Villa Information - Instructions - Directions etc
Arriving...
)Print these essential details before you leave.
)Arrival time. Entry to the villa after 4.00pm. Exceptions by prior arrangement only. Key location is explained in the directions below.
)We only meet our guests at the villa if specially requested. These instructions provide all you will need to arrive and enjoy the villa.
)Our Visits. We visit to clean the pool etc every three to four days, around 9am - 9:30am.
)Bed linens & Bath towels are provided. Beach Towels, Toiletries, Shampoo etc should be brought with you.
)Taxis that know the villa. Loli 606 959697 or Emilio 616 008035. Mention "Villa Mexicana", Torrox.
)Winter - Nov-April, can be cold in Spain. Think about bringing warm clothes with you.
)Summer - Screens are fitted to all windows, however for summer evenings we recommend you bring insect repellents with you..
When Leaving...
)Villa must be vacated *before* 10.00am on the day of departure.
)Please close any food containers and drop off rubbish on your way.
)Villa should be left reasonably clean and tidy.
)Leave the keys under the pot where they were left for you.
Directions To Villa (from Malaga airport) and Key pick-up ......
Follow signs for the main coast motorway (A7 Direction Motril & Almeria). Heading eastwards out of Malaga the exit for Torrox is reached after about 35 minutes.
Leave the Motorway at Torrox (Exit 285). You will now arrive at a roundabout which you circulate anticlockwise and follow back under the motorway to the roundabout on the other side of the motorway (by the BP Petrol Station) where you take the turnoff for Torrox.
Follow the road 800 meters until you come to a roundabout with "Torrox" written in large letters. At the roundabout there are three choices; The road for Competa which continues up the valley to the left; To the right the road leads to the center of Torrox village; And straight ahead where the road follows a steep uphill gradient.
Take the road to the left, that is, the road signposted for Competa. Now we have to follow this road for 3 km to reach the house. Simply follow the km signposts marked A-7207 (showing distances from Competa) until you reach the one marked 14 km. When you have found the 14 km marker continue 200m around the next bend and start looking for the turnoff, a small tarmac/cement road that joins on the right. The turnoff is quite easy to locate as there are some large double iron gates on the right at the same place and some rubbish bins.
Now, having found the exit, turn right uphill onto this road. The road divides almost immediately, with a track that continues downwards to the right on past the iron gates, (ignore this) and keeping always to the left follow the road up and around for 50 meters. You will pass a white farmhouse with a large white circular water deposit tank on your left
Just next to the water deposit there is another small tarmac road that joins on your left. Turn left onto this road. To find the entrance to the villa follow the road up for about 250 meters until the road makes a sharp right turn and climbs uphill steeply. The entrance to the villa is just a few yards further, on the right between two white concrete posts and marked "2996".
Drive between the posts and follow the 50m of driveway and park in front of the house
Key Location Open wooden doors that separate the carpark from the patio. Keys are situated underneath a small plastic plant pot on the ground immediately on your right. Please see following picture.
Villa Entry. Open the Black Metal Doors to the villa with the long key. The key opens both locks (turn anti-clockwise). On entering the villa you will find yourself in the dining room/ kitchen area. Lights inside on the right. The main salon is accessed through metal doors from kitchen.
Notes and Guidance for villa use........
)Registration Forms will be at the villa. Please sign them so we can collect them when we visit.
)Water from the taps is safe for drinking. Hot water is provided from an electric/solar water heater.
)Cleaning and Bed Linen. Houses are cleaned and prepared before your arrival and the beds will be made with clean sheets etc. For rentals of two weeks or more a change of sheets will be provided to the villa around every seventh day.
)Pool Cleaning is performed every three to four days. We will usually visit at around 9:30am always ringing the bell before entering the terrace area. Please help us to keep the pool in perfect condition for you by cleaning the water surface regularly with the pool net provided.
)Use waterproof sunscreens. In hot weather and with heavy use, a pool can turn green in just a few short hours. Please limit the use of sun oils when bathing.
)Keeping the house cool in summer Keeping the fridge at medium setting. When really hot then closing shutters during the day and then opening all windows during the night and early morning will also help to change the air and maintain a comfortable inside temperature.
)Ants. You will have a kitchen full of tiny ants in a few hours if not scrupulously clean, especially in summer. Sweeping the floor and wiping kitchen work surfaces after meals is a must, as is closing any food bags, bread etc.
)Security. Metal entrance doors, Interior Iron doors and Glass Back Door should all be securely locked.
)Smoking - Important. Almost every year there are serious fires in the Torrox countryside. The Guardia Civil will look for those responsible. Please take the upmost care when smoking outside.
)Candles lit outside are popular with our guests. Please if you do this be sure to place the candles on a plate as candle wax is very difficult to clean from the terracota tiles and also the candle bases get very hot and will burn tables etc.
