Torremolinos was developed here back in the 1950s and while many of the not-so-modern blocks are Stalin-era in their grimness, there remain attractive quarters, such as the low-rise former fishing district of La Carihuela. Torremolinos has long been known as the Costa del Sol’s gay capital. Spain’s first gay bar opened here in 1962, and in October 2011 the resort was the fitting venue for the first annual Expo Gays symposium which attracted more than 15,000 visitors.
The adjacent resort of Benalmádena comprises a fairly bland built-up coastal stretch with the highlights being Puerto Deportivo (leisure port), and relatively unspoiled Benalmádena Pueblo (village) inland. Another resort, Arroya de la Miel, also falls under the Benalmádena banner and is best known as being home to the Tivoli theme park.