Alora

Contents

About Alora
Location Information
Why move to Alora?
A Brief History of Alora
Other Historic Towns Near Alora
Walking and Hiking Routes in Alora
Restaurants
Tapas, Cafes and Ice Cream Parlours
Sightseeing and Things to do in Alora
Shopping
Pharmacies
Schooling
Average Temperature in Alora
The Property Market in Alora

About the town of Alora in Spain

Location

The distance between Alora and the city of Málaga is about 40 km or 45 minutes by car. It is connected to the high-speed Córdoba-Málaga train line and offers a local train service to Málaga city centre.

Alora to Málaga airport is about 37 min (44.7 km) via A-357
Alora to Fuengirola beach is about 46 min (58.5 km) via A-357
Alora to Marbella centre is 50 min (51.6 km) via A-355
Alora to Torremolinos is 38 min (44.1 km) via A-357
Alora to La Cala de Mijas is 47 min (47.6 km) via A-355
Alora to Coin is 28 min (26.4 km) via A-357 and A-355
Alora to El Chorro is 25 min (14.7 km) via C. Tomillo

Why should I move to Alora?

Mediterranean Homes created a questions and answers report with this goal in mind. So, there’s no better way to understand the experience, than to speak with someone who relocated there several years ago!

Elizabeth and Robert from South Yorkshire bought a country house in Alora through Mediterranean Homes and were more than happy to answer questions led by the CEO of Mediterranean Homes, Kelly Summerell. Here is what Kelly had to say…

“As I needed to visit the area to carry out a valuation, I thought I’d give them a call to ask if they wouldn’t mind taking part in our questions and answers project, as we thought they would, they agreed on the condition I arrived with a box of Yorkshire Tea bags!”

Hopefully, you will find our report helpful by providing some insider advice from residents Elizabeth and Rob.

Kelly) I guess we should start off by asking what would you say the advantages to living in Alora are compared to other towns along the Costa del Sol?

Rob) One of the benefits of living in Alora has to be the train station, as there’s a train that connects Málaga with Seville, Córdoba, and Granada. For instance, you can jump on the train at Malaga Airport and within 45 minutes you're jumping off in Alora!
if you look at the map you can see that Alora is in the middle of Andalusia thus you can easily reach the larger cities from here.

Kelly) In your opinion is the area accessible to anyone and everyone i.e., are there any disadvantages to living in town for instance?

Liz) Only my opinion, I would have to say, the streets are very steep. I personally wouldn’t recommend people that rely on wheelchairs or other forms of mobility appliances to get around town. Only my opinion!

Kelly) What would you say the proportion of the local population is Spanish?

Rob) I’d say the population of Spanish people in Alora is around 75/80 percent, and for this reason, I’d recommend it to anyone contemplating moving here to know some basic Spanish. Believe it or not, we found BBC Bitesize Spanish very helpful, hopefully, your readers will too!

Kelly) Since you moved here what would you say are your favourite things to do in the area?

Liz) Rob and I have always enjoyed hiking along with photography and it’s partly the reason for moving to Alora coupled with the weather, the pace of life as well as the cost of living. One of our favourite walks has been the “Caminito del Rey” (The Kings Path). This is a thrilling adventure along a path pinned to a steep and rocky gorge at a height of over 100 meters above the river below. with 700-meter-high walls. A note worth mentioning! The region is home to a wide range of plant and animal species; with any luck, you might see highland mammals like wild boar and Iberian ibex as well as birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or even golden eagles. When we last visited the area there were Golden Eagles circling high above our heads, a spectacular sight I must say! This particular walk in the past was formerly known as the most dangerous walk in the world until it underwent major repairs to make it tourist-friendly or, in other words, much safer!

Kelly) Can you pass on tips regarding Tapas Bars & Restaurants in Alora to visit whilst I am in the area?

Rob) Certainly, but you might be here all afternoon, as there are that many! Seriously though, there is a very good restaurant in the centre of Alora called “Casa Abilio” and there is a very good tapas restaurant in the shopping street called “De Kñas” to name just a couple.

Kelly) What about medical facilities such as doctors, dentists, opticians, are there ample to choose from?

