 |
Villa de Suenos
Alhaurin el Grande
|
|
|
Alhaurin el Grande is a typical white washed Andalucian town situated in the Guadalhorce Valley. Although Alhaurin el Grande was originally larger than its neighbour Alhaurin de la Torre, now Alhaurin el Grande only has a population of just over 21,000 residents. However because of Alhaurin el Grande’s rolling hills and wide open spaces it gives a feeling of space from all around the town. From Alhaurín el Grande there is a lovely view over the "Hoya de Málaga" (Málaga's vale), full of lemon, orange and other fruit trees, which together look like a vast carpet.
 |
Alhaurin el Grande has attracted many English expatriate residents, the most famous of whom was Gerald Brenan. Gerald Brenan, CBE (1894–1987) was a British writer who spent much of his life in Spain. He is best known for The Spanish Labyrinth, a work of history on the background to the Spanish Civil War, and for South From Granada: Seven Years in an Andalusian Village. He was awarded a CBE in 1982, was honoured in Spain, and died in Alhaurin el Grande where he spent his last 34 years. Now there are over 2,100 British Expats living in Alhaurin el Grande.
The town of Alhaurin el Grande sits on the north slope of the Mijas mountain range. Some of its streets have picturesque crooks and turns to make climbing them a bit easier. Alhaurin el Grande is a bustling town, which has a wide selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. There are a few Hotels in Alhaurin el Grande for those wanting a quiet country break.
The Mediterranean coast is not far with Fuengirola and Mijas situated along a winding road through the mountain passes. Alternatively, Marbella can be reached by taking the newly reformed A-366 motorway. Nearer to Alhaurin el Grande are the towns of Coin and Alhaurin de la Torre, that can provide many other services that cannot be found in Alhaurin el Grande.
Alhaurin el Grande is a paradise for those who like peace and quiet. There are two magnificent golf courses, Alhaurin Golf and Laura Golf, nearby, two clay-shooting grounds, and horse riding.
The gastronomy of Alhaurin el Grande includes migas (breadcrumbs fried with garlic), gachas cachorreñas (porridge with spices), 'allultas, dolcas, patties, sauce, broths, garlic soup, and many desserts such as sponge cakes, oil buns, fritters, macaroons, date bread, egg rusks, fried rusks, french toast and oil cakes.
February and the 3rd of May are the “Crosses”, with processions and religious performances with traditional flower arrangements around the figure of the Holy Cross.
Alhaurin el Grande plays host on 24th - 28th May to a festival which includes various activities, and the release of young bulls through the town.
On the 15th of August the main Patron Saints, Nuestra Señora de Gracia and Jesus of Nazareth are honoured. Festivities include sporting competitions, horse exhibitions, and open air dancing.
The market in Alhaurin el Grande is held every Thursday from 9am - 2pm
 |
