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Destination

Torrox Costa

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Discover our hotel in Torrox Costa

For those who are looking for a destination on the Costa del Sol that is quiet and less crowded than Malaga, Marbella or Estepona, there is nothing better than a stay at our hotel in Torrox Costa. Located in the province of Malaga, this destination may be not as popular as the ones previously mentioned, yet its relaxed seaside resort atmosphere has everything you need to make your holidays in Andalusia unique.

Part of the county of Axarquia, Torrox Costa is located between the towns of Nerja and El Morche in the foothills of the Sierra de Almijara on the east coast of the Costa del Sol, where it boasts of some most complete tourism services on the coast of Malaga, and most surprisingly, it keeps the charm of a traditional Andalusian village with little, whitewashed houses scattered all over.  

All this, combined with a perfect combination of culture, art, history and nature makes Torrox Costa a great destination point for all those wishing to have good time in Malaga, regardless of whether they are looking for a family holiday with children, a romantic getaway or a break with friends. It is currently most popular with Germans and the British, although every year more and more tourists from Spain decide to come and take a break at this Costa del Sol beach.

Below, without unnecessary haste, we are going to explain the many reasons why Torrox is worth visiting.

What to see in Torrox

Torrox Costa is the first of three areas that belong to the municipality of Torrox; the second is Torrox Pueblo which is located 4 km from the beach, and the third is Torrox Park, a residential area located between the two.

The proximity between the two makes it very easy to access the major monuments of Torrox, among which is the Church of Our Lady of Incarnation which is built in baroque style and has a square tower. Dating back to the 15th century and reconstructed in the 17th century, it was erected on the premises of an ancient mosque.

Among other samples of religious architecture that are not to be missed are the Church of San Roque and the Convent of Our Lady of the Snows, both founded in the 16th century and constructed in the Mudejar style.

Other constructions of interest are the La Granja Aqueduct, which was in operation until the 14th century, the buildings of Customs and Currency House, dating back to the 18th century, and the old sugar refinery of San Rafael. Constructed before the 14th century, it was one of the most important refineries in the province of Malaga and you'll find it in the Rabitilla area. We also recommend visiting the Joya Palace (1863), in which King Alfonso the 12th stayed during his visit to the area.

An absolute must when visiting Torrox are the Roman ruins of Clavicum or Caviclum (1st century A.D.), located close to the lighthouse of Torrox, in Torrox Costa. Among the vestiges that have survived to this day are the remains of a villa, a necropolis, hot springs, clay furnaces and pools for cooking garum - a kind of fish sauce that was very popular at the time.

The Moorish influence can be seen in the Arab tower, from the 12th century, a part of the old wall, and two watchtowers, located in the Peñoncillo neighbourhood and by the river Güi, respectively.

On top of all that, Torrox is an ideal place to go hiking through the villages of Axarquía, one of the most beautiful regions of the Costa del Sol with its genuine natural surroundings. While visiting some of its most beautiful towns don’t miss the photogenic surroundings or areas such as Arenas or Sedella.

Things to do in Torrox

Incredible as it may seem, but given the popularity of the Costa del Sol, the beaches of Torrox — Vílchez, Ferrara, Mazagarrobo, Calaceite and El Morche, stand out for their peace and quiet and, in some cases, are almost deserted. That is why Torrox Costa is an excellent choice for those who want to escape the madding crowds. Moreover, this is the place to enjoy beautiful well-kept extensive beaches, unspoiled by man, which make them a beautiful, peaceful oasis.

However, those who wish to take advantage of their Mediterranean holidays at the beach to do outdoor sports are welcome to contemplate the beauty of the seabed by trying diving in Torrox, or to take long bike rides.

As for gastronomy, we should not forget that Torrox is the birthplace of one of the most irresistible Andalusian recipes: delicious Migas, one of the most iconic dishes of the whole of the Costa del Sol.

