Tolox - Malaga, Costa del SOL

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Tolox is a typical Arab village, with narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses, full of flowers. It is located on the eastern edge of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.

In 1989, the Tolox forests were renamed the 'Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park', thanks to the beauty of the landscape and its high ecological value. Its origins date back to the Neolithic period, as proven by pottery remains found in the La Tinaja Cave, situated about 4 kms from the village of Tolox in the Upper Basin of the Horcajos river.
The Sierra de las Nieves is a mountain range that has not only been declared a Natural Park, but also a World Biosphere Reserve. The botanical star of the Sierra de las Nieves is the pinsapo; a native fir that survived the Ice Age.

The town itself has a rich historic and cultural heritage. Many of the old Arabic traditions and customs have been preserved. Much of the Arab heritage of the town's past is preserved in the Rinconada del Castillo neighbourhood, such the ancient castle walls. Visitors should also stop by the 15th century church of San Miguel and the Plaza Alta, which is the highest square in the village. The Plaza Alta is known for the beautiful houses it contains, such as the late 17th century Casa de la Santa Inquisición (House of the Holy Inquisition), which is made of brick and framed by pilasters, and the 16th century Casa del hidalgo Fernández Villamar, with a whitewashed facade and artistic ironwork.

Another interesting fact about Tolox is its bitter spring waters, which are used for therapeutic purposes. The Fuente Amargosa Spa was built in 1867 and, shortly afterwards, its waters were declared open to the public. The spa, which is an important generator of tourism in the area, has the natural backdrop of the Tolox mountain range. The mountain range contains the highest mountain in the province of Malaga: the Torrecilla peak. Nature lovers can venture into the mountains on a number of walking and hiking trails.