Alhaurín de la Torre
by Diana Sierra
Alhaurín de la Torre contrasts sharply with its equally neighbour, Alhaurín el Grande. While Alhaurín el Grande has preserved and even showcased some of its Roman and Moorish heritage, much of Alhaurín de la Torre’s historical architecture has disappeared. Even the original medieval tower that gave the town its name has long vanished, leaving only its memory in local records and the municipal coat of arms.
History
The history of Alhaurín de la Torre is full of accounts highlighting the town’s magnificent setting. Its origins date back to between 1000 and 700 BC, when the first Iberian settlers came under the influence of the Phoenicians. More>
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Things to see
Torre Vigía (replica)
Although the original tower that gave the town its name disappeared centuries ago, today a replica of the Watchtower stands as a symbol of the town’s history and culture. It represents the Arab period and the defensive role these towers played in the Guadalhorce area.
Church of San Sebastián
The Church of San Sebastián is one of the town’s main architectural landmarks, combining historical features with modern renovations, reflecting the town’s evolution over the centuries. Its façade and bell tower stand out amongst the surrounding buildings, whilst the interior houses religious images and decorative details typical of the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The church is a cultural and tourist attraction, as it hosts local festivals such as the Pilgrimage of San Sebastián, which draws visitors from across the region.
Art Gallery
The Municipal Art Gallery is located at the El Portón Municipal Estate, on Calle Juan Carlos I (no number). In addition to its temporary art exhibitions, the estate features gardens and an open-air auditorium where concerts, plays and seasonal festivals are held. Opening hours are generally Mondays from 10:00 to 13:30, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00.
El Retiro
The biggest attraction for visitors to Alhaurín de la Torre is undoubtedly the gardens of El Retiro. Founded in the 17th Century by Fray Alonso de Santo Tomás, Bishop of Málaga, and originally use by him as his retirement home (hence, El Retiro) the gardens display an impressive variety of plant and wild life. Each section attempts to recreate the natural habitat of the creatures housed in it, from semi-desert to tropical swamp. The manor house at its centre has also been impressively restored. More>
Alhaurín de la Torre - Hotels
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Golf
Alhaurín Golf Resort
The Alhaurín Golf Resort (Golf Hotel & Resort) is a hotel and holiday complex located in Alhaurín el Grande, adjacent to a golf course offering a wide range of facilities, including sports facilities and restaurants on site.
Alhaurín Golf Club
The Alhaurín Golf Club features an 18-hole golf course and practice facilities, originally designed by Severiano Ballesteros.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Alhaurín de la Torre reflects its Andalusian roots and those of the Guadalhorce Valley, with a distinct Mediterranean and rural character. Some notable dishes include sopa cachorreña (made with bread, potato, salted cod, garlic, and spices, usually served with boiled sweet potato), chestnut rice (a unique local rice dish, cooked with chestnuts and sweetened with cane honey), and gachas (a refreshing dish made from fried bread, water, and flour, usually eaten in summer).
Festivals
Alhaurín de la Torre celebrates a wide range of traditional festivals throughout the year. More>
Weather
The weather forecast for the next few days for Alhaurín de la Torre. More>
Bus Service
Reaching the two Alhauríns is straightforward by public transport from Málaga, though each has its own connections. Alhaurín de la Torre is served by several interurban buses, including lines M‑132, M‑133, and M‑136, which traverse the Guadalhorce valley and reach key points in the town, with journeys taking around 40 to 70 minutes. Alhaurín el Grande, slightly further inland, is also accessible by bus, typically via the M‑132 line or other regional services. More>
Tourist Office
The Tourist Office of Alhaurín de la Torre is located in Av. España (no number). More>
Next Villages
Alhaurín de la Torre is part of the Valle del Guadalhorce comarca, along with the municipalities of Alhaurín el Grande, Coín, Cártama, Pizarra, and the district of Churriana in Málaga.