Alora

Álora is a municipality in the province of Málaga, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is located in the Guadalhorce valley, about 40 kilometers northwest of Málaga city, along the Guadalhorce River. The surrounding land includes hills, olive and citrus groves, and a Mediterranean climate. The town center is built on a hillside and features a hilltop castle that dominates the skyline.

The area shows a long history with prehistoric and Iberian settlements, followed by Roman and Moorish influence. A hilltop fortress, the Castillo de Álora, was a prominent Moorish stronghold and continued to shape the town during the Reconquista. After the Christian capture of the region, Álora grew as an agricultural market town serving the surrounding countryside.

Traditionally based on agriculture, especially citrus fruits, olives, and grapes, Álora has diversified into rural tourism and light manufacturing. The town hosts local festivals and fairs that reflect Andalusian religious and cultural traditions, including processions and a seasonal feria that draws visitors from nearby areas.

Notable landmarks include the hilltop Castillo de Álora and the historic town center with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The municipality is connected by road to Málaga via the A-357 and is served by regional rail and bus networks that link Álora with nearby towns, supporting both commuting and tourism.