Alhaurin el Grande Guide

Alhaurin el Grande: El Dorado Personified

Forming an imposing natural fortress, the traditional town of Alhaurin el Grande is steeped in history, soaked in classical Andalucian architecture and atmosphere throughout, and highlighted by stunning views across the Costa del Sol’s undulating hinterland.

Warm welcome for expat community

It also has a large expat population. With its easy access to Málaga Airport, Alhaurin El Grande’s property market has been popular with British, Irish and other northern European buyers for decades. An inland town at the forefront of the expat love affair with moving to southern Spain, Alhaurin is – in many ways - the epitome of the “El Dorado” village.

The attractive new-build villas, townhouses and apartments blend in perfectly with the incumbent surroundings, enhancing the town’s aura, while the expat population has created a thriving community that has buoyed Alhaurin's economy. From holiday and residential homes to friendly expat bars and sports clubs, Alhaurín loves its inherited inhabitants, and they love Alhaurin back.

Fertile Backdrop

The town's dramatic setting is at the heart of the fertile Guadalhorce Valley landscape: lush green hills giving way to bare rock faces to create a magical backdrop. Snugly wedged into the hillside, Alhaurin has a rich history that goes back to Roman times and was shaped massively by Moorish occupation in the seventh century. Remnants of Roman columns and Arabic arches sit alongside classically Andalucian architecture.

In town, Los Candiles and El Postillón plazas feature pretty fountains and are resplendent with charming cafés; the municipal sports hall has an open-air swimming pool and multi-use sports pitches; and the Iglesia de Nuestra Sra. de la Encarnación (church), Molino de los Corchos (cork mill) and Colmenero de Pan (bread museum) are just three of the hugely popular tourist attractions.

Attractive fountain features in Alhaurin el Grande town centre

Popular destination for cyclists and other sports enthusiasts

Beyond the confines of the market town, much of Alhaurin's charm lies in its rural surroundings, where numerous hiking trails take you through stunning olive and citrus groves, challenging scrubland and fragrant pine forests. Whether by foot, cycle or horseback, the leafy countryside of Alhaurin el Grande is there to be explored.

Golfers, meanwhile, can enjoy the pleasures of playing at Lauro and Alhaurin golf clubs, or head down to the coast, through Churriana, to one of Spain’s oldest courses, the Parador de Málaga.