Álora

Álora is a bustling town located about 40km north west of Malaga in the Region of Andalucia. It nestles between two hills, on top of one is the remains of a Moorish castle, which dominates the town. The town is positioned at the narrowest point of the Guadalhorce valley, which is otherwise wide and fertile, and in which the Guadalhorce river meanders down to the coast near Málaga. The valley area is known for it's large crops of oranges and lemons, while in the higher area olives and almonds are grown.

The Álora area has been lived in since prehistoric times for its commercial position by the Tartessos and by Phoenicians, who probably built the castle. Later the Romans restored the fortress and had a base there dating back to about 79 BC.

The fortress was enlarged by the Visigoths followed by the Moors, who conquered it early during their conquest of Spain. Álora became a stronghold of the rebellious arab Umar ibn Hafsun, a semi-independent lord of Bobastro when the area was ruled by the emirate of Córdoba. The Christians based in the north and central parts of Spain, attempted many times to take over the town, but it took them until 1484 to be successful. Álora enjoyed a considerable period of prosperity during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Apart from it's history and old-world charm, it is a thriving community with all the facilities you would expect from a modern day town. It boasts a large indoor sports centre, community swimming pool, football stadium, running track, tennis courts, theatre and entertainment centre, a number of churches (one with the second tallest tower in Andalucia) and a vast selection of shopping facilities.

Álora is fortunate in having it's own railway station, with regular services to Malaga and connections to the 'C1' Malaga to Fuengirola line, which services the towns and beaches along the Costa del Sol, and the AVE, the high speed rail service to Cordoba, Madrid and beyond.