Living in Torrox: pueblo vs costa, costs and climate

A look at the cost of living, comparing the pueblo with the costa, and what daily life is like inside Europe's best climate.

visitcostadelsol.com

Cesca Rampley

1 August 2025, 14:01

Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which gives it a welcoming feel.

Is Torrox a good place to live?
Pros and cons of living in Torrox
Is Torrox expensive?
Where to live in Torrox
Things to do in Torrox
Living in Torrox as an expat

Is Torrox a good place to live?

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Deciding if Torrox is a good place to live often comes down to its major advantages, primarily being one of the most beautiful towns on the Malaga coast. The main draw for many is the climate in Torrox, which allows for an outdoor lifestyle through all seasons. This is complemented by the unique choice between two different settings: the quiet, traditional hillside village of Torrox Pueblo, and the modern, convenient beach resort of Torrox Costa. Its location in the Costa del Sol is also a significant plus, with easy motorway access to Málaga and the popular town of Nerja, placing city amenities and other attractions within easy reach.

Pros and cons of living in Torrox

Like any place, Torrox comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages beyond the general appeal of its climate and lifestyle. It’s worth looking at these more practical points when considering a move.

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Some of the pros of life in Torrox include:

Cost-effective living: compared to some of the more famous or upscale spots on the Costa del Sol, Torrox generally offers a more affordable cost of living.
Access to activities & nature: Torrox provides direct access to a variety of outdoor pursuits. You’re perfectly positioned for hiking in the nearby Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, as well as enjoying water sports off the coast.
Welcoming expat community: there’s a well-established and active international community, particularly noticeable in Torrox Costa, which can make settling in much easier.
Fresh local produce: the area benefits from local agriculture, meaning you have access to fresh, often inexpensive, fruit, vegetables, and fish directly from markets and smaller shops.

On the other hand, a couple of the cons are:

Reliance on a vehicle: while the A-7 motorway provides good regional connections, local public transport within Torrox can be limited.
Limited job market: for expats, particularly those not fluent in Spanish, the local job market can be quite restricted. Most opportunities are in tourism, hospitality, or require specialist skills.
Seasonal impact on services: some services and businesses might reduce their hours or even close during the quieter winter months.

Is Torrox expensive?

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When looking at the cost of living in Torrox, it generally offers a more budget-friendly option compared to some of its flashier neighbours.

As of June 2025, property prices in Torrox averaged around €2,793 per m², while rent prices were approximately €11.6 per m². This means an 80m² apartment would typically set you back about €928 per month. Torrox ranks as the third most affordable area for renting in the Costa del Sol. To put that all into perspective, if you compare prices to nearby Nerja, property prices there were a bit higher, averaging €3,628 per m² in the same period.

For your day-to-day spending, eating out is still relatively affordable. You can often grab a decent, cheap meal for around €13. If you’re planning a mid-range dinner for two, perhaps with a glass of wine, you should expect to pay somewhere between €35 and €40. As for drinks, a beer at a bar might be around €4, and you shouldn’t pay more than €2 for a coffee. Utilities, like electricity, water, and internet, for a standard apartment will likely fall somewhere in the €100-€150 per month range.

Where to live in Torrox

Torrox offers quite a varied selection of places to live, largely split between the more traditional hillside village and the modern developments closer to the coast.

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Torrox Pueblo

If you're after an authentic slice of Andalusian life, Torrox Pueblo is probably your best bet. This is the original village, perched on the hillside, with narrow, whitewashed streets, adorned with flowerpots and leading to hidden plazas. You'll find smaller, older properties here, many of which have been lovingly renovated. It's generally considered the most affordable area, with property prices in Torrox Pueblo averaging around €2,091 per m².

Living in Torrox Costa

Down by the sea, Torrox Costa offers a completely different experience. This area is much more modern and geared towards convenience, with a wide promenade, plenty of shops, supermarkets, and a lively array of bars and restaurants. You'll find a mix of apartments, often in purpose-built complexes, and some villas.

Laguna Beach

This urbanisation stands out as one of the most sought-after and, consequently, most expensive areas. This private complex is known for its well-maintained gardens, multiple swimming pools, and direct access to the beach. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you should know that property prices in Laguna Beach average around €3,725 per m², reflecting its premium facilities and prime location.

Things to do in Torrox

Torrox might have a relaxed vibe, but there’s certainly no shortage of things to keep you occupied.

Explore the historic Old Town

One of the real joys here is spending time in the enchanting Torrox old town. It's a maze of narrow, winding, whitewashed streets, often decorated with colourful flowers, leading to quiet little squares. The heart of the village is Plaza de la Constitución, a busy hub where locals gather. You can also visit the 16th-century Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church, which dominates the skyline.

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Relax on the beaches

The main stretch, Playa de Ferrara, is very popular, known for its dark sand and excellent facilities. You'll find a lively promenade, the Paseo Marítimo Ferrara, running alongside it, packed with chiringuitos and restaurants. A fantastic recent addition to the Blue Flag list for 2025 is Playa Cenicero-Las Dunas, further cementing Torrox's reputation for quality coastline. You also have the dog-friendly beach El Morche to the west, which often feels a bit more laid-back.

Check out the local history and culture

Torrox has some interesting historical sites to explore. Near the iconic Faro de Torrox (the lighthouse), you can discover the remains of a Roman villa and necropolis. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the local gastronomy either. Make sure to try migas – a hearty local dish of fried breadcrumbs, often enjoyed during the winter Fiesta de las Migas – or some fresh espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) at a beachside spot.

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Living in Torrox as an expat

This corner of the Costa del Sol has a really well-established and friendly expat community, especially noticeable in Torrox Costa. There's a significant contingent of Brits and Germans who have made this their home.

You'll find various social groups, clubs, and activities, often organised through local Facebook groups or simply by word of mouth at popular meeting spots along the Paseo Marítimo. From quiz nights to walking groups, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and settle in. While it’s certainly possible to live comfortably here speaking mostly English, learning a bit of Spanish goes a long way.

Day-to-day life is fairly easy. Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Mercadona stock a good range of products, including some international items. You’ll find English-speaking professionals in various fields, from estate agents to some doctors. Torrox is a place that offers a relaxed pace of life with the comforts of a strong international presence, making the transition to Spanish living a rather smooth one for many.