Planning Your visit
We are excited to welcome you to sunny Málaga and glad that you have decided to come and visit us. Here is a guide to help you to plan your trip and have a wonderful stay.
The Málaga-Costa del Sol airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain. It serves as the main international airport for the southern region of Spain. Below you’ll find important information about arriving at the Málaga airport, but please visit the Airport Website or Contact Us if you have any unanswered questions.
FAQS
What do I do once I land in Malaga?
If your original point of departure is outside the European Union (EU), your baggage will NOT be at the carousel number assigned to your flight. In order to pass through customs, you will need to go to Carousels 31-34 located in a separate, glass-enclosed room near the end of the baggage claim area.
Please take advantage of the free luggage carts.
Proceed towards the exit and, if we have arranged to pick you up, a team member should be waiting for you at the point where International arrivals exit Customs.
US residents automatically have a 90-day tourist visa, no need to apply.
What’s the airport code?
AGP
How big is Malaga Airport?
It’s a relatively small airport with most flights arriving and departing from Terminal 2 or 3 (T2, T3), which are all in the same building.
Is there free WI-FI at the airport?
There is Free internet access but just for the first 15 minutes with limited speed.
What public transportation runs to/from the airport?
There is a “transportation hub” outside of T3, where you have taxi, bus, and train options.
From the arrivals level you can walk to the curb to take a taxi.
The bus station is located underground, and can be accessed from the arrivals level both inside and outside.
The train station is located underground. It runs to the main train station in Malaga and various points in the area. Signs in the airport clearly mark how to make your way down to the underground stations. Please note: The train does NOT run from the airport to our town, Alhaurin de la Torre.
What do I do if I am renting a car?
If you are renting a car while you are with us, please follow signs in the airport. Alhaurin de la Torre is easily accessed from the airport in about 15 minutes.
What do I do if I am arriving by train?
If you are arriving via long distance train at Malaga’s train station, Maria Zambrano, we will meet you by the tourist information office as you exit the train.
For help translating while traveling, reference this website with useful Spanish travel phrases.
Alhaurín de la Torre is a town in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, in southern Spain. The town is part of Málaga Metropolitan Area, some 17 km from there.
The municipality covers an area of 82 km2 between the Sierra de Mijas and Málaga basin, and is crossed by the river Guadalhorce. It is the most populous municipality in the region of Guadalhorce and third within the province, with 33,567 inhabitants
The origin of the place goes back to pre-historic times, and it is known that the Phoenicians that set up factories in Málaga and Cártama in about 1,000 BC settled in Alhuarín. It was here that Lauro was founded, and centuries later the Romans called it Lauro Vetus.
Accommodations in Alhaurin
La Morada, SentWell’s care and development center, is located in Alhaurín de la Torre. Learn more about this property and if we are able to accommodate you on our La Morada page. If we are unable to accommodate you at La Morada, other accommodation options can be found in the area:
Hotels & Hostals
Hotel Cortijo Chico
Address: Carretera MA-9001 Avenida de las Américas, s/n 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre
Phone number: +34.952.410.203
For rates and more information, please visit the website
We would highly recommend renting a car if you wish to stay at this hotel, due to its location on the outskirts of town.
Santa Clara Apartments
Address: Calle Segundillas s/n, 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre
Phone number: +34.952.416.524 / +34.952.414.037 / +34.678.798.334
For rates and more information, please visit the website
1 bedroom apartments, Public parking, Free WI-FI and free TV. Really good location.
Hotel Miguel Sanchez
Address: Calle Santa Monica 60, 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre
Phone number: +34.951.900.142
For rates and more information, please visit the website
1 bedroom apartments, Parking paid, only WIFI in common areas, free TV. Good quality
Houses in Pinos de Alhaurín
Contact: eguillaumot@hotmail.fr
Price from: 360€/week (in winter)
We would highly recommend renting a car if you wish to stay at one of these houses, due to its location on the outskirts of town.
Rentals
Aris Inmobilaria – Short and long term rentals
Recommended agent (English speaking): Esme Blom
Phone number: +34.952.415.358
Other options
If you are interested in alternative housing options, such as staying in a local retreat center or staying with someone who lives here, please contact us.
There are also properties available around Alhaurin de la Torre, on the Costa del Sol or in Malaga on Airbnb.
Car Rentals
(From the airport)
SIXT | BUDGET | HERTZ | RECORD GO
AVIS | THRIFTY | EUROPCAR | TIPOA
Bus Schedules
Buses run frequently between Alhaurín de la Torre and Málaga and cost 1.40 Euro each way. There are bus stops along the main road in Alhaurín. The times listed on the bus schedule do not give a specific time for each individual bus stop in town, so be sure to arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes early to be safe. The buses stop running around 10-11pm nightly. From the bus station in Málaga you can easily walk into the downtown area. Click on the link below for the schedule:
Bus Route Between Malaga – Alhaurin de la Torre
Train Schedules
Estación Maria Zambrano is the train station in downtown Málaga. It is located just behind the bus station and is a great option for day trips or extended excursions throughout Spain. Click on the link to the train company, RENFE, to check train schedules and purchase tickets.
