Tolox

Tolox Location

Tolox is a (white village) located 52 km west of Malaga.

The A-357, which passes through Villalon, Cerralba, Zalea, Calcunes, and Alozaina, or the A-357 and A-354, which passes through the neighbourhoods of Villafranco de Guadalhorce, Urbanizacion Sierra Gorda, and Benitez, are the two routes that you can take to get there.

Tolox to Málaga airport is about 55 min (58.1 km) via A-357
Tolox to Fuengirola beach is about 54 min (45.7 km) via A-366.
Tolox to Marbella centre is 47 min (38.8 km) via A-355 
Tolox to Torremolinos is 51 min (58.0 km) via A-357   
Tolox to La Cala de Mijas is 48 min (45.1 km) via A-366
Tolox to Coin is 21 min (18.4 km) via A-366 
Tolox to El Chorro is 1 hr 2 min (48.8 km) via A-354
Tolox covers 94 km2, and has a mean elevation of 285 m.

 

A Brief History of Tolox

Tolox is a village that combines a small amount of everything: nature, history, traditional culture, and common mountain knowledge. Unsurprisingly, this town's Neolithic roots can be traced to remains discovered in the Cueva de la Tinaja, 4 kilometres from the Ro de Los Horcajos.

It was a part of the independent Moorish kingdom of Soleimán in the tenth century. Soleimán was the rebellious son of Omar den Hafsun. Abderrahman III overthrew Soleimán and took over his domain in 921 because other, more hard-line Moors found him far too amicable and tolerant of Christians.

Only a portion of the original Tolox Castle Walls and some wall cavities are visible. However, the defence of the various nearby towns depended heavily on this castle. The Phoenicians constructed it, and the Romans and Muladi Omar Ben Hafsn used it in 883 when they battled the soldiers of the Emirate of Cordoba.

The Muslims' integration and conversion allowed them to stay in Tolox for many centuries whilst leaving their mark on the flour mills, vine crops, or goods like figs still present in the region's landscape and cuisine today.

Walking and Hiking in Tolox

Do you enjoy getting active in nature? If you answered "yes", then you will enjoy walking the beautiful routes through Sierra de las Nieves.

Rio de Los Horcajos

The best walk in Tolox is the hike at Rio de Los Horcajos. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people here while exploring!

The walk begins near the Fuente Amargosa spa and proceeds to the Alto de la Cuesta. We will eventually enter Puerto de las Golondrinas Lane, past the hotel Cerro de Hijar. The view from here opens to the valley of the Horcajos River and the prominent peaks of the Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves. 

Along the way are cork oaks, chestnut trees, and Pinsapos. Then we begin a steep descent until we reach the arroyo de Los Sauces, one of the main tributaries. Eventually, leading to the chapel Virgen de las Nieves, which is adjacent to a recreational picnic area. You return through the village, where there are one or two bars.

Tolox has many options for those looking for an active vacation. Browse through descriptions and route details of the most beautiful walking routes in this Travel Guide to get ideas for your next adventure. 
Walking through Sierra de las Nieves: 4 best hiking routes can be found here.

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Charco de la Virgen. Río Grande. Tolox

How to Get There

Take the A-7250 road to Tolox, a branch of the A-366 (Ronda-Málaga). When you arrive in the village, take the through road and cross the town from beginning to end until you arrive at the parking lot next to the Balneario de Fuente Amargosa baths. Take the 2.3-kilometre-long local path to the Charco de la Virgen.

Interesting Facts

The pool is in the Rio de los Caballos, a tributary of the Grande River. The elegant Fuente Amargosa baths, open from June to October, can be found at the start of the walk.
It is the only one in Spain that focuses on kidney and respiratory diseases. Agüistas, or spa-goers, inhale the gas emitted by its waters, which were declared of public utility in 1906. The path runs close to the riverbed, allowing you to walk down to the banks in various locations, particularly the dykes, where you can swim in some places.

The path concludes at the Charco de la Virgen, a striking location where the river rushes down a 20-meter-high waterfall.

