed, you’re guaranteed to find something that’ll keep you pumped and excited in the city.
A Safe, Budget-Friendly Haven
The best thing about Torremolinos is that you can get all that while feeling relaxed and safe, and for a pretty reasonable price tag, too.
Let’s focus on safety first since that’s most travelers’ No. 1 concern.
Torremolinos is one of Spain’s safest tourist destinations, where, as long as you stick to normal safety protocol (i.e., avoid remote, dimly-lit areas at night alone, stay aware of your surroundings, and so on), you should be able to have a quiet, stress-free getaway.
My top recommendation would be to search for beaches that have been awarded the “Q” flag for tourist quality.
These are places that comply with exigent requirements on safety, amenities, quality, and cleanliness, and you can find most of them here.
It’s also important to mention that Torremolinos is notably cheaper than many of its more popular counterparts, including Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Ibiza, so it is definitely a good-value destination for those who want to get the most bang for their buck this summer.
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