*There is no train between Alhaurin de la Torre and Malaga.
Scooter/Bike Rentals
If you’re feeling adventurous, a scooter is a fun option to get around town. Check out some daily rentals at:
We want to help you enjoy your visit to the fullest, so below are suggestions for activities when in Southern Spain!
Arts & Culture
Flamenco
Vino Mio restaurant offers a flamenco show every night except Saturday. You have the option to sit at a table and enjoy dinner with your show or grab some tapas at the bar, though the view is better from the tables.
Kelipé is a show where you can enjoy classic style improvised flamenco sitting at the table around the stage. Shows are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and your ticket includes two drinks.
Theaters
Teatro Cervantes | Teatro Echegaray | Teatro Alameda
Museums & Cultural Sites
Picasso Museum – Free the last Sunday of the month
Alcazaba & Gibralfaro – The Gibralfaro is an old castle which sits up on a ridge that overlooks Málaga. At the bottom of the ridge is the Alcazaba, a palace-fortress. You have the option of hiking uphill to the fantastic views of the city, or you can drive up and park at the top. Cost: Combined ticket for 7.00€, Free on Sundays after 2pm.
Málaga Cathedral – Málaga’s main cathedral. Cost: 3.50€
Málaga Museum – Fine arts and archeology
Shopping
Calle Larios & Downtown Malaga
Calle Larios and the surrounding area make up a maze of pedestrian alleyways, filled with cafes and many little shops. Great place to wander and explore! See the map of Malaga below for the beginning of Calle Larios. (“Calle” means “street” in Spanish)
Local Mercados (Markets)
Málaga Central Market (Mercado de Atarazanas) – Even if you don’t intend to buy any fresh fish or veggies in the market, it’s worth a visit to see this beautifully restored building. If you’d like to read a bit of history behind the building, or get an idea of the produce and meat vendors you’ll see there, click here.
Alhaurín de la Torre
Every Wednesday morning until 2pm, it is market day in Alhaurín. About a 1/2 mile from La Morada, you’ll find a long aisle of outdoor market goods. Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and olives, clothes, and an assortments of other goods can be found here.
Rebaja Months
If you are with us during January or July, you’ll get to experience the various rebajas that each store offers! “Rebaja” means “sale” in Spanish, so you’ll get to search out some great bargains during these 2 months!
Outdoor Activities
Beach
Take a drive down the A-7 freeway and you’ll be on the Costa del Sol. See the map for a route from Alhaurín de la Torre to the coast, where you have your choice of beautiful beach towns.
Parks
La Concepcion Botanical Garden
If you’re visiting anytime April to September the Gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 8:30pm. If you’ve visiting from October to March, hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Cost: 4.20€/person
Parque de la Paloma- Located in the coastal town of Benalmádena. Beautiful park to walk and explore.
Parque de la Batería- Another great park to explore, located in Torremolinos
Rock Climbing
If you are interested in rock climbing, please visit Rock Climbing in Andalucia & Southern Spain. This site gives a wealth of information about where to find the best climbs, including the world famous gorge at El Chorro.
El Torcal
El Torcal de Antequera is a unique natural site, declared World Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. It is a great place for hiking, being in nature and contemplating the landscape.
Boating
Discover the coast of Málaga by boat.
La Rosaleda Stadium
La Rosaleda stadium, situated on Paseo de Martiricos, has been the home of football in Málaga since its official inauguration on 14th September 1941. Over 70 years, La Rosaleda has hosted League games, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League matches, eight Spain games as well as three group stage matches for the 1982 Spain World Cup, with Scotland, New Zealand and the former Soviet Union.
Miscellaneous
Bioparc Fuengirola – A different type of zoo, where animals live side by side, as in nature.
Selwo Aventura – Enjoy a great adventure in “Africa”.
Selwo Marina – Discover and enjoy the most exclusive programme of Interactions with sea animals.
SphereMania – Care to roll down a hill in a giant inflatable sphere? Go sphering in Marbella! On the website, click on Our Locations, then Marbella for more details.
Málaga Bike Tours – See Málaga on bike! The tour meets every morning at 10am next to the Tourism Office in Málaga.
Cooking classes/Food tours: Devour Malaga, Spanish Sabores, Spain Food Sherpas, A Cooking Day…
Wine Tasting – There are many wineries in the Province of Malaga, go and visit them!
