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In the eastern Costa del Sol, in the heart of the mountainous area known as Axarquía, lies the beautiful white village of Torrox. Like all villages in this area, Torrox has a strong Muslim heritage, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. This municipality stands out above the others, being known for having the “best climate in Europe“.
We are going to know it a little more in depth, from its origins to places that you should not miss if you decide to visit Torrox. If you don’t know it we encourage you to visit it, we can take you when you decide.
Getting to know Torrox
Torrox has a rich past; from the first Phoenician settlements to the establishment of a Roman factory at the mouth of the river, in the area where the lighthouse now stands. The factory is believed to have been one of the triggers for its population growth; in those times the production of Garum was highly prized, which undoubtedly boosted the economic development of the area.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths managed to control the area for four centuries, until the arrival of the Muslims. It was during this period that the population grew and adapted; the culture of Torrox assimilated the new influences that we can see today in its whitewashed streets and houses, as well as in its culture and gastronomy. During this period Torrox became one of the main silk factories with its mulberry plantations and the cultivation of dried fruits for export.
After the conquest by the Catholics on the 29th of April 1488, there was an important depopulation from which it would take a long time to recover.
With this introduction we can form an idea of the origins of Torrox. This information will come in handy when we visit its monuments, the fruit of a past that has transformed this land into what it is today,
Torrox Weather
This mild tropical climate throughout the year is due to its location between the sea and the high mountains of Sierra Almijara which protect the region from cold winds.
This privileged climate has not only favoured the cultivation of tropical fruits but has attracted a large number of foreigners and as a matter of fact Torrox accommodates one of the largest colonies of German residents in Spain.
Places to Visit in Torrox
As we have noted in the introduction to this article, Torrox’s rich past has left its mark on the history of this town. Let’s take a look at some of the places worth visiting in Torrox.
Of the Muslim era there hardly remain traces, except the streets and houses of the old town. The Axarquía was one of the great centres of rebellion against the Reconquista and after crushing it, its inhabitants were deported and their places of worship turned into churches. Basically, you can say that in any place where is located a fifteenth century church, before there was standing a mosque. A beautiful example of this is the Incarnation Church from the fifteenth century, which you can visit here: https://goo.gl/maps/aSwSMxW2nozRgHR38
The village also has some watchtowers of the Muslim era, widely used in these times to warn of frequent pirate raids on the coasts, these are the Torre del Morche (https://goo.gl/maps/iFiHtFkTC5FHJXZN8) and the watchtower Torre de Calaceite (https://goo.gl/maps/ZJh5hBCmdVxDFYzR7).
Roman archaeological site
Near the Torrox lighthouse is an archaeological site from the Roman period, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in the province of Malaga and consists of a villa, thermal baths, a salting factory and ceramic production ovens, as well as a necropolis.
This area is visible through a glass floor of a viewpoint located over the ruins, from where you can also enjoy beautiful views of the coast.
Convent of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
The beautiful, white Convent of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves in Mudejar style is now restored and used for cultural uses of the Town Hall, except for the chapel that continues to serve for worship.
We find references to the hermitage in 1627, although it was not until 1710 that the monastery was founded.
Location: Plaza Sg.C1, 57, 29770 Torrox. (https://goo.gl/maps/L8UjJoQyEZGcXh4K6)
Web: https://www.malaga.es/en/turismo/patrimonio/lis_cd-5559/ermita-y-convento-de-ntra-sra-de-las-nieves
Other monuments to visit
Of the bourgeois blossoming of the region testifies the house Casa de la Joya of the nineteenth century which once it was located in the middle of a huge lush garden of which nothing remains today. In the past it was the residence of José Sevilla, a sultana and wine exporter who had his own fleet of ships. It is also the place where King Alfonso XII stayed after his visit after the earthquakes in 1864. It is currently the Palace of Justice.
Torrox’s industrial past has left us remains such as the old sugar mill of San Rafael, which dates back to before the 19th century. It is located at Calle Rabitilla, 70. (https://goo.gl/maps/9A31Eb9sSV8gfqiz9)
La Granja aqueduct, used until the 19th century to provide irrigation for the farmers. (https://goo.gl/maps/Xsovts13TTGrwXmJ9)
Lighthouse of Torrox, built using the tower of an old castle destroyed by Napoleon’s troops, who destroyed it before abandoning it during the 19th century.. (https://goo.gl/maps/q1pTfjmDTCbCeb6n7)
Torrox beaches
About 4 km from the village is located Torrox Costa with a total of 7 beaches: Playa de Ferrara, Playa del Cenicero, Playa del Peñoncillo, El Morche, Vilches, Mazagarrobo and Calaceite. The largest and most important are Ferrara Beach and El Morche, who have all services and cafes, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Activities
Nature: Torrox is located in the foothills of Sierra Almijara, with its highest peak, Navachica of 1,831 meters. This mountain range forms together with Sierra Tejeda and Sierra de Alhama (belonging already to the province of Granada) a grandiose Nature Park with high peaks of over 2000 meters next to the sea, a wonderful place to hike, discover the wildlife and enjoy spectacular views.
You may also be interested in the fairs or special events that take place in Torrox. Popular is the Día de la Miga, when this dish is handed out to visitors who come to visit the town.
El Morche Fair
The El Morche Fair takes place during the second week of August.
Day of Migas in Torrox
Every year in December and on a Sunday just before Christmas this fiesta takes place in Torrox. Migas are distributed to the locals and visitors who decide to come to the town.
As well as tasting this typical dish of Torrox there are activities, dances and other cultural events.
Where: It takes place in the Plaza de la Constitución, 1. Next to the Town Hall of Torrox. (map)
Getting to Torrox from Malaga
The recommended route is the road A-7 towards Almería. It is a simple route and you only have to take the exit to Torrox when you see it signposted. The journey by car takes about 45 minutes, although it will depend on the traffic and the season you decide to come to Torrox.
If you don’t want to drive you can always book a transfer from the airport to Torrox with all the guarantees. It is a perfect means of transport especially if you are travelling with luggage.
Book in advance your transfer from Malaga airport to Torrox and save on your next vacation.
