Torremolinos is where all the gays go to play in Spain! In the summer months, gay travelers rush to this seaside town just outside of Málaga to lay out and soak up the sun, especially during annual events like Torremolinos Pride, Mad Bear Beach Weekend, Delice Dream, and Wonder Beach Festival. There are three gay beaches to choose from, the most popular being El Gato/Eden Beach, where you’ll find beautiful views of all the handsome men. It’s easy to get to from the center of town and popular with both visitors and locals.

Torremolinos became a gay hotspot in the 1960s when its first gay bar opened. Today, it may seem a little outdated, as the '60s and '70s style is still largely present, but its relevance to the LGBTQ+ community remains strong, with many gay travelers continuing to visit during the warmer months or for popular LGBTQ+ events. Some go to relax on the warm sandy beaches, to party in the gayborhood of La Nogalera, or to shop along the pedestrian street of Calle San Miguel. Whatever your interests may be, here are some reasons why this former fishing village in the south of Spain is worth checking out.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Torremolinos
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Torremolinos
5. Restaurants & Cafes in Torremolinos
6. Torremolinos Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Torremolinos Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Torremolinos Gay Beaches
9. Gay Events in Torremolinos
10. Day Trips from Torremolinos

General Tips

Located just west of Málaga in Andalusia, the city experiences a subtropical Mediterranean climate, providing mild winters followed by hot summers. Plenty of year-round sunshine makes it an ideal vacation spot, and breezes from the sea keep the summer heat tolerable. It’s the perfect place to get a great tan and enjoy outdoor activities. Torremolinos is well known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in Spain, and you'll see a large representation of both LGBTQ+ visitors and locals.

By day, the beachfront is where most of the gay action takes place, usually centered around Eden Beach Club. By night, it moves up to La Nogalera. The area is an unassuming, crowded pocket behind some local businesses. You could walk right past it and not even realize it, but once you turn down the right street, you'll find rows of gay bars huddled together, with outdoor terraces lining the street. There, you'll find a fun mix of tourists and Spanish locals—or those from nearby villages—out having a good time. In Spain, the nightlife doesn't get going until after 11 p.m., and Torremolinos is no exception. People tend to have dinner around 9 or 10 p.m., then head out afterward.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Visitors to Torremolinos will most likely first arrive in Málaga by air or train. From airport terminal 3, simply take the Cercanías train in the direction of Fuengirola. The Málaga airport is actually located between Málaga and Torremolinos, and the journey takes just 10 minutes. After 5 stops, you’ll arrive at the main train station in Torremolinos, which is centrally located in Plaza de la Nogalera. If you are coming by train from Málaga, you will take the same route, only starting from Málaga’s main train station, María Zambrano. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Torremolinos, you should be able to get around on foot, as the town is small and almost everything is within a 15- to 20-minute walk at most. Taxis are inexpensive and can drive you if you are traveling a bit farther or don’t want to walk.

Gay Hotels in Torremolinos

Hotel Ritual Torremolinos – A gay hotel with a unique concept. With direct access to Bajondillo Beach, the center of Torremolinos, and the Nogalera district, the hotel is perfectly located. Fully refurbished, you can enjoy sea views, a sauna, a spa, and an infinity pool in the nudist area with a rooftop bar.

Meliá Costa de Sol – Located in the center of Torremolinos, Meliá Costa del Sol is just a 10-minute walk to El Gato/Eden Beach, the most popular gay beach in Torremolinos. The property has a great outdoor terrace and bar, as well as an outdoor pool, gym, and a luxury spa with a sauna and Turkish steam bath. Guests can dine at one of several on-site restaurants.

Hotel Fénix – This 4-star property is located in the heart of Torremolinos. Amenities include a day spa, as well as a Jacuzzi, outdoor pool, and sauna. The hotel is for adults only and is a great option if you want to avoid families with children. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Hotel el Pozo – This modern guest house is centrally located and just a 10-minute walk to the beach. Guests can enjoy a book from the on-site library or rent a bike from the front desk to explore the seafront.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Torremolinos

Torremolinos is primarily a beach resort town, and there aren't many historic sights or monuments. For those looking to do a bit more sightseeing, you’ll want to take the train to Málaga, which is just a 20-minute ride to the center of town. Torremolinos has better beaches, but Málaga definitely has more history, landmarks, and monuments.

Calle San Miguel – This pedestrian-only street runs through the center, past the city's namesake windmill (or ‘molino'), and down a stepped slope all the way to the beach. It's lined with shops and restaurants. The lively atmosphere makes it fun to descend and energizing to climb. However, those looking for a shortcut from the center to the beach should take the Camino de la Playa, farther along—although be aware that its steps are steep!

La Punta de Torremolinos – A small cliff point that separates the north side of the city, known as El Bajondillo, from the south side, known as La Carihuela. This area was a former fishing village in Torremolinos until tourism started booming in the 1950s, bringing many restaurants, shops, and hotels. The most common dish here is definitely “pescaíto frito,” or small fried fish. This is also a great area to relax on the beach, also called La Carihuela Beach, with just over 2 kilometers of coastline. Though little remains of the traditional-looking old quarters, La Carihuela is still a charming area to take a stroll, visit some shops, and enjoy a nice meal by the beach.