Please Note! Although it is not very deep, which varies depending on the season, it is a significant enough pool to swim in. The rocks at the waterfall's base are covered in algae, so tread carefully. The pool is surrounded by boulders and stones, making it impossible to spread a towel. The area is shady, as the sun only shines for a few hours daily. The local path to this pool can be combined with a 10 km circular walk.

The walk departs from the Tolox baths and offers views from the bottom of the Salto de la Reja, a stunning 51 m high waterfall.

Tolox Cuisine & Restaurants 

Many of Tolox's traditional dishes are cooked on the stovetop. Like the rest of the region, its recipes are based on local ingredients such as farm-raised meat and game, vegetables, olive oil, flour, and wine.  All of which contribute to preserving Tolox's culinary traditions in a privileged natural environment.

The gastronomy of the Sierra de las Nieves is based on the richness and variety of crops, the enormous number of fruits and wild products from its mountains, and the kitchen garden to your table. Tolox has almost all of the typical dishes of Malaga cuisine and general Mediterranean cuisine, where the commonplace olive oil is a crucial component.

We can enjoy appetisers like seasoned olives, seasonal soups like almond gazpacho, or a variety of colourful and fresh salads thanks to the olives that, along with some vineyards, avocado trees, and almond trees, fill the fertile farms of the village. Stews and soups like bowls, Samandoa casserole, Tolita soup or maimones, fried pumpkin, caldereta goat, sausages, and pickled with chopped orange or fresh cheese are some other typical Tolox dishes. The traditional Tolox menu concludes with sweets like doughnuts, fig bread, pastries, or cakes made with olive oil.

Tolox Tapas Restaurants

La Alberca, Restaurant: C/ Encina, 53 Tel: 952 487 335
Open from: 11:00 am. Every day. Specialty Cheeks, Goat, Seafood, and Fish

La Rustica, Bar – Restaurant: Avd. San Roque, 39 Tel: 952 487 205
Open from: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. Specialty Serrano Breakfasts.

Cerro de Híjar, Hotel – Restaurant: Paraje Cerro del Híjar s/n Tel: 952 112 111
Open from: Breakfasts: 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meals: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.
Dinners: 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm. Specialty Andalusian and imaginative cuisine

Las Flores, Hotel Restaurant: Avd. del Balneario,11 Tel: 952 487 001 – 630 198 199
Speciality in Traditional Food of the area

Tapas Bars & Cafes

Original’s Tapas: Address: C. Cta. del Caño, 11, 29109 Tolox, Málaga, Spain
Hours: Opens 3 pm Phone: Tel: 635 79 76 85

Bar El Refugio: C/ Encina, 45.  Tel: 951 068 726
Thursday and Friday from 4:00 am and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm. Speciality in Meats, Camperos and Pizzas

Bar La Parada: Avd. del Balneario, 13. Tel: 747 773 032
Hours from 11:00 am. Open every day. Especialidad en Tapas Variadas

Sightseeing & Things to Do in Tolox

Looking for fun things to do and places to visit on your next trip to Tolox? Tourists find numerous Tolox monuments and museums interesting, even though the Fuente Amargosa Health Spa is the town's main attraction.

Our article discusses the best things to do, places to visit, practical travel advice, and Tolox attractions for all budgets and ages.

The Fuente Amargosa Thermal Spa is, without a doubt, one of Tolox's most popular attractions. Its well-known regulars are Rafael Molina Sánchez "Lagartijo" and Miguel Primo de Rivera.

The spa specialises in treating allergic skin reactions, inflammatory skin conditions, chronic coronary artery rheumatisms, and chronic inflammatory respiratory conditions. The spa uses the gases from the springs rather than the water because, unlike other natural springs, these gases are unfit for human consumption. The spa was first constructed in 1869, and after a flood at the turn of the 20th century, it was rebuilt.