This recipe is linked to one of the most famous festivals of Torrox: the Fiesta de las Migas, a gastronomic festival that is celebrated every year on the last Sunday before Christmas. Moreover, this town is also the scene of other remarkable festivities such as Easter with its emotional processions, the Holiday of Crosses (fiesta de las Cruces) in May, the pilgrimage of San Antonio on the 14th of June, the Virgin Carmen on the 16th of July, the Festival of Fandangos de Güi in August, the bonfires of La Candelaria held in September in almost every farmhouse, the Fair of Torrox in early October, and the Chestnut Fair on the 1st of November.

Book your hotel in Torrox

If you would like to enjoy these and many other attractions, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts invites you to stay at Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa – one of the best hotels in Torrox Costa. On top of its direct access to the beach, it is also perfect for a family holiday as there is a children's pool as well as a play area. There is also a Star Camp and Star Camp with lots of leisure activities so that the little ones have a great time while the grown-ups are chilling out.

Since we are talking about relaxing don’t forget that this hotel has a spa, an outdoor swimming pool and extensive sports facilities, so that you can get in shape during your holidays. And if you don’t want to worry about anything else, book an all-inclusive holiday pack.

Check out our Torrox Costa deals, pick a comfortable room at Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa and let us provide you with memorable experiences.

a large pool of water

The main beaches in Torrox Costa

The beaches in Torrox Costa combine extensive sands with average occupancy rates and little coves or unspoilt beaches surrounded by vegetation where you can unwind and have a unique, relaxing time. All of them bathed by the Mediterranean, they are slices of heaven to lie in with your significant other or have fun splashing in the moderate swell with you children.

Main beaches in Torrox Costa

  • Calaceite beach: This quiet, well-kept beach, surrounded by hills that shelter it and sever it from the residential areas, is an unspoilt patch offering the best of Torrox Costa’s weather all year round. Close to El Peñoncillo, it is 700m long and 20m wide.
  • El Peñoncillo beach: El Peñoncillo, 1770m long, is one of the most iconic beaches in Torrox Costa. Lying close to the town centre, it is still far from crowded, even in summertime – courtesy of its length. Far from most housing developments, it delivers a quiet atmosphere to spend a day in sun and sand with your partner or family.
  • Mazagarrobo beach: Connected to El Peñoncillo, Mazagarrobo is a charmingly tiny beach featuring a delicate, darkish sand. Surrounded by native vegetation, its moderate swell makes it ideal for a family splash or a dip with your partner or friends. For the convenience of beachgoers, there is a parking lot (without surveillance).
  • Vilches beach: Smaller than other beaches in Torrox Costa (it is only 300m long), Vilches offers a wide array of services: showers, loungers and parking, among others. The water is clean; the swear, moderate; and the beach is quite off the beaten track – which means fewer visitors. The perfect place to get away from the world for a while.
  • El Morche beach: Close to the urban areas in Torrox Costa, El Morche is flanked by a lovely promenade and has the fluttering eco-label of a Blue Flag. Its clean water and fine sand have earned it a place among Torrox’s most popular beaches.
  • El Cenicero beach: Located in the district of El Morche, El Cenicero is a long beach (1200m), accessible by walkways. The fine, dark sand, moderate swell and natural surroundings make a perfect setting to relax in the sun. There is an adjoining parking lot, limited to 50 vehicles only.
  • Ferrara beach: Another Blue Flag beach, Ferrara is one of the most popular in Torrox Costa. Part of a developed area, it offers a variety of services (including parking) for a full family day on the beach.

 

a sandy beach next to a body of water

Activities in Torrox Costa

Torrox Costa offers things to do to visitors of all ages: families, couples and groups of friends alike. You can explore its main attractions and make the most of your holiday, with a different plan for each day during your stay in this popular seaside resort in coastal Málaga: archaeology, history, art, theatre, music, museums, old town, watchtowers, beacon towers and amazing views. What you can see in Torrox Costa reflects the spirit of its people and surroundings.

