The name "Playamar" (a contraction of "playa" and "mar") points directly to its seafront location. The development went up in the 1970s, when Torremolinos remained the nerve centre of the Costa del Sol.
History & origins
Unlike La Carihuela or El Bajondillo, Playamar is not among Torremolinos's 7 official neighbourhoods listed by the tourist office: it is only mentioned there as a beach name.
Designed by architect Antonio Lamela, the development comprises 21 blocks of 15 storeys, built in two phases on a 54,000 m² plot sloping gently towards the sea, for a total of 945 apartments.
Heritage & architecture
When it was built, the project sparked fierce controversy over its height, to the point that the demolition of buildings already constructed was considered. The complex was nonetheless awarded a prize in 1969 for its tourism merits. Concentrating the buildable area into height, so as to free up ground-level space for green areas, echoes the utopian proposals of Le Corbusier.
Playamar development
21 towers of 15 storeysAntonio Lamela, 945 apartments, 54,000 m².
Playa de Playamar
Namesake beachOne of Torremolinos's 4 beaches.
Culture & living traditions
Unlike La Carihuela or El Bajondillo, Playamar has no history as a village that predates tourism; its identity is entirely tied to a 1970s architectural project, now recognised as 20th-century heritage and one of Torremolinos's most sought-after residential areas.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 9am-12pm: Architecture and beach
Take in the Playamar development, then Playa de Playamar.
Afternoon · 12pm-5pm: Seaside relaxation
Lunch facing the sea, then time on the beach.
Evening · 5pm onwards: On to El Bajondillo
Extend the evening towards the neighbouring neighbourhood.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
Is Playamar one of Torremolinos's 7 official neighbourhoods?
No, the tourist office mentions it only as one of the city's 4 beaches.
Who designed the Playamar development?
Architect Antonio Lamela, in the 1970s.
Why was Playamar controversial?
Because of the height of its towers, before it was awarded a prize in 1969.
How many apartments does the Playamar development have?
945, spread across 21 towers of 15 storeys.
Does Playamar have recognised architectural value?
Yes, it is presented as a milestone in the Costa del Sol's tourism architecture.