Iglesia de San Miguel Arcangel
Built-in 1505, this church was once a haven for Christians fleeing the Moorish uprising. After a large fire destroyed a large portion of the altar walls in 1577, it underwent extensive reconstruction. The San Miguel Church is located on C/Garcia Rey in Tolox's town centre.

Murallas del Castillo de Tolox
The Phoenicians built the original castle, but subsequent settlers such as the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors fortified it. It was designated as one of Omar Ben Hafsun's primary strongholds in his fight against the Cordoba Caliphate. Only a portion of the castle walls remains today.

La Plaza Alta
The Casa del Hidalgo Fernandez Villamor and other artistic, whitewashed buildings in Tolox can be seen clearly from this square, which is the largest in the town.

El Museo de Artes Populares
This museum has dining rooms, a kitchen, and a bedroom in a 19th-century setting, complete with tools and other accessories from the era.

Dia de los Polvos (The Day of Powder)
On Shrove Tuesday, the Fiesta de los Polvos (Powder Day Festival) takes place. The town's residents throw talcum powder at each other until they are completely covered. The event takes place in Plaza Alta del Pueblo. It begins when the street bands, chirigotas (comic carnival groups), carnival troupes, and fancy-dress competitions have completed their performances.

According to local legend, the tradition stems from a game in which young men propose to their loved ones by covering them in talcum powder or flour. 

This custom dates to the nineteenth century. The young men needed to find a way to cover the young woman they desired with flour. Any method was acceptable: scaling a fence or railings to climbing down a chimney.

Shopping in Tolox

You will only find it if you're looking for well-established souvenir shops like those in popular tourist destinations. There are; however, a few shops selling handicrafts such as pottery, baskets, esparto grass products, and embroidered fabrics. Tolox shopping is busiest on Wednesdays when the Plaza Alta hosts a street market. Supermarket Ferpin is the place to go for groceries, meat, vegetables, and other necessities. It is located on C/ Polito and can be reached at 952 487 148.

If their offerings are insufficient, you can take a 30-minute drive to Coin, a rapidly growing town located halfway between Malaga and Tolox. Coin attracts investors due to its proximity to the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Supermarkets in Tolox

Below is a list of shops and supermarkets, department stores, grocery stores, and other businesses that can be found in the area.

El Corte Ingles is located on Carretera Coin-cartama Tel: 952 454 528. 
Eroski Center is located on Calle de Santa Teresa, Tel: 952 453 045. 
La Trocha, a shopping centre on the outskirts of Coin. Tel: 952 452 350. 
Papeleria Machado, a bookstore on Calle de Matas Garca. Tel: 952 452 219. 
Almeria Coin, a gun and fishing shop on Carretera de Mijas. Tel: 952 450 344.

Pharmacies in Tolox & Surrounding Areas

Irene Roldán Molina
Calzada, 3, 29109 Tolox, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 48 71 17
Directions

Celia Mejías García
C. Calvario, 40, 29567 Alozaina, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 48 00 24
Directions

Farmacia Sánchez Martín 
Plaza Francisco Liñán, 1, Pl. De La Ermita, 1, 29110 Monda, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 45 71 54
Directions

Doctors Surgeries and Healthcare for Expats in Tolox

Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be a minefield but if you live in Tolox or surrounding areas, there is no shortage of healthcare providers who can accommodate you in your own language. 

Consultorio Médico Tolox
C. Polito, 66, 29109 Tolox, Málaga
Phone: +34 627 20 97 94

Alozaina Health Center
Urbanización la Pasadilla, s/n, 29567 Alozaina, Málaga 
Phone: +34 951 50 45 64
Directions 

Spanish State-Owned Hospital
Interior Region
Patients from inland regions such as Alhaurn el Grande, Lora, Alozaina, Ardales, Carratraca, Cártama, Casarabonela, Con, Guaro, Monda, Pizarra, Tolox, and Yunquera are served by the Valle del Guadalhorce Hospital, which was established in 2016.
More info: HOSPITAL VALLE DEL GUADALHORCE
Directions  

Is there a municipal pool in Tolox? 

