An Overview of the Alhaurin Area

Alhaurin el Grande, one of the most picturesque villages in the Guadalhorce river valley, is situated at the foot of the northern slope of the Sierra de Mijas, opening up the green valley of the Guadalhorce furnishing the landscape with rich citric plots, fruit and vegetables, olive fields and a majestic sierra which is forming slopes on the sides, takes the pine forest from the border of the town up to the summit which looks out to the sea.

Alhaurin el Grande can be easily reached from Málaga airport within 20 minutes and it is only a short drive to the coast and Marbella.

The town extends on one side and from its main street others branch out, flanked by whitewashed houses and many coloured plinths. The most important monuments are the parish church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, built at the beginning of the 16th century over the site of a fort, although it suffered various modifications in the 18th and 19th century. There is also the county council, in the Plaza de Ia Constitución, which occupies the old sight of the convent-hospital of Santa Catalina, where the palace of Montellano is located.

Some other places of notable interest are the archaeological sites and remains of Arabic origin such as the old fort of Fahala, the watchtower of Ubrique, and Roman remains such as in the Fuente del Sol and the Moor mill of the Corchos. On the road to Mijas, there is the chapel of the Cristo de la Agonia, from the 18th century, and at the edge of the Coin to Málaga road is the fountain of the Doce Caños or Fuente Lucena.

There are also two other chapels which capture one's attention, especially of those who live in the town: the 17th century chapel of San Sebastian and the chapel of Vera Cruz, which has a singular three bodied tower and a triangular structure. Both temples are the seats of rival brotherhoods, the "moraos" and the "verdes", who strive to better their processions at Easter.

The Alhaurin gastronomy is ample and varied with typical plates such as: migas breadcrumbs fried with garlic and gachas cachorreñas porridge with spices, 'allultas, dolcas, patties, sauce, broths, garlic soup, and many desserts such as sponge cakes, oil buns, fritters, macaroons, date bread, egg rusks, fried rusks, french toast and oil cakes.

The carnival is celebrated in February and on the 3rd of May are the Crosses, with processions and religious performances, as well as the traditional flower arrangements around the figure of the Holy Cross. From the 24th to the 28th of May are the festivities which include various Ludic and recreational activities, the pilgrimage to Vallehermoso, and the release of young bulls through the town. On the 15th of August is the patron saints festivities, Nuestra Señora de Gracia, and Jesus of Nazareth who is honoured on the 10th day after Corpus Christi. As well as the festivity of San Anton which includes sporting competitions, horse exhibitions, and open air dancing, the Easter celebrations are the most significant with processions in which the "moraos" and "verdes compete against each other.

It is also worth mentioning some of the peculiar local folklore, such as the "cantes de la trill" singing, the Alhaurin fandangos and the Christmas pastoras.

Alhaurin el Grande is a paradise for lovers of peace and tranquility. It boasts two magnificent golf courses, Alhaurin Golf and Laura Golf, two clay shooting grounds nearby, horse riding and a unique country life-style.