Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
A coastal retreat on the beautiful Costa del Sol in Spain, Gay Torremolinos is known for its splendid beaches, varied nightlife, affordable prices, and jam-packed calendar of annual events.
Nicknamed “Chueca on the Beach” after Madrid’s famous gay district, Torremolinos has long been an oasis of freedom, even back during the repressive Franco regime. In fact, over 50 years ago, this is where the first gay bar in Spain was opened. Since then, its fortunes have waxed and waned today; we can confidently say things are very much back in full swing.
‘Terrible Torre’ may have been a byword for tacky package holiday deals in the 1970s, but today Torre has grown up – and attracting trendy jet setters and, yes, plenty of queers. The hotels here might still have an architectural style best designated ‘ruinous’ – but the 7km of perfect sand and a very open culture let you overlook this shortcoming.
Positively teaming during the summer months, this is an unpretentious gay holiday destination that sizzles with unconcealed hedonism – yet avoids the price tag and often ostentatiousness of Stiges, Nice or Mykonos.
A playground for gay men who flock here from around the world to work on their tan beachside during the day, before cramming into dozens of gay bars and clubs of La Nogelera at night – Torremolinos is particularly popular with the bear and fetish crowd, which is reflected by the sheer number of cruise bars and events catering to them each year.
Torremolinos is beyond gay-friendly, and no matter which season you visit in, you will be welcomed with accepting and open arms. At times, we struggled to spot any straight people, and it always felt like the queers had taken complete control. Especially around Easter or other big queer events. And all just a ten-minute drive from Malaga airport…
Torremolinos might be one of the world’s biggest gay travel destinations you have never heard of.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Torremolinos
Naturally, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each destination, and most queer travelers will want to check out the top things to see in Torremolinos during the day!
We found our favorite memories were watching the sunset from a relaxing cocktail bar, dancing till dawn with our queer family, or checking out gorgeous men on the Torremolinos gay beach – and honestly, that is the whole appeal here. There are a few museums and churches, but we would instead head to a drag show or work on our tan.
Torremolinos also has an excellent line-up of gay events throughout the year that is well worth planning your trip around if you can. Easter marks the start of the summer season with more parties than we could cover, but Mad Bear Beach and Pride are always utterly marvelous. There are also some amazing day trip options in the area if you somehow find yourself bored…
Things To Do In Torremolinos
Torremolinos Gay Beach
Playa del Bajondillo is one of four beaches in Torremolinos, and the gayest of them all. It offers dark sand, small waves and full facilities, including sunbeds and shades for hire, to make your life easier. There is a nice promenade ensuring easy access on foot or by car.
The gay section is located in front of the popular beach clubs, El Gato Lounge and EDEN Beach Club, on the southern end. Sometimes just called El Gato Beach, you cannot miss the gorgeous men and rainbow flags. The gay hotel in Torremolinos, Hotel Ritual, is also only a few steps away.
Gay Massage Torremolinos
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Caeser is a professional masseur who provides male-to-male massager services, including body contact, nudism, and erotism, a perfect combination of relaxation and pleasure. His services are aimed at anyone who enjoys a man being touched by another man, regardless of sexual orientation. It is not about sex.
Gay Shopping
If you are looking for some sexy new looks before heading out at night, there is plenty of places to drop in for inspiration. We recommend Boxer, a men’s clothing shop specializing in leather & fetish gear, Cosmos Fashion for popular underwear brands, or Cupido for adult toys (which also has a small cruising space out back). All are located in the heart of Torremolinos’ gay district, La Nogalera.
Andalusian Horse and Flamenco Show
Watch ‘Ritmo a Caballo’, an equestrian ballet that has been performed here every Wednesday at 5:45 PM uninterrupted for 26 years. The choreography incorporates a mixture of cowboy moves and dressage into Spanish music.
Riders wear old Andalusian costumes, and the one-and-a-half-hour show features 20 horses, all trained by their riders. Be amazed as you watch a group of Spanish horses all moves in unison to the beat of the music. Rigorous training and traditional elegance are combined in this impressive performance.
