Monumento al Turista de TORREMOLINOS

Description

Standing proudly at a bustling roundabout in Torremolinos, the Monumento al Turista (Tourist Monument) perfectly captures the spirit of this sun-soaked Costa del Sol town. I remember stumbling upon this unique sculpture during my first visit to the area – it’s one of those quirky landmarks that just makes you smile. The monument depicts a family of tourists: dad with his camera, mom holding a beach bag, and their excited kid pointing towards the sea. Y’know, exactly how most of us look on vacation!

What’s particularly cool about this monument is how it tells the story of Torremolinos’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village into a major tourist destination. Created in the 1970s during Spain’s tourism boom, it’s become way more than just a piece of public art – it’s like a symbol of the town’s identity and economic evolution.

Key Features

• Bronze-finished sculpture featuring a three-person tourist family
• Located on a prominent roundabout that serves as a major orientation point
• Retro-style design that captures the essence of 1970s tourism
• Decorative water fountain elements (though they don’t always work, if I’m being honest)
• Surrounded by well-maintained gardens and palm trees
• Illuminated at night, creating quite a striking view
• Popular spot for tourist photos and selfies
• Historical significance as one of the town’s earliest monuments dedicated to tourism

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, the best time to check out the Monumento al Turista is during the golden hour – either early morning or just before sunset. The lighting then is absolutely perfect for photos, and the temperature’s much more bearable too. But honestly? The monument looks pretty spectacular at night when it’s all lit up.

Summer months (June through September) can get pretty crowded around here, with tourists constantly stopping for photos. If you’re like me and prefer a more relaxed vibe, try visiting during shoulder season – April, May, or October. The weather’s still fantastic, but you won’t have to wait your turn to snap that perfect pic.

How to Get There

Getting to the Monumento al Turista is super straightforward – it’s actually one of the easiest landmarks to find in Torremolinos. You’ll find it at one of the main roundabouts in town, where several major roads intersect. If you’re walking from the beach area (like I usually do), just head uphill towards the town center – you really can’t miss it.

By public transport, several local bus routes stop nearby. If you’re driving, there’s usually street parking available in the surrounding areas, though it might take a bit of patience during peak season. And if you’re staying in central Torremolinos, it’s totally walkable – maybe a 10-15 minute stroll from most hotels.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, so here’s what I’ve learned from my visits: First off, bring your camera! The monument makes for some really fun photo ops, especially if you try to mimic the poses of the statue family (c’mon, everyone does it!). The lighting can be tricky though – morning light tends to work best for photographs.

If you’re planning to spend some time here, there are several nice cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a coffee or a bite. I’d recommend visiting the monument as part of a larger exploration of Torremolinos – it’s close to some great shopping areas and other attractions.

Watch out for traffic since it’s on a roundabout – safety first! The area can get pretty busy with cars, so be careful when crossing to get closer to the monument. And while the fountain elements are lovely when they’re running, don’t count on them working – they’re a bit temperamental (kinda adds to the charm, if you ask me).

During summer evenings, this area comes alive with locals and tourists alike taking their evening paseo. It’s actually one of my favorite times to visit – there’s such a lovely atmosphere with families out for walks and the monument all lit up against the darkening sky.

The surrounding area has some interesting historical plaques that tell the story of Torremolinos’s development – worth a read if you’re interested in local history. And if you’re into architecture, take note of how the monument’s style reflects the optimistic tourism boom of the 1970s – it’s like a time capsule in bronze!

Location

Places to Stay Near Monumento al Turista de TORREMOLINOS

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides