In short: La Carihuela is the longest beach in Torremolinos, with just over two kilometres of dark sand between the Punta de Torremolinos and Benalmádena Costa. It holds the Blue Flag, has lifeguards in season, showers, sunbeds, adapted access and a promenade lined with restaurants. It is an urban, family-friendly beach where you can easily spend the whole day.
If you are looking for a beach on the Costa del Sol where you never need the car, La Carihuela is hard to beat.
Sand, promenade, restaurants, shops and hotels all sit on the same line. And at the end of the day, you can have dinner a few steps from where you left your towel.
In this guide we cover everything practical: what the beach is like, its services, how to get there, where to park, when to go and what to do when the sun goes down.
What La Carihuela beach is like
La Carihuela is the largest beach in Torremolinos. According to the Town Hall’s service charter, it measures 2,280 metres long and about 40 metres wide. Other guides say 2,100 metres, depending on where the boundary with Montemar beach is drawn.
The sand is dark and fine-grained, as on almost all of the western Costa del Sol. In high summer it gets very hot at midday, so flip-flops are a good idea for the walk to the water.
The sea is usually calm, with moderate waves. It is an urban beach and gets busy in summer, especially at weekends in July and August.
To the east it ends at the Punta de Torremolinos, where Bajondillo beach begins. To the west it continues towards Montemar and Los Álamos, right next to Benalmádena Costa and Puerto Marina.
The different stretches
Although it is one beach, La Carihuela has a different feel depending on the stretch.
The eastern stretch, near the Punta de Torremolinos, is the oldest and the most closely tied to the fishing quarter. The central stretch, opposite Calle Bulto, has most of the beach bars, shops and buzz.
The western stretch, towards Montemar and Av. de España, is more residential and quieter. Many families prefer it, as does anyone looking for a swim without the crowds, with Puerto Marina a short walk away.
Blue Flag and water quality
La Carihuela is one of the Torremolinos beaches that regularly renews its Blue Flag, the international award for water quality, safety, services and environmental management.
In 2025 it kept the award, together with El Bajondillo, Playamar and Los Álamos. The Town Hall publishes the list of awarded beaches every season if you want to check the current year.
Water temperature
In summer the Mediterranean here is around 23 or 24 degrees. In winter it drops to about 16 degrees.
For many, June and September are the best months: the water is already warm and there are far fewer people than in August.
From fishing quarter to iconic beach
Before the hotels and apartments, La Carihuela was a fishing quarter. Boats were hauled up on the sand, nets dried in the sun and the houses were low and whitewashed.
The origin of the name is not entirely clear. It is often explained as “fishing hamlet” or as a reference to a plant, the carihuela, that once covered part of the beach.
With the tourism boom of the fifties and sixties, Torremolinos became one of the best-known destinations in Europe. La Carihuela changed, but it kept something many places lost: its neighbourhood character.
You can still stroll along streets such as Calle Bulto or Calle del Carmen and see white façades, flowerpots and small squares just metres from the sea.
Virgen del Carmen, the big local festival
The seafaring tradition is most visible every 16 July, the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors and honorary mayor of Torremolinos.
The statue leaves the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, goes through the neighbourhood and reaches the beach. There it is taken on board for a maritime procession off the coast, escorted by decorated boats.
The procession is recognised as a Festival of Tourist Singularity by the Málaga Provincial Council. It takes place during the neighbourhood fair in mid-July.
If you go on those days, expect crowds on the promenade and book ahead if you want to have dinner in the area.
Beach services
La Carihuela is one of the best-equipped beaches in the province. In season you will find:
- Lifeguards and watchtowers, with a first-aid post.
- Showers and foot washes along the promenade.
- Sunbed and parasol hire on several stretches.
- Adapted access for people with reduced mobility.
- Children’s play areas on the promenade.
- Water activities, such as pedal boats, at some points.
- Restaurants and beach bars right on the sand along the whole length.
Tip: lifeguard services operate during the bathing season, which in Torremolinos usually runs from June to September. Outside those dates, swim with extra care and keep an eye on the flags.
Can you bring your dog?
