Torrox - malagaeast.com

Welcome to Bienvenido a Torrox!

Ancient Moorish village and modern seaside resort...

Welcome to Torrox, one of only a few small towns situated on the eastern Malaga coastline. Torrox is actually separated geographically into three areas; Torrox Pueblo, an ancient Moorish white village clinging to the side of a hill; Torrox Costa a modern settlement by the sea; and Torrox Park a residential area also situated near the coastline.

As the whole area lies in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara and Tejeda mountains, giving the coastal region a temperate micro-climate, Torrox often describes itself as having the ‘best climate in Europe’.

The town of Torrox is perhaps not as well known with British tourists as the neighbouring town of Nerja as a holiday destination, though that has changed in the last decade or so. Many are attracted by its unspoilt, historical white village centre, as well as the long sandy beaches of the Torrox coastline.

Indeed, Torrox Costa is well established with Spanish and German holiday-makers as well as British and German expats, and you will find that a number of establishments speak some English or German as well, of course, as Spanish.

Torrox Pueblo - an unspoilt white village

Just as the village of Torrox clings to the hillside on which it lies, it also seems to cling to a time past when the Moors still lived in Andalucia.

The white pueblo contrasts completely with the modern high rise coastal resort that shares its name, and to visitors entering the village for the first time, it is like walking back some 500 years. Yet the village is actually only 2 km from the sea and there are lovely views of the Mediterranean from many of the villages streets and houses.

The streets themselves, many of which fan out from the main square, are or Moorish origin, and many of the buildings also have their origins in this period of Arab rule. Visitors can wander along these shady streets, many with steep slopes or steps, which unexpectedly open out into hidden squares, filled with flowers, or to a magnificent views of the sea or mountains.

It is believed that a Moorish castle once stood on the top of the hill where the village now stands, and there is a legend that it was the birthplace of the 10th century Moorish King, Almanzor.

The centre and heart of the village is the large square (Plaza de la Constitución), which is located near the main church. There is a collection of pavement bars and cafes here, as well as the main market for the pueblo. The plaza de la Constitución is also the centre for Torrox’s fiestas, where a stage is set up for the Flamenco dancing and singing that is integral part of most Andalucian celebrations.

A place to discover the 'real Andalucía'...

One of the most attractive things about Torrox is that it is still very much a working Spanish village, unlike some which have almost completely given way to tourism. Agriculture remains an integral part of village life, and you will still see farmers walking with their mules, and oxen ploughing the field.

The village itself still retains its quiet, sleepy atmosphere and there are virtually no souvenir shops, which is part of its charm for many people. The only shops are those the village need – grocery stores, hardware shops and of course, bakeries. Many of the local residents still own farmland in the surrounding hills and you can find their locally grown produce on sale in doorways.

Yet despite not being a tourist town, local people are very welcoming to visitors who often come to discover the ‘real Andalucia’, something that is becoming more and more of a rarity in some areas of the Costa del Sol.

There are a couple of hotels in the pueblo or you can rent a traditional town house in the village. The village is old, with narrow streets, steep slopes and steps. So if access is important check the situation of the property before booking. However some roads do have car access and parking. There are some small shops, banks, small supermarkets, and several bars and restaurant plus a regular bus service down to the coast.

Torrox Costa - a modern seaside resort

Just a ten minute drive from Torrox Pueblo is Torrox Costa. On first appearance Torrox Costa, with its modern apartment blocks, would look more at home on the western Costa del Sol, than in the less developed Axarquia. In fact Torrox is one of only two towns with high-rise buildings, the other being Torre del Mar. However, do not be put off from taking a closer look at the place, as it has plenty to offer.

The Torrox coastal settlement has 9 kilometres of sandy beaches and two lovely promenades with a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

It is a very popular resort for Germans and there are a number of restaurants which cater for German cuisine. However the British have also discovered the area, and there are some establishments which cater for British style food, as well of course as plenty of traditional Spanish eateries, and those that offer international cuisine.

Torrox Costa also has plenty of shops, supermarkets, banks, etc. There is a regular bus service to the pueblo, and also to the neighbouring coastal towns including Nerja. With hotels to suit all budgets as well as holiday apartments to rent.