The Guadalhorce Valley is the natural gateway between Málaga´s coast and its inland villages. The fertile valley has been irrigated by the Guadalhorce River since ancient times; its agriculture offering all kind of crops and orchards with oranges, lemons, olives etc. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage with folkloric events taking place throughout the year.
The beautiful landscape and excellent climate is ideal for nature lovers who want to practice sports such as walking, cycling, climbing, paragliding or hiking through the different mountain ranges which surround the valley.
The 804 sq km valley is blessed with its own wonderful micro climate, first colonized by the Romans.
However, it was the Moors who have had the most long lasting influence on the area. Throughout the region there is visual evidence of their work in taming the tumbling streams into irrigation systems which brought fertility to the valley.
The orchard culture predominates in the valley since ancient times producing fresh produce. Dishes are very much dependent of the season and what has grown in local veggie gardens. Orchards laden with lemons and oranges give way to fresh dishes, where meats and fish are paired perfectly with these citrus fruits.
Any self-respecting meal is accompanied by fresh bread baked in a wood-burning oven. The Arabic influence has had an affect sweet dishes, particularly pastry, where ingredients such as honey, almonds and olive oil are always used.
Many of the municipalities that make up the Gudalahorce Valley have all the basic amenities and more, however, Coín, the region’s capital is the central hub for the area.
The town has excellent shopping facilities with numerous supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi and many more. You will also find a selection of bars, banks, pharmacies, restaurants, schools, and medical centers, as well as administrative services.
The nearest airport is Málaga at only 50 minutes drive from Valle de Abdalagís at the northern point of the valley and 30 minutes from Coín at the southern point. There are good bus links from all the towns to Málaga city and the coast. A train line (C2) links Álora with Málaga, stopping at Pizarra and Cártama.
Costa del Sol beaches of Málaga and Marbella, including the 50 km stretch of coastline which includes the popular coastal resorts of Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Benalmádena are up to an hours´s drive away via dual carriageway.
A typical Andalusian whitewashed village nestled between three rocky spurs topped by the ruins of a magnificent castle which was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. In the fifth century the castle was virtually destroyed by the Visigoths, only to be rebuilt by the Moors. The traditional Arab viewpoint is quite unique. Today Álora is a bustling and lively town much favoured by people from Northern Europe looking for a healthy, accesible and beautiful place to live.
The Caminito del Rey in El Chorro, close to Álora, was once considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world. Today the entire route has been carefully restored, earning it the Europa Nostra Award for heritage conservation, and although it's now much safer, one thing hasn't changed - the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100m up on a sheer cliff face. You will never forget the views!
The panoramic view of this natural canyon sculpted by the river will captivate you. The route is 8 kilometres in length, of which 4.8 are access paths and 2.9 are walkways. If you're in luck, you might be able to spot the Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture or golden eagle.
Pizarra is a mixture of traditional farming community and home for expats. The renowned Californian artist, Gino Hollander, had close ties with Pizarra.
Beginning in the 1960s, he amassed an impressive array of archaeological artifacts which were left to the local authority when he eventually left Spain to return to America.
A disused farm complex was restored and made into the Municipal Museum, holding many of these artifacts.
The Palace that was once home to the Counts of Puerto Hermoso was built during the twentieth century, in a style strongly influenced by Mudejar art, which was becoming popular during this period.
This palace was well known among the high political circles and national institutions; among its guests was King Alfonso XIII of Spain and The Pizarra Conference was held here, an event which reunited Spanish politics after the Battle of Annual.
In 1916, the Count of Puerto Hermoso ordered the construction of a Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, built in bronze and cast iron, measuring 2.5m in height upon a rotatory plate, to be placed on the summit of the Sierra de Gibralmora.
This sculpture was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and a cross was erected in its place, until 1995, when it was replaced by a new sculpture. It stands in one of the highest points, opening its arms to Pizarra and the valley.
For many years the bustling town has looked to grow and modernize in today's world, however, it is quite a treat to still see the large plantations of citrus and avocado that surround the town.
Archaeological sites such as La Alquería and Cortijo Molina ooze with history and information of those who have previously settled here.
The Japanese Garden known as, Jardín Oriental Bienquerido, was inaugurated in March 2011, consisting of native Japanese plants and trees, such as pines, acacias and carob. Some have been shaped in taditional Japanese style, which together with the plantation of bamboo, rushes, bonsai and cedars, have all contributed to the zen atmosphere of the garden.
Lauro Golf Club is well known for its great natural beauty and panoramic views at an altitude of over 100m.
Opened in 1992 with holes 1-18 designed by Falco Nordi, and later the addition of holes 19-27 designed by Mariano Benítez.
The course is mature with some of the best greens on the Coast and the clubhouse is a restored eighteenth century farmhouse.