Liz) Yes most definitely, In the centre of Alora is a little hospital with a 24h emergency service. There’s a selection of dentists, but it’s best to make a note of their opening times as sometimes we have found them closed and when you have lost a filling, it’s not good, as for opticians, we use Optical Alora. As for shops, we have a good choice, Let’s say you can get everything you need in Alora, there’s no need to travel to the larger Towns or Cities.

Kelly) Can you recommend any smaller villages nearby?

Rob) Yes as previously mentioned we enjoy hiking, therefore we would highly recommend the village of “El Chorro”, there you will find many rock climbing paths as well as numerous hiking routes, at t the end of the “Caminito del Rey” and there is a very nice restaurant “La Garganta. La Garganta is a ’boutique’ hotel, with a swimming pool, and a restaurant. And fabulous views from the hotel terrace. El Chorro also has a campsite, with chalets, a swimming pool, and a restaurant/café bar, in a picturesque setting and just 3 minutes’ walk from the train station.

Kelly) What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?

Liz) As you know we came here to retire, and our children are all grown up and live in the UK, this said we have friends who have children and they send theirs to SUNLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in the neighbouring village of Cartama , they say it’s a very good school, there are many other private schools, though they do tend to be on the coast. We have other friends that send their children to the local Spanish public schools also. Again, the reports are good.

Kelly) What about crime, is crime an issue in Alora?

Rob) Luckily with hand on heart, there is not much crime in and around Alora, let’s keep it that way, certainly not as much as there is in the UK these days.

Kelly) Can I ask you, are you pleased with your decision to buy a home in the Spanish countryside?

Liz & Rob) Smiling like Cheshire cats, at the same time saying “Yes definitely”.

Kelly) Actually, I can see that with the smiles on your faces, only leaves me to say thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, and finally, shall we have another cuppa!?

Kelly) Thank you, Elizabeth, and Rob for taking part in this project of questions and answers, we are certain it will help to give our readers a better understanding of the area and what it has to offer others who are considering moving to Alora.

Conclusion

Some people might find Alora's slow pace of life monotonous, its secluded setting confining, and its oppressively hot summers oppressive. On the plus side, however, is a chance to escape the dreaded 9 to 5 job, retire, get away from the grind, and enjoy summer dressing more casually. That doesn’t sound that bad, does it?
Mediterranean Homes are the leading Spanish specialists, specialising in inland country property for sale. If you need a local estate agent in Alora, look no further, check out our property for sale here.

Alora's Historic Past

There is more to Alora than another whitewashed village in the hills. Prehistoric remains can be found within the city boundaries at a location known as Hoyo del Conde. The Turdetans and, later, the Phoenicians saw the Guadalhorce Valley as an ideal location to establish colonies to exploit the natural riches of the plains, which would also serve as strategic locations on natural routes leading inland. Phoenician settlers laid the groundwork for Alora Castle. It was known as Iluro in Roman times, and Alura in Arab times. Archaeological relics from the time of the emperor Domicianus, including a monolith that stands in the courtyard of the parish church today and bears the inscription "Municipium Iluritanum," attest to Alora's importance as a Roman city between 81 and 96 A.D. According to the historian Columela, the town, which was connected to the Roman province of Betica, was a significant trading hub for commodities like wheat, barley, honey, wine, and oil, which could all be easily obtained from the region's land. Alora was so prosperous that it even minted its own coins.

In the fifth century, the Vandals took control of it. The fortress on top of Las Torres mount contains relics from the Visigoth era. Due to its advantageous strategic location, where it overlooks the entire Malaga basin, the castle was frequently besieged by Christian kings during the Moslem occupation.
Invasion in 1184 by Alfonso VIII. Alfonso XI also tried to take the town in 1319. Later, attempts to capture it were made by John II in 1434 and Enrique IV in 1455. Due to its proximity to Bobastro, where Omar Ben Hafsun assembled his forces, it must have also been a significant factor in the 11th-century uprising against the Caliphate of Cordoba that was led by the muladi (Christian who converted to Islam) chief Omar Ben Hafsun.

