Around the show
Torremolinos beyond the beach
A short guide to Torremolinos around a horse show: the mills behind its name, a tower from the Nasrid era, the seafront promenade and how it all connects.
Reserve a place at the show ↗From fishing village to first resort
Torremolinos was a poor fishing village before tourism began to grow in the late 1950s, and it was the first of the Costa del Sol resorts to be developed. It lies on the western shore of the Bay of Málaga, in front of the Sierra de Mijas, about 13 km from Málaga. Older high-rise blocks stand beside a surprisingly open centre, because height limits on new building have kept it that way. The Costa del Sol name itself means the Coast of the Sun.
The mills behind the name
After the Muslim conquest, the mills from which the town takes its name were built. The mills and the town were rebuilt in the early 20th century, but the milling industry declined in the 1920s as tourism took over, with British visitors early among them. It suits a town that still has a medieval tower.
The tower on San Miguel Street
Around 1300 the Nasrid dynasty, which governed Málaga between the 13th and 15th centuries, built the defensive tower that can still be seen at the end of San Miguel Street. The town stayed exposed to North African pirate attacks into the 18th century. The tower makes a good short stop before an afternoon at the equestrian centre.
Older traces
Archaeological finds show that the area was settled as early as the Neolithic. The Romans most likely founded the current town, and a Roman necropolis was found in the 1990s. The coast road joining Cádiz and Málaga passed through. None of this is on show at the arena, but it explains why the town feels older than its skyline. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, which is a long time before anyone built a promenade.
The seafront
The beach extends for nearly eight kilometres, with cycle and skating lanes beside a fully illuminated promenade and many chiringuitos, the beach bars. The eastern end, Los Álamos, has live dance music events through the summer. The easternmost parts suit kitesurfing and windsurfing, except under the airport flight path.
Weather and seasons
Torremolinos has long, dry summers and mild winters, with occasional heavy rain, and in summer cool sea breezes. That matters for the show: the arena is covered but has only fans and misting systems, with no heating in winter, so dress for the day.
The fair at the end of September
At the end of September Torremolinos holds the Feria de San Miguel, a celebration of parades, music and dance shows in the fairgrounds and the city centre that can last up to a week. If you visit then, the show and the fair make a natural pair, as both belong to the Andalusian tradition of public celebration.
Green corners
Behind the seafront there are quieter places: a large wooded area with public barbecue facilities and seating, and the botanical gardens of Molino de Inca, next to the municipal garden centre. They are a useful break from the beach if you have an afternoon before a show.
Getting around
Torremolinos is served by the A-7 motorway, the Cercanías commuter train and bus services, and Málaga airport is close by, on the Málaga side of town. The equestrian centre is at Senda del Pilar 4, so plan a taxi or a car for the last stretch, and check the option's pickup details if you are using the coach.
Fitting it around the show
A town with a tower, a promenade and an easy transport link lets you build a day around the horse show. Do the sights early, eat lightly if you are taking the dinner option, and leave time on either side of the start time shown in your confirmation. The show-only option leaves your evening free for a meal on the seafront.
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