Aqualand – Water park in nearby Torremolinos
Nerja Caves – Discover these magnificent caves, located in the town of Nerja, to the east of Malaga.
Whale Watching – Whales and Dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Things to Do Around Malaga and the Costa del Sol
Nerja – Nerja is a small fishing and agricultural village in Málaga.
Frigiliana – A distinctive framework of small white houses, piled one upon another.
Mijas – Mijas combines to the perfection its condition of mountain village with the important touristic development in its coastal zone.
Marbella – Marbella offers visitors the most extensive range and quality of tourism products to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean region.
For detailed itineraries and helpful tips for the locations listed above, access this blog for day trips around Malaga.
Day or Overnight Trips from Malaga
Dining out in Alhaurín
Alhaurín has many small cafes and restaurants. These are just a few recommendations to get you started.
Supermarket:
Supeco is closest to La Morada! Only a 5 minute walk.
Cafes/Tapas/Churros:
These are smaller cafes that serve churros in the morning and during merienda time (5-7pm, approx.). They are also good for breakfast or tapas later in the day.
Hidalbe (Av. Reyes Catolicos, 58)
Las Tres Marias (Av. Reyes Catolicos, 39)
Heladería Kalua (Av. Reyes Católicos, 6)
Churrería La Plazita (Av. España, 15)
El Artesano (C/Torremolinos, 78 – Churriana)
If you’re looking for a nice dinner out, there are great restaurants in and near Alhaurin. For more information, such as location and menus, click on the links below.
Sergio Megias Gastrobar (Av. Reyes Catolicos, 54)
Mesón Taberna el Toro (Av. España, 37) – Good traditional Spanish food with great Tapas!
La Consula (Finca La Consula s/n – Churriana) – A cooking school located in the next town over, Churriana. They are open weekday afternoons for lunch
La Flor - cafe and restaurant located in a garden store, Viveros Guzman!
Restaurante Cienfuegos (Av. Isaac Peral, 4)
Restaurante Viveros Guzman (Camino Joaquín Blume, s/n)
Los Barcos (C/ Jovellanos, 33) – Seafood
El Tinao de Julian (Pasaje del Barrio Viejo, 9)
Restaurante La Braseria (C/Reserva, 38)
Dining Out in Málaga
There are many great options for eating in Málaga. Again, this is a list of recommended places to get you started. If the restaurant has a website, it is linked to help you get a better idea of menus, locations, etc.
Cafes/Churros/Ice Cream:
Cafe Madrid (C/Caderería, 1-3) – Great for Madrid-style churros and chocolate and a cup of coffee
Heladeria Inma (C/Moreti, 16) – For dessert, head to the best ice cream spot in Malaga!
Casa Aranda (C/Herrería del Rey, 1)
El Ultimo Mono Juice & Coffee (C/Santa María, 9)
Santa Canela (C/Tomas Heredia, 5)
Casa Mira (C/Lirios, 5)
Yummy (C/Molina Lario, 6) – Gluten free and dairy free ice cream options
Mía Coffee Shop (Plaza de los Mártires, 4)
Play Planet Cafe & Shop (C/San Lorenzo, 18) – Play games and snacks
Restaurants:
Óleo Restaurante (C/Alemania s/n)
Restaurante Alexso (C/Mariblanca, 10)
Mercado Merced (C/Merced, 1)
Restaurante Amador (C/Bandaneira, 6)
Uri Sushi (C/Madre de Dios, 31) – Japanese and Korean Cuisine
Recyclo Bike Cafe (Plaza Enrique García Herrera, 16)(Av. Juan Sebastián Elcano, 60)
Brunchit (C/Alhóndiga, 2)(C/Carretería, 46)
La Bella Julieta (C/Puerta del Mar, 20)
Osteria Angelino (C/Pedro de Toledo, 4)
El Mesón de Cervantes (C/Álamos, 11)
Pizzeria Arte in Farina (Plaza de los Mártires, 11)
La Cosmopolita (C/Jose Denis Belgrano, 3)
Restaurante Toro – Muelle Uno (Centro Comercial Muelle Uno – Paseo de la Farola, local 65)
BlackLabel Urban Grill (C/Álamos, 22)
Restaurante Al-Yamal (C/Blasco de Garay, 7) – Moroccan Cuisine
La Luz de Candela (C/Dos Aceras, 18)
Noviembre (C/Álamos, 18)
El Patio Bodega (C/Granada, 39) – Paella
El Pimpi (C/Granada, 62) – Famous bodega (wine bar), also serves food
La Cueva (C/Matínez, 9)(Centro Comercial Muelle Uno)(C/Alarcón Luján, 1) – If you want to see the famous Spanish ham (jamón) legs hanging from the ceiling, come try it here!
El Tapeo de Cervantes (C/Cárcer, 8)