One of the most beautiful frontier ballads, The Ballad of Alora, was influenced by the town's reputation as an impregnable fortress and refers to it as "the well besieged" on a tablet that is embedded in the castle walls. On June 10, 1484, Christians managed to take control of the town. Captain Don Luis Fernandez Portocarrero oversaw the attacking soldiers, who were carrying the Catholic Monarchs' flag. The original parish church, now the cemetery chapel, was constructed on the remnants of a former mosque, and the town's residents continued to reside there after the Christian conquest.

With time, the town began to expand to the base of the hill. According to the precise wording of the document, Alora was expelled from the city of Malaga in 1628 because of a decree issued by Philip IV. The original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1680, along with the town's older neighbourhoods. The Castle later transformed into the town’s cemetery after witnessing numerous fatalities during attempts to seize and defend it. The 16th and 17th centuries saw prosperity in Alora, and in 1628 it gained independence from the Málaga commune.

A large portion of the population left during the 20th century, primarily to Argentina but also, beginning in the 1960s, to Germany, Australia, and Switzerland.

Other Historic Towns near Alora

Carratraca

Roman baths and a historic bullring are located in Carratraca. One of the first Andalucian therapeutic spas is located in a white village hidden in the Malaga mountains. The municipality's primary attraction is the Carratraca spa. Since it first opened in 1855, this resort, which has a neoclassical aesthetic, has welcomed a variety of notable guests, including the poet, Lord Byron. Click here for the scenic driving route from Alora to Carratraca.

Campillos

Once a Roman settlement. This tranquil little town of fewer than 8000 people, which is situated halfway between the Costa del Sol, Granada, and Sevilla, was once a significant centre for cattle farming, leather production, and mining. See how to get to Campillos from Alora.

Antequerra

Known as the Andalucian crossroads saw its first settlers over 5,000 years ago. A Moorish fortress known as the Alcazaba guards the mediaeval town of Antequera, which is in the hills north of Malaga. It is situated in a productive river valley with olive groves and sunflower fields and is close to great climbing and walking destinations. See how to get from Alora to Antequerra by car.

Mollina

Mollina is the most important wine and olive oil-producing town in Málaga. The area produces up to 90% of all Málaga denomination wine and is home to the award-winning wine brand Bodega La Fuente, which is run by the Navarro family and located in the historic "Fuente de Mollina" district. The village has a sizable ex-pat British population, who live either in town or on one of three mobile park home sites, the largest of which is at the Hotel Molino de Saydo, where an "English" market is held every Wednesday morning. I’m told that One thousand of Mollina's five thousand residents are British! View directions for how to get from Alora to Mollina.

Teba

This beautiful town is in the tranquil region of Guadalteba, in the province of Malaga, and was of great importance during the Reconquest of Spain due to its strategic location on the border with the kingdom of Granada. The town was twinned with the Scottish town of Melrose due to a unique historical incident. Teba has a rich mediaeval history, as evidenced by its castle, which towers over the town, as well as its many majestic houses and small palaces.See directions.

Walking and Hiking in Alora

Due to its position in the Sierra de Mijas mountain range, Alora stands as a great base for walking and hiking. There are plenty of routes to choose from for all ages and abilities.

Searching for the top walking routes in Alora? There are 14 beautiful trails on AllTrails in and around the town of Alora - the town that time forgot. So no matter if you're planning to go hiking, biking, trail running, or engage in other outdoor activities... Here are some trail maps that have been carefully selected, as well as comments and pictures from other outdoor enthusiasts. For your next family adventure, choose from 2 kid-friendly easy walking paths in Alora. Take a stroll along one of the many walkways lined with trees to get some fresh air, discover more about the region's historic sites, or simply unwind after a hard day. Perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of every ability level, as well as for young feet... and paws!

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Best Restaurants in Alora

Most restaurants in Alora serve traditional Spanish flare. This means that you can anticipate seeing items like tortilla de patata, paella, stews, embutidos, chorizos, migas, cheese, and jamon serrano on their menus. Here are a few top picks, as well as the many tapas bars and cafes that are also worthwhile visiting.

Casa Nelly in Alora

Casa Nelly, a casual dining establishment with a view of the town's lit-up whitewashed walls, is one of our favourite places to eat in Alora. The traditional Andalusian menu is freshly prepared to order over their BBQ grill, and a warm welcome is guaranteed. The food is excellent (we especially recommend the Secreto Iberico and the Prawns Pill Pill) but save room for Nelly's homemade blueberry cheesecake! There is free parking outside the restaurant. View on Google.