)Insects and Animals. Always maintain the metal entrance doors closed. The doors have an effective insect/mice barrier at the bottom.
)CCTV There are two exterior cameras which cover the front door and parking areas. Both are switched off during guest stays, We reserve the right to use them if we suspect that villa security may be at risk, eg burglaries etc, and will inform you of this.
)The TV has a selection of English programs, bbc/itv/sky sport etc. The stream is connected to the HDMI 2 input on the TV. This will probably be the default at start up if not then... select HDMI 2 from the TV menu. After around a full minute wait you will be asked to choose from the BB4S menu list. Using the second handset select FREE BB4S. Then continue to use the control for channel changing etc.
)WIFI The router is located in the dining room. Network Name is BB4S.COM-NC495 Password cbjutvsp.
)Music System. The music system in the dining room is operated with the hand control. The "Function" button will cycle through AM/FM/CD/USB options. We have provided USB memory sticks with music selections we have prepared R&B, Jazz, chill, etc.
)Supermarkets, Mercadona, Lidl etc open all day and Sunday mornings at Torrox Costa.
)Eroski Center is a large shopping center & cine at Velez Malaga. Take the motorway towards Malaga until Velez Malaga. (exit 272)
)Rubbish should be dropped off daily in one of roadside bins. Never leave rubbish bags outside as this attracts wasps and possibly stray dogs.
)Cleaners and detergents are under the kitchen sink. .
)Any Problems contact us on 654 728380.
Tips, Suggestions and Hints. In and around Torrox...
)Torrox Costa has a long promenade and sandy beach with many bars and restaurants etc.
)Weekly morning markets Torrox Costa - Monday, Nerja - Tuesday, Torre de Mar - Thursday , Cómpeta - Saturday , Frigiliana - Thursday.
)Diving is popular along the coast between Nerja and Almunecar There are dive shops at Burriana beach Nerja.
)Torrox Old Pueblo has a central square which is pleasant for sitting around with a drink and few tapas. Best place to park is in the main free carpark which you pass on entering the town from the (top) roundabout.
)Nerja with its many restaurants and its famous Balcon de Europa is 10 mins further east on the coast road.
)Nerja has a boot sale/bric-a-brac market every Sunday morning. - This is in the Almijarra urbanization on the east side of Nerja.
For Children
)Water Park. Just opposite the Eroski Center (Velez malaga Turnoff - motorway - direction Malaga) AQUAVELEZ is fun with children. Picnic areas and on-site cafe.
)Nerja Caves are well worth the trip. The caves are about 1 Km east of Nerja. Signposted either from the motorway or driving through Nerja itself. The caves have some awe inspiring natural stalactites/mites and take about an hour to walk around. There is a restaurant with a nice terrace and views and also a pedestrian connection to the nearby pretty town of Maro.
)Almunecar has an Aquarium and a Birdpark Lorosexi in the center.
)Hiking. The Ruta de los Molinos (4km) suitable for families and less serious walkers, follows a lovely river with ancient mills a roman bridge, suspended walkways,
a surviving roman road and river crossings at various places. The signposted route starts from the small village of Archez, 20 mins from the Villa.
)Canyoning. For older children and adults there are entertaining river walking routes which during June-Sept offer fantastic natural water adventures. Canyoning requires supportive waterproof shoes/boots/old trainers etc. You may want to pack some!. Rio Chillar walk details can be found here. The car park location for this walk is Lat 36°45'51.42"N Long 3°52'19.02"W. A company offering guided treks to these and many more here.
For Adults
)The villa is ideal for exploring the mountain villages on the southern slopes of mount Maroma, There is driving route here known as the Ruta Mudejar which takes in some of the small white villages where Arab architecture still visible. These villages include Competa, Archez, Arenas, Salares, Sedella, and Canillas de Acetuna. This route could be a full day trip from the villa either returning by the same route or via the Viñuela resovoir and the coast motorway.
)Beaches. Perhaps the prettiest are east of the Balcon de Europa in Nerja, The beaches here are in the Natural Park Area from Maro to Almunecar. There is a cheap taxi service to run down and back up to these beaches which have difficult access. La Canuelo beach is a lovely spot for example.
)Burriana beach the largest of Nerja`s beaches is approachable by car and there is free road parking and a pay parking lot.
)Beaches at Torrox can get very busy, however the beaches on the coast road on the way to Nerja are usually quieter with easy parking right next to the beach.
)Granada is a 80 mins drive. Alhambra Palace is reached via a new ring road leading to the site. Look for Signs to the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada on approaching Granada. Allow at least 3 hours for a full visit. It is essential to pre-book tickets at least two months before visiting, either online or from an agency, tickets have a timed entry.
