Alora El Chorro is a small market town lying in an area of great natural beauty, forty kilometres from Malaga. Surrounded by rugged mountains and within a one hour drive from Marbella, Alora El Chorro has much to offer holidaymakers. It is a place where you can choose to lie back and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional village or participate in the many energetic activities found in the area.
Whilst most holidaymakers to southern Spain make their base at the coast, those who choose the inland village of Alora el Chorro are delighted by the stunning scenery, the peaceful atmosphere and the wonderful array of recreational activities from hill climbing to fishing, and from mountain biking to bird watching.
Alora El Chorro holidays appeal to a wide variety of ages and interests, with the exception perhaps of families with young children. Those who enjoy active holidays will find much to occupy their days.
Although summer is the most popular time to visit Alora El Chorro, holidays there can be taken at any time of year. Early and late season are popular times for walkers, climbers and mountain bikers, when the temperature is a little more moderate. It is a good place to go in order to escape the damp British winters.
Alora El Chorro is a very interesting market town that lies to the north-west of Malaga. Surrounded by mountains, it is close to the Desfiladem de los Gaitanesis Gorge which is straddled by the famous King’s Walkway. The sheer sides of the gorge are four hundred metres high and the river Guadalhorce sweeps through it on its way to the Mediterranean. The area is very popular with rock climbers and also ornithologists who come to see, among others, the Griffin Vulture. A dam built across the gorge has produced three lakes encircled by pine forests, ideal for water sports including sailing, wind-surfing and fishing. The forest trails offer shady walks and opportunities for mountain biking.
Alora El Chorro has many old churches and there are ruins from the times of the Romans and the Moors in the surrounding area. Caves, the Cueva de Ardales, were discovered in the early nineteenth century and are believed to have been inhabited twenty thousand years ago. Here you can see prehistoric paintings and carvings.
Alora El Chorro is an ideal base for visiting the wonderful cities of Granada, Seville and Cordoba. It is also within an hour of the coast for those who wish to enjoy a day on the beach. In order to fully appreciate the area, and to make the most of your holiday, car hire is recommended.
Alora El Chorro nightlife is fairly low key with evenings spent wandering the streets of the village, or in tapas bars and restaurants, enjoying a meal or a drink in the company of friends.
Alora El Chorro has supermarkets and mini-markets providing holiday essentials as well as craft and gift shops. Popular purchases include leather goods, ceramics, lace, embroidered linens and basketwork. There is a market each Monday where local produce is sold.
Alora El Chorro has some fine restaurants serving mainly traditional Spanish cuisine. Menus include local dishes such as paella, tortillas, tapas and chorizo, as well as a choice of international cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