Cártama holds an unusual place in Spanish literature. In 1565, Antonio de Villegas published the Historia de Abindarráez y la hermosa Jarifa, a romantic Islamic tale concerning the daughter of the Mayor of Cártama and a Moorish nobleman from Granada. In time the story was retold by writers as renowned as Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Chateaubriand, guaranteeing its literary immortality.
The chapel, Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is a focus of reverent pilgrimage for devout locals, perched high above Cártama's twisting streets. It can be reached by climbing the vertiginous zig-zag path from the main square.
As well as being a location for great golf courses, the histroy of this town shines through in various corners. The Plaza de Ayuntamiento is not only home to a set of Roman columns, but features a large balcony with great panoramic views across the town below and the valley.
In the same square as the Roman columns stands the impressive Brotherhood of the Santa Vera Cruz.
Coin, the valley´s capital and largest town, has only lately woken up to the realization that it has a story to tell.
In early 1999 the local Department of Culture embarked on a project to decorate some of the town walls with illustrated tiles depicting episodes in its history.
If there is a place with crystal water, white stones and lush vegetation it is Barranco Blanco, where the Alaminos River is home to otters and barbels. The river flows all year round and is a Site of Community Importance (SCI), a natural paradise between Alhaurín El Grande and Coín.
It offers bathing areas where the contrast between the white limestone and the thousand types of green of the vegetation add charm, and almost make it look like a beach from the Caribbean.
Known as 'the cradle of the Verdiales', the rich local style of flamenco, based on a country variant of fandango, probably derives from Arabic musical forms.
It is worth noting that the beautiful and eye-catching appearance of the town has resulted in its name - standing for ‘the pretty one’.
Almogía has the perfect location for all that seek peace and tranquility, yet might occasionally wish to visit the coastal towns, the sea or the major cities - everything is within a reasonable distance.
The village's worker cooperatives are famous for their hats, which were worn by Spanish soldiers during the Cuban wars of the nineteenth century and also has a reputation for fine saddle making.
The gastronomy of Almogía is quite unique, with dishes to try such as local asparagus which is usually eaten with chips and a cod dish known as chanfaina.
A mountain-side village, perched at 340m above sea level is set against the impressive backdrop of the Penibética range that rises above its whitewashed homes and cobblestone streets.
This area is ideal for rural living, ideal for trekking, cycling and climbing. It is also full of adventure as a prominent hang gliding venue.
Known as the 'diamond of Málaga', Carratraca has been famous for its sulphur water spas since Roman times. In the nineteenth century, when taking the waters was the height of fashionable travel, this spa attracted famous visitors such as Lord Byron and Empress Marie Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.
The baths are open from June 15th - October 15th every year.
Escenificación de la Pasión, Carratraca
The reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ has been a popular annual event here since 1963, taking place during Easter Friday and Saturday. This theatrical performance takes place in the bullring and involves more than 100 members off the locality.
Festival Flamenco, Alora
The June festival is extremely popular in the area, with many spectators and professionals travelling from all over to be part of it.
Festival Portón del Jazz, Alhaurín de la Torre
What began as a series of acts to enjoy good music outdoors on summer nights, has now turned into a July festival around a musical genre that has long since taken off the minority label.
The Finca El Portón estate is the stage of the festival that has been gaining in quality, with full crowds in its auditorium every evening and, very frequently, the seats sold out during advance sale of tickets. The atmosphere that is created in this summer event is magical and friendly.
Festival de Verdiales, Almogía
The verdiales in August are normally sung about the village’s patron saint or its wine and olives. It is danced by couples and groups, and supported by musicians who have coloured ribbons pinned to their clothing.
Songs are performed by a group of musicians known as a Panda de Verdiales, who use a variety of instruments including guitars, violins, drums, tambourines, and the Bandurria, which is an Arabic instrument similar to the mandolin.
Festival Embrujo Andalusí, Carratraca
The September festival was born in 1997, chosen for the mixture of Arab and Christian cultures, giving way to the Andalusian culture. The aim is to recall the coexistence that existed for several centuries, with the souk where visitors can enjoy the activities that take place, as well as music and wonderful food. At night, the town is illuminated with more than 25,000 candles and torches.
The southern part of the Guadalhorce Valley is very popular with the British expat community which forms a tight nit group ever willing to import traditions from back home, whether it be a boot sale or even a tea party.
The smaller northern towns of Alora, Pizarra and Valle de Abdalajís are away from the hustle and bustle commonly found on the coast and retain a Spanish rustic way of life in a quiet setting.
One of the characteristics of the Guadalhorce Valley is the existence of micro climates as a consequence of orientation, height above sea level, plains and hillsides, which make the winters in this area one of the softest in the province.
With over 340 sunny days of the year, a cup of coffee in the town square or al fresco dining with views over the valley are available to residents all year round.
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