It’s hard to spot Torrox on a map of Spain, even when you know roughly where you’re meant to be looking. This is because with a population of just a few thousand people, it’s never going to make a big impact on any map, but if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the Costa del Sol and a taste of some authentic Andalucia life, it may just be the destination of choice.

Torrox is found in the Spanish region of Andalucia located just 5km from the popular holiday resort of Nerja, and only 40km from the International airport at Malaga, making it ideally placed for travel around the region. The Sierra Nevada skiing resort near Granada can be reached within a 2-hour drive, as can the Rock of Gibraltar for those interested in visiting this wonderful corner of British history.

Torrox is split between Torrox Costa that lies on the Mediterranean coast and the inland village Torrox Pueblo located just 3km inland. Over the years both have been slowly migrating towards each other with the appearance of new properties and developments that follow the meandering road that connects the two. Both are quite different with the holiday attractions they offer, but together they provide the holiday visitor a good choice between beach activities and village life.

Torrox Pueblo is a whitewashed village that clings to the hillside like snow precariously hanging from a tree branch. It is how you would imagine a typical Andalucia village to be. Townhouses adorned with a dazzling array of flowering plants that follow narrow, winding streets with very few street names attached which if you’re not careful, will have you going round in circles trying to find your way back to where you started.

Much of the Pueblo has been carved with the influence of the Moorish occupation whose arrival in the 7th century brought with them new ways of agriculture, irrigation and land terracing which is still in existence today. Many of the Spanish still work the land producing many of the vegetables and exotic fruits you can find for sale outside the many small shops dotted throughout the village.

Around the village on various street corners can be found illustrated ceramic tiles depicting events of the Moorish occupation of the town. These are best found by taking the Almanzor Walk that begins from the Plaza de la Constitution and follows a route through the village taking in the main historical buildings. These include the baroque church of the Incarnacion, church of San Roque and chapel of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves, Mudejar in style and originating from the 16th century.

Details of the walk can be obtained from the small Tourist Information Office that can be found on Calle Baja, located just off the main square. Opening times are quite limited even during high season, but the best time to try is between 11am and 2pm midweek.

Life in Torrox Pueblo centres around the main Plaza de la Constitucion. The square is lined with vibrant orange trees and centred with an attractive water fountain. The sweet smell of Orange and relaxing sounds from the fountain add to the ambiance and tranquillity of the location. There is also a fine choice of bars and restaurants to choose from and some tasty local cuisine. By ordering a selection of tapas you have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local dishes at an excellent price. Life in the village is slow and relaxed and best appreciated here with good company.

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