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The small Andalucian town of Alora is situated 40 km north of Málaga on the road to Antequera, and just 12 km south of El Chorro National Park and lakes.

From a distance it appears to be a typical pueblo blanco nestling between three rocky spurs topped by the ruins of a magnificent castle, though closer inspection reveals that there is more to this whitewashed village than meets the eye.

Alora's castle was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. In the 5th century the castle was virtually destroyed by the Visigoths, only to be rebuilt under the Moors.

Some remnants of this era still remain, such as the decorative steel door and the traditional Arab mirador. Between 1587 and 1593 Alora was home to the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (click for biography) and in 1628 Alora gained its independence from Málaga.

Alora is also said to be the birthplace of Malagueño flamenco (click for information).

A visit to the village, which consists of a series of sloping and attractive cobbled streets, is well worthwhile. The whitewashed streets are lined with lemon trees and converge on a square at the lowest level of the town, overlooked by the impressive 17th century church of La Encarnación, which was built during the Catholic era of rule on the site of a former mosque.

From the square you can climb to the castle on foot or by car, or visit the cemetery from where you can enjoy the splendid panorama of the Guadalhorce river basin.

Alora's economy is based on agriculture, in particular the cultivation of tropical fruits, olives and grape vines. Market day in Alora is Monday when the village becomes a lively mass of stallholders and shoppers.

Value accommodation in Alora, Spain