Between the Torrox lighthouse and El Morche there’s a stretch of coast that almost nobody notices from the road and which is, nonetheless, one of the best parts of this corner of the Axarquía. El Peñoncillo takes its name from the rock that breaks the surface at the shoreline and serves as everyone’s landmark: “see you at the rock”.
Getting there
Access from the N-340 at around kilometre 285, down onto the seafront path that links Torrox Costa with El Morche. You can walk here from either village in 15-20 minutes along the promenade, which runs right beside the sea. Free parking along the service road.
Facilities
- ✓ Lifeguard during the bathing season
- ✓ Beach bar
- ✓ Showers
- ✓ Free parking nearby
- ✓ Accessible promenade
The seabed is the best part
The rock and the submerged stones around it form a small reef where life concentrates: sea bream, salema, octopus and the occasional small grouper. It’s one of the few places in the Axarquía where snorkelling is genuinely worth the effort without driving all the way to Maro. Bring a mask and fins and work around the seaward side of the rock, where the water is clearest.
A warning about the seabed
The entry into the water is gravel and rounded stones, not fine sand. With small children or sensitive feet, water shoes aren’t optional — they’re essential. The slope is a little steeper than at the neighbouring beaches, so it isn’t the best choice for toddlers playing at the water’s edge.
When to go
June to September for swimming. Out of season it’s an excellent place to walk: the Torrox seafront path runs for several kilometres and can be done end to end at sunset, with the lighthouse ahead and the hills of the Axarquía behind.
