Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Torre del Mar is a relaxed coastal town on the Costa del Sol, east of Málaga. Here you will find several kilometers of beach, a lovely promenade, plenty of restaurants and a slower pace than in many other holiday resorts along the Spanish south coast. We stayed here for a few days with a camper van before continuing our journey towards Granada.
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Torre del Mar – a quiet holiday resort on the Costa del Sol
Torre del Mar may not be the most picturesque town on the Costa del Sol, but it has a lot to offer. There is a long beach, a pleasant promenade, plenty of restaurants, shops and a pleasant everyday life.
For many, it is the relaxed atmosphere that makes them happy to return. Torre del Mar has become popular among many Scandinavians, especially during the winter months. For our part, we stayed here for almost a week, camping with our camper.
Long promenade
The first thing you notice in Torre del Mar is the long, beautiful promenade. Paseo Maritimo. The promenade is wide and invites both slow strolling and jogging.
Along the Paseo Marítimo are restaurants, cafes, playgrounds and beach bars, making the promenade the city's natural meeting place both during the day and in the evening.
If you want, you can continue along the promenade out of town, as we did when we walked to Caleta de Vélez. It's a nice walk all the way, past beaches, outdoor restaurants and a small harbour with small boats. When we arrived, we treated ourselves to lunch in a restaurant, which is not usual.
Eating in Torre del Mar
Along the promenade there are plenty of restaurants and classic shops. beach bars (beach bars/simple restaurants) where you can eat fresh fish and grilled sardines right on the beach. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to settle down for a long lunch or dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
The weather offered surprises
During our days in Torre del Mar we experienced everything from brilliant sunshine to persistent rain and strong winds. One day we couldn’t get out of the campervan until the afternoon due to the bad weather, and when we did get out we could see that quite a few lakes had formed that weren’t there before… and that it had snowed in the Sierra Nevada.
Camping Laguna Playa – our accommodation
We stayed at Camping Laguna Playa, which is within walking distance of both the beach and the town centre. The campsite is relatively simple and quite cramped, but works well as a base for discovering Torre del Mar and the eastern part of the Costa del Sol.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is of course more to see and do near Torre del Mar. Here you will find more tips on places to visit:
- Alhambra – the palace of the Moors
- Things to do in Spain – 25 tips
- Plan your golf holiday to Malaga
- Roquetas de Mar - Spanish south coast
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Torre del Mar
Where is Torre del Mar located?
Torre del Mar is located on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, approximately 35 kilometers east of the city of Málaga. The town belongs to the municipality of Vélez-Málaga in Andalusia.
What is Torre del Mar famous for?
Torre del Mar is known for its long sandy beach, wide promenade and relaxed atmosphere. The resort is popular with both holidaymakers and Spaniards looking for a quieter alternative to the larger tourist resorts on the Costa del Sol.
Is Torre del Mar worth a visit?
Yes, Torre del Mar is perfect for those who want to combine sun and swimming with a genuine Spanish everyday life. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and beach bars here, but a much calmer pace than in many other coastal resorts.
What is there to see and do in Torre del Mar?
Enjoy the long beach, stroll along the Paseo Marítimo promenade, visit the marina and try fresh fish or grilled sardines at one of the city's many chiringuitos. Many also make trips to Vélez-Málaga, Nerja or Málaga.
What is the beach like in Torre del Mar?
The beach is several kilometers long with dark sand and plenty of space even during high season. There are showers, toilets, playgrounds, beach bars and the possibility of renting sun loungers and parasols.
Is Torre del Mar child friendly?
Yes, the wide beach, the long promenade and the leisurely pace make Torre del Mar a popular destination for families with children.
Is Torre del Mar suitable for campervan travellers?
Yes, Torre del Mar is a popular stop for campervan travellers. There are campsites in the area and the town works well as a base for exploring the eastern Costa del Sol.
How many days do you need in Torre del Mar?
One to two days is enough to discover the resort, but many choose to stay longer to enjoy the beach or take day trips in the surrounding area.
What is there to see nearby?
Nearby are Vélez-Málaga, the famous stalactite caves of Nerja, the white mountain village of Frigiliana and Málaga with its wide range of culture and attractions.
When is the best time to visit Torre del Mar?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and are perfect for both sightseeing and beach walks. Summer is warm and lively, while winter attracts many who want to enjoy a mild climate.
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Ditte says:
There are plenty of wintering Swedes along the entire coast, but some places have probably been more visited than others. Exciting with Granade! Much to see and experience!
It's great to be there again, because it's a city you'll want to come back to.
22 February 2015 - 19:47
Matts Torebring says:
I think you have a great life. Staying at a campsite for a few days, going for a drive, exercising and walking. That's how I would like it too. Hugs
22 February 2015 - 20:11
Åsa says:
Looking forward to Granada!
22 February 2015 - 20:31
admin says:
Ditte, many people are talking about Granada so it will be interesting!
Matts, really hope you can get away on a long trip at some point! You would love it!
Åsa, us too!
🙂
22 February 2015 - 21:00
BP says:
Now I am looking forward to Granada. The BBC did a great piece on the city and the background and that city immediately went up to 10 in our top to do list.
