Why Move to Alhaurin el Grande? Your Perfect Escape to the Heart of Andalucia
Are you thinking of moving to Alhaurin el Grande? If so, you’re in for a wonderful treat. This charming town nestled in the heart of the Andalucian countryside offers the perfect blend of traditional Spanish life and modern amenities, all just a short drive from the beautiful Costa del Sol. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, affordable living, or an authentic Spanish experience, Alhaurin el Grande has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about moving to Alhaurin el Grande, from its prime location to its property market, local culture, and everything in between. Read on to find out why this hidden gem is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those wanting to experience the best of Spain!
Key Takeaways
- Alhaurin el Grande offers a blend of traditional Spanish life and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to move to.
- The town boasts affordable property prices compared to coastal areas, with options ranging from apartments to detached country villas.
- Great transport links connect Alhaurin el Grande to Malaga and nearby towns, providing ease of access while enjoying country living.
- The local culture features a mix of historic charm and vibrant dining options, catering to various tastes with traditional and international cuisine.
- Residents benefit from comprehensive local services, including schools, health centres, and a range of shops, for convenient daily living.
Alhaurin el Grande is a fabulous location for anyone wanting to enjoy outdoor country living without the need for proximity to beaches and the coastline. The town offers a feel for how Spanish life used to be when their living was primarily earned from working the land, mixed with modern-day influences.
Property is a lot more affordable than in most coastal areas in the Malaga region. However, the region is increasingly popular thanks to improved road infrastructure. Property prices are increasing, and long-term rentals are quickly snapped up.
Let’s have a look at important factors to consider before going ahead with your decision to move to Alhaurin El Grande …
1. A Great Location for Country Living with Easy Access to the Coast
Alhaurin el Grande is located approximately 25 kilometers west of Malaga and only 20 kilometers from the coast. This makes it an ideal spot for those wanting to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside, while still being close enough to enjoy the beaches of Malaga, Fuengirola, Mijas, and Marbella.
The town provides easy access to the Sierra de las Nieves, Ardales, and the El Chorro lake district, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With an improved road network, Alhaurin el Grande is well connected to all major areas of the Costa del Sol, making it a great base for both work and leisure.
One of the factors many people take into consideration (or should take into consideration) when choosing where to live, is the proximity to the airport and other transport facilities. Especially if one of the family regularly travels for work purposes. It is also important if you are expecting frequent visitors.
2. Affordable Property with Plenty of Options
One of the biggest draws of moving to Alhaurin el Grande is its affordability. Property prices here are significantly lower than those in many coastal areas of Malaga. However, as the area becomes more popular, prices are on the rise, so it’s important to act quickly if you find something you like.
In Alhaurin el Grande, you can find a two-bedroom apartment for as little as €100,000, while a three or four-bedroom detached house with a garden and stunning views can be yours for around €500,000. For those with a bigger budget, properties priced at €800,000 or more offer exceptional value in beautiful locations. Be sure to check out our Move to Malaga Property Finder Service to help you secure your ideal property.
The increasing popularity of Alhaurin El Grande and the surrounding areas is reflected both in the availability of (or lack of) both long-term rental property and in the price of property for sale.
Long-term rental properties do not stay on the market for long; it is important to be in a position to secure a rental as soon as it hits the market. Be prepared to take on a property before you need it. It may initially feel like wasted money, but you will thank yourself in the long run.
TIP: Use our Move To Malaga Property Finder Service to secure your ideal property.
3. Excellent Transportation Links
Getting to and from Alhaurin el Grande is easy, thanks to its excellent transport links. The town is only a 35-minute drive from Malaga Airport, with taxi transfers costing around €40. There’s also a regular bus service connecting Alhaurin el Grande to nearby areas like Mijas, Coin, Fuengirola, and Malaga city center. While public transport is available, having a car is recommended, especially if you plan to live in the surrounding countryside.
