Alahurin el Grande

Alhaurín el Grande lies almost directly behind Mijas Sierra and is a busy country town in a stunning setting-much of the town looks out to the Guadalhorce Valley and the mountains beyond. The surrounding countryside is mostly agricultural under citrus cultivation. The central streets are well-maintained with several attractive squares and the imposing San Sebastian church.
Alhaurín el Grande is famous for being the residence of nationally famous poet and author Antonio gala and was once the home of Gerald Brenan.

Location

Situated at the foot of the northern slope of "La Sierra de Mijas" and with a population of 18.000 inhabitants, the town of Alahurín el Grande opens out onto the valley of Guadalhorce being most noteworthy about its surrounding environment, the landscape made up of rich, fertile irrigated lands of citric fruits, fruit- trees and vegetables, apart from the fields of olive trees and grain.

History

Relics from the Neolithic Age, which prove the continuous presence of human settlements, have been, found in its surrounding area. Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Visigoths also left behind and endless amount of statues, coins, capitals and tombstones, amongst other valuable archaeological remains. It was the Arabs who named this place Alhaurin, the meaning of which experts are not in agreement with since it is interpreted as "Garden of Alan", "The Jewel", "The Valley" and, in the latest investigations, is translated as "The free ones". During the reign of Los Reyes Católicos, who reconquered the place and incorporated it into the Crown of Castilla, the nickname "El Grande" is added on in order to distinguish it from the neighbouring town of Alhaurín de la Torre. In 1634, the people of Alhaurín buy their district and the title of "Villazgo a la Corona". With the passage of time, the place is chosen by the affluent families of Málaga in order build their country or holiday residences.

Sights

"El Arco del Cobertizo", dating from the Muslim era, is one of the visits of major interest; together with the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación", from the Seventeenth Century, the Shrines of San Sebastián and of Santa Vera Cruz, the Moorish mill of "Los Corchos" and "La Torre de Jubrique".

Festivities

Amongst the numerous festivities celebrated in the town, Holy Week, declared of touristic interest in Andalucía, stands out exceedingly. Taking place at the end of May, the fair which, apart from having numerous playful activities, includes a populous romería.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Alhaurín is rich and varied. Its most typical dishes are the cold vegetable soup, "las sopas de caldo poencima", "las gachas", "las cachorrenas", "las migas" and "el mojete". The Alhaurin bresas, the meat products, the table olives and the honey are equally appreciated.

Usefull Information

Local Holidays. 3 May and 25 May when the local fair takes place.
Distance from Malaga Airport 20 km
Town Hall. 952-490-000
Local Police Station: 952-491-074
Alhaurín provides a good range of services including a well-functioning health centre, several chemists, a sports complex, primary and secondary schools, and numerous shops including supermarkets and other stores. Most shops and services are found at the bottom of the town on the Guadalhorce side.

Property

The property market is buoyant, particularly for country properties in high demand from foreign buyers. Prices have risen significantly in recent months, but properties are still generally cheaper than on the coast.

Valle del Guadalhorce Villages