10 Things to Do Near Alhaurín el Grande
Nick Nieman
9/23/20265 min read
One of the things we love most about Alhaurín el Grande is its location. You can spend the morning walking through a traditional Andalusian village, have lunch by the sea and be back at Casa Pitaya in time to relax in the garden or jacuzzi.
Alhaurín el Grande itself is also well worth exploring. The town combines traditional streets, local restaurants, history and nature, with the Sierra de Mijas rising directly behind it. The local tourism office highlights the historic centre, Sierra de Mijas, local gastronomy and cultural attractions as some of the area's main draws.
Here are 10 of our favourite things to do during your stay at Casa Pitaya.
1. Explore Alhaurín el Grande
Start close to home.
Alhaurín el Grande is a traditional Andalusian town where you can wander through narrow streets, stop for coffee or tapas and experience everyday Spanish life away from the busiest resorts on the coast.
In the historic centre you'll find places such as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the Arco del Cobertizo and the Fuente de los Doce Caños. The town's history still shows clear traces of its Moorish past.
A simple evening in town with a few tapas and a glass of wine is sometimes better than having a full itinerary.
2. Walk in the Sierra de Mijas
You don't need to drive far to find nature.
The Sierra de Mijas starts right beside Alhaurín el Grande and has walking and cycling routes overlooking the Guadalhorce Valley and, from higher points, towards the Costa del Sol.
It's particularly nice in spring, autumn and winter when temperatures are better suited to hiking. The municipality itself describes the northern side of the Sierra de Mijas as one of the area's main attractions for hiking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Our tip: go early, take plenty of water and enjoy breakfast or lunch in town afterwards.
3. Visit Mijas Pueblo
White houses, flowerpots, little streets and viewpoints towards the Mediterranean: Mijas Pueblo is one of those places that looks exactly how people imagine southern Spain.
Have a walk through the old centre, find one of the viewpoints and stop for lunch or a drink.
It's easy to combine Mijas Pueblo with a beach afternoon, making it a great half-day trip from Casa Pitaya.
4. Spend a Day in Málaga
Málaga deserves much more than just a visit on the way to or from the airport.
Walk through the historic centre, visit the cathedral, explore the Alcazaba and finish the afternoon around Muelle Uno and the port.
You'll find everything from museums and small tapas bars to rooftop terraces and shopping.
It works particularly well when you want a break from beaches and swimming for the day.
5. Walk the Caminito del Rey
For something a little more adventurous, visit the Caminito del Rey.
The famous route follows wooden walkways attached to the walls of the spectacular Gaitanes Gorge and has become one of Málaga province's best-known outdoor attractions.
It's an experience we definitely recommend booking ahead rather than leaving until the last minute.
Staying at Casa Pitaya? We can also help you arrange Caminito del Rey tickets for your stay.
6. Have a Beach Day
One of the advantages of staying slightly inland is that you're not limited to one beach.
Depending on what you're looking for, you can head towards the coast around Fuengirola, La Cala de Mijas, Benalmádena or Marbella.
Spend the afternoon swimming, find a chiringuito for lunch and order some fresh fish or espetos.
Then head back inland to the peace and privacy of Casa Pitaya.
That combination is exactly why we like this part of the Costa del Sol.
7. Discover Marbella
Marbella isn't only about luxury hotels and Puerto Banús.
The Old Town is one of our favourite areas, with small pedestrian streets, traditional buildings and the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos.
Afterwards you can walk towards the seafront or continue to Puerto Banús if you want to see the completely different side of Marbella.
8. Experience Local Food and Markets
Don't spend your entire holiday eating in tourist areas.
Visit local bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, markets and restaurants around Alhaurín el Grande and the Guadalhorce Valley.
Agriculture and locally produced food remain an important part of the identity of Alhaurín el Grande. The town even promotes experiences connected with local produce, olive oil, wine, bread and farming traditions.
And if you prefer to stay home for the evening, enjoying food outside in the garden at Casa Pitaya isn't a bad alternative either.
9. Visit a Traditional Andalusian Event
If your visit happens to coincide with a local celebration, go.
Events such as Semana Santa and the May Feria are an important part of life in Alhaurín el Grande. During the May Feria, celebrations take place both in the historic centre during the day and at the fairground at night.
These are the moments when you get to see a very different side of the town.
Check what's happening locally when you arrive — there is often something going on.
10. Do Absolutely Nothing
Yes, this one counts.
You don't have to fill every day of your holiday.
Have a slow breakfast outside, read a book in the garden, cool down, open a bottle of wine and spend the evening in the jacuzzi.
One of the nicest things about staying at Casa Pitaya is that you can explore Málaga and the Costa del Sol when you feel like it — but you also have your own private place to come home to.
And sometimes the best holiday plan is having no plan at all.
Make Casa Pitaya Your Base on the Costa del Sol
Casa Pitaya is a private holiday home in Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga, suitable for up to 6 guests.
With your own garden, driveway and jacuzzi, you can enjoy a quieter side of Andalusia while still being within easy reach of beaches, mountains, villages and cities such as Málaga and Marbella.
Planning your Costa del Sol holiday?
👉 Book Casa Pitaya directly for our best available price.
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