
This township on the outskirts of Malaga lies between the Sierra de Mijas, a mountain covered with pines and oak, and the Hoya de Malaga, an alluvial depression made by the Guadalhorce river. It is a rapidly expanding tourist destination which is taking full advantage of the sheer number of people taking holidays in Costa del Sol and of its proximity to Malaga’s many delights and the beaches of Torremolinos.
History
Alhaurin de la Torre, now broadly speaking a part of the larger Malaga conurbation, was once a separate settlement in its own right. Phoenicians were known to have settled here and the Romans also came to this area. The Moors called this place Albarracin and a collection of farm-houses grew up here. Re-conquest of the town in 1485 led eventually to the name it is known by today. The population of the town increased sharply due to an influx of Christian settlers in the late 16th Century. Many archaeological remains in the area have been noted as being of cultural interest.
Attractions
One of the biggest attractions of Alhaurin de la Torre are the gardens of El Retiro, which were founded in the 17th Century by Fray Alonso de Santo Tomas, Bishop of Malaga, who used this place as his retirement home (hence the name). The gardens have been impressively restored and contain a wide range of interesting plants and wildlife. If you play golf, visit Lauro Golf, a pleasant course with very pretty views. Another attraction in Alhaurin de la Torre is Finca El Porto, an art gallery and events space. Of course the main attraction of Alhaurin de la Torre is that it is conveniently located for all of the attractions of Malaga and Torremolinos. It would also be possible to venture out from here to explore some of the surrounding farmlands and to delve into the quiet interior of Andalusia.
Shopping
Alhaurin de la Torre offers plenty of opportunities for those bitten by the retail bug who want to get their shop on. If you enjoy holidays in Costa del Sol for their shopping options then Alhaurin de la Torre can offer you easy access to a number of different shopping options, in Malaga, in Torremolinos, or in other nearby settlements on the Costa del Sol as well as in Alhaurin de la Torre itself.
Food & Drink
With the big city on your doorstep, the delights of the coast just a hop, skip and a jump away and plenty of places to eat, drink and party right outside your door, Alhaurin de la Torre is an easy option for those who like variety on their relaxing holidays in Costa del Sol. You can choose something cheap and cheerful or something a lot more refined and classy – the options are all there.