Neighbourhoods · Nordik Journal
Where to stay in Torremolinos: areas, beaches and the train
Local guide to choosing an area in Torremolinos (centre, Bajondillo, La Carihuela, El Pinillo), getting there from the airport by train and what to do, with distance tables.
Nordik Team · Updated onTo stay in Torremolinos without a car, the most practical choice is to sleep between the centre (Calle San Miguel and the commuter train station) and Bajondillo or La Carihuela beach, all walkable and about 10 minutes by train from the airport. If you want more peace and a family feel, look at El Pinillo and Montemar, which have their own C-1 stations. Torremolinos works very well as a base: beach, nightlife and a direct link to Malaga city in about 20 minutes.
The Nordik team has managed apartments and rooms in Torremolinos for years, and this guide gathers what we answer our guests every week: which area to choose, how to get around, which beaches are worth it and what to do when you are not in the mood for sand.
Where to stay in Torremolinos: the areas explained
Torremolinos has about 7 km of coastline and is easy to understand if you split it into four areas. The choice depends mainly on whether you will use the train and how much noise you can put up with at night.
Centre and Calle San Miguel
Calle San Miguel is the main pedestrian shopping street: shops, ice-cream parlours, terraces and, at the end, the slope and steps down to Bajondillo. The Torremolinos commuter train station is right in the centre, so this is the ideal area if you are flying in or want to go to Malaga often. The trade-off is more bustle and some noise in high season.
Bajondillo and Playamar
Just below the centre. Bajondillo is the main town beach, with a wide promenade, beach bars and facilities. Playamar, next to it towards Malaga, is more popular with families and young groups, with green areas and palm trees. A good option if you want to be on the beach in five minutes and walk back up to the centre.
La Carihuela
The old fishing quarter, to the west towards Benalmádena. It is the place for pescaíto frito (fried fish) and espetos, with a lovely promenade for sunset walks. It is a bit further from the station (a 15–20 minute walk downhill from the centre), but the atmosphere makes up for it.
El Pinillo and Montemar
A more residential area, higher up and to the west. It has two C-1 stops of its own (Montemar Alto and El Pinillo), supermarkets and quiet streets. For long stays, remote work or families, it is usually the most restful option. This is where our Aurland apartment, for up to 5 people, is located.
| Area | Ideal for | Nearest beach | C-1 station | Night-time noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre / San Miguel | Flying in, trips to Malaga, shopping | Bajondillo (walking down) | Torremolinos | Medium to high in summer |
| Bajondillo / Playamar | Beach on foot, families | Bajondillo, Playamar | Torremolinos or La Colina | Medium |
| La Carihuela | Seafood, promenade, local atmosphere | La Carihuela | Montemar Alto (walking down) | Medium |
| El Pinillo / Montemar | Long stays, rest | Carihuela (walking down) | Montemar Alto, El Pinillo | Low |
| Los Álamos | Partying, beach bars with music | Los Álamos | Los Álamos | High in summer |
Malaga airport to Torremolinos
Malaga-Costa del Sol airport is right next to Torremolinos: about 7–8 km by road. The cheapest and quickest way is the C-1 commuter train (Málaga Centro-Alameda – Airport – Fuengirola), whose station is next to Terminal T3.
- C-1 train towards Fuengirola: stops at Aeropuerto, Plaza Mayor, Los Álamos, La Colina and Torremolinos. About 10 minutes to the centre.
- Frequency: roughly every 20 minutes during the day; first train from the airport towards Fuengirola at around 5:30 and last at around 23:40 (approximate, check beforehand on renfe.com).
- Price: a 2-zone single ticket costs around €1.80, plus the rechargeable card if you do not use the Renfe Cercanías app. Fares and passes are revised often.
- Taxi: a short ride of 10–15 minutes without traffic. There is an official taxi rank outside arrivals.
If you land in the early hours, when the trains have stopped, read our guide to arriving in Malaga late at night. At Nordik check-in is keyless and 24/7: you get your code before you arrive and let yourself in whatever the time.
Distances from Torremolinos
| Destination | By C-1 commuter train | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malaga airport | ~10 min | Station next to T3 |
| Málaga Centro-Alameda | ~20 min | Stops at María Zambrano (AVE) |
| Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel | ~5–8 min | Cable car and Puerto Marina nearby |
| Fuengirola | ~25 min | End of the line |
Approximate times based on Renfe timetables; they may vary with engineering works or extra summer services.
Things to do in Torremolinos
Stroll down Calle San Miguel to Bajondillo
Start at Plaza de la Independencia and walk down Calle San Miguel to the Cuesta del Tajo. At the end you will find the Torre de los Molinos, the tower that gives the town its name, and the steps down to the Bajondillo promenade. It is the classic route to get to know the town in an hour.
