Playamar beach in Torremolinos will host the final of the XII Costa del Sol Espetos Competition on Saturday, August 1, featuring a popular espetada and the participation of 14 municipalities from Málaga.
The countdown to the XII Costa del Sol Espetos Competition has entered its final stretch. Torremolinos is finalising preparations to host the grand final, which will take place on Saturday, August 1, at Playamar beach, between the beach bars Sal Marina and Casa Paco, from 18:00 to 00:00 hours. The event, which brings together the best espeteros from the province, promises a day of maritime tradition and popular gastronomy.
The competition, organised by the Torremolinos City Council and the Círculo de Empresarios de Torremolinos, is sponsored by the Diputación de Málaga, through the brand Sabor a Málaga, and supported by the Junta de Andalucía and the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental. The event aims to highlight the art of espeto, an ancestral technique of grilling fresh fish over wood fire that is a hallmark of Málaga cuisine.
Luxury Jury
The panel of experts evaluating the participants is composed of renowned chefs and professionals from the gastronomic sector. Among them are Juanjo Carmona, chef and owner of the restaurants Aviva, Flour, and Salitre, awarded the 'Cocinando el mar' prize at Madrid Fusión; Romina di Lorenzo, vice president of MAHOS and director of several establishments in Málaga; Andrea Ruiz, food content creator for the profile 'Dónde comer muy rico'; Alejandra Pérez, owner of the restaurant El Ambigú de La Térmica; Sebastián Martín from the iconic Chinchín Puerto; and Luis Villatoro, commercial director of La Opinión de Málaga.
The jury was officially presented at an institutional event led by food critic Nacho Sandoval, with the presence of the first deputy mayor and councillor for Tourism, Marta Huete; the councillor for Culture and Traditions, José Manuel Ruiz; the deputy for Security and Emergencies of the Diputación de Málaga, Luis Rodríguez; and the president of the Círculo de Empresarios, Adolfo Trigueros.
Honorary Espeto 2026
One of the most emotional moments of the presentation was the awarding of the 'Honorary Espeto' 2026 to the restaurant Los Mellizos, in Torremolinos, run by the Montes brothers. Ramón Montes received the award from the authorities and highlighted that the team has been participating in the competition for twelve years, aiming to reach two decades of participation. This recognition values the work of espeteros who keep the tradition alive.
Adolfo Trigueros and Marta Huete emphasised the historic nature of this edition, as it is the first organised jointly by the City Council and the Círculo de Empresarios. Huete remarked that
“this event is important because it combines gastronomy, culture, tourism, and promotion”of local roots.
Popular Espetada for Everyone
In addition to the professional competition, the day at Playamar will offer a large popular espetada, with espetos and drinks at affordable prices for locals and visitors. The event, which has been held for twelve editions, has established itself as a tourist and culinary reference on the Costa del Sol, attracting thousands of people each year.
Torremolinos is preparing for an evening of maritime flavour, where fire, sand, and sea will take centre stage. The event is on Saturday, August 1, from 18:00 to 00:00 hours, at Playamar beach. Admission is free, and it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy the experience.
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