During the bathing season, dogs are not allowed on the sand of the urban beaches in Torremolinos. You can walk your dog along the promenade, always on a lead.
If you want to swim with your dog, check the designated dog beaches in the province before you go.
How to get to La Carihuela
La Carihuela has very good connections. These are the most practical options:
By Cercanías train
The C-1 line links Málaga, the airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. The most convenient stations for La Carihuela are Torremolinos (town centre) and Montemar Alto, next to La Batería Park.
From Montemar Alto it is about a 15-minute walk down to the beach. From Torremolinos station you can walk down to Bajondillo and follow the promenade to La Carihuela.
By bus
Several intercity lines run along Avenida Carlota Alessandri, the main avenue parallel to the beach on higher ground. From there, any street takes you down to the sea in a few minutes.
By car
From Málaga you can take the MA-20 / A-7 motorway or the old N-340. The drive from central Málaga takes about 20 minutes without traffic.
Getting there is easy. Parking is the hard part, as we explain below.
On foot from Benalmádena
If you are staying in Benalmádena Costa or near Puerto Marina, the best option is to walk along the promenade. From the marina you reach the western end of La Carihuela, next to Montemar, in about 12 minutes.
Where to park
Parking in La Carihuela in summer takes patience. These are the alternatives:
- Streets on the higher side, between Avenida Carlota Alessandri and the promenade. There is street parking, but it fills up early in high season.
- Public pay car parks, such as the covered, supervised one on Avenida Carlota Alessandri.
- Montemar and Av. de España, at the western end, where it is usually a little easier to find a space than in the heart of the neighbourhood.
Tip: if you are coming for the day, arrive before 10 am in summer. If you are coming for dinner, after 8:30 pm the beach traffic has eased and there is usually more space.
When to go: the best time of year
| Season | What the beach is like |
|---|---|
| July and August | Peak atmosphere, all services and lots of people. Ideal if you want a lively beach. |
| June and September | Warm water, services running and fewer people. For many, the best time of the year. |
| October to May | A quiet beach, perfect for walking and for lunch or dinner on the promenade without hurry. |
The Costa del Sol has a very mild climate. Even in winter there are plenty of sunny days when a midday stroll along the shore in short sleeves is a pleasure.
What to do in La Carihuela besides the beach
The beach is only part of it. This is what is worth doing when you have had enough of your towel:
Walk along the promenade
The promenade links La Carihuela with Bajondillo to the east and Benalmádena Costa to the west. It is flat, wide and full of life from early morning until night.
If you walk west, in just over half an hour you reach Puerto Marina, one of the best-known marinas in Andalusia.
Wander the streets of the old quarter
Calle Bulto, parallel to the promenade, is the heart of neighbourhood life. It is worth wandering a little inland to see the most traditional side of La Carihuela.
Head up to La Batería Park
About a 15-minute walk from the beach, La Batería Park has a lake, green areas and a viewing tower overlooking the whole bay. It is a good plan for the hottest hours.
Watch the sunset
Facing south and open towards Benalmádena, La Carihuela has beautiful sunsets, especially in spring and autumn. The end of the promenade, towards Montemar, is a good place to enjoy them calmly.
Where to eat and have dinner in La Carihuela
La Carihuela is one of the great food destinations on the Costa del Sol. The choice is huge and very varied.
- Beachfront chiringuitos, specialising in fried fish, sardine espetos and rice dishes.
- Traditional restaurants on Calle Bulto and the inner streets.
- International cuisine of every kind, aimed at foreign visitors.
- Restaurants for a calmer dinner, with seasonal produce and a wine list.
A practical tip: the centre of the neighbourhood is very busy at dinner time. If you prefer a quieter setting, the western end, towards Montemar, is usually more relaxed.
Caliu, at the end of the promenade
At Av. de España, 18, where La Carihuela meets Montemar, you will find Caliu. We open every day for dinner only, from 7 pm to 11:30 pm.
We cook Mediterranean, Andalusian and European food: seasonal produce, fish, charcoal-grilled meats and steak tartare prepared at the table. We are rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google, with more than 650 reviews.
You can see the seasonal menu or the 28 € daily menu, and if you are staying nearby, check how to get here from your hotel.