The Municipal Pool, Jose Mesa Soccer Court, Sports Centre, and Municipal Gymnasium are among the well-kept sports facilities in town.

Schools and Education in Tolox

International schools along the Costa del Sol. Suppose you prefer to avoid the bustling city of Malaga. In that case, there are numerous educational options in Benalmadena, Marbella, and San Pedro de Alcantara. 
Spain is one of the least expensive European countries for international schools. Still, it provides education and facilities on par with the rest of the continent. However, remember that the annual school fee usually does not include extras such as uniforms, books, bus transportation, school meals, or extracurricular activities.

Tolox Public School - Colegio Público San Roque:
C. Nueva, 17, 29109 Tolox, Málaga, Spain. Tel: 951 26 85 79.
SECONDARY EDUCATION: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm (recess from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm)
INFANT EDUCATION: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (recess from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm)
PRIMARY EDUCATION: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (recess from 11:00 am to 11:30 am)

The International School Estepona
The International Academy Estepona is the leading primary school and nursery in West Marbella, located in El Paraiso, Estepona, in the heart of "The New Golden Mile" on the Costa del Sol, Malaga. 

Nova School Sunland International
Nova College For students aged 3 to 18, Sunland International is a private school in Málaga that follows the British International Curriculum. It takes place in a rural area.

Aloha College Marbella
With 863 students from over 50 different nationalities, Aloha College Marbella is one of the biggest and most reputable schools in Southern Spain. It is a non-profit educational foundation. From Early Years to Sixth Form, we provide a British International education (ages 3 to 18). 

Queens British Grammar School
A small academic institution, Queens British Grammar School focuses on providing high-quality instruction based on the English national curriculum. All lessons are taught in English by certified instructors who speak the language natively and have recently delivered the national curriculum.

Find the 10 Best International Schools in Malaga - Costa del Sol – Here 

Beaches 

The closest beaches are in Marbella and driving there takes about 50 minutes. As an alternative, La Cala de Mijas, east of Marbella, is reached in about the same amount of time by car.

Golf

Discover ten of the most affordable golf courses near Tolox. They include Atalaya Golf & Country Club, La Cala Golf, Baviera Golf, Golf, Country Club Alhaurin, and Lauro Golf Resort, to name a few.

Tolox Climate 

The ideal season to travel to Tolox in Spain. The most likely months to experience pleasant weather are April, May, September, and October, when daily highs range from 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).

Additional information from past climate data:

When does Summertime Start in Tolox?
June, July, August, and September are the hottest months of the year, also known as summer.

Is there a dry season in Tolox?
Yes, it is scorched in June, July, and August.

Which month in Tolox is the warmest?
July is the warmest month of the year, with an average elevated temperature of 28°C (82°F).

Which month in Tolox is the coldest?
January has an average maximum temperature of 17°C (62°F), making it the coldest month.

Which month has the most rain in Tolox?
The wettest month is December, with 137mm (5.4in) of precipitation.

Which month in Tolox is the driest?
With only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation, July is the driest month.

Tolox, check out the weather today

The Current Tolox Property Market and Price Trends

What is the average property price in Tolox? The ThinkSpain real estate portal reports that the typical cost of homes for sale in Tolox is 105,000 euros, or €842 per square metre on average.

What are the areas with the most properties for sale close to Tolox? Marbella, Benahavis, and Mijas are nearby, with the most properties for sale.

Where can I find the cheapest properties for sale near Tolox? In Yunquera, Cuevas del Becerro, and El Burgo, property prices are some of the lowest closes to Tolox.

Where can I find luxury properties for sale near Tolox? You'll find most of the area's wealthy homes in Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola.

 

We hope you enjoy exploring everything Tolox and the surrounding areas has to offer, as you can see there is a lot to see and do.

As an estate agent covering Tolox with over 30 years of collective experience, the team at Mediterranean Homes would love to help you find your dream property in Tolox. If you have any questions please just get in touch.

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