13 Best Things to Do in Alhaurin de la Torre, Malaga

Alhaurin de la Torre is one of the inland towns near Malaga and coastal towns like Torremolinos and Benalmadena.

Although the town isn’t home to many tourist attractions, as it’s always been seen as a residential area, there are some fantastic things to do.

You can visit the Japanese-style Garden, have a delicious meal and go on a scenic hike, among other activities. If you like places less frequented by travellers, it’s also a good place to have your base when travelling in the Malaga province.

I’ve lived in Alhaurin de la Torre (I spent some of my late teenage years there), and most of my family still lives there, so I usually visit them. 

Are you ready to discover this lovely town with me?

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1. Explore the Oriental Garden

One of Alhaurín’s best attractions is Jardín Oriental Bienquerido, a small but beautiful Asian garden that opened in 2011 and is commonly known as the Japanese Garden among the locals.

When you walk around the garden, you’ll see trees from the area, like pines and acacias, that have been shaped into Japanese-style trees. However, you can also see bonsai trees and bamboo plants.

The decoration is charming, with pagodas across the park, a small artificial river, a pond home to fish and turtles, and lovely bridges.

It’s a fantastic place to include in your day in Alhaurin.

2. Take a photo of Torre de Alhaurín

The Alhaurin de la Torre tower is one of the few signs that prove the Moors made this town their home for some time.

It’s located in the middle of the town, and they’ve made it more of a tourist attraction to take photos by adding “I love Alhaurin de la Torre”.

3. Admire the architecture of Parroquia de San Sebastián

Parroquia de San Sebastián is Alhaurín de la Torre’s main church, so don’t be surprised to see a christening, communion or wedding taking place inside, especially if you visit it during spring.

The church was built in 1610 but was demolished by an earthquake and refurbished in the 19th century. This refurbishment led to two different architectural styles, so you can see that it has mainly Neoclassic elements, but you can also see an influence from Baroque.

4. Have a drink at Plaza de San Sebastián

Plaza de San Sebastián is the meeting point for locals. It’s the centre of Alhaurin and from where you can walk to the bars, restaurants and shops.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cocktail and dance, Moobi is a well-known cafe and club. I used to attend salsa and bachata lessons there.

5. Walk on Calle Málaga

One of the main streets in Alhaurin town centre is Calle Malaga. Whether it’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) or summer, most events are inaugurated here.

There isn’t much to see on this street, but I love that they set up a colourful crocheted canopy in the summer months. It’s pretty impressive and a perfect spot to take photos.

The canopy covers a length of 60 metres between the pharmacy and Plaza del Conde square.

6. Visit the Museo Andaluz de la Educación

The truth is that you won’t find many historical buildings or museums in Alhaurín de la Torre; however, you can visit the MAE, the Andalusian Museum of Education.

The building used to be the local library, but it was relocated and began to fill it with educational materials, including prints and other objects.

The aim of this museum is to commemorate and showcase the work of researchers in education, teachers, and other professionals. By visiting the museum, you can get a feeling of how education used to be in previous generations.

7. Enjoy an ice cream

If you plan to visit Alhaurin in the summer, why not cool down with ice cream?

Kalua is one of the main ice cream shops. They have plenty of flavours – mango, yoghurt, chocolate, pistachio and more.

I love their mango ice cream, whereas my partner is crazy about the “death by chocolate” flavour.

My other choice for ice cream is La Heladería in the Retamar neighbourhood, at the beginning of the town.

8. Discover Finca El Portón

El Portón is a complex with lovely gardens and an auditorium. You can find many different events, from graduations and weddings to concerts. However, this isn’t only a charming complex but a cultural reference.

The town hall is also planning to build a Nasrid-style building in El Portón.

It’s definitely worth checking out this space and its surroundings, as there’s a cool art mural a few metres from it.

9. See the seasonal displays at Viveros Guzman Alhaurín de la Torre

Viveros Guzman is one of my favourite places to visit in Alhaurin de la Torre during autumn and winter because this garden centre is decorated for Halloween and Christmas.

People from Malaga City and other nearby towns come to Viveros Guzman to see the decorations. They are over the top, but who doesn’t like that? You can see the displays, take photos and enjoy a hot drink and cake in the late afternoon.

The garden centre has changed for the better in the last few years, and you won’t only have a wide selection of flowers and trees.

It has a cafe, restaurant, and a small supermarket with local produce and a bakery.

Even if it isn’t autumn or winter, it’s nice to check it out as it’s always beautifully decorated, and if you live close, you can get some very lovely home decorations or plants.

10. Attend Alhaurin De la Torre Fair

I always try to attend local events wherever I go, and if you like to do the same, I recommend visiting Alhaurin’s fair.

