|
Resort guide to Torrox Pueblo and Torrox Costa
OverviewThe Torrox area lays claim to have "the best climate in Europe" sheltered as it is by the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara mountains. Thus it boasts an average annual temperature of 18C. The opening of the new N340/E15 autovía has improved the journey time to cover the 44kms from Malaga Airport to 35 minutes, meaning that getting there to sample its balmy delights has become much easier. On leaving the motorway at exit 285, in addition to following the signs to the costa (coast), where most of the holiday rental accommodation and Hotels in Torrox are to be found. Travellers could alternatively head for the ancient hillside pueblo (village) after which the coastal resort is named. Separated by 4kms of farmland, once the areas main employer, the Pueblo and Costa offer a pleasant combination of old traditional Spanish life and the facilities expected by the modern day tourist. Torrox Pueblo
Like most of the villages in the region Torrox has Arabic origins with a labyrinth of narrow winding streets of white washed houses radiating up and out from the main square.
The atmosphere is of a small town quietly going about its business and successfully
retaining its character.
Tourism has not greatly affected the Pueblo and even in high season the village is a calm and peaceful place to visit. However its charm and close proximity to the coast has
in recent years led to an increase in the number of overseas property owners. SightseeingWhilst Torrox Pueblo may not be as pretty as, say, nearby Frigiliana a morning or afternoon spent exploring the village is recommended. 
Places of interest include the 16th century churches Iglesia de la Encarnacion built on the site of the original village mosque and Iglesia de San Roque. Also from the same century and worth a visit is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. Other buildings important to the village's past are the 18th century Custom House & Mint and the 19th century Casa de la cultura. For more information on sightseeing in the region please see our
sightseeing page.
FiestasTorrox Pueblo plays host to a number of festivities throughout the year. The national
February Carnival
is followed in May by the fiesta Cruces de Mayo
and in June the
Quema de Los Júas
takes place. For more information on the regions fiestas please see our Fiestas Page Torrox CostaIn contrast to its more traditional neighbour first impressions of Torrox Costa could lead you believe that here is just another strip of Spanish coastline yielding to tower-block tourism. Closer inspection however will prove something else. The fact is that all the apartment blocks house private apartments most of which are owned either by Spanish or German nationals and it wasn't until June 2003 that the first tourist hotel was opened here. What this means is that until now, despite the availability of plenty of accommodation Torrox Costa has been vastly undersold. Exposure has been limited to 'word of mouth' recommendations and in truth the whole resort has been kept out of the mainstream holiday brochures. The result being that outside of the peak months of July and August the resort has a very easy-going, calm feel to it.
The coastal area of Torrox stretches for 3 kms and at the heart of the resort is the Paseo Maritimo a flat pedestrianised promenade. Starting at El Faro or the lighthouse the promenade runs west along the entire length of the main beach Playa Ferrara Most of Torrox's shops, bars and restaurants are to be found either along the Paseo Maritimo or in amongst the apartment buildings that stretch back to the main coast road. To the east of El Faro is the less developed side of Torrox Costa. Whilst there are apartments here in various stages of completion, the general facilities are not yet in place. However this stretch of coast has an appeal of its own. Here the beaches are more rugged and natural where it is still possible to pull your car off the road and park virtually on the beach.
With a good selection of merenderos or beach cafes this stretch of coast has been likened by some to the Pacific coastline of California. SightseeingTorrox Costa is very much a beach resort. However a stroll along the promenade to the lighthouse will give you the opportunity to see some of the important roman remains first discovered here in the 1970's. These include the Roman Necropolis and Thermal baths and the fish salting factory.
Activites Most of the activities in Torrox Costa are centred on the beach, with pedaloes, kayaks and jet-skis all available for hire during the summer months. There are also a number of beach volley ball courts available on the main beach, Playa Ferrara
The nearest golf course to Torrox is at Baviera Golf. Shopping
The choice of shops available in Torrox is improving all the time. Most of them are situated on and around the Paseo Maritimo promenade. In addition to the usual selection of tourist souvenir and supply shops Torrox now has three major supermarkets. The visit every Monday of the weekly street market is still the shopping highlight of the week. BeachesThe main beach at Torrox Costa is
Playa Ferrara
however other quieter and less crowded beaches in the area are
Playa Peñoncillo
and Playa Las Lindas. Eating and drinkingFor a smallish resort, Torrox Costa is well served with places to eat and drink. There are lots of bars and restaurants all along the Paseo Martitimo along with a few in each of the side streets leading down to the beach. 
Torrox Pueblo is much less cosmopolitan but there is a reasonable choice of places to eat mainly centred around the main square, Plaza Constitucíon. For more details on the types of restaurants and bars available in the area along with some of our recommendations and a tapas guide go to our food and drink section.
|
