Torremolinos was Spain’s first mass-tourism destination, a pioneer in the 1950s and 60s. Bajondillo beach is the one that best captures that spirit: lively, full of energy, with a surf school, kayak hire and the most curious lifts on the whole Costa del Sol for getting from the town centre down to the sand.
Getting there
The best option: Cercanías line C-1, Torremolinos Centro station, 400 metres from the beach. Fast, cheap and no parking headaches. By car: underground car park at Plaza de la Nogalera (paid, in heavy demand in August).
The promenade lifts
The most distinctive thing about Bajondillo is the way you arrive: central Torremolinos sits on top of a cliff, and to reach the beach there are panoramic lifts that cover the drop. The walk from the shopping centre to the sand takes exactly five minutes and is one of the more unusual urban-beach experiences in Spain. There are also steps if you’d rather walk down.
What to do nearby
Central Torremolinos, with Calle San Miguel and its busy nightlife, is five minutes away. Aqualand Torremolinos is 2 km away and ideal for families. From the Cercanías station, Málaga and Fuengirola are both 20 minutes away.
Places to stay nearby
The greatest concentration of hotels and holiday apartments in Torremolinos is around the centre and Bajondillo. Every budget, all within a few minutes of the beach.
See places to stay in Torremolinos →
Frequently asked questions
- What are the promenade lifts?
- Panoramic lifts connecting central Torremolinos, on top of the cliff, with the beach. One of the town’s architectural curiosities.
- Is there a surf school?
- Yes, several operators offer surf and bodyboard lessons from Bajondillo.
- Does it get very crowded?
- In July and August it’s one of the busiest beaches on the Costa del Sol. Visit in June or September for a better experience.
- Does it have a Blue Flag?
- Yes, across the whole of Bajondillo beach.
The verdict
Bajondillo is Torremolinos at its liveliest. If you want energy, surfing, historic lifts and the Costa del Sol at its most unapologetically touristic, this is the place.
