Torremolinos goes colourful: Eight giant murals to transform traditional neighbourhoods

Residents in El Calvario and San Miguel will help choose the designs as the town invests almost €200,000 in public art.

Eight giant murals are about to transform residential streets in Torremolinos, as the town continues its efforts to revitalise two of its traditional neighbourhoods.

The project will bring large-scale urban artwork to the outside walls of apartment buildings in El Calvario and San Miguel, creating a colourful open-air gallery away from the busy tourist areas. The contracts have now been awarded, with the work expected to take six months. Residents could start seeing the finished murals in 2027.

The artworks will cover eight building façades across four residential properties, in an area bordered by Calle Río Trueba, Calle Periodista Juan Villar and Calle Joaquín Blake. Planned locations include Calle Periodista Juan Villar, Plaza Río Aguasvivas, Calle Juan Quesada Rosado, Calle Río Isuela and Calle Joaquín Blake.

Residents invited to choose mural themes

One of the most interesting aspects of the plan is the involvement of local people. Neighbourhood communities were consulted last year, with residents invited to contribute ideas and help choose the subjects of the paintings. The artistic work has been awarded to Jofre Oliveras for over €118,000. The artist has previously completed outdoor projects in Aberdeen, Amman, Barcelona and Madrid.

Building repairs and preparation work have been awarded to Benalmadena-based company Avalon Proyectos for €75,000. The combined contracts total approximately €193,000, with funding coming from a Junta de Andalucia grant of almost €250,000 through its Munitur programme, which supports improvements to public spaces with tourism and cultural value.

Part of a wider neighbourhood transformation

The murals follow other improvements in El Calvario, including the refurbishment of Plaza Vicente Aleixandre, the restoration of the old market and the opening of the Isabel Manoja community centre. The town has also been given access to a former regional government children’s care centre, with plans to develop new facilities there.

The latest investment continues Torremolinos’ efforts to improve everyday neighbourhood spaces, rather than concentrating solely on its beaches and tourist attractions. For foreign residents, the project also offers an opportunity to get involved in local life and help shape the communities they call home.