The small town of Alora is situated 40 kms north of Málaga by the road to Antequera and just 12 km south of El Chorro. From a distance, it is a typical pueblo blanco; a whitewashed village nestled between three rocky spurs topped by the ruins of a magnificent castle which has an interesting history. Alora's castle was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. In the 5th century the castle was virtually destroyed by the Visigoths, only to be rebuilt under the Moors; remnants of this era still remain, namely the decorative steel door and the traditional Arab mirador.
CAMINO DEL REY
The cliff hanging footpath Camino de Rey is located at El Chorro in the municipal district of Alora.
History
In between 1587 and 1593 Alora was home to the fabled Cervantes and in 1628 Alora gained independence from Málaga. Alora is said to be the birthplace of Malagueño flamenco.
Things to see
A visit to the village, which consists of a series of very steep slopes and attractive cobbled streets, is well worthwhile. The whitewashed streets are lined with lemon trees and converge on a square on the lowest level, overlooked by a the impressive seventeenth century Church of La Encarnación which was built during the Catholic era of rule on the site of a former mosque.
From the square, climb to the castle on foot, or go by car, to the cemetery from where you can enjoy the splendid panorama of the Guadalhorce river basin. Among the tombs there is a small Gothic chapel. Monday is market day when the village becomes a lively mass of stallholders and shoppers. Alora's economy is based on agriculture, in particular the cultivation of tropical fruits, olives and grape vines.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Alora uses the traditional Mediterranean ingredients of olives, almonds and citrus fruits.
There are some delicious local dishes, including sopa porota, based on a garlic broth with croutons and a revuelta of scrambled eggs with spring onions and vegetables.
Offering a garden and pool view, Casa del Sueño is situated in Alora, 43 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station and 43 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The pool features a fence and mountain views.
Set in Alora and only 49 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station, Casa Ceratonia offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 50 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with an outdoor fireplace.
Set in Alora and only 39 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station, Alora Sweet Home offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation features a patio. The property is non-smoking and is situated 39 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Paredones III Casa Rural Caminito del Rey is set in Alora. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 45 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station.
Featuring garden views, B&B Casa Loré D'or features accommodation with balcony, around 46 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station. This bed and breakfast provides accommodation with a patio. The bed and breakfast offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.
43 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station, Cuartos y desayunos Hacienda Los Olivos Álora is a recently renovated property set in Alora and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Boasting luggage storage space, this property also provides guests with a children's playground.
Featuring mountain views, Montana Retreat offers accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 33 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 33 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum.
Located in Alora, Paredones II Casa Rural Caminito del Rey provides accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. The air-conditioned accommodation is 45 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station. The property is non-smoking and is situated 46 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Paredones Casa Rural Caminito del Rey is set in Alora. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 45 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station.
Situated 38 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station, B&B Casa Domingo offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio. This property offers access to a terrace, tennis at the tennis court, free private parking and free WiFi. The bed and breakfast has family rooms.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Cortijo Las Caballerias is set in Alora. This country house has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking. Staff on-site can arrange a shuttle service.
Situated in Alora, Casa rural El Polvillar / Piscina privada features accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. The air-conditioned accommodation is 36 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station. The property is non-smoking and is set 36 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum.
La Barranca de la Barca in Alora provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and barbecue facilities. Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The bed and breakfast provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.
Located in Alora, 47 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station and 48 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum, Casas rurales "Las Mellizas" Piscina privada - Caminito del Rey offers an open-air bath and air conditioning. This country house has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
Finca Viva la Vida is set in Alora and has a pool with a view and mountain views. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The bed and breakfast offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.
La Hermosa Vista features air-conditioned guest accommodation in Alora, 39 km from Malaga María Zambrano Train Station, 40 km from Automobile and Fashion Museum and 41 km from Malaga Cathedral. This bed and breakfast has a pool with a view, a garden and free private parking.
Situated in Alora, 36 km from Antequera, Fuego Blanco features a restaurant and free WiFi.
All units come with a seating area, a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, bidet, shower and bath. A dishwasher and fridge are also available, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
Offering an outdoor pool, gym and tennis court, La Finca Blanca is set in Alora in the Andalucía Region. Málaga is 27 km away. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
Dos Alamos B&B in Alora provides adults-only accommodation with pool with a view, a garden and a bar. Boasting full-day security, this property also provides guests with an outdoor fireplace. The bed and breakfast offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.
Crafts
Castanets are just one of the hand-crafted items that are made in Alora and are one of the most typical instruments used for the traditional dance of the verdiales.
Fiestas
Alora's main fiesta is the flamenco festival which is held annually in June. Another popular traditional event is the Romería de la Virgen de las Flores which takes place in the middle of September and is one of the best places to enjoy, first-hand, the traditional verdiales.
