Alora
Alora
Alora is one or the most ancient towns in the province. Steep streets lined with lemon trees lead you to many interesting places - "The Church of Encarnacion, Sta. Brig hermit, and the "Flores Convent" are just a few and were all built around the 19th century, also the "Cruz del Humilladero" near Flores Convent commemorates the handing over of the keys to Alora by the last Arabic mayor to the Catholic Kings in 1484.
The old part of the city is at the foot of the CASTLE from which there is a wonderful view, this village is just north east of Malaga , less than 30 minutes from Malaga Airport , it lies in the centre of the Guadalhorce basin, on the banks of the Guadalhorce river which provides water for agriculture all year round. Alora is 194m above sea level.
The rugged beauty of rural Andalucia becomes apparent here, property prices are lower too, the contrast between coast and country is severe, the hustle and bustle of the coast in summer gives way to the slower, more relaxed tranquil way of life in Alora, old men astride their donkeys and mules pulling a plough are still very prevalent. The area is also renowned for the atmosphere and quality of its eating places whether having tapas in a bar, eating traditional Spanish food in a Venta or dining at Casa Abilio the town's High class restaurant, wherever you eat you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices, often half those down on the coast.
More and more people are appreciating that although the coast is great for holidays if you want to live in here in Spain this area just inland has so much to offer, real estate is still priced very competitively and many Estate Agents have offices here, in the valley there is the railway station offering regular air conditioned trips to Malaga and beyond. The town centre has character of its own where many modern and traditional facilities are available. Lying midway between Malaga and the Guadalhorce lakes. Alora is in one of the most beautiful unspoiled areas of Andalucia.
Written by : Barbara Brough