If you were to ask me why you should move to Alhaurin El Grande, my first answers would be:

• Value for money
• Great location
• Escape to the country

Great views, wide open spaces, a taste of the “real Spain” and natural countryside with easy access to the coastline of Malaga, Fuengirola, Mijas and Marbella.  Alhaurin el Grande offers all this and much more.

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 earnt 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 …

Location:

Alhaurin el Grande is located approximately 20 kilometres from the coast and  25 kilometres inland and West of Malaga airport.

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.

Thanks to improved road infrastructure over past years, Alhaurin el Grande enjoys easy access to all areas including Malaga Capital, Marbella,  Mijas, Coin, Monda and the Sierra de las Nieves and Malaga lake district area of Ardales and El Chorro.

Transport:

Alhaurin el Grande is an easy thirty-five-minute drive from Malaga airport. Taxi transfers cost approximately 40€.

There is a regular bus service to several coastal and inland areas, including Mijas, Coin, Fuengirola and Malaga Capital. Download the bus timetable using this link: HERE  

Although it is possible to survive with public transport in the town centre, it is preferable to have a car, especially if you are living in the surrounding countryside areas.

Property:

The increasing popularity of Alhaurin El Grande and 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.

Property prices in Alhaurin el Grande vary drastically, subject to the location of the property and distance from the town and amenities. There is property to suit all budgets. You can buy a two-bed apartment in good condition for under  €100.000, a 3 or 4 bed detached village in decent condition, with gardens and views, can be purchased from around €300.000. If you have a budget of €500.000 or more, you can expect to find a stunning property in a wonderful location.

TIP: Use ourMove To Malaga Property Finder Service to secure your ideal property.

Food & Drink

You will be spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink in Alhaurin el Grande and the surrounding countryside.  The town itself is home to restaurants and dishes from around the world. You are spoilt for choice for breakfast, lunch and evening meal.

Alhaurin el Grande is almost divided into an old town and new town. The new town offers a ‘strip’ of bars, tapas, restaurants and cafes which all have a great atmosphere. There are a couple of nightclubs also along this area. It’s not outrageously busy or noisy, just a very pleasant way to enjoy various types of food from curries to tapas in one spot. The old town offers more shops and traditional cafes and the back streets house some beautiful old style buildings leading to the church

For a real taste of local and home-cooked dishes, check out the “menu del dia” offered in most establishments. These are great value for money. A three-course meal with drinks costs approximately 8€. The best menus del día are found in restaurants named “ventas” which are often found along the roadside when you head further inland.

Sports, Activities and Entertainment

Alhaurin el Grande’s public sports centre “Ciudad Deportiva de Alhaurín el Grande“ offers an indoor pool, tennis courts, padel courts, basketball court, sports halls, children’s play areas and much more. There are also several private sports clubs and gymnasiums in the town.

Los Alhaurinos, the local football team are very well supported and matched are great family events.

As in most Spanish towns, local ferias and fiestas can be enjoyed throughout the year. During feria time, end of May, the whole place comes alive, with horses, flamenco, dancing and drinking, with many residents dressed in traditional outfits.

The town boasts a modern theatre, Teatro Antonio Gala, which stages shows and live performances as well as cinema showings. It also has a substantial public library.

Education:

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

There is a choice of several primary and junior schools around the town and also two secondary education centres.

There are no private/international schools actually in Alhaurin El Grande, however, the nearby options ofSunland International School, St Anthony’s College, El Pinar and MIT Malaga are popular choices with residents. Most private schools offer a transport service.

Services:

The town centre has pretty much everything you need for day-to-day living.

Bureaucracy: The town hall, “ayuntamiento” in Alhaurin El Grande can help you will Padron certificates, paying IBI and basura, paying car tax, applying for building permissions etc.

NIE and residency applications need to be made in Malaga Capital ( read more)

Many major Spanish banks have offices and cash points in the town.

Two British paper shops offer a post box service for people who live in more remote country areas to avoid trouble receiving mail.

Health Services: Alhaurin el Grande is home to a relatively new and up to date state run health centre which offers GP services and also A&E. The recently opened Guadalhorce hospital is also within easy reach of the town.

Private medical services and dental clinics can also be found around town.

Shopping: There are several good size supermarkets, butchers, fruit and vegetable shops, bakeries and more around the town.

There is a large Mercadona in the town centre with parking, and Lidl, Aldi and Dia all available in next town Coin.

“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.

So, there you have just a few of the many factors to consider before you decide to move to Mijas Pueblo and surrounding areas. I am not saying that living in this area is for everyone but I can tell you that once you live here, it is very difficult to move anywhere else 😉 Why not come and visit and make your own mind up!

If you are buying a property in Alhaurin el Grande or planning to move to Alhaurin el Grande  Contact Us and we will be happy to help you.

How can we 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.