Torremolinos

Torremolinos is a beach resort on the Costa del Sol, just west of Málaga. It was one of the first places in Spain with an open gay scene. Today it is one of the country's most popular LGBTQ+ destinations, with bars concentrated around La Nogalera, long sandy beaches, a large Pride in June, and bear weeks organised by Mad Bear.

The Gay Scene

Most of Torremolinos' LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are packed into and around La Nogalera, a pedestrian square in the town centre a short walk from the beach. The scene is busy from late evening, with everything from quiet cocktail bars to late-night clubs and bear-friendly venues. The nearby Pasaje Begoña is famous as the site of a 1971 police raid on the town's gay bars; it is now remembered as a landmark in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in Spain.

Beaches

Torremolinos has around seven kilometres of sandy beach, from Bajondillo and Playamar in the centre to La Carihuela, the old fishing quarter to the west, which is lined with seafood restaurants. Beach clubs along the front host parties in summer, including the Mad Bear Beach events each August.

Events

Torremolinos Pride, held in June, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in Andalusia. Mad Bear organises bear weekends in town, with a spring edition around Easter and Mad Bear Beach, a summer bear week, in August.

Getting There & Getting Around

Málaga Airport (AGP) is about 10 minutes away by car, and the Cercanías C1 commuter train links the airport, Málaga city centre and Torremolinos. The town is compact and walkable, and the train continues west along the coast to Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

Safety

Spain has marriage equality, adoption rights and strong anti-discrimination laws, and Torremolinos is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly towns in the country. Same-sex couples are a normal sight. Usual resort-town care applies late at night.

Safety information