Sign up for a full-day Gibraltar tour, which takes you to every corner of this famous rock. Punta Europa, on the edge of the rock, has a lighthouse and stunning views of the African mountains, just across the water. After traveling through secret underground passages in the Cuevas de San Miguel. Though now a major tourist attraction, it was once a refuge for soldiers during wars and a secret passageway for those looking to escape. For such a small place, there is a lot to see.
Restored in March 2015, Caminito del Rey, formerly a service road, has now become one of the main tourist destinations in the province of Malaga. The routes are 7.7 km and 10 km long, which makes for approximately 3 hours of pure enjoyment in the beautiful Natural Park of the Gaitanes.
The El Caminito del Rey hike is spectacular the whole way from the Count of Guadalhorce Reservoir to its end at El Chorro Dam. Placed in unique natural surroundings, the path stretches between two gorges, canyons, and a large valley, all along pathways or boardwalks. The route is linear, not circular, and it goes in one direction, downwards from the north to the south. It is for this reason we recommend a tour to see it best.
Board the fast ferry and cruise across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, and a whole new continent. Start a walking tour of the little souk, where you will visit the dried fruit, vegetables, and spice markets, as well as the jewelers’ street, where you will receive a full explanation of the Moroccan wedding ritual.
Then visit the medina (old town) and the Kasbah (old fortress) to discover the rich architecture. Stop to see the snake charmer and visit one of the local bakeries to taste their delicious loaves of bread. Lunch is offered in a typical Moroccan restaurant.
Continue to a bazaar, then continue your sightseeing tour along the seafront promenade to see the Portuguese, American, Italian and Spanish quarters, the Royal Palace and the punico roman necropolis, where you can enjoy some of the best views of the Strait of Gibraltar and see the tombs dating back to the Roman times. A long – and full-on – day, but with arms full of exotic Moroccan products and a lifetime’s worth of memories, you will surely agree it is worth it when you return.
Annual Gay Events In Torremolinos
Join thousands of gays from all over Europe for an unforgettable holiday under the Andalusian sun. After touring Barcelona and Sitges, this famous French circuit festival has now chosen Torremolinos as a new home for its unique brand of parties and XXL fun.
6 days / 5 nights dedicated to meetings and parties day and night: beach parties, apéros, soirées, cruising, pool time and more. Expect plenty of gorgeous ‘Delice boys’ who mainly come down from France and Belgium to attend. Even if you don’t attend – the sexy atmosphere of Torremolinos goes into overdrive at this time.
Annual fetish fun in the sun event held over Easter with a smaller second party in Spring around mid-October. One of the hottest sex and cruise parties in Spain, this five-day event includes a nightly bar hop off the main Torremolinos fetish and cruise bars before everyone heads to a club party like the Hot “Mares and Stallions” party and the Boxer anniversary-orgy event.
Dress codes for parties are strictly enforced. The big Saturday TLF party is an absolute highlight, but the Eden Beach Fetish Parties held in the October Spring event are also ridiculously wild.
An annual celebration of queerness takes place in late May / early June and features the biggest circuit parties, one fabulous parade, and more pool parties than we could attend.
Tens of thousands of people participated in last year’s Pride, which is even more impressive considering it was only in 2015 that the city finally celebrated its first Pride. There are also multiple cultural, festive, educational, protest, musical, and leisure events involved in the programming of Pride Torremolinos.
One of the biggest LGBT+ international music festivals in Southern Europe. Expect plenty of wild clubbing, sexy pool parties, romps by the beach, international DJs, and much more!
An infamous summer week offering ten days of great parties, day and night, with international DJs. Highlights include the daily lap of the pumping bear bars and the election of Mr. Eden Beach Bear at Chiriguito Eden Beach. Mad Bear has other events in Madrid and Maspolamas but also holds a smaller event here in April over Easter, Torroles Fest, which offers more pool and beach parties, as well as nightlife events in the best clubs in Torremolinos.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Torremolinos Spain
As a world leader in LGBT tourism, there are plenty of hotels in Torremolinos catering to every type of traveler – and it would be unheard of for any hotel or guesthouse to have an issue with a same-sex couple checking it. Everyone here is gay-friendly and welcoming, as it should be!
Still, everyone likes to be surrounded by like-minded people, and as such, a few hotels in Torremolinos have cropped up as *the* place for gay travelers to stay! Torremolinos is compact and very walkable, but our favorite hotels were clustered close to the Bajondillo beach waterfront with all the gay nightlife at Nogalera, just a short walk away.
