Torrox knocks Nerja off the top after 55 years as 90 nationalities push population to 22,523

Torrox has surpassed Nerja as the most populous municipality in its district, according to provisional census figures released on January 1, 2026. Torrox now boasts a population of 22,523 residents, a 7,406 increase from the 2015 count of 15,117. Nerja, previously the larger municipality, now sits at 21,693 inhabitants. The surge in Torrox's population is attributed to a diverse mix of 90 nationalities living on the same register, with Brits, Germans, and Scandinavians among the notable expats.

This diverse population has contributed to a significant drop in unemployment rates and has led to a noticeable increase in year-round residents. However, this growth has put pressure on local services, with Medina advocating for additional facilities such as a Palacio de Justicia, new health centers, and more education facilities.

The Junta de Andalucia's president, Moreno, stressed the need for planned growth to ensure the municipality can accommodate the increasing number of residents without straining its resources.