 

What to do and what to see in Torrox Costa

  • Roman Village and Lighthouse: The Roman Village, adjacent to the Lighthouse, is a must for history buffs in Torrox. It is one of the main archaeological sites in Málaga, including the facilities of a salt fish factory, pottery kilns, a paved road, hot baths and even a necropolis. Unearthed in 1905, it features well-preserved mosaics – one of Torrox’s gems.
  • Arab Watchtower: In old-day Spain, most coastal villages had a watchtower; Torrox is no exception. This watchtower is the only part of the Arab fortress and walls that has come down to us. Rehabilitated in 1997, it has become an icon of Torrox’s historic district.
  • El Recreo Villa and Gardens: A fine example of Belle Époque architecture in Spain, El Recreo is now an empty villa, surrounded by the loveliest gardens you can visit on the Costa del Sol. The Andalusian patio and the waterwheel are worth taking a look at.
  • Güi Beacon Tower: This tower, standing watchful over the coast of Torrox, was part of the system of border fortifications that the Costa del Sol used to be peppered with. It is a vestige from the Middle Ages at sea, ready to fight off the Barbary pirates once and again. The use of masonry techniques makes it a remarkable example of this traditional trade in the area.
  • Church of Santiago Apóstol: The local church, built in 1907, stands on the ruins of the original main temple. It is a simple religious building in the Andalusian style, painted in pure white and consistent with Torrox’s contemporary architecture, in a lovely interplay of light and colour.
  • Torrox Museum of Miniatures: An ideal plan for kids, this museum includes four scales models of Torrox. In its faithful small-scale recreations, every single detail has been taken care of, showing what Torrox was like in the 1950s.
  • Puente de las Ánimas (Bridge of Souls): The stones in this beautiful bridge seem to speak about past times and natural surroundings. The bridge stands below the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it has been rehabilitated, keeping its charming, rustic feel.

Experiences in Torrox Costa

Torrox Costa is filled with tradition and magic. In this small village on the Costa del Sol, tourism has grown in harmony with local customs and traditions. The result is a full range of unique experiences: sunsets bathed in light, delicious food based on recipes passed down across generations, modern wellness and relaxation facilities, chill-out lounges for a drink and good music, children’s parks, film and theatre, flamenco, and more.

 

Experiences in Torrox Costa: What to do

  • Sunset on Ferrara beach: Take a look at the sun painting the Mediterranean in a thousand hues as dusk falls: the golden sand and scintillating water with foamy crests make a show of nature you will not forget. The most beautiful sunsets in Torrox Costa are available on Ferrara beach – a special gift for visitors.
  • Chill-out time on the waterfront promenade: A few years ago, Torrox embarked on rehabilitation to become an even more welcoming tourist destination. This includes its terrace bars, now featuring dozens of chill-out lounges where you can relax in the best of atmospheres. Sip a cocktail by the sea, wrapped in amazing decors and soft music.
  • A dish of migas from Torrox: No-one can come to Torrox and leave without having tried migas. Made with olive oil, cracklings, flour and garlic, they are a culinary bombshell you should try at least once in a lifetime. For the best specimens, head for the old town, where the little inns and long-standing restaurants are experts in this treat. The ensalada arriera – a salad with codfish, spring onions, citrus fruit and olives – is worth savouring too.
  • Flamenco at the Cultural Centre: A melting pot for a variety of cultures hosting a variety of cultural events, the Torrox Cultural Centre offers an interesting year-round programme for culture vultures of all ages: flamenco evenings, outdoor film screenings, and more, sharing in the cultural life in town.
  • A day at the water park: Not far from Torrox lies one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular water parks, Aquavelis, where your children can enjoy themselves playing in the water as you take a break on a grass area or go swimming in the quieter pools for adults.

The huge variety of sports available in Torrox Costa

Sports are a staple in Torrox Costa’s leisure and entertainment offerings. The wonderful natural surroundings make the perfect setting for water sports (diving, surfing, sailing), mountain biking or running. In your sports holiday in Torrox Costa you will discover nooks filled with magic, scenic routes and a new, Mediterranean, flavour to your favourite sports: golf, tennis, football, volleyball, etc.

