Guadalhorce

Coín
This lively market town overlooks the citrus and almond groves of the Pereilas and Alaminos river valleys, and has earned the nickname ‘Town of the Fountains’ thanks to an abundance of spring water. It's dominated by an attractive main church and square, flanked by traditional Andalucian townhouses. The recently opened La Trocha shopping centre, about 2 km from town, has a Dunnes Stores, a Supercor hypermarket plus around 50 other shops, free parking, a 7-screen cinema and bowling alley.

Coin is quintessentially Spanish, a white-washed town nestling in the hills of the Guadalhorce Valley and overlooked by the Sierra de Alpujata. Although it is still regarded as a small town, Coin officially obtained the title of city in 1925 by the then King Alfonso XIII. Characteristic of most Andalucian towns, both the Romans and the Moors ruled Coin at various stages throughout its history. However, it was the Moors who defined Coin, laying claim to it in 929 AD and converting it to one of the most important towns in the region. The Moors controlled Coin for almost five hundred years cultivating its agricultural estates and influencing the majority of its architecture. The irrigation systems established by the Moors in Coin are so good that some are still preserved to this day. Coin became an important commercial centre for wines, oils, dates, raisins and almonds. The Moors ruled until 1485, which was the year the Christians invaded and claimed control of the city.

Thanks to the excellent climatic conditions surrounding Coin and the abundance of water held within the sierra, the landscape has a variety of vegetation. Cork and pine groves are commonplace and are in stark contrast to the equally abundant plots of orange and lemon trees. Where the water doesn’t reach, the Coin countryside features olive groves and cereal plantations.

Alora
Situated in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery Andalucía has to offer, Alora is one of many traditional white villages in the area. Close to the stunning El Chorro gorge and ancient spa town of Carratraca, Alora is a perfect base for exploring the area and discovering for yourself why so many people are opting to make it their home.

Carratraca, known as the Diamond of Malaga, has been famous for its sulphur water spas since Roman times. In its heyday in the 19th century, when taking the waters was the height of fashionable travel, this spa attracted such famous visitors as Lord Byron and Empress Marie Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The baths are open from June 15th - October 15th every year. A complete day's treatment costs arond 120 euros. Carratraca is also famous for its Easter passion play performed in the bullring by about 140 villagers on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

For a relaxing drink or meal, visit the charming, slightly dilapidated, romantic old hotel, Hostal del Principe, located in the town. Converted from an inn which King Fernando VII of Spain ordered to be built for himself and his retinue in 1830. It has its own connecting corridor leading directly to the baths.