Forming an imposing natural fortress, the traditional town of Alhaurín El Grande is steeped in history, soaked in classical Andalusian architecture and atmosphere throughout, and boasts beautiful views across the undulating interior of the Costa del Sol.

It also has a large expat population. With its easy access to Málaga Airport, homes in Alhaurín El Grande have been attracting British and Irish buyers for decades. An inland town at the forefront of the British love affair with moving to southern Spain, Alhaurín is the epitome of the El Dorado village.

Continue reading: Reality

The pretty new-build villas, houses and apartments fit in perfectly with the incumbent surroundings, augmenting and complementing the aura of the town, while the expat population has created a thriving community that has buoyed Alhaurín's economy and given it a purpose. From holiday and residential homes to friendly Brit bars and sports clubs, Alhaurín loves its inherited inhabitants, and they love Alhaurín back.

The town's setting is dramatic rather than imposing. Nestled in the fertile Guadalhorce Valley, the lush green hills that give way to bare rock face create a magical backdrop that could only be Spain. Alhaurín sits at the heart of this landscape, snugly wedged into the hillside. There's a rich history here that goes back to Roman times and was shaped massively by the Moorish occupation in the 7th century. Remnants of Roman columns and Arabic arches sit nicely with the classically Andalusian architecture, which comprise a number of charming plazas, cube-like whitewashed houses and narrow alleys and streets.

Continue reading: By Day

Cafés, pizza parlours, bodegas, tapas bars and traditional Spanish restaurants abound throughout the centre of town. Alhaurín's authenticity has never been questioned. Unlike Mijas and Benahavís, Alhaurín El Grande doesn't bring out the bunting for anybody. What you see is what you get... and what you get is typically laid-back Spain: pet dogs take themselves for walks along the quiet streets; old men enjoy the shade, a strong espresso and a game of chess with friends on the plaza; tanned youngsters scoot about on their mopeds in a carefree fashion; and stylish señoritas saunter by, oblivious to the heads they turn.

In among this classic slice of Iberian life, a growing and happy band of mostly British expats enjoy the same lifestyle, adding their very own flavour to proceedings. The shops and cafés that inhabit the main street all vie for your custom, while the open plazas provide the perfect opportunity to take the weight off.

Beyond the confines of the market town itself, much of Alhaurín's charm lies in its rural surroundings, where numerous hiking trails exist, taking you through stunning olive and citrus groves, challenging scrubland and fragrant pine forests. Whether by foot, cycle or horseback, the leafy countryside of Alhaurín El Grande is there to be explored, an especially rewarding experience during the blistering summer months.

Back in town, and the addictive atmosphere of Alhaurín will appeal to all ages. The Los Candiles and El Postillón plazas boast pretty fountains and come resplendent with charming cafés; the municipal sports hall has an open-air swimming pool and multi-use sports pitches, and the dusky tapas bars delight with their tempting menus and cool, air-conditioned interiors. In June, the Flamenco Festival shakes up the entire town and is a must-see, while August brings the El Portón Jazz Festival, which is an internationally-recognised celebration of all things jazz. Golf-lovers will enjoy the challenges posed by the excellent courses at Lauro Golf Club and Alhaurín Golf Club, and the intriguing open archaeological excavation sites will interest history buffs too.

Continue reading: By Night

Spaniards famously know how to party, and Alhaurín's residents most certainly live up to their reputation. Impromptu street festivals, shows and gatherings are commonplace, and the town boasts a surprisingly large number of funky late night bars and clubs.

However, Spaniards also love to eat, and eat late. The streets of Alhaurín El Grande reverberate at night to the sounds of clinking glasses, rapid chatter and scraping cutlery. Simply cherry-pick the restaurant that appeals to you and await the great service and – invariably – wonderful cuisine, which consists of plenty of local dishes that are well-worth trying. And for dessert? A moonlit stroll, a few cheeky glasses of local wine or a couple of beers with friends in one of the many welcoming bars – the choice is yours.

By journalist, editor and former Costa del Sol resident, Ian Clover.