What to do in Alora

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Alora is another enchanting pueblo blanco in the province of Malaga. If you're one who's easily fascinated with legendary Medieval history, remnants and artefacts, you'll be awed by one of this town's main attractions. Perched on top of a hill and overlooking the whitewashed structures of the village is a magnificent castle with a storied past.

Equally impressive is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, one of the largest churches in the province and which took 100 years to build. The small, inclined streets of the village, the surrounding white architecture, with the mountains serving as a rugged backdrop - those alone can already arouse a sense of exhilaration you've never experienced before.

The scenery around the town is utterly stunning. In higher elevations, you can get a splendid view of the entire Guadalhorce river basin. The Guadalhorce is the principal river of the province. You can also find a couple of impressive man-made lakes, which are used as reservoirs, nearby.

From Malaga, where you'll most likely touch down by plane, you can reach the winding streets of Alora by train or through wide, well-maintained major highways, particularly the Autovia del Guadalhorce a.k.a. A-357.

Malaga, the provincial capital, is only some 40 km away (that's less than an hour's worth of travel). However, if you want to spend more time to explore Alora and its neighbouring places, there are numerous rural hotels, holiday rentals, and B&Bs nearby.

Outdoor activities include biking, hiking, horse riding, rafting, or - if you're one with a flair for the arts - painting and photography. The terrain and landscape will make your experience in any of these activities totally enjoyable.

If you want to unwind in the evening, there are a few restaurants and bars within the town itself. There's also a disco-pub in nearby Pizzeria. If you must know, most of the local dishes here are typically the Mediterranean. That means you can expect olives, almonds, and other citrus fruits among the main ingredients.

The artisans of Alora is best known for their castanets, a small handheld percussion instrument that typically accompanies Spanish music. You'll notice their clapping sound during traditional Spanish dances.

Alora History

The towns in Malaga, which lay witness to the Moorish resistance against the Christian forces during the Middle Ages' Reconquista period, all have a storied past. But the residents of Alora and their sturdy castle have a more impressive story to tell.

Alora's history dates way back to the prehistoric times, as evidenced by remains found in some caves in Malaga.

When the Phoenicians came, they built a castle at the top of their village to fortify their defences against possible invaders. Upon the arrival of the Romans, the castle was expanded and a municipium, which is the second-highest class of Roman cities, named %u2018Iluritanum' was built around it. An inscription bearing that name, which was dated at 79 BC, can still be seen today.

True enough, the Christians had a difficult time penetrating these walls for centuries during the Reconquista. The Reconquista refers to that lengthy period (about 800 years) wherein Chrisitan kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula tried and eventually succeeded in driving the Moors out of Iberian lands.

In other parts of Malaga, many villages occupied by the Moors (even those having fortresses themselves) were easily captured and their castles burned down. But there were a few towns where resistance was really tough. Alora was one of them.

Raid upon a raid, Christian forces continued to fail. It wasn't until 1484, after nine days of intensive battle, that the walls of the Alora castle finally gave way. Today, what's left of the Moorish resistance is the decorative steel door and the mirador.

As was common practice during those times, wherein Muslim structures were demolished and Christian ones erected in their stead, one of Malaga's most impressive architectures, the Nuestra Señora De La Encarnacion Church, was built on top of the town's mosque. It took practically a century (1600 to 1699) for the entire edifice to be completed.

Today, visitors are still awed by the majestic architecture of the church. These two, the castle and the church, are so much intertwined with Alora history, that your visit here wouldn't be enough if you didn't spend some time inside their walls.

Monuments and Museums in Alora

While there are very few museums in Alora, you'll certainly find many monuments and places with great historical value. Here are the most important Alora monuments and museums:

-The Alora Castle - This castle was originally constructed by the Phoenicians and later on expanded by the Romans. An inscription that reads %u2018Iluritanum', referring to the Roman village that sprouted around the castle, can still be seen there. It was dated 79 BC.

It was later inhabited by the Visigoths, then the Moors, then finally the reconquering Christians; each one improving on the fortifications of the previous occupants.

-Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación - This monument is best known for having been constructed in a span of approximately 100 years. Fortunately, its magnificent features have given justice to the length of time it took to be completed.

-Iglesia del Convento de Nuestra Señora de Flores - Located some 2 km from the heart of town, this convent is where you can have a magnificent view of Alora's scenic landscape. One of the highlights of the convent's church is a nave leading to a baroque-style high altar adorned with intricate plasterwork and an image of the Virgen de Flores.

-Cruz del Humilladero- This is just a small building near the Convento mentioned above. However, what it holds inside is very significant to the town's history. It basically commemorates the symbolic handing over of the keys from the last Arabian town leader to the Catholic Monarchs in 1484.

