In the 1960s, La Carihuela was the favourite retreat of Spain’s writers and artists. Today, with two kilometres of Blue Flag sand and Torremolinos institutions such as El Roqueo (founded in 1950) still serving fish and shellfish, it remains the beach with the most character in the town. Classic Torremolinos, without the gloss.
Getting there
Cercanías line C-1 Málaga–Fuengirola, Torremolinos station, 1.5 km from the La Carihuela promenade. Local buses run to the seafront. By car: paid parking on Calle Bajondillo and Calle Carihuela (around €5/day). In summer, arrive before 10am.
Facilities
- ✓ Lifeguards
- ✓ Beach bars and restaurants
- ✓ Showers and toilets
- ✓ Sunbed hire
- ✓ Paid parking
- ✓ Fully accessible
El Roqueo and the history of eating in La Carihuela
Founded in 1950, El Roqueo is the shellfish temple of Torremolinos and one of the oldest restaurants on the entire Costa del Sol. Its Málaga-style fried fish and garlic prawns are exactly as they always were. Picasso visited friends in La Carihuela, and the area appears in the diaries of several writers of the Generation of ’50. You can feel that weight of history along the promenade.
What to do nearby
Central Torremolinos, with the famous Calle San Miguel and its shops, is 1.5 km away. The Parque de la Batería, on the cliffs at the end of the promenade, has panoramic views. From the Cercanías station, Málaga city is 20 minutes away.
Places to stay nearby
Hotels on and just behind the La Carihuela promenade. Quieter than those in central Torremolinos, with direct access to the sand.
See places to stay in Torremolinos →
Frequently asked questions
- Does La Carihuela have a Blue Flag?
- Yes, certifying the quality of the water and the facilities.
- Which is the best restaurant?
- El Roqueo (since 1950) is the historic benchmark. Essential for shellfish and Málaga-style fried fish.
- How do I get here from Málaga?
- Cercanías line C-1, Torremolinos station. A 20-minute journey from Málaga María Zambrano.
- Does it get very crowded?
- In July and August, yes. Better to visit in June or September to enjoy it at a calmer pace.
The verdict
La Carihuela is the real Torremolinos, the one with history and with food. A Blue Flag, two kilometres of sand and El Roqueo fifty metres away. Hard to ask for more.