Gay Torremolinos is all about the beach and bars, so you want a hotel that lets you access both with ease.
The following hotels in Gay Torremolinos have all received rave recommendations from gay travelers in the past. Still, of course, there are hundreds of other hotels all over Torremolinos if these are not quite what you are looking for.
Prices are high in peak season, and the adage is true: you do get what you pay for here! Balconies and sea views don’t come cheap, and while there is no exclusive gay hotel in Torremolinos, during the summer, gays outnumber hetero-travelers at most of these locations.
Whether you want a cheap place to crash after a night of partying, an affordable hotel with a pool to socialize around, or a chic designer option to sip cocktails by the sea surrounded by fabulous people – Gay Torremolinos has something for everyone!
Hotel Ritual Torremolinos ☆☆☆☆
‘Openly friendly’, this eclectic and the (basically) gay hotel is our favorite spot to stay, right on Bajondillo beach. They even have an annual Mr. Rituals Hotel contest…Completely renovated, you can enjoy avant-garde rooms with sea views. Or head up to the ninth floor of the hotel, where you can enjoy a private guest-only area.
Sunbathe, swim in the infinity pool, or take in the marvelous views out over the Med and beach. Along with the pool, you can enjoy the best cocktails in our rooftop bar, which is open until sunrise. You can also stay in shape and relax as The Hotel Ritual Torremolinos has a latest-generation sauna spa with a high-quality templarium, dynamic pool, steam room, sauna, chromotherapy room, and massage room.
An adults-only hotel with affordable rooms to make you feel at home. Located in the center of Torremolinos and very close to the beach of El Bajondillo, you have ensured a peaceful break here that you can enjoy with your partner or friends, overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
The recently renovated elegant rooms have air conditioning and a modern bathroom with a bath or shower, while the spa offers a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a solarium. The hotel’s buffet restaurant enjoys fabulous views, and there is also a chill-out bar that holds cabaret nights with live music and exclusive entertainment — very gay-popular.
One of the best options for unwinding, having fun and working in Gay Torremolinos, thanks to its excellent location, its complete and comfortable facilities, and its superb service.
A short walk to most of the highlights of Gay Torremolinos, this luxury hotel provides rooms and suites with fabulous sea views, different dining spaces, an outdoor pool overlooking the sea and is surrounded by gardens and a gym. There is also the award-winning Thalasso Spa with a dynamic seawater pool, two massage cabins, a sauna, and a steam room.
A modern, laid-back hotel in the center of Torremolinos offering excellent value for money. The perky, relaxed rooms all feature furnished terraces, while there is also a free breakfast buffet served daily in a casual restaurant. Should you wish to explore it, there is a dynamic bar/game room with a pool table, plus an inviting outdoor pool and occasional live entertainment.
A newly established LBGT-friendly establishment 90 meters from the beach. Straightforward and affordable, it also offers a lobby bar overlooking the street and air-conditioned rooms. If you are looking for quality rooms to sleep in with welcoming service and no additional amenities, this is a great option.
An intimate 8-room hotel villa located in the most privileged area of Torremolinos and only a 5 minutes walk from the beach. Renovated and converted into a hotel, we loved the designer garden with a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and friendly service.
There is a dining kitchen where breakfasts are served and open 24 hours for the use and enjoyment of guests. The concept of accommodation is quite novel for some, but we place it between a boutique hotel and a bed and breakfast-guesthouse.
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Torremolinos
With Torremolinos being one of the world’s best gay beach vacation destinations, you would expect an incredible gay nightlife scene – and, thankfully, you will not be disappointed!
Depending on your mood, you can find anything here, from a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar to an all-night dance rave surrounded by your queer family! This is one of Spain’s most fabulous beachside communities, however – and it will cost you more than your typical gay beach holiday in Phuket, Punta Cana or Puerto Vallarta.
While the Torremolinos gay scene is active all year round, there is unquestionably a peak summer season running from May to September. You can expect most venues to be open from late March during the weekends and from Easter daily as the gay clubs and nightlife kick it into overdrive.
