The Hidden neo-Mudéjar Palace of Casa de los Navajas... In touristy Torremolinos.

In Bajondillo up in the hills, a bourgeois palace awaits.

Torremolinos may mean many different things to many different people. For some, it’s one of the most liberal places in Europe, with a thriving LGBTQ scene. If you were here in the '50s, you’d have been part of the glitterati — rubbing shoulders with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot, to name but a few. To others, it’s as bucket-and-spade as it gets, mentioned in the same breath as Benidorm or Magaluf.

But as always with the Costa del Sol, when we scratch beneath the surface we find evidence of a deeper and richer history. I’ve written before of Gala Dalí’s act of liberation here.

Hidden by palm trees and shielded by concrete apartment blocks lies an interesting architectural gem - the palace of Casa de Los Navajas.

Built between 1925 and 1926, this was to become the home for three generations of the family of local sugarcane magnate Antonio Luque‑Navajas, whose fields once occupied the land where Málaga Airport now sits. At the time, the village was not home to the bourgeoisie of Spain — Antonio was quite unique in crafting a palatial home atop a steep cliff in Bajondillo, marking a departure from small fishing‑village residences to a more personal, cultured expression of wealth.

Antonio’s home stands out as something bold and novel — an excellent example of the neo‑Mudéjar style, with Mozarabic touches and early Andalusian revival flair.

Notable decorative features include Sevillian tiles on the façade illustrating the four seasons — though the house only includes three, omitting winter, which has been taken as a nod to the perpetual sunshine of the Costa del Sol. Inscriptions include Qur’anic verses, a Tartessian eight-pointed star, and scenes from Don Quixote in the minaret. Structurally, the house comprises two wings (ground floor) unified by a two‑storey central section, crowned with twin towers and a belvedere. You’ll also see Alhambra-style plasterwork and tile patterns, inlaid furniture brought from Granada, and green‑tiled conical towers reflecting romantic Islamic design.

And while the building is rich in detail, the actual architect remains unknown — adding to the palace’s quiet mystery. It´s an interesting experience to stand on the terrace and see the new urban complexes and wonder what Antonio would have thought of the sprawl that followed.

One of the reasons Torremolinos has a bad rep is due to the awful town planning and unprecedented high-rise construction of the 1960s and 1970s that blighted what was once a pretty fishing village. An unusual place, Franco turned a blind eye to the shenanigans of Torremolinos. Scandinavian tourists and others came in their droves to taste the 'exotic' delights of distant Spain. With big names like the Beatles passing through, the town’s popularity surged. But Antonio dreamed this up way before.

From its stunning cliffside location to the attention and flair for detail, we’re lucky to get a glimpse into the past. The palace leaves a mark on the town — a building of legacy, of beauty, of vision.

If you’re into local architecture, or you happen to be close by, it’s definitely worth making a little side tour.

📍 Practical Tips for Visiting Casa de los Navajas

Location:📍 Calle del Bajondillo, Torremolinos — perched on the cliff directly above El Bajondillo beach. Look for the entrance from the promenade or the upper street near Hotel Isabel. Google Maps link Here

Entry:🕰️ Free and open to the public🗓️ Typically open daily (morning and late afternoon slots), but hours may vary seasonally — check with the Torremolinos tourism site or at the entrance.

Time needed:⏳ Around 30 minutes is enough to explore the building, take in the views, and browse any seasonal exhibitions or events inside.

Accessibility:🚶 Access from the beach level involves stairs — if needed, enter from the top street side for easier access.

Photography:📸 Absolutely — both the views and interior details (like the tiles and arches) are very photogenic.

While you're in the area:🌴 Stroll the Bajondillo seafront or stop at nearby cafés. If you fancy more architectural spotting, swing by the old town of Torremolinos — or hop over to Málaga city for more neo‑Mudéjar inspiration at the old post office or the Plaza de Toros.