Restaurante Venta Los Conejitos in Alora

You won't miss Venta Los Conejitos if you look for the neatly trimmed, dome-shaped bushes adorning the entrance while driving along Ctra. Carratraca Km 5. You will find large, air-conditioned rooms at Restaurante Venta Los Conejitos, which has a rustic theme and can host a variety of celebrations, including weddings, luncheon meetings, communions, and baptisms. Because of the owners' alleged obsession with quality, the business has an ISO 9001:2000 certification according to what our clients have said! You can eat traditional food and a range of grilled dishes here. You and your children will be delighted to see a playground, a garden, and waterfalls outside, with parking spaces for 250 cars. View their website.

Don Joaquin Asador

Don Joaquin Asador, which specialises in the cuisine of Northern Spain's Castilla y León region, is well-known for the quality of its wood-cooked meat dishes and, more surprisingly, its extensive selection of fish dishes. It is a large, modern restaurant with plenty of parking outside that recently received a prestigious 'Golden Medal' award and also holds the Málaga gourmet award for traditional cuisine. View their menu here.

Restaurante Casa Abilio

If you want to enjoy fine dining in Alora, you must visit Casa Abilio. It is unquestionably the town's most cutting-edge eatery. We ordered a variety of tapas and starters from there, such as their risotto and tuna/mango salad. If you are a party of four or fewer, always order half portions so you can sample lots of different dishes. All tapas are delicious and have a special attention to visual detail. After the tapas, we occasionally order and share the steak with mushroom sauce as well. View on Google.

The Best Tapas Bars & Cafes in Alora

You might want to get together with your friends and enjoy each other's company over some cool beverages, such as wine, beer, gin, or rum as you go bar hopping in the numerous Tapas Bars after spending the entire day exploring the tourist attractions, and festivals, or connecting with nature. There are a variety of bars right in the heart of the town, and the best bit is, they are all within walking distance of the hotels which include the Don Pedro, Casa Andaluza Albero, and Hostel Duran. Enjoy!

Bar El Gusto

This bar is renowned for its excellent customer service and helpful staff who are always willing to assist you. View on Facebook. Get Directions.

Bar Cristóbal

Great service, day and night tapas menu to choose from, friendly owners/staff. Get Directions.

De Kañas

Unlike most of the others in the town, this bar is modern. The tapas are delicious and priced with a good selection of wines. Fantastic service. Get Directions.

Best Ice Cream Parlours (Heladerias) in Alora

Heladería Morry's

Av. Cervantes, 3, 29500 Álora, Málaga

Heladería Díaz

C. Veracruz, 16, 29500 Álora, Málaga

Gelateria Antonella

C. Clavel, 64J, 29500 Álora, Málaga

Sightseeing & Things to Do in Alora

Monuments

The Phoenicians initially constructed the Alora Castle, but due to coexistence with other civilizations over time, the castle has undergone a number of changes. The majority of the structures that are still standing, including the walls and towers, were built by the Arabs. They also constructed the only horseshoe arch in the West. With views of the entire Guadalhorce Valley, it was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in 1931.

The iglesia de Nuestra Seora de la Encarnación, which is also in Alora, is the second-largest temple in the entire province of Málaga. It was constructed to accommodate the growing population and, along with the castle, serves as a symbol for all town residents. The building, which has a rectangular floor plan and was constructed over the course of a century, is home to one of Alora's most revered religious figures.

The convento de la Virgen de las Flores, one of the most significant works of baroque art in Málaga, is situated in Alora. The Virgen de las Flores, along with the Virgen de la Cabeza, are housed there. Its location on the outskirts of the village, away from other structures, makes its construction even more magnificent.

The Veracruz chapel from the sixteenth century, the Santa Brigida chapel, and the Castillo Cementerio chapel are three noteworthy historical chapels in Alora.

The Monumento al Cante por Malaguea is a monument that honours the origins of flamenco palo (a type of flamenco) in Alora.

