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The town’s history begins in the first century BC with Roman settlements. They left behind fish-salting plants that indicate a prosperous coastal economy.
The Moors, who took control in the 8th century, left an indelible impression on the town. Not only did they improve the irrigation system but also the name. It’s not that the name is Moorish. Instead, it refers to the “molinos”, or mills, which were once defensive watchtowers protecting the watermills along its streams. These mills may have ground grain in the Guadalhorce, a fertile valley that was the breadbasket of Al-Andalus, and protected the valuable flour against pirates.
Torremolinos, under Moorish control until the Christian reconquest of 1487, remained a modest village centered on farming and fishing. Not until the 20th Century did its direction change dramatically. Between 1924 and 1998, the economic struggles of Torremolinos, such as debts, and the decline in its milling industry led to its annexation to Malaga. Torremolinos was a Malaga suburb until the 1980s. It regained its municipal independence in 1988 and gained a modern, individual identity.
Torremolinos: a dramatic transformation
Torremolinos became a major tourism hub in the 1950s. After World War II, the growing middle class in Europe and the lower cost of travel made the Costa del Sol a popular destination for sun seekers, especially from the UK, Scandinavia and other European countries. Torremolinos beaches, such as La Carihuela or Playamar, were popular with foreign families. Small hotels and guesthouses sprung up to accommodate these new guests. By the 1960s Torremolinos had become a glamorous destination, attracting stars like Brigitte bardot and Ava Gardner. Its liberal culture was more accepting of artists, writers and hippies than in the Franco-era big cities. This helped it gain a reputation for being a countercultural oasis. Nightlife was thriving in La Nogalera and other areas, with many bars and clubs. The town’s inclusive nature also helped it become a gay tourism hub.
In the 1970s & 1980s, high-rises hotels and apartments changed the skyline of the city to suit the needs of mass tourism. Torremolinos’s traditional charm was not affected by this rapid growth, which raised concerns over overdevelopment. Charter flights brought a cosmopolitan, international touch to the city, mixing Andalusian tradition with an international flair.
Torremolinos embraces the tradition of its past and is open to change
Torremolinos, today, retains many of its cultural roots. It continues to celebrate “fiestas”, such as “Romeria”, and “Feria de San Miguel”, without forgetting the “Virgen del Carmen.” There are also festivals such as “Foreign Residents’ Day”, which is celebrated in the first week of every April, and “Pride”, one of Spain’s largest festivals held each June. Torremolinos embraces its diverse population. Torremolinos has always been known for its adaptability, from its ancient mills and bustling beaches to its history.
