Moving to Alora
Matthew’s article this week concentrates on moving to Alora, an authentically Andalucian pueblo blanco.
Moving to Álora: a village that’s more than all white to relocate to
Ups
If life gives you lemons, it could well mean you’ve moved to Álora, whose steep streets are lined with citrus trees. One less reason to ever buy a bottle of RWhites again, seeing as you’ll now be able to produce your own homemade lemonade.
Downs
Some may find the slow living of Álora cloying, its isolated location claustrophobic, and its high summer temperatures stifling. But the flip side is an escape from the dreaded nine to five, a retreat from the rat race, and the chance to dress down in summer. Now, that doesn’t sound so bad, after all, does it?
Ins and outs
It’s a 40-minute drive from Málaga airport to Álora. There’s also an hourly fast-speed train service to the town’s station from Málaga which takes around 35 minutes. Bear in mind, however, that the train station is a two-minute taxi ride, 10-minute schlep into downtown Álora.
Education
The Álora schools are strictly state Spanish ones. There are five infant/primary ones (CEIPs) to choose from and two secondary (institutos). Whilst pupils are mainly Spanish, their classmates do include British, Dutch, and German children.
Shop until you drop…
Sugar lovers will adore Rubicor, artisan confectioners, at the start of Calle Álamo. Elsewhere, on Calle Veracruz, Lola Decoración will help you furnish your new home. And you get your recommended five a day at Frutas y Verduras “La Faenera” on Calle Carmona. There are bargains galore!
Property types
Álora is the sort of place you’d visit as a tourist and Instagram the hell out of it. But by moving here, you can jump inside the frame. And own one of those photogenic whitewashed houses for real.
Market watch
Apartments and townhouses can go for under €50,000 whilst villas can increase all the way up to three quarters of a million Euros.
Have a closer look at:
- Four bedroom renovation project – only €48k
- Stunning 6 bed villa – €950k
- Freehold B&B business with 200 seater restaurant – €200k
- Supermarket and 2 storey residential property in Barriada el Puente – €250k
In Praise Of
“Alora is located between three mountains. On one of these, you’ll find the old Phoenician castle which overlooks the village. The roads to and from the likes of Málaga and Antequera are easily negotiable and there are nature reserves on your doorstep. Along with Spain’s Lake District.” Frank Rooijakkers (Alora Real Estate)
- Are you an expat living in Álora? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
July 4, 2023 @ 8:18 pm
I would really recommend being very careful about moving to Álora if you are British. It’s all very nice on the surface: charming white village (pueblo blanco) which is actually not very attractive from the inside and has a big rubbish collection problem. But that’s not the issue. The issue is that it is a very inward-looking town and British people (of whom there are many) are looked down on and disliked. I suspect the vast majority don’t even notice that, but if you speak Spanish and have lived in other parts of Spain you will. It’s like a sort of constant low-level racism. No one will ever be rude to you directly but you are not welcome. Furthermore, there is very little to do. As I say, if you want to just drop out and do your own thing it’s fine and the surrounding countryside is beautiful if you can stand the heat in the summer, but if you are looking for an active, lively place with lots of activities that embraces incomers, Alora is not the place. Hope that’s helpful.