Torremolinos grows in Popularity with Tourists

According to the National Statistics Institute, INE, Torremolinos saw the highest increase in tourist numbers this spring recorded in the last decade. In May 2018, Torremolinos became the most popular tourist destination at the Costa del Sol. The survey revealed that the city saw an 11.12% increase in visitors in May, compared to the same month in 2017. Overnight hotel stays rose by 7.8% at the same time, the highest rise Torremolinos has experienced in the last ten years, according to INE's hotel occupancy survey.

Torremolinos welcomed in excess of 11,401 visitors in May 2018, of which nearly 35% were Spanish tourists, followed by visitors from the UK and France. Marbella was the Costa del Sol's second most popular destination, according to INE's survey, while Benalmádena made it in 3rd Place with 63,829 visitors in May. Marbella welcomed 81,071 visitors that month.

As a result of this surge in tourist numbers, Torremolino's job market saw employment growth of almost 5%, compared to the same period in 2017.

Torremolinos lies to the west of Malaga city, and started out as a fishing village before becoming the first of the developed Costa del Sol resorts in the late 1950s. It is located just 13 km from Malaga and lies along the A-7 motorway; it is also connected to the city via RENFE trans and bus lines, so is easy to reach once you arrive at Malaga Airport. By train it takes just 10 minutes to get from the airport to Torremolinos.

There is already a large British expat community living in Torremolinos, and the city has seen many new projects in recent years that aim to make Torremolinos even more attractive to permanent residents and tourists alike. The city enjoys one of Europe's best climates thanks to long, hot and dry summers and mild winters. Torremolinos' crowing glory is an almost 8 km long beach, lined with a promenade, cycle and skating lanes and an abundance of beach bars.

Gourmets will find plenty to choose from: there are reputedly more than 300 restaurants in Torremolinos, making it possible to "eat your way around the globe" during a holiday, starting with British Yorkshire pudding and roast beef and leading via Swedish meatballs to Asian-fusion cuisine.

If you're looking to relocate, or possibly retire but still keep a hand in business, it's possible to find modern one-bedroom apartments for around 150,000 euros or less, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost around 170,000 euros.

Expect to pay at least 230,000 for a penthouse with 2 bedrooms in a fairly central location. With regard to commercial property: the rental for a starter bar in a good location might be as little as 12,000 euros for 50 sqm, while an office in a central location might be found for around 116,000 euros for just under 100 sqm. Buying an established restaurant with bar and 150sq to 200 sqm of floor space is quite possible for around 200,000 to 300,000 euros. There is plenty of commercial and residential property to choose from. If you don't fancy running a bar or restaurant, how about a spa or shop catering for tourists' needs?

With visitor numbers rising steadily and Torremolinos now outranking Marbella as the most popular destination at the Costa del Sol, there are many opportunities opening up for people wishing to start a new life in Spain, and those hoping to invest in residential or commercial property.