4. Vibrant Local Culture and Dining Options
The town of Alhaurin el Grande is split into two main areas: the old town and the new town. The old town is full of traditional Spanish charm, with narrow streets, beautiful historic buildings, and quaint cafes. The new town offers a more modern vibe with bars, restaurants, and shops, creating a perfect blend of the old and the new.
When it comes to food and drink, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Alhaurin el Grande is home to a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional tapas to international cuisine. For a true taste of local life, be sure to try the menú del día, a three-course meal with drinks for just €8. The town’s ventas, or roadside restaurants, are a great place to enjoy home-cooked dishes and authentic Andalusian food.
5. Plenty of Sports, Activities, and Entertainment
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Alhaurin el Grande has plenty to offer. The town boasts a public sports center, Ciudad Deportiva de Alhaurín el Grande, which features an indoor pool, tennis and padel courts, a basketball court, sports halls, and children’s play areas. There’s also a local football team, Los Alhaurinos, which is a great source of community pride and entertainment.
Throughout the year, Alhaurin el Grande comes alive with local fiestas and events. The annual feria, held at the end of May, features flamenco dancing, horse parades, and plenty of food and drink, offering a true taste of Andalusian culture. The town is also home to a modern theater, Teatro Antonio Gala, where you can enjoy live performances and cinema screenings.
6. Family-Friendly Education Options
Alhaurin el Grande offers a selection of primary and secondary schools, ensuring that families moving to the area have access to quality education. While there are no private or international schools in Alhaurin el Grande itself, nearby towns like Mijas and Malaga offer excellent international schools that are popular with expat families. These schools often provide transport services to Alhaurin el Grande, making commuting convenient for both students and parents.
The following website has a list of all the state-run schools in Alhaurin el Grande http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/educacion/vscripts/centros/index.asp
7. Comprehensive Local Services
When it comes to daily life, Alhaurin el Grande has everything you need. The town centre is home to supermarkets, butchers, bakeries, and pharmacies, ensuring that you can easily meet all your everyday needs. There is a large Mercadona in the town centre with parking. Lidl, Aldi and Dia are all available in the next town, Coin. Many major Spanish banks have offices and cash points in the town.
There’s also a public health centre offering GP services and emergency care, and the recently opened Guadalhorce hospital is just a short drive away. Private medical services and dental clinics can also be found around town.
For administrative tasks, the town’s ayuntamiento (town hall) can assist with everything from residency applications to paying local taxes. If you’re living in a more remote area, two British-run paper shops offer a post box service to ensure you don’t miss important mail.
NIE and residency applications need to be made in Malaga Capital ( read more)
“It reminds me of Spain 23 years ago when I first came. People have more time. They smile and stop for a chat. Pace of life more relaxed. You can park outside the bank for the atm. Parking is plentiful and you stroll into town. Traffic is 3 cars or a goat! Quality food for less money. It’s not blingy and false. In fact don’t tell anyone about this secret place or they’ll all want to come up!”
Inez Robinson, resident of Alhaurin el grande.
8. Why Alhaurin el Grande is the Ideal Place to Move
Living in Alhaurin el Grande offers a peaceful lifestyle in a traditional Spanish setting, while still being within easy reach of the excitement and amenities of the coast. The town’s blend of modern facilities, beautiful scenery, and authentic Spanish charm make it the perfect destination for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life, without sacrificing convenience or accessibility.
Are You Ready to Move to Alhaurin el Grande?
If you’re ready to make the move to Alhaurin el Grande, we are here to help. Whether you need assistance finding the perfect property or advice on the relocation process, we can guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey to Alhaurin el Grande.
We look forward to helping you settle into your new life in this beautiful part of Spain!
If you are buying a property in Alhaurin el Grande or planning to move to Alhaurin el Grande we will be happy to help you!
For lots more advice and information about moving to Spain, check out my ebook “How To Move To Spain” and my very popular book ” Moving to Spain with Children” available via Amazon.