Both Malaga and Torrevieja are Swedish colonies, so it's not surprising that you'll meet fellow countrymen there. You probably won't in Granada.
22 February 2015 - 21:06
Johanna i Skåne says:
Now I am in Granada 🙂 Let me know when you are there!
22 February 2015 - 22:18
Lars Permelin says:
It looks clean and tidy in Torre del Mar. You should not miss the Alhambra when you visit Granada. We have been there several times in the summer with friends and acquaintances. It is an experience and takes a good while to explore.
22 February 2015 - 23:57
admin says:
BP, we are also looking forward to Granada! Have heard many positive things!
🙂
Johanna, what fun! I will email you when we arrive tomorrow!
Lars Permelin, Alhambra is on our to-do list!
🙂
23 February 2015 - 0:19
Casa Annika says:
I think the Swedes on the Mediterranean coast are not so spread out. The area is probably quite concentrated in Malaga and the surrounding area? In Almería, for example, it is not the same way. Then we have the southern Spanish Atlantic coast where few foreigners find their way.
23 February 2015 - 1:37
Rolle o Carina says:
Ooohhh how nice it looks where you are now!
Feeling a great longing for the south now 🙂 ðŸ™'
Take care.....
23 February 2015 - 10:14
Ama de casa says:
Looked very nice! I think there are Swedes everywhere around the Mediterranean, but in some places - like here in Torrevieja for example - the concentration of northerners is greater than in others.
🙂
23 February 2015 - 10:55
Henny says:
Also looking forward to your impression of the Alhambra in particular. Can also recommend a place called Nerja, where acquaintances of ours live over the winter. Check out if it can be something for you and if you come across a Swedish couple named Wennman, you can say hello from us 😉.
23 February 2015 - 11:13
admin says:
Casa Annika, it could be! We will certainly have time to discover some differences along the coast.
Rolle and Carina, extra lovely now that it's getting warmer in the air too! Of course you should also roll south when you get the chance!
Ama de casa, well there seems to be a bunch in Torrevieja!
🙂
Henny, we have heard from several people that Nerja is nice! Let's see if we get past there!
🙂
23 February 2015 - 12:37
Veiken says:
Swedes are spreading out everywhere - for now. The krona is failing! 🙁
23 February 2015 - 13:37
Rkuth i Virginia says:
Read at Ama, that you do not have a driving licence. Ama has a driving licence
but don't drive. It seems odd that travelling Swedes should be
prefers to rely on the husband. And as for you two,
it is a bit unfair that HE has to sit at the wheel all the time.
time, instead of being able to look around. And what if
he broke his arm or leg, you couldn't get far!
Just a few thoughts from a woman, who loves to
driving a car.
Visited Granada on a group trip once and found the city completely
fascinated. Suggest you take a guided tour of the amazing buildings, so you can learn its history.
Went to the Alhambra in mid-April. It was cold and the trees
was just. Must be lovely in early summer.
Keep rolling and enjoy!
23 February 2015 - 15:17
admin says:
Ruth, I tried to get a driving licence many years ago, but I don't think it's for me... I get very stressed. Peter likes driving and of course he always gets to choose the route, when to stop etc. It IS stupid if he gets sick. But it's about time and money and the fact that I hate driving. And IF I were to get a driving licence, I don't understand how I would dare to drive that huge house haha. Peter is incredibly skilled at pocket parking and turning on a dime with this big box, which is often needed in narrow alleys in small villages. Granada and Alhambra will be exciting!
23 February 2015 - 16:27
Annika says:
I also think you have a great life.
Talk about having freedom now. It's wonderful to be able to do what you do. Go where you want, when you want.
Fantastic!!!
23 February 2015 - 17:22
Lena & Jan says:
Enjoy your trip to Granada, you will be impressed!
As a former 'driving instructor' (Lena), I know that there is a remedy for your concerns. It's never too late to make yourself independent of a driver, but you should take the first step yourself! Sweden is a great country to get a driving licence 😉.
If the driver becomes seriously ill, the SOS in Copenhagen will help you bring the motorhome home (with the right insurance)!
23 February 2015 - 20:21
Ninni, Henrik och husbilen Knasen says:
Lovely, lovely. Have you been via Nerja? A cosy little town and if you want to eat good and cosy we recommend Pinoccio. 🙂 Tjingeling
23 February 2015 - 21:35
admin says:
Annika, that's fantastic! The only question is how to get used to a "normal" life again after this...?
😉
Lena & Jan, you should never say never... so who knows!? There will be no driving licence right now in any case ...
😉
Ninni, thanks for the comment and tips! We went past Nerja, but did not stop there... Hard to get everything!
24 February 2015 - 1:48
Janet Johansson says:
Hi, wondering if there are any Swedes in Torre del Mar - Camping (not necessarily there, but in the Costa del Sol area somewhere).
who wants to sell his caravan to us (we intend to have the caravan standing all year round at a campsite, as we intend to live in the caravan Oct-March) what does it cost if you stand for 6 months/year?
We are looking for an Adria Adora 552 UL, year. 2005-2008
Regards Janet Johansson
25 December 2019 - 18:07