If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the sun and the sea, but also the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, you should consider Torrox as your next destination. Torrox is a charming municipality in the eastern Costa del Sol, only a short drive from Málaga. It has two distinct areas: Torrox Pueblo and Torrox Costa.
Torrox Pueblo is the old town, where you can find the historical and cultural heritage of Torrox. You can walk through its picturesque streets, admire its monuments and museums, and taste its delicious gastronomy. You can also experience its traditions and festivities, which reflect the influence of different civilizations that inhabited Torrox, such as Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Christians.
Torrox Costa is the modern area, where the beautiful coastline of Torrox awaits you. Its beaches have blue flags of quality that guarantee their cleanliness and purity, and invite you to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. If you are looking for more fun and adventure, you can also try its recreational centres, water sports, hiking trails and nightlife. Torrox Costa has plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, bars and shops to suit your taste and budget.
Torrox is a place that has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to stay close to the sea or to explore the rural tourism that is emerging in the area, you will find something that meets your expectations in Torrox.
History
Phoenicians and Punics probably inhabited these lands, but the first remains found date from the time of the Romans. They founded the factory- city of Caciclum in the First Century. However, its name is derived from the Arabic word turrus. Various centuries of Moorish civilisation have left traces in its history and in its urban personality. In addition, Torrox has a rich cultural heritage that you can explore by visiting its monuments and museums. You can see the Romans Ruins of El Farro, the frieze remains of the ancient wall, the Shrine and Convent of “Ntra. Sra. De las Nieves”, from the Sixteenth Century and the Chapel of San Roque, from the Seventeenth Century. Moreover, you can enjoy a walk through its reminiscent town centre, a monument in itself.
Places to visit
Torrox is a municipality that has a lot of places to visit, both on the coast and in the interior. You can find natural wonders, historical monuments, cultural museums and more. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, education or fun, you will find something that suits your taste in Torrox. In this section, we will show you some of the places that are unique to Torrox and that you should not miss.
The Torrox Lighthouse and its Museum
This is the only lighthouse in the province of Málaga that is still in operation. It was built in 1864 on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa called Caciclum. From the lighthouse you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the coast. You can see the map of the lighthouse [here].
Next to the lighthouse, you can visit the Torrox Museum and the Interpretation Centre of Torrox Lighthouse. The museum displays archaeological artefacts from different periods and cultures that inhabited Torrox, such as Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Christians. The museum is located in a typical Andalusian house from the 18th century, with an interior patio and a fountain. You can see the map of the area [here].
The Plaza de la Constitución
This is a square in the centre of Torrox Pueblo, where you can admire some historical buildings and monuments, such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the Town Hall and the Fountain of La Villa. You can also enjoy some cafes and restaurants around the square. You can see the map of the square [here].
Chuch of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
The main church of Torrox was built in the 16th century on top of an old mosque and enlarged in the 17th century. Its tower has a rectangular prism shape and stands out on the outside, topped by a pyramidal spire.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UVXYCfzQqTTi7yys8
The Mint House and the Miniatures Museum
The Mint House is an 18th century building that also goes by the name of the Customs Palace. It reminds us of the commercial peak of Torrox and gets its name from the “mint”, which is the place where coins were made in the 16th century. Inside, it houses the Miniatures Museum, with works by the local craftsman Antonio Medina and an amazing model of the town, as it looked in the 50s.
Beaches of Torrox
Torrox is a municipality that has a beautiful coast, part of the famous Costa del Sol. You can enjoy the sun, the sand and the sea in its beaches, which have blue flags of quality that guarantee their cleanliness and purity. Some of the beaches that you should not miss are:
- El Morche beach: This beach is located in the urban area of Torrox Costa, and has a seafront promenade where you can find many restaurants, bars, shops and recreational centres. It is equipped with all services, such as showers, toilets, lifeguards and sunbeds. It is ideal for families, couples and friends who want to have fun and relax.
- Ferrara beach: This beach is 1.200 meters long and has access for people with reduced mobility. It has fine sand and clear water, and offers various activities such as water sports, fishing and hiking. It also has a small cove at its eastern end (Playa Chica), which is more secluded and quiet. It is perfect for those who love nature and adventure.