Al Andalus Hammam (Malaga) – Experience the deeply relaxing atmosphere of a traditional hammam on this 90-minute visit to the Al Andalus Hammam in the heart of Málaga's historic city center. Enjoy hot, cold, and warm baths, the steam room, and plenty of time to relax with a mint tea. Get tickets →

Food Tour (Malaga) – On this amazing Málaga food tour, you will discover the most interesting parts of the city center while tasting the best local dishes. Enjoy local cuisine such as fried anchovies, Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, tortilla de patatas, wine, and more Book tour →

Restaurants & Cafes in Torremolinos

Eden Beach Club – This is the most popular gay gathering place along the beach in Torremolinos. The club offers an on-site restaurant serving both lunch and dinner, as well as drinks and cocktails all day long. The beachside club features outdoor dining, and they offer daybeds for rent along the beach. During the peak summer months, Eden offers live DJs in the evenings until late, when it becomes less of a restaurant and more of a club. This is the place to be in Torremolinos in the afternoons and early evenings.

El Gato Lounge – This outdoor terrace restaurant is located just next to the gay beach and Eden Beach Club. The atmosphere is welcoming and gay-friendly, and the restaurant serves a mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. This is perhaps the second most popular beach club for LGBTQ+ visitors, given its proximity to the gay beach.

El Motocarro – A cute wine bar/restaurant right next to the Torremolinos metro, with a frankly massive selection of wines to choose from. The food is also excellent—especially the cheese and ham—and the service has that personal touch.

La Gamba Alegre – Tucked away in a small square just off Calle San Miguel, this restaurant is the go-to spot for no-nonsense, classic Spanish food at a great price. There are no frills, but the tapas are some of the most authentic in Torremolinos, especially the seafood. You get a different tapa free with every drink, and the outdoor seating area has a great atmosphere.

La Piazetta –  You’ll find friendly staff and a relaxed crowd at this popular Italian restaurant located in the center of Torremolinos, serving authentic and delicious Italian dishes. Seating is primarily outside on the plaza terrace. Reservations are recommended since this place books up during the high season.

Ibiza Style Bar Restaurant – Located in Pueblo Blanco, this restaurant offers something a bit different from other Torremolinos eateries with its Ibizan theme. The menu features deliciously unique offerings inspired by cuisine from the island, and the décor is painted in traditional Ibizan styles. Ibiza Style Bar Restaurant is owned by a Dutch couple—a chef and a manager—who go out of their way to provide a warm atmosphere with great service. If there’s any doubt about the quality, the writings found on the restaurant’s walls expressing the feelings of previous visitors should dispel them.

Trocadero Benalmádena – For a more romantic dining experience, hop on the Cercanías for four stops or take a 15-minute walk along the beach to the neighboring resort town of Benalmádena. There, you’ll find this high-class restaurant on the seafront with unique architecture. Trocadero has three floors with different themes, each including wooden, plant-filled terraces designed to capitalize on the stunning seaside views. There really is nothing quite like it in Torremolinos, making it well worth the trip for its ambiance, cocktails, and quality Mediterranean food.

Torremolinos Gay Bars and Clubs

Eden Nightclub and Eden Beach Club – One of the most popular and liveliest bars in La Nogalera, it certainly has some of the hottest bar staff. Late on weekends, it becomes as much a club as a bar. Its sexy sister, the previously mentioned Eden Beach Club, is located right on the main beach and is the perfect place to chill out during the day while enjoying a cocktail and live DJs. Both are hotspots during the many summer parties in Torremolinos.

El 12 Torremolinos – The popular bar/club from Madrid comes to Torremolinos, bringing its no-nonsense, fun vibes with it. Located in La Nogalera, it opens every day from either 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. Just like its Madrid counterpart, it hosts international DJs, drag queens, and themed nights—though this version also has a spacious terrace and a 2-for-1 happy hour.

Men's Bar – It might surprise you to learn this bar is full of men of the hairier kind. It is also one of the busiest bars in La Nogalera, ideal for diving right into the beautiful chaos of gay Torremolinos with locals and tourists alike. They have a bustling terrace, DJs, and special events during the week, ranging from leather nights to drag shows.

Ego Copas – One of the most popular bars on “the strip,” perhaps due to it being the hangout of Spanish drag queen alumna Cherilyn Divine. It's hard to miss, as it glows neon purple, and during the weekends, there are live DJs and drag shows.

Chessa Bar -La Nogalera has a lot of options stacked on top of each other, but for a more mixed—and slightly older—crowd, you can’t go wrong with this small, friendly bar. The staff are incredibly welcoming, and they host fun drag shows on the weekends.

