Torremolinos and Benalmadena

[FattyAirways]

I usually travel to Estepona in Spain each year, but this time I'm looking for a more budget friendly break nearer the airport and I have found a few good options for accommodation, but as I've always stayed in Estepona and haven't travelled to Benalmadena or Torremolinos before, I was just after some idea of what they're like please and any suggestions of what to do whilst there. I've been totally spoilt being able to go to Estepona each time, and I must admit that when I think of Torremolinos/Benalmadena, I fear they might be a bit like a mini-Blackpool but abroad and lack the Spanish charm.

My DS was based in Malaga for 3 years so we visited the area quite regularly.
Torremolinas is exactly what you would expect. Catering for the more value end British package holiday maker. Long promenade along seafront with numerous burger and chips restaurants and shops selling tat. The beach is ‘ok’ and overlooked by high rise apartment blocks and hotels. Not really very Spanish at all but the plus points when I visited was it was generally pretty clean, public transport was good and loads of nightlife if you’re after it.

If you’re not desperate to be right on the seafront, Benalmadena Pueblo up in the hills (as opposed to Benalmadena Costa) is much more real Spain. Pretty little cobbled streets with beautiful flowers, a main square with traditional restaurants and live music. Quieter and more elegant.

If you want a more beach based holiday in the area, Fuengirola might be worth a look. Lots of choice there for differing budgets.

@JohnPrescottsPyjamas Thank you. The burgers and chips restaurants on the seafront is what is putting me off Torremolinos. Benalmadena Pueblo sounds right up my street. I'll have a look...

Benalmedena is better than i expected when we went there a georgous marina, nice boardwalk and the hotels are not twenty story monstrosities ,buses running frequently into Torremelinos and Fuenegerola along the front so easy to get anywhere so could easily do day trips without staying there, up the hill pueblo was lovely with outstanding views, there is a bird of prey show at the top of the hill with a cable car ride to get to it, a funfair, a nice park to walk round with parrots by the dozen and goats, the fake castle is a good day out, Fuenegerola zoo is lovely very pretty and laid back with the animals very well looked after,

I've been a few times on that coast and it is very built up and a bit "Brits Abroad", but I've still had good holidays there. Even in Toremolinos you can still find authentic Spanish restaurants, plus it's close to Malaga. In fact if you hire a car you can easily get to Marbella, Granada and Rhonda from there. Or go on an organised trip to these places. Love Rhonda and have been a few times, but best to go in the afternoon to avoid the coach trips.

I've been a few times on that coast and it is very built up and a bit "Brits Abroad", but I've still had good holidays there. Even in Toremolinos you can still find authentic Spanish restaurants, plus it's close to Malaga. In fact if you hire a car you can easily get to Marbella, Granada and Rhonda from there. Or go on an organised trip to these places. Love Rhonda and have been a few times, but best to go in the afternoon to avoid the coach trips.

I enjoyed Benalmedina. Look at Hotel Mac Benalmedina, right near the marina. Yes it's a busy commercial resort but not entirely Brit dominated and some lovely Spanish restaurants. A very long promenade and some good hotels.
Torremolinos more high rise and cheap and cheerful.

Why not stay in Malaga? It's fab!

Just back from Benalmedina and the se8a front is touristy but we went to a spanish tapas bar in the old town and paid 35 euros for a meal for 4 and drinks! We passed through Torremolinos and it looked tacy qs all hell

Forgive my typos! Fat fingers lol

We’ve been to both about ten times, yes it’s touristy but not in the same way as Benidorm for eg we like live music/bands and there wasn’t a lot of that on offer. Torremolinos has strict noise levels so late night music isn’t widespread.
The promenades in both resorts are as nice as anywhere, we like to base ourselves in Torremolinos but at the Benalmadena end, that way we can walk in either direction, the resorts literally run into one another. The beach bars in Torremolinos are mostly chiringuitos and have a lovely atmosphere.
Calle Bulto and Calle San Miguel in Torremolinos are lovely spanish shopping streets and there’s Plaza Mayor near Malaga for more serious shopping.
Never had a problem finding good restaurants either at the marina, or in the resorts.
Theres two really nice parks, Parque Paloma in Benalmadena and Parque de la Batería in Torremolinos. There’s boat trips from the marina and it’s easy to get the train to Malaga or Fuengirola.
Having been to Estapona recently it’s definitely busier and more touristy nearer the airport but if you seek out the more Spanish aspects you will be fine. It’s definitely more convenient than the long transfer to estepona

Mijas is pretty too

Benalmadena Costa is lovely, I've been there on holiday. If you want self catering & plenty to do with children, Beal Beach Apartments is a good place to stay, it has the largest pool complex in the Costa del Sol. If you prefer somewhere quieter the La Quinta apartments complex across the road is lovely, we had a 2 bed, 2 bathroom apartment, you are only across the road from the beach & there is a pool on the complex. There are loads of places to eat out, we went up to Bonanza Square most nights which has bars & restaurants. If you want to go in to Torremolinas there is a bus from the sea front, we caught the bus therec& walked back along the sea front & called in some of the Tapas bars on the beach.