Eat in La Carihuela
The La Carihuela promenade is lined with beach bars and seafood restaurants. Order sardine espetos (in season, especially from May to September), fried anchovies or a mixed fried-fish platter. Go for lunch early by Spanish standards (around 14:00) or book at weekends.
Pick your beach
- La Carihuela: about 2 km, lively and family-friendly, full facilities.
- Bajondillo: around 1 km, the most central.
- Playamar: nearly 1 km, with green areas, paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
- Los Álamos: the youngest and most festive, with beach bars playing music until late; best reached by car or taxi.
Several of them usually have a Blue Flag; the list changes every year, so if it matters to you, check before you go. To compare with the city, see our guide to Malaga beaches.
Day trips by train
The C-1 puts Benalmádena (cable car up Mount Calamorro, Puerto Marina) and Fuengirola within easy reach. And in 20 minutes you are in Malaga city centre to see the Alcazaba or the Picasso Museum; if you have several days, set aside at least one full day for the city.
A typical car-free day in Torremolinos
- Morning: coffee in the centre and a walk down Calle San Miguel to the Torre de los Molinos. From there, take the steps down to Bajondillo for a first swim while the beach is still quiet.
- Midday: walk west along the shore to La Carihuela (about 30–40 minutes along the promenade) and have a seafood lunch facing the sea.
- Afternoon: a siesta or some shade and, if you still have energy, the train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel to ride the cable car up Mount Calamorro or stroll around Puerto Marina. It is all in our guide to Benalmádena without a car.
- Evening: back to the centre for dinner in the streets around San Miguel or a drink on the Bajondillo promenade.
If you would rather have city than beach, the alternative is a day in Malaga: train to Centro-Alameda, the Alcazaba in the morning, tapas in the Old Town and back at sunset. That is Torremolinos' big advantage: beach, city and airport all less than half an hour away without touching a car.
Nordik places to stay in Torremolinos
We have options for short trips as a couple, families and work stays:
- Nuuk apartment in Torremolinos, for 2 people.
- Bleik apartment, also for 2, a good base for a beach break.
- Aurland apartment in the El Pinillo–Montemar area, for up to 5 people.
- Private rooms in the Undredal house, with a desk and shared kitchen and bathrooms: Farum, Lohja and Flåm.
The rooms are a good option if you are travelling solo or for work; for families or groups, a full apartment is better.
Tips from the people who run properties here
- August and summer weekends are the busiest: book ahead and expect more crowds on San Miguel and at Bajondillo.
- The hills are real. Going down from the centre to the beach is quick, but the climb back with suitcases is tiring: if you have a lot of luggage, consider a short taxi ride.
- Supermarkets: there are some in the centre and in El Pinillo; on the beachfront prices go up.
- October to March is the quiet season, with mild temperatures and lower prices; ideal for a few weeks of remote work.
Book your Torremolinos stay direct on nordikcompany.com: best price, 24-hour keyless check-in, cleaning and wifi included and WhatsApp support all day.
Updated: October 2026 · Nordik team
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Torremolinos without a car?
The centre, between Calle San Miguel and the commuter train station, because the train to Malaga and the airport is minutes away and Bajondillo beach is about 5–10 minutes on foot. If you prefer peace and quiet, El Pinillo and Montemar also have C-1 stops and less noise at night, although the beach is further away.
How long does it take from Malaga airport to Torremolinos?
About 10 minutes on the C-1 commuter train towards Fuengirola, which leaves from the station next to Terminal T3, and 10 to 15 minutes by taxi without traffic. The train runs roughly every 20 minutes and a single ticket costs around €1.80, but it is worth confirming fares and times with Renfe before you travel.
Is Torremolinos a good base for visiting Malaga city?
Yes. The C-1 commuter train connects Torremolinos with Málaga Centro-Alameda in about 20 minutes, stopping at María Zambrano, where the AVE high-speed trains arrive. Many travellers sleep in Torremolinos for the beach and the prices, and go into Malaga for the day to see the Alcazaba, the Cathedral or the museums.
What is the difference between La Carihuela and Bajondillo?
Bajondillo is right below the centre and Calle San Miguel, so it is the most convenient beach if you are walking from the train. La Carihuela is the old fishing quarter to the west, with a longer promenade and lots of seafood and espeto restaurants. Both have full facilities in season.
Is Torremolinos worth visiting outside summer?
Very much so. From October to March there are mild temperatures, sunny days and far fewer people, so you will find better prices and restaurants without queues. It is a good time for long stays or remote work, and the train runs the same all year. That said, some beach bars cut their hours and the sea is cooler for swimming.