Different archeologial excavations showed human remains which date back to prehistoric times, the Tapada cave or the Cueva del Encanto, just to name two, are caves where historic treasures going back to neolitic times, were found.

About 2000 years ago, the Romans populated this region and constructed the road which unites Cadiz with Malaga and near this road the roman salazon factories were situated, like in the archelogical site of Bolonia, Baelo Claudia, as well as in Torremolinos, on la finca Cizaña Baja, in Los Álamos and in el Bajoncillo.

After the Romans left Analdusia, the Arabs arrived, who left an important heritage of their culture on this lands like the Torre de los Molinos, which later gave the name to the town. The catholic kings (Reyes Católicos), Isabel and Fernando reconquered the region and Torremolinos started its identity as a town.

With the Reyes Católicos starts the increase of the water mills. Torremolinos was sought after because of its waters and it was important place for travelling boats to get their supply of water and food here.

In 1704 a British fleet was asking water from the mills of Torremolinos, which was denied and hence they British devastated the town and most of the mills. However, on the ruins of this, the Hotel de Santa Clara, which formerly was the Castle of Santa Clara, was build.

In 1849, 14 of the mills were rebuild and the mill-industry prospered until the 1920´s.

Some of the names of the mills were Molino de Inca (lately restored and surrounded by a Botanical Garden), Molino de Batán, Molino de Cea.