Contacto – It turns out that drag is, in fact, a contact sport! This bar is one of the oldest in town and is where the community gathers to enjoy some good old-fashioned drag. Expect wall-to-wall campiness, wild shows, comedy, 80s disco music, and some (not so) clean fun.

Parthenon Club – A small dance club located in the heart of La Nogalera, it's a popular place for young visitors and locals, featuring underground/house music. An entrance fee of around 8–10€ is typically charged, which includes a ticket for one drink.

Centuryon Club – The largest gay dance club in Torremolinos, Centuryon often hosts large events and circuit parties. Themes can vary, but they typically play house music. An entrance fee of 10–20€ is usually charged, depending on the event. This venue attracts a mixed crowd of all ages, but it definitely appeals to those interested in the circuit party scene. The entrance fee usually includes one drink.

Aqua Club  – A little confusing, but the Aqua brand operates a gay bar and two separate clubs. Aqua Club is located downstairs from Aqua Terraza (bar). Aqua Emporio, which is larger, is located across the walkway with a separate entrance. The two clubs are connected by a shared darkroom, and depending on the night, you may be able to pass between them without paying a separate entrance fee. The music is typically pop/top 40, though some house music might be played depending on the event.

Torremolinos Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Apolo Sauna – This is the only gay sauna in Torremolinos, located outside of the city center. The most practical way to get there is by taxi, and the drive takes around 10 minutes from the center. The facilities have been recently updated. The venue is large, offering 1,500 square meters of space, featuring a Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, pub, showroom, smoking area, individual cabins, labyrinth, dark room, glory hole cabins, bondage area with a cage, harness and cross, and a video room. On weekend nights, the sauna transforms into something of an after-party upstairs, with DJs, dancing, and performances.

ATTACK – Probably the most popular sex club in Torremolinos, with a fetish side to it. There are all the usual slings, cages, and a dark room, alongside comfy sofas and a bar area.

Torremolinos Gay Beach

El Gato/Eden Beach – The main gay beach has plenty of gorgeous guys to keep your eyes busy. Both tourists and locals go here, and it’s quite accessible from the main part of town.

Poseidon Beach – Right next to the restaurant of the same name, this beach was a more popular gay spot a couple of decades ago. Nowadays, it’s become less popular with the gay community, attracting more straight visitors and families.

Guadalmar Beach – A mixed nude beach farther out from the city, located between Torremolinos and Malaga near the Campo Golf Course. It's also a bit cruisy, as long as you're discreet.

Gay Events in Torremolinos

Mad Bear Beach Festival – Every August, this long weekend full of parties is dedicated to, you guessed it, bears! However, the bear community has always been open-minded and accepting, so all body types are welcome to enjoy the beach and pool parties, featuring international DJs and live entertainment, including the Mr. Mad Bear competition.

Torremolinos Pride – Being such a gay hotspot in Spain and a party town, it's no surprise that Torremolinos Pride celebrations get pretty wild. In the first week of June, around 40,000 people attend each year. There's an exhibition, concerts, parties, and a big parade culminating in a beach party!

Matrix Sun Festival – Matrix Events put on their own circuit party in Torremolinos, and it’s a joyous affair. It’s a circuit party, so you know what to expect, but it’s done well with some of the hottest pool, beach, and club parties of the year.

Delice Dream – For more than a decade, this popular festival in Spain has come to the gay-friendly town of Torremolinos (previously held in Sitges). The event features awesome parties and activities in one of the best gay beach cities in Europe. Expect a drag queen and best bum contest, barbecue, pool party, and more.

PAPA Party – Israeli producer, actor, model, and entrepreneur Eliad Cohen puts on a top-notch circuit party that draws a big crowd of hot guys from across Spain! Held at Torremolinos’s top gay club, Centuryon, with guest DJs and vocal performances.

My Pleasure – The techno fetish party from Madrid comes to Torremolinos from time to time, hosted at Centuryon club. It’s one of the best – and certainly the raunchiest – parties in all of Spain, so be sure not to miss it.

Day Trips from Torremolinos

Malaga – Explore Málaga with a local guide on this private tour. The city’s most important attractions and monuments will be covered, making it an ideal choice for couples or groups of friends. Founded by the Phoenicians around 770 B.C., Málaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been inhabited by a wide range of civilizations, including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, and Christians. Book tour →

Ronda – Do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the most emblematic cities, the third most visited in Andalusia, offering culture, nature, and Celtic origins. With this day tour, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a unique excursion. Ronda is one of the main cities of the province of Malaga, and along with the capital, it is one of the most visited cities due to its rich cultural heritage and rural environment. Surrounded by mountain ranges like the Sierra de Grazalema, Ronda’s landscape is highly praised by visitors. Book tour →

Caminto Del Rey – One of the most famous – and terrifying if you have vertigo – hiking routes in Spain. Traverse perilously narrow wooden walkways that hug the cliff walls, a hundred meters above a stunning valley. All equipment is provided, but it’s now extremely popular, so book tickets online or take a tour from Malaga. Book tour →

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