-Museo de Alora Rafael Leria - Here you'll be able to learn more about the town's history and local arts. This museum, which houses numerous archaeological artefacts, can be found near the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

Activities in Alora

Alora entertainment comes in the form of celebrations, fiestas, and sporting events, which are all fun to watch; and outdoor and indoor activities, which are fun to do. Let's have a look at some of them.

Celebrations and Fiestas

Being a typical Spanish town, Alora has lots of celebrations and fiestas. There's the Carnival in February; Cruce's de Mayo in May; Festival de Canta Grande (Big Song Festival) in July or August; Romeria de la Virgen de Flores (Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Flowers) in September; and various folk festivals that are held in other months. An annual Alora Fair, which usually lasts for 4 days, is also held every August.

Semana Santa or Holy Week

One of the most important holidays in Christiandom is observed with utmost solemnity by the residents of Alora. It kicks-off on Palm Sunday, a celebration characterized by the blessing and parade of palms, which commemorates the entry of Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem.

During Good Friday, which is also within Semana Santa, the streets of Alora become quiet as the residents switch into a mournful mood. This is done to commemorate the death of Jesus. A procession is held during the day and is participated in by practically all residents in town.

At the dawn of Easter Sunday, the sorrow is replaced with joy as the people celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.
 

Sporting Events

Some popular sporting events held in town are 3x3 basketball tournaments and swimming competitions. Other tournaments participated in by the locals include the following: table tennis, mini tennis, badminton, 3x3 volley, and soccer for kids.

Outdoor activities

If you love the outdoors, then you'll love what Alora has to offer. The surrounding terrain is ideal for mountain biking, biking, hiking, camping, trekking, and (in some neighbouring areas) rock climbing. Who says you need to flex your muscles to enjoy the Alora outdoors? You can also pack your digital camera and take photographs of the stunning landscape in and out of town.

Indoor activities 

When the day starts winding down, you can have a hearty meal in the town's restaurants then proceed to the nearby bars for some cold refreshments or alcoholic beverages.

Restaurants in Alora

Most Alora restaurants serve traditional Spanish cuisine. That means, you can expect to find find the following in their menus: tortilla de patata, paella, stews, embutidos, chorizos, migas, cheese, and jamon serrano. Here are some of the most frequented establishments in town:

-Restaurante Venta Los Conejitos - While cruising along Ctra. Carratraca Km 5, look for the well-trimmed, dome-shaped bushes decorating the entrance, and you'll never miss the place. Restaurante Venta Los Conejitos sports a rustic theme and houses large air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate weddings, luncheon meetings, communions, baptisms, and nearly all sorts of celebrations.

The owners are sticklers to quality, which is why the establishment holds an ISO 9001:2000 certification. Here, you can enjoy traditional cuisine and a variety of grilled dishes. Outside, you and your kids will be delighted to see waterfalls, garden, and a playground. The huge parking space can accommodate about 250 cars.

-Bar Los Caballos - This place is extremely popular with the locals, and you'll find it quite packed during weekends. That should speak a lot of the kind of food they're serving. If the locals like it, it must be good. Expect traditional cuisine, in that case.

If you want a laid-back ambience where you don't need to get all dressed up, then cruise along Carretera de Malaga. You'll find it before you reach Calle de los Olivares on your way to the north.

-Casa de Correos Tapas Bar & Restaurant - Located along Calle de Santa Ana, in the heart of Alora, this tapas bar and restaurant serves excellent traditional Spanish cuisine as well as a nice selection of international dishes.

On certain dates in the year, the place features art exhibits of local artists. If you just can't spend a day without Internet access, you'll love this place. You can access the Internet through their WiFi router, so you can share your Alora experiences on Facebook while waiting for your food.

Other highly recommended Alora restaurants are: Restaurante La Casa Del Abuelo, along Calle de Veracruz; Candela Restaurante, along Calle de la Parra; and Restaurante Casa Abilio.

Most of the Alora restaurants we mentioned are within walking distance from one another.

Bars and Pubs in Alora

After spending the entire day visiting all those tourist spots, attending the celebrations and festivals, or communing with nature, you might want to get together with your friends and enjoy each others company over some cool refreshments, wine, beer, gin, rum, etc. as you go bar-hopping in the numerous Alora pubs and bars.

Right in the centre of town, there are many bars to choose from. The best part about their location is that they're within walking distance from some hotels, which are also located there. Some of these hotels are: Hostal Duran, Casa Andaluza Albero, and Don Pedro.

Among the bars that are within walking distance from those three establishments are:

-Bar Bernabe along Calle de Veracruz; Restaruante Casa Abilio, which is just a block away from Bernabe, along a street intersecting Calle de Juan Naranjo and Calle de las Erillas; Casa de Carreos Tapas Bar & Restaurant, along Calle de Sta Ana; Bar Central in Plaza de la Fuente Arriba; Los Caballos, along Calle de Malaga; and La Taberna de Martin, along Calle la Rampa near Calle de las Chozuelas.

