Alhaurín el Grande

Alhaurín el Grande is an inland town on the north side of the Sierra de Mijas, on the edge of the Guadalhorce valley. The coast is on the other side of the mountain. Do not confuse it with Alhaurín de la Torre, a separate town closer to Málaga.

What it is like

This is a working Spanish town, not a resort: a centre with shops, bars and a weekly market, and farmland around it with citrus and olive trees. Many international residents live in the countryside outside the town, in houses with land, and the nearby town of Coín has a similar mix.

Why people choose it

• Space. Houses with gardens and land are more common here than on the coast.
• Quiet. Far less summer tourism than the seaside towns.
• Everyday Spanish life. You will use your Spanish here.

Getting around

• No train. You need a car, and in the countryside usually one per adult.
• Roads lead over the mountain to Mijas and Fuengirola, and through the valley to Málaga and the airport.

Who it suits

Remote workers and families who want a house with land and do not need the beach every day.

Keep in mind

There are no gaming offices here that we know of, summers are hotter than on the coast, and every event or meet-up means a drive. Check the internet connection before you sign for a country house. Our guide to moving to the Costa Del Sol covers the basics.