Set in the picturesque Guadalhorce Valley on the northern slope of the Sierra de Mijas Mountains, Alhaurin el Grande offers homeowners the best of both worlds.
Only 30 minutes from the bustling beaches on the Costa del Sol, Alhaurin el Grande remains a tranquil Spanish village full of old world charm yet comes complete with of all the amenities you need in order to live a comfortable lifestyle.
Rich in history dating back to the Greeks and Romans the town thrived thanks to its fertile soil and an abundance of water provided by a natural aquifer.
Today the town has a year-round population of 25,000 that includes many northern Europeans who came looking for sunshine and a more relaxed way of life.
In Alhaurin el Grande you have advantages that they don’t have down on the coast, which includes getting a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to purchasing property and the fact that the town is entirely self-sufficient not relying on tourism to pay its bills.
Climate
The weather in Alhaurin el Grande is about as perfect as you can get with hot summers and mild winters. A bonus many people don’t realize before they settle in the mountains is that while it can be sweltering hot down by the sea Alhaurin el Grande thanks to its altitude (275m) can be nice and cool at night allowing you to sleep comfortably without air-conditioning.
Transport
The Province of Andalucía has an excellent network of motorways that make Alhaurin el Grande just a short taxi transfer from Malaga airport and the amazing stores at La Cañada Shopping Centre near Marbella.
Amenities
In Alhaurin el Grande you will find several big-name supermarkets and an abundance of small family run greengrocers, bakers, butchers and fishmongers all selling locally sourced products. Like most towns in Spain, there are plenty of bars to pop in for a coffee or to have a refreshing beer and tapas. The town also boasts a modern health centre that has English speaking doctors and is only 30 minutes from the region’s largest hospital, Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga.
You are never far away from the natural beauty of the area, such as the rolling hills, awe-inspiring mountains, lake & streams.
In the town lies a well-situated park offering a haven of tranquillity. The greenland area is about 4,400 m2 which is linked by pedestrian walkways & paths, attractive bridges, a stream & waterfall. Mediterranean shrubs & trees provide much natural shaded areas and the park even features a fun playground for children from aged 3 to 10 years.
Golf
What would the Costa del Sol be without golf? Sports enthusiasts have plenty of excellent golf courses to enjoy all within a short drive away of Alhaurin el Grande. In fact, the town also has its own Golf Course.
Alhaurin´s 18 hole course was designed by Seve Ballesteros himself and there’s also a nine hole par 3 course encircled by a stunning lake.
The Lauro Golf course gets a 4-star rating in nearly all golf course review websites and offers spectacular views across the Guadalhorce Valley.
Beaches
With a coastline of 27km & 24 individual beaches around Marbella to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice with each one being within easy reach of Alhaurin el Grande. Approximately just 30 minutes away are the acclaimed blue-flagged Marbella beaches that are particularly popular with families thanks to the many facilities, golden sands and shallow, clear waters. Some even conjure up a glamorous image of bling-clad celebrities hanging out at Nikki Beach and the Ocean Club. Whether it is the laid-back style of Tarifa or the splendour of the Marbella Beach Club all are just a short drive from Alhaurin el Grande.
Nightlife
Dining out in Alhaurin el Grande is a pleasant pastime for many, as the town boasts a nice selection of cuisine to suit many tastes. The bars are welcoming with a community feel and their relaxing atmosphere will help you unwind. However, if you are looking for more options for a night out with the difference, then the buzz of the coast may appeal to you. A taxi to Puerto Banus and its glitzy marina is just 35 minutes ride away.
As we already mentioned Alhaurin el Grande really is the best of both worlds as it allows you to use all the beaches and sought after facilities on the coast without having to pay excessively for it. Add to this a lack of tourists to spoil your Spanish dream and you really can have your cake and eat it too.