Still proud of its fishing heritage, La Carihuela is one of the loveliest spots on the Costa del Sol. Although right next to Torremolinos, La Carihuela still has the charming feel of a tiny fishing community. Brightly coloured fishing boats line the beaches and old men can still be seen mending their nets. Most of the buildings along the seafront are low-rise converted fishermens’ cottages with a few traditional ones still left over in the narrow backstreets. The finest fried fish on the Costa del Sol can be had at any one of the many beachside chiringuitos and restaurants. A popular favourite is fritura malagueña a golden dish piled high with fried fish, squid and octopus. Visit the church of Nuestra Senora del Carmen in the heart of the village where you can see hundreds of photographs of lost loved ones and moving notes pinned to the wall beneath the statue of Christ.