Tips to enjoy the beach more
- Get up early in summer. Before 11 am there is plenty of space and the sun is gentler.
- Bring flip-flops. The dark sand gets very hot in the middle of the day.
- Avoid the sun from 1 pm to 5 pm in July and August. It is a good time for lunch in the shade or a visit to La Batería Park.
- Book dinner if you go at the weekend, in August or during the Virgen del Carmen festival.
- Get around on foot. The promenade takes you almost everywhere without a car.
- Respect the flags. Green, yellow or red show the state of the sea at any given time.
A perfect day in La Carihuela, hour by hour
If you only have one day, here is a simple plan to make the most of it, unhurried and without a car.
9:30 am. Breakfast and a first swim
Have breakfast at a café on the promenade and head to the sand before most people arrive. At that time the sea is usually calm and the light is lovely.
12 noon. Walk to Puerto Marina
When the sun starts to bite, walk west along the promenade. You will pass Montemar and in about half an hour you will be in Puerto Marina, with its shops, boats and atmosphere.
2 pm. Lunch and shade
Have something light in the shade and stay off the sand during the central hours. If you fancy some greenery, go up to La Batería Park and rest by the lake.
5:30 pm. Second beach session
By late afternoon the beach is very pleasant again. It is the best time for a long swim and some quiet reading in the sea breeze.
8 pm. Sunset on the promenade
Have a shower, change and head out to watch the sun set over Benalmádena. At that hour the promenade fills with locals and visitors out for a walk.
9 pm. Dinner by the sea
Round off the day with an unhurried dinner. If you would like to try Caliu, in summer we recommend booking ahead, especially from Thursday to Sunday.
What to bring to the beach
La Carihuela has everything close at hand, but these things will make your day more comfortable:
- High-factor sunscreen, even in spring and autumn. The Costa del Sol sun is deceptive.
- Flip-flops or water shoes, for the hot sand and a few pebbly patches at the water’s edge.
- Cold water in an insulated bottle. In August you will be glad of it.
- A light layer for the evening. When the sun goes down, the breeze cools things off.
- Cash and card for sunbeds, beach bars and ice cream.
If you are with small children, your own parasol and some sand toys are enough. You can find everything else in the shops on the promenade.
Where to stay near the beach
La Carihuela and Montemar have hotels and apartments for every budget, many right on the seafront or a few metres from the sand.
If you are after peace and quiet, the western end, near Av. de España and Calle Salvador Allende, is more residential and a short walk from Puerto Marina. If you prefer to be in the middle of the action, the area around Calle Bulto and Calle del Carmen is the liveliest.
We have put together a list of nearby hotels and apartments with walking times to our door.
Frequently asked questions about La Carihuela beach
How long is La Carihuela beach?
According to Torremolinos Town Hall, 2,280 metres long and about 40 metres wide. It is the longest beach in the municipality.
Does La Carihuela have a Blue Flag?
Yes, it is one of the Torremolinos beaches that usually receives the Blue Flag. It kept it in 2025.
Which is the nearest train station?
Montemar Alto, on the C-1 Cercanías line, about a 15-minute walk from the heart of the neighbourhood. Torremolinos station is also a good option.
Is it a good beach for children?
Yes. The sea is usually calm, there are lifeguards in season, play areas and all services close by.
Can you park nearby?
There is street parking and public pay car parks, although they fill up in summer. The Montemar area is usually easier.
When is the Virgen del Carmen procession?
Every 16 July. The statue leaves the neighbourhood church, reaches the beach and goes out in a maritime procession along the coast.
Where to have dinner near La Carihuela beach?
There are plenty of options along the promenade. If you are looking for relaxed Mediterranean cooking, Caliu is at Av. de España, 18, at the end of the promenade next to Montemar, open every night from 7 pm.
A beach to stay at all day
La Carihuela has everything close at hand: sand, a calm sea, the promenade, seafaring history and a huge choice of places to eat.
Come early, walk to Puerto Marina, head up to La Batería if the heat gets intense and end the day with a good dinner by the sea.
If you would like that dinner to be at Caliu, you can book your table here. We will be waiting for you at the end of the promenade.