The sculpture also functions as an ornamental fountain, with the basin constructed from stones from the Guadalhorce River and crowned by a bronze structure bearing the names of famous flamenco singers.
If you want to learn more about Lora's history, you can go to the “Museo Municipal "Rafael Leria," which houses a large portion of the town's archaeological value.

Alora Tourist Office

Plaza Fuente de Arriba, 15, 29500
Tel: 951 062 136
The Municipal Tourist Office in Alora offers details on lodging, rooms, hiking routes, etc.
Additionally, it provides details about the township, landmarks, cultural events, regional holidays, celebrations, etc., with a focus on the Caminito del Rey Trail.
Opening Hours: 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

Shopping in Alora

If you're looking for stores where you can buy food, medicine, baked goods, snacks, outdoor gear, and other items. This page features a diverse range of stores to meet your Alora shopping needs. These are them:

Mercadona We suggest using this location of the renowned Marcedona chain of supermarkets for your grocery needs. Toiletries, frozen foods, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and other items are available here. Along Calle de la Albahaca is where you'll find the Alora branch.

Aventur El Chorro In the North, close to Barradia El Chorro, about 25 minutes from Alora's city centre, is a rough landscape with sharp rocks and beautiful trails. If you enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, or rock climbing, you must visit this location. You can buy or rent sporting equipment at Aventur El Chorro, so you don't need to bring any of your own.

Some of the best furniture products in the province are made in Alora. We, therefore, invite you to visit a handful of the local furniture stores. Electromuebles Antonio Baena on Calle Atras, Muebles Hidalgo, Commercial Rebollo, and Lola Decoracion on Calle de Veracruz.

Nothing beats fresh bread and a hot cup of coffee when it comes to Spanish breakfasts, according to El Mimbre. We recommend El Mimbre on Avenida de Cervantes for your bread needs. Try their chapata, pan integral, pan de centeno, and pan perote. All of these are baked with organic ingredients.

Bazar Andalucia. This store, which has a drugstore and a perfumery, is situated along Av de Cervantes, close to the roundabout. Gift items are also available here.

Fresh meat along with cold cuts of meat can be found at Campisa Meat Shop, which is situated along Av de Cervantes.

Modas Joaquina Rebollo. This small clothing store on Camino Nuevo has excellent deals to be had.

In Plaza de la Fuenta Arriba, there is a stationary store called "Papeleria." Here, you can find a huge selection of paper goods and office supplies.

Shopping Malls in Malaga

Alora, on the other hand, is different from the place to go for serious shopping. You are better off driving straight to Malaga, the provincial capital, which is 43k away and takes 45-50 minutes. That should be easy, given that Alora is only about an hour away. If you're staying in Alora, you can leave early, go shopping until you drop off, and then return to the village an hour before the sun goes down.

Here is a list of the largest shopping malls in Malaga:
• Plaza Mayor, located on Calle Alfonso Ponce de Leon, phone: 952 247 580
• Malaga Plaza, Calle Armengual de La Mota, Tel: 952 614 040
• La Rosaleda, Tel: 952 305 191 Avenida de Luis Buuel
• Larios Centro on Av de Andalucia Telephone: 952 369 393)

Pharmacies in Alora & Surrounding Areas

MESA FARMACIA
Av. Cervantes, 13, 29500 Álora, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 49 75 34
Directions

María Begoña Pérez Navarro
C. Veracruz, 8, 29500 Álora, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 49 60 95
Directions

Farmacia Cáliz
Pl. Fuente Arriba, 1, 29500 Álora, Málaga
Phone: +34 952 49 88 85
Directions

Doctors Surgeries and Healthcare for Expats in Alora  

Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be a minefield but if you live in Alora or surrounding areas, there is no shortage of healthcare providers who can accommodate you in your own language. 

Centro de Salud de Alora
C. Feria, 0, 29500, Málaga
Phone: +34 951 50 45 53
Directions

Centro Medico Virgen De Flores
Av. Cervantes, 3, 29500 Álora, Málaga
Phone: +34 641 56 56 67
Directions 

Is there a municipal pool in Alora?

The Municipal Pool, are amongst the well-kept sports facilities in town.
Piscina Municipal or Piscina Cubierta De Álora

Beaches near Alora

The closest beach to Alora is Playa de la Misericordia, Málaga, and driving there takes about 40 minutes. As an alternative, Torremolinos or Benalmádena both reached in about 45 minutes by car.

