TORREMOLINOS is certainly different: a vast, parody of a seaside resort, which in its own kitschy way is fascinating. This sometimes bizarre place, lined with sweeping beaches and infinite shopping arcades, crammed with (genuine) Irish pubs and (probably less genuine) real-estate agents, has a large permanent expatriate population of British, Germans and Scandinavians.

There are plenty of good quality hostels , some of which are very near the beach and fairly cheap. including the Hostel Castillo located in in Calle Manila, 3.

The resort's campsite ( tel 952 382 602 ) lies 3km east of the centre on the main Málaga-Cádiz highway, 500m from the sea; get there by taking the cercanía train to the Los Alamos stop or bus "Línea B" from the central Plaza Costa del Sol. The turismo in Plaza Pablo Picasso ( Mon-Fri 9.30am-1.30pm; tel 952 379 512 ) and a branch in Plaza del Lido on the seafront ( daily 10am-2pm & 5-8pm ) can provide more information on what accommodation is available.

The sheer competition between Torremolinos's restaurants, clubs and bars is so intense that if you're prepared to walk round and check a few prices you can have a pretty good night out on remarkably little. The more elegant part of the resort lies to the east at La Carihuela , where there's a decent beach, great seafood restaurants along the seafront.

To its enduring credit though, Torremolinos is rising above what was turning into a tired second rate tourist resort. Recent visitors will have noticed that a major clean up has taken place over the last few years with many of the older hotels having been reformed and refurbished , also many of the main avenidas have been reformed and lined with lots of baby palm trees. There is definitely a fresher atmosphere about the place and if your looking for some of the best fish and seafood anywhere on the Costa del Sol then the Carihuela district which lies on the beach area to the west of the town is the place for you.

The very popular Sol Principe which offers lagoon-style outdoor pools, tropical gardens and a heated indoor swimming pool. It is 100 metres from Playamar Beach, in the Costa del Sol resort of Torremolinos. Other popular hotels in the area include the Royal Al Andalus This luxurious hotel is set in the heart of the sunny Costa del Sol in the popular district of La Carihuela famous for its fried fish dishes. Enjoy a large outdoor pool and buffet restaurant. The Royal Al-Andalus is set beside its own outdoor swimming pool where you can enjoy the Andalusian sunshine in the attractive landscaped gardens. You can also take the quick, 2-minute walk to the beach and the clean waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The lively resort centre of Torremolinos is only 700 m away and where you can browse the local shops, bars and restaurants.

With a Torremolinos holiday you will be able to enjoy one of Spain's most popular resorts,

The Melia Costa del Sol a luxury hotel on the beach front in Torremolinos, with wonderful sea views. It has an outdoor pool, limited free parking and free gym and Wi-Fi. Guests at Meliá Costa del Sol can relax in the wellness centre, available at an extra cost. The centre includes a jacuzzi, a sauna, a Hammam and a hydromassage pool.

Other fine Hotels in Torremolinos iinclude Hotel Don Marcoa , the Hotel Zen , Los Jasmines , Royal Costa , La Barracuda , the Griego Mar and the small intimate Luna Blanca Hotel .