 

Sports in Torrox Costa

  • Golf in Torrox Costa: In fashion for several years now in Andalusia, golf draws visitors to Torrox all year round. Some of the best facilities in Spain can be found here. Baviera Golf is only a ten minutes’ drive, featuring an 18-hole course whose bespoke circuits and most convenient green fees suit both beginners and advanced players.
  • Swimming in Torrox: In addition to hotel pools and, of course, the beaches, Torrox has town pools offering swimming lessons all year round. They are very popular with locals.
  • Hiking in Mudejar villages: The Mudejar Route is one of the most scenic hiking tours you can undertake from Torrox Costa. You will visit five of the most iconic villages in Axarquía: Arenas, Salares, Árchez, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno, and some of the most striking natural areas in this part of coastal Málaga.
  • Diving in Cerro Gordo: There are several diving clubs in Torrox organising guided diving activities, giving expert advice to certified divers and renting diving gear throughout the year. The best area for a dive is around Cerro Gordo, although La Calita, Punta de la Mona and Cruces de Almuñécar can deliver stunning diving experiences as well.

Events in Torrox Costa

The events, folk festivals and popular feasts held in Torrox Costa are a sort of merry-go-round of celebrations throughout the year. From New Year’s Eve to Christmas, there is always something to celebrate: cookouts, fairs, religious processions, street parties… Music, humour and joy dominate the festive calendar in this welcoming town on the Costa del Sol where tradition and modernity are uniquely intertwined into a host of unforgettable moments to share with visitors.

 

Main events in Torrox Costa

  • January – Three Wise Men Parade: Every year begins with a children’s favourite, one of the major events in town. The Three Wide Men come from the East to fill the streets with colourful confetti and sweets. Their long parade covers all the way from El Morche to Plaza de la Constitución.
  • February – Carnival in Torrox: Carnival is a magic time in all of Andalusia. The energy of bands and krewes, and the tongue-in-cheek attitude bring in joy and surprise for all and sundry. In Torrox, Carnival celebrations are really colourful, inviting everyone to join in. There are parades, competitions, parading krewes and hilarious verbal jousts between chirigotas (Carnival troupes).
  • March/April – Easter: To really understand the people in Torrox you must spend Holy Week here. The streets become an austere set where they stage their heartfelt devotion in magnificent silent processions. The one on Palm Sunday is particularly important, organised by the Torrox Brotherhood.
  • May – Festival of the Crosses: One of the most original and popular festivals in Torrox, this festival pays tribute to flowers. Altars are made with flower pots and decorated with ceramic figurines in all shapes and sizes. Lace and needlework play a role too. The flowery altars are placed in private patios where popular cookouts of traditional dishes are held.
  • 13 June – St Anthony’s Festival: The tribute to St Anthony, in the district of Las Protegidas, takes three days in mid-June. Neighbours get together every evening to dance and drink until the small hours.
  • 23 June – St John’s Eve: The 23rd of June is red-circled on the calendar of most towns and villages in Málaga Province. Torrox Costa is no exception. It is St John’s Eve, the day of bonfires on the beach and burning júas (rag dolls). The purifying ritual is supplemented with ‘St John’s water’, flavoured with herb and plant extracts.
  • August – Our Lady of the Snows’ Festival: This festival, honouring Torrox Costa’s Patroness, revolves around the carrying of an image of Virgin Mary, along with St Roch, from their small chapel to the town’s main church, where They are revered until the end of the summer. However, celebrations go beyond the religious element, including street parties, children’s games, cookouts, outdoor concerts, and so on.
  • 16 August – Feast of Our Lady of El Carmen: In Torrox Costa, this religious feast includes not only the traditional procession at sea but also fairs, a fishing tournament, games, concerts – in sum, fun for all. Colour, joy and good food are ever-present.
  • 5 August – St Roch’s Procession: This religious feast is one of the most striking in Torrox Costa and Málaga at large. It includes dressed-up horses and coaches filled with flowers, parading all the way to the river. The procession is followed by a huge cookout – usually, paella.
  • 7 September – Feast of Our Lady of Candles (La Candelaria): In a way, this feast marks the end of the summer, celebrating the joy and fruits of the harvest season. Most farmhouses in the fields organise their own cookouts and parties; there is dancing, singing and typical dishes. Of course, candles play a key role in these rural celebrations.
  • December – Migas Day: Designated as a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia, this is the festival in Torrox Costa. There are lots of different activities to heat up the atmosphere in the dead of winter: dances, concerts and, of course, food. Migas are served to locals and out-of-towners alike, for everyone to taste them together.
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