)Walking. There are some pleasant walks in the valleys around the villa so feel free to explore. Tourist information can provide maps. You can walk to Torrox Village by taking any of the tracks that follow the Torrox valley seawards. The walk is about 3km. You may want to note of our Taxi numbers for the return trip! For other walking routes nearby just ask us or consult wikiloc.com.
)Sea Kayaking. Three choices. 1)Accompanied excursions eg. from Lifeadventure ( far end of Burriana beach in Nerja) offer family trips of about 2 hours exploring the sea cliffs and caves at Nerja. 2)Sea kayaks can be hired at the same place. Both these options offer an unforgettable trip through one of Europe`s most stunning protected cliff/sea environments.. 3)Acantilados Magicos offer kayak hire and trips at Torrox Costa.
)Hikers or 4x4´s can explore the provincial parks nearby. There is a booklet at the Villa called The Sierra of Nerja and the Cliffs of Maro. For walkers this is the great guide with twenty or so routes detailed in English with maps. This booklet is also free from the Nerja Tourist Information (at the Balcon.)
)Competa and especially Frigiliana are pretty towns near Torrox at about 20 mins drive each.
)Malaga City has much to offer eg; Arab Castle and (free) Malaga museum nearby, Cathedral, Pompidou Center, Picasso Gallery, Titian Museum, St Petersburg Art Museum and adjacent Vintage Car Museum (free parking). Malaga is about 35 mins away from Torrox. Park in one of the many underground car-parks in the center. Street parking is usually very hard to find.
)Seville, Gibraltar and Ronda are all possible as a day trip with early starts.
)Tangiers (Morocco) is another possible day trip. We recommend you book with a tour group. Tours are offered in many outlets at Torrox Costa and Nerja.
)Sierra Nevada National Park is twenty minutes on past the Alhambra. A world class Ski resort here opens from Dec to April.
)Viñuela Resovoir inland from the Eroski center and on past Velez Malaga (see a map) is a beautiful area and we recommend the nearby hilltop town of Comares to visit. The two locations will take a day to see.
Restaurants and Tapas in Nerja.
Depending on the season and the bar you will likely be offered a choice of free tapas with your beer or wine. The immediate area around the Balcon normally will have tapas as an extra. However you can be a sure that a street or two away the tapas will be offered free with the drink. With over 500 restaurants and bars its always difficult to single out the best. Here are our current recommendations in Nerja; La Botega Plaza de Cangrejos, Italian. Mid Priced (best Reserve). Pata Negra-59 sofisticated dining en Calle Cristo not far from the Balcon. For seafood tapas and a very Spanish atmosphere El Pulgilla on Calle Admiral Fernadis (near the Balcon) is very good and has a large terrace outback. Lan Sang, is an excellent Thai restaurant in Calle Malaga with a good reputation. La Oliva , Plaza de la Constitucion, offers international dishes from an English and Michelin chef. Traditional foods and wines served at the long established Meson Antonio in Calle Diputacion. East of the Balcon (Antonio Millon and Plaza la Marina area) Pepe Moles, Mesón Antonio, El Iberico are among a new throng of tapas bars. Restaurrant 34 on Calle Carebeo near el Balcon has free tapas on the street terrace and fine dining with views from the garden, special. For cocktails on the roof terrace the new Redondo off Calle Cristo not far from the Balcon. Cochrans Irish Bar is great for live R&B and is near the Balcon off the path that leads to El Salon beach.
Restaurants Torrox.
El Figon is an excellent English/Spanish run restaurant just below the main square and the Biznaga in the main square. For seafood, beach bars or restaurants at Torrox Costa are excellent and La Restinga beach bar on the coast road just before reaching Nerja outskirts. For a beach seafood lunch the last one on the Peñoncillo beach heading to Nerja from Torrox called the Costa del Sol is popular with easy road parking. Recent recommendations for restaurants at Torrox Costa include La Pataleta and La Farola. Not forgetting the two old favorites in Torrox square Pacos and Bar Airies both offering tapas.
General Restaurant Tips.
Try to lunch a little before the Spanish do to avoid the rush (before 1:30pm say) and you will get better service especially at the beach bars. Spanish run establishments welcome and gladly accommodate children. Tipping is not expected in Spanish restaurants. People usually leave small change if satisfied as a gesture (ie; its the thought that counts rather than the %)
Further Afield
A real treat for views and nice food is the rural hotel Los Carocoles on the road between Frigiliana and Torrox. At La Viñuela lake the restaurant Camping Vinuela for BBQ meats, rustic ambience and views of the lake on the west side of the lake (A356) - about 2km after arriving at the lake from Velez Malaga direction. The Hotel Viñuela has a quality restaurant with nice gardens and a views of the lake.