- Calaceite beach: This beach is a hidden gem in Torrox, as it is less crowded and more peaceful than the others. It is surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, and has pebbles and rocks instead of sand. It is a great place to snorkel, swim and enjoy the scenery. It is suitable for those who seek tranquillity and privacy.
Events and activities
Torrox is a municipality that has a lot of fiestas throughout the year. These fiestas reflect the culture, history and traditions of the people of Torrox. Some of the fiestas are:
- October Fair: This is the main fair of Torrox, which takes place on the first weekend of October. It commemorates the patron saint of the town, Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. It includes music, dancing, food and drinks, and a parade of floats and horses.
- August Fair: This is a summer fair that takes place in August in Torrox Costa. It is a more modern and tourist-oriented fair, with concerts, shows, games and fireworks.
- Día de la Migas: This is a day of national tourist interest, which takes place in Torrox pueblo on the last Sunday before Christmas. It celebrates the traditional dish of migas, which is made with bread crumbs, garlic, oil and pork. The town hall distributes free migas to everyone who attends.
- Romería de San Antonio: This is a pilgrimage that takes place on June 14th in honour of San Antonio de Padua, the patron saint of animals. People dress up in traditional costumes and take their animals to be blessed by the saint. They also enjoy music, dancing and food in the countryside.
- Cruces de Mayo: This is a religious fiesta that takes place on May 3rd. It involves decorating crosses with flowers and other ornaments. The crosses are displayed in public places or private homes, and people visit them and vote for their favourite ones.
- Festival de Coros y Danzas: This is a cultural festival that takes place in July in Torrox pueblo. It showcases the folk music and dance of Torrox and other regions of Spain. It also includes workshops, exhibitions and gastronomy.
More special dates in Torrox
Apart from these fiestas, there are also some other important dates that are celebrated in Torrox:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st.
- Epiphany: January 6th. The day before, there are parades of the Three Wise Men who bring gifts to children.
- Easter: March or April, depending on the calendar. There are processions and passion plays through the streets of Torrox.
- San Juan’s Night: June 24th. A big party on the beach with bonfires, music and rituals.
- Fiesta del Turista: This is a fiesta that celebrates the tourists who visit Torrox. It takes place in September in Torrox Costa. It offers free paella, sangria and entertainment to the visitors.
- Carnival: This is a festive celebration that takes place in February or March, depending on the calendar. It features parades, costumes, music and dancing. People wear masks and disguises and have fun with jokes and satire.
Gastronomy
Torrox is a municipality that has a delicious gastronomy, influenced by its location between the sea and the mountains. Its cuisine is based on fresh and local products, such as fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts and olive oil. You can savour some of its typical dishes in its restaurants and bars, or during some of its popular festivities, such as the Day of Migas. Some of the dishes that you should not miss are:
- Las migas: This is the most famous dish of Torrox, and it has its own festival in December. It is made with semolina flour, garlic, oil and salt, cooked in a large frying pan. It is usually accompanied by sardines, cod, clams, olives, “maimones” (a kind of bread), pap (a cornmeal porridge), salad with slices of orange, or “papas a lo pobre” (potatoes fried with peppers and onions).
- Tomato vegetable soup: This is a refreshing and nutritious soup, ideal for the summer. It is made with tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, vinegar and oil. It is served cold and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and ham.
- Garlic and almond soup: This is a warm and comforting soup, perfect for the winter. It is made with garlic, almonds, bread crumbs, chicken stock, saffron and oil. It is served hot and topped with grapes or raisins.
- Fresh anchovies espetos: This is a simple but tasty dish, typical of the Costa del Sol. It consists of fresh anchovies skewered on wooden sticks and grilled over charcoal. They are seasoned with salt and lemon juice and eaten with bread.
How to get to Torrox
You can choose between different options to get to Torrox from Málaga:
- By bus: ALSA operates regular buses that connect Málaga with Torrox in about an hour and a half.
- By taxi: you can take a taxi from Malaga to Torrox for about 50-65 euros.
- By car: you can drive from Málaga to Torrox by taking the E-15 or MA-20 motorways for about 34 minutes.