We are not staying off-season isn’t a great time to visit, with lower prices and more locals, but you will have to work harder to find pumping venues. Check opening hours before heading out and expect to restrict your partying to weekends.
The Nogalera district is the city’s gay village. Located in the center of Torremolinos, the area offers a wide array of gay bars and restaurants focused on the LGBT community. You could also check out Pueblo Blanco, another particularly gay-friendly area in the city with extensive commercial offerings and a relaxed atmosphere.
Honestly, everything here is so compact, and we ended up finding our favorite spots by wandering around and seeing where we were right on the night. Don’t be afraid to part from the crowds. Chances are they will eventually come to you no matter when you go.
We should warn you, however, to take particular vigilance from pickpockets – especially if you are planning to get drunk and end up with your pants down. When exploring dark rooms or cruising, it is always a good idea, no matter where you are, to leave valuables at home…
Terrace bars are busy with the after-beach crowds and then post-dinner until around midnight, then bars get busy around midnight, and finally, nightclubs open at 2 AM, get crowded around 3 AM, and stay open until 5. This is Spain, after all, so take a siesta and be prepared for a fabulously exhausting night out.
For many gay bars in Torremolinos, flip-flops and tank tops are the uniforms of choice – but some more upscale clubs and venues demand more.
As Coco Chanel declared, “luxury equals comfort,” so don’t get too caught up as later in the night, plenty of tank tops come off!
Bar At Torremolinos Gay Beach
A fashionable seafront terrace bar located in front of the gayest section of Beirola Beach. Very popular in the early evening and with the gay beach crowd. Food is tapas style with an Asian / international flare.
A tremendous mixed/gay beach club where to spend the day, from your morning coffee to a romantic sunset dinner. There are beach loungers for rent, as well as a chic lounge bar and restaurant. Upbeat music, good service, and a friendly atmosphere all but ensure you have a great time.
La Nogalera Gay Village Bars
Vida Bar
A straight-friendly gay bar with a warm, unique atmosphere. On their terrace, you will find a great mix of guests with whom you can have a chat, meet friends, or make new ones. All nationalities are warmly welcomed at this international bar by Charles and his team.
A popular gay pub with a nice terrace conducive to conversations and cocktails made with natural fruits. There are friendly, and often shirtless, waiters and drag queens, including Hellon Heels, who can usually be found hanging out here.
Chessa
This fantastic, friendly gay bar run by consummate host Peter Tol has been a mainstay of the Torremolinos gay district for over a decade. Good prices, strong drinks, and a weekend cabaret show ensure its loyal following of more mature customers return time and time again.
Rene’s Bar La Esquina
A small Dutch-owned gay bar run by a fabulous team that is always ready to party with you. Much like nightlife in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, Rene’s Bar La Esquina can be more mixed than queer, but you will always be welcome here. As you can imagine, very Dutch-popular – and if you prefer your men a little taller…
A chilled-out gay cafe bar that has been chosen by local bears and mature guys as their daytime clubhouse. The charming outside terrace overlooks the main La Nogalera square, so it is perfect for people-watching accompanied by affordable drinks and light bites.
Contacto
One of the oldest gay bars in Torremolinos, Contacto is our go-to for camp drag, amusing vibes, and 80s disco throwback hits. A diverse range of guys pack in here each night, and a few heterosexuals, but can you blame them? We mean, who would want to miss out on this sheer over-the-top extravagance?
A popular LGBT bar right on the Old Square with a busy outdoor terrace and exceptional cocktails – a flawless combination, especially in the hot summer months. As the name would lead you to believe, after one goes here, you will keep coming back – largely thanks to the friendly service and relaxing atmosphere. The owner Gill is a very welcoming host, with a wicked sense of humor and is a fount of local knowledge.
Another laid-back terrace gay bar with regular bingo nights naturally attracts a more mature audience. We found it to be more mixed than gay but loved the variety of Finnish and Estonian drinks on offer thanks to its Finnish owner, which reminded us of wilder times in Tallinn and Helsinki.
Bacchus Bear Bar
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The name says it all, really: a furry gay bar for bears, mature men, friends, cubs, and all those who admire them. Beers with bears, what could be better?
A popular cabaret show bar and disco in Torremolinos. It can get a bit dancey later at night, but this well-established spot (formerly known as “Morbos Show”) is legendary for its live shows, including drag, cabaret, singing, comedy, and more.