In the northern part of town, there's Bar Lodantonio, along Trasera Chozuela.

Other bars in Alora are: Pizzeria "The Pelli", Restaurante La Molina, Sol del Rio, and Don Joaquin Grill-Inn.

-Pubs in Alora include the following: Kuestezita at Puente de la Cabeza; Pub Zalero and Pub Kassel, along Avda. Pablo Ruiz Picasso; La Posada, along c/ Rosales; La Paraita, along c/ Carmona; Disco M-3 and Pub Vicen, along ctra. Valle de Abdalajis; and Grizzly, along ctra. de Malaga.

If you want to unwind early, say sometime in the afternoon, we recommend you check out the town's tapas bars, i.e., bars that specialize in those delicious Spanish snacks. Just like all other places in Malaga, the streets are dotted with them. In other words, they're hard to miss.

Some Alora pubs and bars also serve tapas as appetizers. They're basically filled with ingredients such as chili peppers, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, beans, almonds, olives, cheese and citrus fruits, which give tapas their distinctive combination of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.

Alora Hotels

The allure of the town's storied historical sites, particularly the castle and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, constantly draws a steady flow of visitors to the streets of Alora. Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering apartment rentals have consequently seen an opportunity to set up business in this mountain village. Here are some of the establishments were you can stay during your visit to Alora.

-Hostel Duran - Along the narrow street named Calle de la Parra, you'll find a cozy hotel with a theme that's consistent with the rest of the architecture of a typical pueblo blanco; i.e., rustic white.

The reception is open 24 hours, so you can come and go anytime you please. There's a garage where you can park, so you won't have to worry about blocking the narrow street.

-Fuegoblanco Rural hotel - Outside the main part of town, up north, is this small rural hotel with fantastic views of the countryside. There's an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax at the end of an activity-filled day outdoors.

Visitors have found the food fantastic and the servings fit for those with big appetites.

Being surrounded by orchards of lemon and orange, you'll wake up to the call of the outdoors. The place is a perfect jump-off point for a trek in the surrounding hills or a trip to the town's tourist spots.

-Casa Domingo - Another place outside the centre of town, this time down south, Casa Domingo is a nice bread and breakfast that's perfect for those who prefer to have some peace and quiet. They have an outdoor pool, Internet access, and the hosts can speak English, aside from many other European languages.

-El Azul Guesthouse - Situated just a little over 1 km from the heart of town and strategically located near the local commuter's station, is this dainty 2-star guesthouse. That essentially means you'll gain easy access to trips to Malaga and the neighbouring towns.

-Casa Andaluza Albero - Being located in one of the most frequented streets in the heart of Alora, this restored Andalucian mansion will render all tourist spots, shops, and restaurants easily accessible. The place itself has its own convenience store, garden, winery, barbeque area, and terrace.

Shopping in Alora

Looking for stores where you can buy groceries, outdoor equipment and apparel, medicines, baked products, snacks, and other stuff? What we have on this page is an assorted selection of shops to cater to your Alora shopping needs. Here they are:

-Mercadona - For your grocery items, we recommend this outlet of the famed Marcedona chain of supermarkets. Here you'll find toiletries, meat, fish, frozen goods, vegetables, fruits, and more. The branch in Alora can be found along Calle de la Albahaca.

-Aventur El Chorro - Up north, near Barradia El Chorro, some 25 minutes from the centre of Alora, is a rugged terrain featuring steep rocks and scenic trails. If you love outdoor sports like rock climbing, biking or trekking, you've got to check this place out. As with regards to sporting gear, you don't need to bring your own, as you can buy or rent them at Aventur El Chorro.

Alora is known to produce some of the finest furniture products in the province. That's why we invite you to drop by some of the furniture shops in town. Here are a few to start with Electromuebles Antonio Baena along Calle Atras and these three along Calle de Veracruz: Muebles Hidalgo, Commercial Rebollo, and Lola Decoracion.

-El Mimbre - When it comes to Spanish breakfasts, nothing beats having fresh bread and a delicious, steaming cup of coffee. For your bread products, we recommend El Mimbre, along Avenida de Cervantes. Try their pan de centeno, chapata, pan integral, and pan perote. These are all baked using organic products.

-Bazar Andalucia - Located along Av de Cervantes, near the roundabout, this shop has a drugstore and perfumery. You can also find gift items here.

Campisa Meat Shop - Also found along Av de Cervantes, Campisa is where you'll find fresh meat and cold cuts.

-Modas Joaquina Rebollo - Along Camino Nuevo, you'll find this little fashion boutique that offers great discounts.

-Papeleria - This stationary store is found in Plaza de la Fuenta Arriba. You can find a wide variety of paper products and office supplies here.