Torrox best things to see and do
From Claviclum to Torrox
Best things to see in Torrox nicknamed “Best Climate in Europe”
In this article you will find the key information about things to see and do in Torrox
- A few words about Torrox
- Torrox Spain weather
- The history of the village
- What to see in Torrox pueblo?
- What to see in Torrox Costa?
- Torrox things to do
- Activities around Torrox
- walks and hiking trails around the village
- Guided tours
- Festivities
- Torrox Spain map
- Book accommodation in Torrox
- Some useful links
- Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
A few words about Torrox
Torrox is located in Axarquia in the province of Malaga. . Its historic centre is beautiful and has preserved its authenticity.
Torrox Spain weather
This village is known as the “Best Climate in Europe”. Nothing to add, we can enjoy this lovely place all year round!
Torrox, like many villages of the Costa del Sol (Mijas, Algarrobo,…), has the particularity of being cut in two. Torrox Costa (with its 9km of beaches), and Torrox pueblo, separated by 4km. This is of course linked to the history of its settlement.
It is located right next to Frigiliana, one of the most beautiful white villages in Spain.
On the coast, Torrox is right next to Nerja. The village is also bordered by the beautiful Sierra de Almijara.
The history of the village
Historically, the Phoenicians were the first to settle here. Later came the Romans who gave it its first name: Claviclum.
Above, a photo of the beach of the lighthouse, 100 metres away you can admire the Roman remains.
The speciality of the Romans, as in other parts of the Costa del Sol, was the production of Garum. The production was exported to Rome and was very popular during the Roman Empire.
Garum was a sauce obtained from the maceration of fish viscera, mainly anchovies and sardines….
The Visigoths later occupied the city and gave it the name Ciudad de los Arcos.
Torrox under Al-andalus
It seems that the city took the name of Turrush (طرش ), which would give it its current name of Torrox.
The village, like others, in the 14th and 15th centuries, under the kingdom of Granada, would be an important silk production centre. These silks were sold in Malaga and Granada. During this period, the cultivation of mulberry trees to feed silkworms was developed around the village, in parallel with the development of sugar cane cultivation.
Among the illustrious characters of Torrox, the most famous is Almanzor (in Arabic it means: the magnificent), from the Al-Andalus period. A statue of him can be found in the Constitution Square – Plaza de la Constitucion.
Almanzor (Al-Mansûr) grew up in Torrox and was a great warlord and minister of Hisham II, a caliph of Cordoba.
From the coast to the top of the village, there are many Roman and Arab remains to visit while enjoying the special charm of these white Andalusian villages.
Below is the Puente de las Animas (Bridge of Souls), of Roman origin. It is located between Torrox pueblo and Torrox Costa.
This bridge is below the beautiful and unique church of Nuestra Sra de las Nieves.
It is a must to walk through the narrow streets of the village. It is a real pleasure!
What to see in Torrox Costa
Right next to the lighthouse you can still see the ruins of the villa (city) Claviclum as well as the ceramic kilns, a necropolis, and thermal baths. For history lovers, this place is worth a visit.
In Torrox Costa, there is also a very famous place to see, related to the 20th century. It is the wreck of the ship El Delfin, nicknamed El Barco de Arroz :
This boat is very close to the shore. You can go paddling or snorkelling. Some people also dive there. In the following link you can find the history, the legend and the exact location of the barco del Arroz (the rice boat).
This boat is very close to the shore. You can go paddling or snorkelling. Some people also dive there. In the following link you can find the history, the legend and the exact location of the Barco del Arroz (the rice boat).
Visit Torrox pueblo what to see?
The Plaza de la Constitución in Torrox pueblo is the place to go for a coffee. Umbrellas have become a village landmark.
Next door you will find the church Nuestra Sra de la Encarnacion
There is also the Plaza de la Hoya, right next to the Constitution Square. You can read about the history of this square there…very interesting!
The best thing to do is to walk through the narrow streets of the village.
After the Plaza de la Constitución, there is the beautiful Mudejar-style church of San Roque. In spring this square is very pleasant. There are several lemon and orange trees in bloom at this time. It is a delight to smell the delicate fragrance of the azahar flowers.
Afterwards, you can continue your walk through the narrow streets that lead up to the top of the village, to the Calle Colina del Sol.
…Through Calle Silva
You will also have the opportunity to see some fabulous landscapes. In the photo below, you can also see the mountain road that leads to Frigiliana..
What to do in the area?
In the surroundings it is possible to find very nice activities:
- horse riding, on the beach or in the mountains
- diving in Nerja and Torrox
- guided tours (villages of Axarquia, Cordoba, Alhambra,…)
- via ferrata (Caminito del Rey,…)
- hiking (rio Chillar, El Saltillo with the hanging bridge,…)
- canyoning (in the rio Verde,…)
- astrotourism
- snorkeling
- visit of caves
Use the following link to access all the activities to do. during your holidays. This link provides you with all the details of each activity.
Hiking around Torrox
There are many walks around the village. One of my favourites is of course the Rio Chillar hike.
But there is an equally spectacular and lesser known hike:
This is the Rio Patamalara hike. The hike ends at the foot of a magnificent waterfall almost 20 metres high.
Guided tours in the surrounding area
A very good local guide, Cipriano, offers thematic and seasonal guided tours of Torrox and the surrounding area.
The guided tour that reveals Torrox and other white villages in the surrounding area:
This is the Ruta del Sol y del Vino. You will find all the details in this link : Sun and Wine Tour.
The guided tours are always done in small groups (2 to 8 people max.) to discover the authentic Axarquia.
In the following links you will find all the details and prices of the tours he offers.
Here you can find all the guided tours in Axarquia from Torrox, Nerja and Torre del Mar.
In this link you will find the other tours in Andalucia from Nerja, Torrox and Torre del Mar.
Festivities to see in Torrox
For five of them you will find the link to find out everything about these fairs and festivals.
- Fiesta de las Migas, in December
- Semana Santa
- Fandangos de Güi in El Morche, in August
- Dia de las Candelarias
- Romeria de San Roque, in August
- San Juan – Torrox Saint John’s Eve, in June
- Romeria of San Antonio, in June
- Cruces de Mayo
- Torrox Fair , end of September
- Noche Flamenca
- Cajon Flamenco Festival, in November
Where is Torrox on the map?
Where to stay in Torrox?
Guest houses, villas, holiday homes, hotels
Some useful links
Here is a great car rental agency in Andalusia and more specifically at Malaga airport : book a rental car.
If you are in Andalucia as part of a tour with several major cities to visit, here are some links that may be of interest:
- Discover must-sees before visiting Cordoba
- Visit Malaga on foot.
- All you need to know about Granada, the Alhambra, the Albaicin neighbourhood before visiting Granada
- If you are passing through the geographical centre of Andalusia, then you can visit Antequera, with the incredible natural site of El Torcal right next door
Experiences to discover in the province of Málaga
If you spend a few days on holiday in the area, here is a selection of great activities:
Find more ideas for visits to authentic Andalusia: see the blog pages on Andalucia.
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