Gay Clubs In Torremolinos
One of the oldest and most typical gay dance clubs in Torremolinos has been open since 1996. A place with fun Latin pop music, affordable drinks, dance-all-night vibes, and a stellar reputation with everyone you ask. Parthenon will never let you down. Open seven nights a week with a more youthful crowd and cozy darkroom area at the back.
The biggest and newest venue in Gay Torremolinos has quickly found itself a loyal following and solid reputation. There is a range of regular themed Saturday parties – all complete with an admirable DJ line-up and special performances, along with some Friday events. Close the gay bars of La Nogaleta, though we found it to be a little more expensive than other gay clubs in Torremolinos.
A late-night gay nightclub, bar, and cruising complex in Torremolinos. Multiple dance floors, attractive and attentive bartenders, and a very large darkroom with booths and more to explore when you have finished sweating it out on the dancefloor.
There is an excellent mix of music from top DJs, and a terrace to chat on – and Aqua Club is always busy. A perfect place to party and mingle with hot guys of all ages and is close to the gay bars of La Nogales. So good it reminded us of Berlin or San Fran.
Gay Cruising in Torremolinos
Had enough of gay cruising in Torremolinos – either in the bars, beach or elsewhere?
For those who want a bit more guaranteed action, there is only one gay sauna in Torremolinos. Luckily it is pretty good and should not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless Grindr accounts).
If you want to explore your kinky side without a steamy sauna, there is also the gay Torremolinos cruise club scene. It’s one of the most friendly, welcoming, and about as sensually self-indulgent we have ever come across – similar to Hannover, Toronto, Melbourne, and Brighton – so why not give it a go?
Or you can always resort to gay hookup apps!
As a resort town on the Costa del Sol – foreigners are happily welcomed in all sauna and gay sex clubs in Torremolinos. In fact, we are often the target demographic. Many patrons will speak English, but you’ll still need to be good at reading non-verbal cues. Luckily we also have our gay sauna guide to help you out!
Gay Saunas in Torremolinos
A novel sauna concept for Torremolinos mixing pleasure with … well, more pleasure. Men of all ages are invited to enjoy the cabaret with drag queen shows, go-go’s, professional DJs, and erotic music. After, you can then explore 1,500 square meters of the more traditional gay sauna facilities, including a Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, bar, individual cabins, maze, darkroom and XXX video room.
The less traditional amenities include a bondage area with a cage, harness, cross, and a double-height glory hole hallway. The blend of cabaret and sauna is … laudable, but we recommend purely going for the sauna component. Generally well-attended, and recently reopened after an extensive renovation.
Gay Sex Clubs in Torremolinos
A gay cruise spot for men who like men. Bear, leather, butch, daddy, cub, wolf, chaser – all are welcomed into this sleazy space with a darkroom downstairs. There are fairly priced drinks, a sexy crowd, and trustworthy staff.
Free Eagle
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A male-only gay cruise bar for bears, fetish, and leather fans. Great staff, a generally easy-going crowd, and themed nights to cater to various interests. Inside there is a darkroom, sling, cabins and more…
A gay sex bar for men with a morbid, masculine attitude and desire to interact with limits – other than respect for others – and with total discretion. With a dark yet sexy atmosphere, here you will enjoy the perfect atmosphere to carry out your fantasies with total freedom.
And if you want to have a drink with some leathermen, this is also your place. Check their website for the dress code and the party of the night, including underwear and nudist events.
This animated sex club is open for gays only who come to drink, dance, cruise, and enjoy exploring the darkness, in the center of Torremolinos with different kink parties, a sensual atmosphere, erotic facilities, and numerous live sex shows. Affordable prices ensure this place is generally packed on the weekends. There is also a LGBT sex toy shop next door.
A hardcore gay sex nightclub with epic events most nights of the week. If we could only go to one gay cruising club in Torremolinos, this would be it. Even though it is 20 minutes from the center of the city, it is worth it. The Second Saturday of the month is the infamous Masked/Naked party. Inside there is an active darkroom, glory holes, and sling – but also a busy dance floor and bar with friendly service.
Gay Map Of Torremolinos
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Torremolinos? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!