It isn’t as big as the Malaga Fair, but it has a good atmosphere, and you can find stalls selling food and drinks, as well as kid-friendly attractions.

The fair, called Feria de San Juan, takes place every June from the 21st to the 24th.

It’s a fantastic way to get into the local culture and see traditional dances and concerts by local artists. 

11. Go on the Jarapalos hiking trail

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Alhaurin de la Torre. It isn’t a coastal town but is surrounded by mountains, so you can go on hiking adventures.

One of the most popular hiking trails in Alhaurin is Jarapalos. The hike starts from Real Sociedad Tiro de Pichón, situated next to the A-404 road.

The route is known as Sendero Presidiarios because it was a typical hiking trail for prisoners in Alhaurin de la Torre.

I’ve done this walk with my family. It’s a good route for beginners like me, but a bit rocky. I love feeling immersed in nature and seeing the different tree colours throughout the path in autumn.

12. Play golf at Lauro Golf Resort

Golf is one of the most famous sports on the Costa del Sol, but did you know you can find a fantastic golf course near Alhaurín de la Torre?

This 27-hole golf course is well-maintained and has nearby amazing facilities, including an equestrian centre, lawn bowls, and padel-tennis.

In addition to these facilities, Lauro Golf is also home to a restaurant and accommodation, so you can spend a few days here.

The good thing about Lauro Golf compared to other golf resorts is that it tends to be less busy and cheaper than the ones in Marbella and Fuengirola.

13. Have a boost of adrenaline at Sunview Park

Adrenaline seekers must visit Sunview Park, located a 15 minute drive from Alhaurin de la Torre town centre.

The best thing about this fun place is its two high-speed zip lines. The mountainside views are incredibly amazing.

This park also offers horseback riding, archery and a terrace with superb views of the surroundings.

Where to eat in Alhaurín de la Torre

La Despensa Familiar

If you’re looking for a good restaurant to enjoy traditional Spanish food, my favourite is La Despensa Familiar.

You’ll pay a bit more than in other tapa bars and restaurants in the town, but the quality is really good.

They have anything from delicious charcuterie (Iberian ham, Manchego cheese and more) to Russian salad and high-quality steaks.

It’s where I usually go for a family meal, and my go-to dish is secreto ibérico, one of the pork cuts with the greatest amount of fat marbling. This is why it’s so tender.

📍 Exact location: Calle Pau Casals s/n Centro Comercial, Local 25B, 29130 La Capellania, Málaga

Bendito Bocado

Bendito Bocado is a burger place near Plaza de España. I haven’t eaten at the restaurant, but I’ve placed several delivery orders since someone recommended their burgers.

I can assure you that their burgers are the best in Alhaurin de la Torre. They are juicy and packed with flavour. I also love that you can order beyond the typical burger. You can order burgers with pulled pork, guacamole, roasted peppers and other ingredients.

They also have a monthly special burger that makes you want to try something new.

📍 Exact location: Av. del Mediterráneo, 12, 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga

Maninpasta Alhaurín

Another restaurant that needs to make it to the list is Maninpasta. Their first restaurant was located in Churriana, but it closed, and they subsequently reopened in Alhaurin.

This Italian restaurant serves flavourful pasta dishes and pizzas. I especially love their ravioli (see photo above). The most recent one I tried was the one filled with prawns and topped with a tomato-based sauce. They were so good!

I really like this restaurant, but it gets busy, so I recommend booking in advance.

📍 Exact location: C. El Cipres, 13, 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga

Where to stay in Alhaurin de la Torre

Alhaurin has fewer accommodation options than coastal towns in Malaga.

Most of them are houses and apartments rented by individuals, which can be great for families. Some of these houses even include a pool and offer a more intimate, relaxing experience than big chain hotels.

The only big hotel you can find is Hotel Cortijo Chico, a 4-star hotel on the outskirts and a short drive from Malaga Airport.

How to get to Alhaurin de la Torre from Malaga

The easiest and quickest way to get from Malaga to Alhaurin de la Torre is by car. It takes 20 minutes.

In case you aren’t driving, you can take the bus from Malaga bus station, next to the Vialia Shopping Centre.

You can take the bus to Alhaurin De la Torre or Alhaurin El Grande, as the latter passes via Alhaurin de la Torre. Just pay attention to the stops! You don’t want to end up in Alhaurin El Grande.

Conclusion on the best things to do in Alhaurín de la Torre

Alhaurin might always have been known as a residential town, but it has developed significantly in the last 10 years.

There are more things to do, and you’ll especially like it if you want to visit less touristy places with nature-related activities.

If you have any questions about travelling to Alhaurin or anywhere in the Costa del Sol, I’ll be happy to answer them in the comments.

Enjoy your trip!

Cristina x