Torrox's beaches stretch along roughly nine kilometres of coastline: long town beaches with every facility, such as Ferrara and El Morche, a semi-urban beach in El Peñoncillo and quiet coves towards Nerja, such as Mazagarrobo, Calaceite and Wilches. Next to the lighthouse is the dog beach, where dogs can run off the lead and swim in the sea.
Here is each beach with its size, its atmosphere and how to get there from Milucar, which is less than 100 metres from the sea in Torrox-Costa.
Torrox's beaches, one by one
The Torrox coastline mixes built-up stretches, with a promenade and beach bars, and almost unspoilt stretches beneath small slate cliffs. These are the basic facts for each beach according to the Ministry's Beach Guide:
| Beach | Approx. length | Type | Atmosphere in high season |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Morche | 1,200 m | Urban | Very busy |
| El Cenicero (Los Llanos) | 1,200 m | Urban | Busy |
| Ferrara | 1,200 m | Urban | Very busy |
| Playa Chica | 50 m | Urban | Busy |
| El Sillón | 50 m | Semi-urban | Quiet |
| Río Torrox | 200 m | Semi-urban | Quiet |
| El Peñoncillo | 1,400 m | Semi-urban | Very busy |
| Mazagarrobo | 1,200 m | Secluded | Quiet |
| Calaceite | 400 m | Secluded | Quiet |
| Wilches (Vilches) | 150 m | Secluded | Busy |
Outside July and August, even the ‘very busy’ beaches have plenty of room. In winter it is common to walk along the shoreline almost alone.
The Torrox dog beach, by the lighthouse
This is the beach people travelling with a dog ask about most. It is next to the Torrox lighthouse, at the western end of Torrox-Costa, and it is an area where dogs can run off the lead and go in the water. For many motorhomers with pets, it is the reason to choose Torrox over other spots on the coast.
Tips for going with your dog
- Always carry your dog's documents (health record or pet passport, microchip and up-to-date vaccinations).
- Pick up after your dog: take plenty of bags.
- Bring fresh water for drinking and for rinsing off the salt afterwards.
- In summer, go first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon: the sand and pebbles get hot and there is hardly any shade.
- Check the signs at the entrance: they set out the current rules for the area.
On the other beaches, as on most of the Andalusian coast, dogs are not usually allowed, at least during the bathing season. Before taking your dog to another beach, check the signs or ask at the tourist office.
Getting there from Milucar with your dog
From Milucar to the lighthouse is about 2 km. It is an easy, flat walk west along the beach and the promenade, perfect for your dog to arrive eager for a swim. If you'd rather drive, it takes about 4 minutes. Pets are welcome at Milucar, up to two per pitch; not all breeds are accepted, so check the conditions in the FAQs before booking.
Town beaches: Ferrara, El Morche and El Cenicero
Ferrara beach
This is the beach in the centre of Torrox-Costa, in front of the promenade. The official Andalusia tourism website describes it as a large, sandy, family-friendly beach with sunbeds, parasols, toilets, showers, lifeguards, water-sports equipment hire and step-free access. At its eastern end is Playa Chica, a small cove between rocks, followed by the mouth of the Torrox river, known as El Sillón beach.
El Morche and El Cenicero
West of the centre, towards Algarrobo, El Morche and El Cenicero (also called Los Llanos) are town beaches of just over a kilometre each and about 50 metres wide. They are the liveliest in summer, with restaurants and beach bars right on the sand. El Morche is about 4 km from Milucar, around 8 minutes by car.
El Peñoncillo, Milucar's beach
East of the Torrox river, past some small conglomerate cliffs, El Peñoncillo beach begins: around 1,400 metres of beach alongside the coast road. Milucar is on Avenida del Peñoncillo, so this is your everyday beach, less than 100 metres from your pitch.
It is a semi-urban beach, quieter than Ferrara out of season. There are beach bars and fish restaurants nearby, and it is the perfect starting point for walking along the shore to the lighthouse or to the coves in the east.
Quiet coves towards Nerja
Between El Peñoncillo and the boundary with Nerja, the coastline becomes more rugged. The N-340 runs above it and several coves can be reached on foot:
- Mazagarrobo: a cove of grey sand flanked by small cliffs, with the Calaceite watchtower on the headland.
- Calaceite: around 400 metres, secluded and quiet even in summer.
- Wilches (Vilches): a small beach of around 150 metres, next to a stretch with old stone walls on the hillsides.
You can walk there from Milucar on stage 4 of the Gran Senda de Málaga (GR 249), which links the Torrox lighthouse with the Chíllar river in Nerja: 7.3 km, rated easy by the Málaga Provincial Council. Take water and comfortable shoes, as some stretches run alongside the road with no shade.
Distances from Milucar to the Torrox beaches
| Beach | Distance | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| El Peñoncillo | Less than 100 m | On foot |
| Lighthouse and dog beach | About 2 km | On foot, by bike or 4 min by car |
| Ferrara (Torrox-Costa centre) | About 2 km | On foot or by bike |
| Mazagarrobo and Calaceite | About 2-3 km | On foot along the GR 249 |
| Wilches | About 4 km | On foot along the GR 249 |
| El Morche | About 4 km | 8 min by car or bike |
With the motorhome there's no point moving to go to the beach: almost everything is within walking distance. If you want to know what else there is nearby, see our guide on what to see in Torrox, and if you fancy a change of coast for a day, the Nerja, Maro and Frigiliana in a day trip takes in some of the best coves in the area.
Facilities, Blue Flag and when to go
Costa del Sol Tourism points out that some of Torrox's beaches are awarded the Blue Flag every year. The list changes from one year to the next, so if it matters to you, check the current list on the website of Blue Flag. Seasonal services such as lifeguards, sunbeds and parasols are concentrated in summer; the rest of the year the beaches are open, but with fewer services.
- Summer: bathing season and the liveliest time. Best early in the morning if you want a spot.
- Spring and autumn: good weather, spacious beaches and long walks along the shore.
- Winter: sunny days for walking and sunbathing sheltered from the wind. Ideal for long stays.
After the beach, Milucar has showers (€1 in coins) and outdoor showers to rinse off the salt, washing-up and laundry sinks, and a professional washing machine and tumble dryer for your towels.
FAQs about the Torrox beaches
Where is the Torrox dog beach?
Next to the Torrox lighthouse, at the western end of Torrox-Costa. Dogs can run off the lead and swim there. From Milucar it is about 2 km along the coast.
Which is the quietest beach in Torrox?
The coves to the east, Mazagarrobo and Calaceite, are the least crowded even in summer, as you reach them on foot and they have no promenade. Out of season, El Peñoncillo is also very quiet.
Which Torrox beach is best for children?
Ferrara, in the centre of Torrox-Costa: it is large and sandy, has facilities in season and easy access from the promenade. El Morche is another good option, with restaurants nearby.
Can you walk from Milucar to the beach?
Yes. El Peñoncillo beach is less than 100 metres away, and walking along the coast you reach the centre of Torrox-Costa and the lighthouse in about 2 km.
Can you spend the winter by the beach in Torrox?
Torrox has an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees, so in winter it is very pleasant to walk and sunbathe on the beach. Milucar is open all year round, and in low season there is a discount from 30 nights.
Your pitch, a stone's throw from the sea
If you want to wake up less than 100 metres from the beach with the dog beach within walking distance, Milucar is your place in Torrox. Check availability and book your pitch.
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