A municipality in Malaga, Spain, has experienced a surge in residents over the past eight years but the mayor does not think tourists or holiday homes are harming the area
A small municipality in Malaga, Spain, has experienced a boom in its population by over a third in eight years.
Torrox, in Malaga, is home to around 100 different nationalities, including many British and German expats among its 22,345 residents, which is up nearly 6,000 from 2017. Torrox has an average year round temperature of 18C and is known for being the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol. The region has a subtropical landscape, and features mountains which meet its seven blue flag beaches. There are also several landmarks in the area including the lighthouse, which is one of the few examples of its type across the whole of the Malaga province that is open to the public.
The town also boasts many places to enjoy typical Spanish cuisine, including potaje de hinojo (fennel stew), guiso de calabazas (pumpkin stew) and gazpacho. The are also boasts its own wines made with Moscatel grapes. For something slightly different and sweeter, try wine doughnuts (roscos de vino) or head to one of the many bars for a tipple.
The picturesque municipality has around nine kilometres of scenic coastline and has attracted many expats to the region. However, as the number of expats rises, so have house prices. There are also a lot of developments in the pipeline.
One project, Calaceite, includes a new golf course, marina, shopping and leisure amenities, and 4,600 homes. A second project, Puerto Narixa, will see up to 2,200 homes and vast green areas.
Torrox mayor, Oscar Medina, said: “This sustainable development has been important, but we cannot grow at any price and have to analyse multiple factors, including that of tourist housing”.
Jose Antonio Perez, CEO of Real Estate Business School added that the right balance is being achieved and that for growth to be sustainable, it must be developed together with services, job opportunities and housing. He commented: “Torrox has been growing in seasonal and residential tourism since the 80s, including abandoned mini-farmhouses converted into rural homes and deteriorated village houses rehabilitated by non-residents who use and rent them.”
In total, Torrox has 1,042 homes that are registered for tourism, which is equal just over five per cent of properties. Jose added that he does not see this figure as an issue, reports The Olive Press.
“Torrox has balanced the tourist and residential market for decades, along with of village and rural houses. It has completed the most new homes in the province along with renovated properties attracting residents from Malaga City and neighbouring municipalities, due to housing availability, quality of life and prices,” he explained.
Jose continued that the tourist homes do not harm the area, as they attract employment, talent, consumption, and tax income.