Alhaurin El Grande is a satellite town for many families working in the provincial capital Malaga. The outskirts provide new urbanisations and the old town is very much conserved.
History
Alhaurin El Grande has a rich history. In the forested areas south-east of the village of Alhaurín el Grande there are traces of Neolithic occupation: silent witnesses to the long history of human habitation of the area. A history longer than history itself.
By the time that the Romans arrived, the tiny Iberian settlement in the Sierra de Mijas was already well established, but if it had a name the Romans chose not to record it. Instead they gave it one of their own. The village became Lauro Nova. It was a spot apparently blessed by the gods: fertile, temperate, and surrounded by hills riddled with valuable mineral deposits. Roman villas popped up around the kernel of the village like dozens of Jack-in-the-Boxes springing open in rapid sequence. The hills are still dotted with their remains.
It was a golden age which became a little tarnished during the time of the Visigoths. The town was in no danger of disappearing, but its development was exceedingly slow. It was not until the Moors took it on and built it a fortress on a hilltop called Torres de Fahala that it began to move again. The Moors also gave it a new name: Alhaurín (Garden of Allah). Like the Romans before them, they linked the township to a second to which they gave the same name, distinguishing them as Alhaurín el Grande and Alhaurín de la Torre. To the Romans they had been Lauro Nova and Lauro Vetus.
The fort was destroyed in the destructive zeal of the Christian reconquest, but at least the village survived. Others close by, such as Benamaquis and Fahala were not so fortunate.
Alhaurín el Grande has survived a great deal. Waves of invaders, epidemics of plague, even an earthquake in 1680. During the Peninsula War of 1808-14 it was occupied for four years by French troops and suffered considerable bombardment.
Located in Alhaurín el Grande, 16 km from La Cala Golf, Hotel Alhaurín Golf Resort provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or relax in the bar.
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool and a hot tub, B&B Casa de Ámbar is set in Alhaurín el Grande, 25 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station and 26 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum. There is a private entrance at the bed and breakfast for the convenience of those who stay.
Providing garden views, Villa La Paz en Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga in Alhaurín el Grande provides accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge.
Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and views of mountain, Casa Limon, boutique Bed and Breakfast, Andalucia is a recently renovated bed and breakfast set in Alhaurín el Grande, 23 km from La Cala Golf. The air-conditioned accommodation is 24 km from Plaza de Espana.
Casa Donny features a sauna and free private parking, and is within 25 km of La Cala Golf and 25 km of Plaza de Espana. The air-conditioned accommodation is 27 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum. The property features an outdoor pool with a pool bar and is situated 27 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station.
A recently renovated bed and breakfast in Alhaurín el Grande, Finca Besito offers picnic area, private parking and sports facilities. This bed and breakfast offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio. The bed and breakfast has parking on-site, a hot tub and full-day security.
Situated in Alhaurín el Grande, Cubo's Finca La Deseada features accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. The air-conditioned accommodation is 22 km from La Cala Golf. The property is non-smoking and is set 23 km from Plaza de Espana.
A recently renovated bed and breakfast in Alhaurín el Grande and within 21 km of La Cala Golf, Suites del Mundo has an outdoor swimming pool, comfortable allergy-free rooms and free WiFi. There is a private entrance at the bed and breakfast for the convenience of those who stay.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Cubo's Finca Isabel Privacy & Relax is situated in Alhaurín el Grande. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are accessible at the country house free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is located 25 km from La Cala Golf.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Cubo's Finca Jara is set in Alhaurín el Grande. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are accessible at the country house free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is located 21 km from La Cala Golf.
Offering pool views, Cubo's Casa Rural El Refugio is an accommodation set in Alhaurín el Grande, 19 km from Plaza de Espana and 26 km from Benalmadena Puerto Marina. Featuring mountain views, a garden and a private pool, this country house also provides guests with free WiFi.
Located in Alhaurín el Grande in the Andalucía region, Cubo's Finca Pati features a terrace. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the country house free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is situated 22 km from La Cala Golf.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Cubo's Finca de la Rosa is located in Alhaurín el Grande. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the country house free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is set 25 km from La Cala Golf.
Featuring pool with a view and views of pool, Los Chozones is a recently renovated bed and breakfast located in Alhaurín el Grande, 27 km from La Cala Golf. Boasting a housekeeping service, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.
Featuring inner courtyard views, B&B Buena Vista provides accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 19 km from La Cala Golf. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 20 km from Plaza de Espana.
Boasting a shared lounge and views of inner courtyard, Hostel Backpackers La Gaditana is a recently renovated bed and breakfast situated in Alhaurín el Grande, 21 km from La Cala Golf. With quiet street views, this accommodation features a patio. The bed and breakfast features family rooms.
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, Casa de Orange is located on the edge of Alhaurín el Grande. This bed and breakfast is set in a large garden with orange trees and impressive views.
Alhaurín el Grande, Roman Columns
It would not be surprising, therefore, if all traces of its long past had been regularly obliterated. But some has miraculously survived. There is the 12th Century Moorish archway, the Arcos de Cobertizo, which, while not being in any way spectacular (it stands close to the church and now leads nowhere) but at least it represents a tangible link with the past. In the small plaza in front of the town hall, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, are three Roman columns which were discovered close by at Fuente del Sol. Unlike some other villages in the hills, Alhaurín el Grande acknowledges that it has a history, and is quietly proud of it. The plaza, incidentally, has a superb view of the valley.
Golf
For the golfers among us there is a great Golf Hotel & Resort that provides an enjoyable 18 holes that has been updated and made more everyday golfer friendly.
El Molino Morisco de los Corchos
One of the town's best attractions for visitors, and it is well signposted, is the Moorish Cork Mill - El Molino Morisco de los Corchos