Golf in Alora

Alora is home to four golf courses. Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf is the best 18-hole golf course in/near Alora, and Alhaurn Golf Resort is the most reviewed golf course in/near Alora. Discover ten of the most affordable golf courses near Alora. They include Atalaya Golf & Country Club, La Cala Golf, Baviera Golf, Golf, Country Club Alhaurin, and Lauro Golf Resort, to name a few.

Schools and Education in Alora

The schools in Lora are solely public ones that teach Spanish. There are two secondary and five infant/primary (CEIP) options available (institutes). Most of the students are Spanish, but there are also some British, Dutch, and German kids in their class.

International schools along the Costa del Sol. Suppose you prefer to avoid the bustling city of Malaga. In that case, there are numerous educational options in Benalmadena, Marbella, and San Pedro de Alcantara. 

Spain is one of the least expensive European countries for international schools. Still, it provides education and facilities on par with the rest of the continent.

However, remember that the annual school fee usually does not include extras such as uniforms, books, bus transportation, school meals, or extracurricular activities.

Novaschool Sunland International

Sunland International School
From 3 to 18 years old, our British International Curriculum allows our students to achieve the British qualification, endorsed by Cambridge, while also opting for homologation to the Spanish baccalaureate at the end of their academic life.

The International School Estepona

The International Academy Estepona is the leading primary school and nursery in West Marbella, located in El Paraiso, Estepona, in the heart of "The New Golden Mile" on the Costa del Sol, Malaga.

Nova School Sunland International

Nova College For students aged 3 to 18, Sunland International is a private school in Málaga that follows the British International Curriculum. It takes place in a rural area.

Aloha College Marbella

With 863 students from over 50 different nationalities, Aloha College Marbella is one of the biggest and most reputable schools in Southern Spain. It is a non-profit educational foundation. From Early Years to Sixth Form, we provide a British International education (ages 3 to 18). 

Queens British Grammar School

A small academic institution, Queens British Grammar School focuses on providing high-quality instruction based on the English national curriculum. All lessons in school are taught in English by certified instructors who speak the language natively and have recently delivered the national curriculum.

Find the 10 Best International Schools in Malaga Province - Costa del Sol – Here 

Alora's Average Temperature

The hot season lasts 2.9 months, from 17 June to 13 September, with daily hot temperatures averaging more than 28°C.

August is the hottest month in Alora, with average highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C.

The cool season lasts 4.0 months, from November 16 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature of less than 18°C.

January is the coldest month in Alora, with an average low of 6°C and a high of 15°C.

The weather in Alora today 

About the Property Market in Alora

What is the average property price in Alora? The ThinkSpain real estate portal reports that the typical cost of homes for sale in Alora is € 190,000 and an average price per square metre of € 1,225.

What are the areas with the most properties for sale close to Alora? The places close to Alora with the most properties for sale are Mijas, Málaga city and Torremolinos.

Where can I find the cheapest properties for sale near Alora? The places close to Alora with the cheapest properties for sale are Teba, Yunquera and Campillos.

Where can I find luxury properties for sale near Alora? You'll find most of the area's wealthy homes in Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola.

We hope you enjoy exploring everything Alora and the surrounding areas has to offer, as you can see there is a lot to see and do.

As an estate agent in Mijas with over 30 years of collective experience, the team at Mediterranean Homes would love to help you find your dream property in Mijas. If you have any questions please just get in touch.

What are the areas with the most properties for sale close to Alora? The places close to Alora with the most properties for sale are Mijas, Málaga city and Torremolinos.

Where can I find the cheapest properties for sale near Alora? The places close to Alora with the cheapest properties for sale are Teba, Yunquera and Campillos.

Where can I find luxury properties for sale near Alora? You'll find most of the area's wealthy homes in Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola.

We hope you enjoy exploring everything Alora and the surrounding areas has to offer, as you can see there is a lot to see and do.

As an estate agent in Mijas with over 30 years of collective experience, the team at Mediterranean Homes would love to help you find your dream property in Mijas. If you have any questions please just get in touch.

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