Torremolinos has more nightlife than any other spot along the Costa del Sol. The earliest action is always at the bars, which stay lively most of the night, serving drinks and tapas until at least 3am. Note that some bars are open during the day as well.
La Bodega, San Miguel 40 (tel. 95-238-73-37), relies on its colorful clientele and the quality of its tapas to draw customers, who seem to rank this place above the dozens of other tascas in this popular tourist zone. Many guests come here for lunch or dinner, making a satisfying meal from the plentiful bar food. You’ll be lucky if you find space at one of the small tables, but once you begin to order—platters of fried squid, pungent tuna, grilled shrimp, tiny brochettes of sole—you might not be able to stop. Most tapas cost 2€. A beer costs 1.50€, a hard drink at least 3.50€ to 4€. La Bodega is open daily from noon to 5pm and 7:30pm to midnight.
Ready to dance off all those tapas? Le Room, Palma de Mallorca, 36 (tel. 95-238-42-89), a well-designed nightclub in the town center, is one of the most convivial in Torremolinos. Strobes, spotlights, and a state-of-the-art sound system set the scene. There’s even a swimming pool. Expect to pay 3.50€ or more for a drink; cover is 15€, including one drink after 11pm. The club is open from 11pm to 6am in summer months only.
For unabashed tourist flamenco, try Taberna Flamenca Pepe López, Plaza de la Gamba Alegre (tel. 95-238-12-84; www.tabernaflamencapepelopez.com), in the center of Torremolinos. Many of the artists come from the bars of Sevilla and Granada, and they perform Monday through Saturday at 10pm April to October. The frequency of shows is substantially reduced during the cooler months, and performances are confined mainly to the weekends; call to confirm first. A 27€ cover includes your first drink and the show.
Gay men and women from throughout northern Europe are almost always in residence in Torremolinos. Plaza de la Nogalera and Plaza de los Tientos are centers of gay nightlife.
One of the Costa del Sol’s major casinos, Casino Torrequebrada, Avenida del Sol, Benalmádena-Costa (tel. 95-257-73-00; www.casinotorrequebrada.com), is on the lobby level of the Hotel Torrequebrada. It has tables devoted to blackjack, baccarat, poker, and two kinds of roulette. The gaming hall is open daily from 8pm to 5am. The restaurant is open nightly from 9pm to 2am. There is live music on weekends. Casino admission is 3€. Bring your passport to be admitted.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
