Alhaurin de la Torre: things to see and do, and how to get there

Alhaurin de la Torre lies between the Guadalhorce valley and the Sierra de Mijas, close to Malaga and the coast at Torremolinos. This inland town has no beach, but you can combine walks around the centre, gardens and outdoor activities with trips to the Costa del Sol.

Being close to Malaga Airport is convenient if you are staying in the area. The town centre and outlying neighbourhoods offer different places to visit, so it is worth deciding what you would like to see before planning your route. Alhaurin de la Torre should not be confused with neighbouring Alhaurin el Grande.

History of Alhaurin de la Torre

Settlements within the present municipal boundaries date back to ancient times. Early inhabitants traded with the Phoenicians, and Roman villas associated with farming and metal extraction have been found in the area. These remains help explain the importance of the Guadalhorce valley long before the modern town expanded.

During the Islamic period, people lived in farming settlements and hamlets. Land ownership changed after the Castilian conquest in the late 15th century. The town was known for centuries as Alhaurinejo, while the name Alhaurin de la Torre is documented from the 17th century. The Arcos de Zapata are a reminder of an 18th-century water supply project. The agricultural crisis of the late 19th century was followed by recovery in the 20th century and particularly rapid residential growth from the 1980s onwards.

Things to see and do in Alhaurin de la Torre

You can take a walk around the centre and plan separate visits to the gardens, outlying neighbourhoods or mountains. Places of interest are spread across the municipality, so they are not all within easy walking distance of one another.

Town centre and cultural life

San Sebastián Church and the surrounding streets are a good starting point for a walk around the centre. Another place of interest is the Finca Municipal El Portón, which hosts exhibitions and concerts, including the Portón del Jazz series. Check the programme if you would like to include a cultural event in your visit.

Arcos de Zapata

The Arcos de Zapata form part of the Fuente del Rey aqueduct project, begun in the 18th century to supply Malaga with water. The remains stand in the neighbourhood of Zapata, outside the town centre, and preserve part of this unfinished engineering project.

Location: view the Arcos de Zapata on the map.

Jardín Oriental Bienquerido

The Jardín Oriental Bienquerido lies between the residential areas of El Lagar and Cortijos del Sol. This garden, with its oriental-inspired design, offers a place for a walk among ornamental plants and water features. It is separate from the old town and has set opening hours.

Location: view the Jardín Oriental Bienquerido on the map.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Sierra de Mijas: the areas around Jarapalos and Jabalcuza offer opportunities for hiking. Choose a route to suit your experience and the amount of climbing involved; a mountain outing needs more preparation than a walk around town. View the location of the Sierra de Mijas.
• Sunview Park: an activity park known for its zip line, with other options including archery and horse riding. Check opening hours and participation requirements on the Sunview Park website, especially if you are visiting with children. View the park’s location.
• Lauro Golf: an option if you would like to spend part of your stay playing golf. Check playing requirements and booking details on the Lauro Golf website. View the course’s location.
• Centro Ecuestre Víctor López: offers riding lessons and horse riding excursions. Contact the centre to choose an activity suited to the participants’ ages and experience. Check the riding centre’s activities and view its location.
• Remains of the Fuensanta monastery: a reminder of the presence of the Order of Minims in the municipality. Traces survive among later buildings; this is not a complete monastery set up for visitor tours. View the location of the former monastery.

Festivals and fiestas in Alhaurin de la Torre

The calendar includes celebrations in both the town centre and outlying neighbourhoods. If you are travelling to attend one, check that year’s programme: dates, times and procession routes can vary.

• Feria de San Juan: held in June, with events celebrating Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day is 24 June. The fair’s dates and duration are announced each year.
• Santa Amalia festivities: this neighbourhood usually holds its celebrations in July, with its own programme of activities and open-air dances.
• Three Kings parade: held on 5 January, this is one of the Christmas season’s events for visitors travelling with children.
• San Sebastián: the patron saint’s feast day is celebrated on 20 January, with religious ceremonies and community events.
• Virgen de la Candelaria: a traditional religious celebration held on 2 February.
• Carnival: usually held in February or March, depending on the year’s calendar, with costumes and festive activities.

The town council’s official events calendar lists festivals, concerts and other activities.

Local food and places to eat

Traditional cooking in Alhaurin de la Torre is rooted in local farm produce. Recipes include cachorreñas, a traditional soup, as well as sopa hervida, gachas and rice with chestnuts. These are home-cooked dishes that do not always appear on restaurant menus.

During your visit, you can stop for tapas in the centre or eat at restaurants and traditional roadside inns in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a particular local dish, ask in advance whether it is available.

Getting to Alhaurin de la Torre and travelling around the municipality

The A-404 is one of the roads serving Alhaurin de la Torre. From the airport, the journey and its duration depend on your route, traffic and where you are staying. If you are only visiting the centre, you can explore its main streets on foot; trips to residential areas, outlying neighbourhoods and mountain activities need some transport planning.

Driving and exploring the surrounding area

A car is useful if you are staying outside the centre or would like to combine your visit with the mountains and other towns. From Alhaurin de la Torre, you can plan trips to Coin, Cartama, Mijas, Torremolinos or Benalmadena. If you are arriving by air, you can check the car hire options at Malaga Airport.

Hire a car at Malaga Airport

Taxi or transfer from the airport

A taxi or private transfer takes you straight to your accommodation without having to drive after your flight. Give the exact address when booking, as the municipality includes several neighbourhoods and residential areas. Journey times and prices depend on the destination and the service’s terms.

View taxis and transfers

*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.

Practical information and useful telephone numbers

• Guardia Civil: +34 952 41 00 08.
• Don José Molina Díaz health centre: calle Pepe Tobalo, 1. Enquiries: +34 951 77 01 35. Check healthcare information in the Andalusian Health Service directory.
• Local taxi service: +34 952 41 04 44.