The best road cycling routes around Álora

Rewarding hike through the Guadalhorce gorge

Coín is a beautiful town in the Guadalhorce valley in Malaga. Its urban center is colorful and vibrant. Its strategic location is ideal for cyclists to stop and recharge their energy.

The Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir is nestled in a picturesque mountain landscape near El Chorro and impresses with turquoise water, steep rock faces and tranquil nature, making it a particularly idyllic destination for tours.

The Arab castle of Álora, also known as Castillo de Álora, sits atop Cerro de las Torres overlooking the town and is one of the most important historical structures in the region. The fortress, in its present form, dates back to the Moorish rule of the Middle Ages, although the site had been used and fortified in earlier periods. Due to its strategic location, the castle controlled the Guadalhorce Valley and served both military and administrative purposes. It was captured by Christian troops in 1484 during the Reconquista. Remaining are sections of the imposing curtain walls, square towers, and a horseshoe-arched gate, typical of Islamic military architecture. Within the complex are also remnants of later Christian buildings, including a chapel built over a former mosque. The castle has been a listed building (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1931 and offers a wide view over Álora and the Guadalhorce valley from its elevated position.

The Mirador Alí Ben Falcún “Al Baezi” viewpoint lies below Álorá Castle on the castle hill and offers a sweeping view of the town, the Guadalhorce Valley, and the surrounding landscape. The path to the top is steep and requires some effort, but the climb is more than worth it. The view compensates for the strenuous ascent with an impressive panorama that vividly illustrates Álorá's unique location between the river valley and the mountains. The viewpoint is named after Alí Ben Falcún, a figure from the Moorish era, thus commemorating the town's long Islamic history. Today, the Mirador is a cherished viewpoint that combines historical significance with scenic beauty, inviting a moment of quiet reflection.

The view from the south reveals Álora with its striking castle hill at its center. The remains of Álora Castle are clearly visible on the hilltop, underscoring the town's strategic location overlooking the Guadalhorce Valley. The town itself, with its whitewashed houses, stretches along the slope below, surrounded by arid hills, olive groves, and the fertile plain of the river valley. The view perfectly illustrates the typical landscape and settlement pattern of this region of Andalusia. Why not take a short break, soak in the beautiful scenery, and capture the perspective?

The city gate of Antequera was built in 1749 in the Baroque style, demolished in the 19th century, and faithfully reconstructed in the 1990s. Today, the Puerta de Estepa is a symbolic gateway to the city.

The Puerta de Estepa city gate is one of Antequera's most striking buildings and marks the historic entrance to the city. It is located at the end of the Alameda de Andalucía, very close to the Plaza de la Constitución, where the modern city merges into the historic old town. The gateway with its three round arches was built in 1749 in the Baroque style and once served as a welcoming gateway for travelers coming from the direction of Estepa. The structure was demolished in the 19th century but faithfully rebuilt in the 1990s. Today, the Puerta de Estepa city gate is a popular photo opportunity and a symbolic gateway to the city. The view of the old town through the arches is particularly impressive.