1135 Villa el Torin

The approach takes patience: the road is steep and narrow, and I wouldn’t want to drive it after dark. Google Maps sent us toward a closed, unpaved route, so use the seller’s directions link or description instead. I uploaded a short video of the road, which is worth watching before setting off. Once there, though, the house is fantastic: quiet, clean, and with a wonderful sea view. The terrace is great for relaxing and switching off. The internet was a little slow, which is why I gave four stars. Even with the tricky access, the place is worth the journey.

We’ve just finished a week here and nobody in our group wants to leave. The house looks just like the photos and sits in a lovely setting that makes it easy to unwind. Javier and Rosario were excellent hosts. I’d absolutely recommend it for a quiet break, and kids will be excited to come back.

We were happy just spending evenings on the terrace with a glass of wine and that lovely view, since we didn’t feel comfortable driving the road after dark. With our 11-month-old, we didn’t go out in the evenings either. The approach is challenging, but after getting used to the steep sections and knowing the way, it wasn’t an issue for us. The setting itself is beautiful and peaceful. Javier and Rosario were exceptionally kind and helpful, and the house is full of thoughtful touches, from art and paintings to local ceramics. Everything felt well chosen, including our son’s cot with its good mattress and cute cotton bedding. Our own mattresses were comfortable too. There’s a lovely trail into the national park just behind the house, manageable with a baby carrier. Further along the road toward Nerja is Rio Chillar, where you can hike in the river. We didn’t try that with a baby on our backs, but would like to another time. The photos are accurate, and we were delighted with the stay and grateful for the hospitality.

It’s a magical spot for getting away from the noise and being close to nature, though getting there is difficult.