Torrox Information

Torrox is a very white town with 12000 inhabitants. It is 45 km from Malaga and 20 from Velez. It is 126 m. high and sheltered from the Northern winds by the mountains of Tejeda. Torrox is proud of its denomination as the place with the best climate in Europe. This is a privileged spot to have a rest, as well as to enjoy its mountains and its beaches and of course to try some of its gastronomic specialities, such as "espetos of sardines", "migas cortijeras", fresh anchovies or "papas a lo pobre", enhancing the taste of any of them with the famous local wines.

Torrox has a population of 1,2000 and is 45 km from Malaga and 20 km from Velez. At an altitude of 126m it is sheltered from the northern winds by the Tejeda Mountains.

Torrox is divided into three areas:

Torrox Pueblo has retained its white Moorish village structure with attractive narrow streets and a main square that is a lively meeting place. Much of the town has beautiful views down to the coast.

There was once a Moorish castle on top of the hill on which the town stands where, it is claimed, King Almanzor was born in the 10th century. During the Moorish occupation, Torrox prospered in agriculture and in the silk trade. 16th century buildings include the Mudejar style church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Shrine and Convent of the Virgen de las Nieves. Interesting civil works include the 18th century Hospital of San José and the 19th century Sugar Factory.

Torrox Costa is one of only two towns along the coast of Axarquia that has high rise apartment blocks along its central coastal stretch. This is compensated for by two splendid maritime promenades with attractive restaurants and bars and 9 kilometres of wide sandy beaches. On either side of the main area, you will find more rustic, low rise buildings and bamboo fringed beaches.

El Morche, on the coast to the west of Torrox Costa, is a small, unspoilt seaside village. To the east of the main town, alongside the lighthouse, the new 'Balconde Torrox' has been constructed as a lookout to the sea and headlands. There is a transparent floor through which Roman ruins can be seen.

Phoenician remains on the coast testify to the long history of settlement in the area but Torrox was an important factory town during the Roman era. The extensive ruins have been conserved on the coast beside the lighthouse. These include: a necroplis, restored thermal baths, ovens used in the manufacture of ceramics, houses, the luxury villa Clavicum built in the 1st century and troughs used for the preparation of fish paste (garum).

The River Torrox irrigates the area supplying water for the cultivation of sub-tropical and greenhouse fruits on the coast and vineyards and olive trees inland.

The gastronomic specialities of the area of Torrox are: espetos de sardines, migas cortijeras, fresh anchovies or papas a lo pobre. Enhance the taste of these delicious dishes with the famous local wines.