The Guadalhorce Valley lies to the west of the city of Malaga itself, comprising the municipalities of Alhaurin el Grande, Almogia, Alora, Cartama, Coin, Pizarra and Valle de Abdalajis.
Surrounded by mountains, the interior of the valley consists of fertile plains near the banks of the river which are guarded over by a series of mountain ranges, namely El Hacho in Alora, Gibralmora in Pizarra, the Sierra de Cartama and the Sierra Gorda and Sierra Chica in Coin. The area is characterised by its rugged terrain, with just a short distance separating its highest peak, which stands 1,079 above sea level, and its lowest point (75 m). The many faults, ravines and gorges to be found here create a most unusual landscape in which breathtaking views abound.
Two major rivers run through the valley, the Guadalhorce and the Grande, in addition to a number of streams and overland flows that swell the volume of the Guadalhorce during the rainy season.
The area’s flora and fauna are heavily influenced by geography and climate, with a number of endemic species and specialisations closely linked to soil type to be found. One highlight of the vegetation is the rupicapnos africana, while local animal species include the black stork, which spends its winters in the area.
Over the years, human activity has also been shaped by the soils and the abundant presence of water, with certain types of agriculture being carried out in particular areas, thus creating the landscape that characterises the area today. In the drier zones and on the hillsides, olives and almond trees thrive, while cereal crops and, more recently, vines, are to be found on flatter ground. The irrigated areas are home to large citrus orchards and smaller fields of vegetable crops and fruit trees.
The extensive network of cattle trails underlines the importance of livestock, notably goats, in the area.
Several pit mines are also to be found here, and these have now become hives of activity thanks to the boom in the construction industry, one of the key sectors in the local economy.
Notable among the area’s industrial activities are meat processing and auxiliary services for the construction industry.
Since its inception, the Guadalhorce Valley Rural Development Group has striven to restore local products to their former glory. As far as the food industry is concerned, its most significant contribution has been made in the goat farming sector, and in particular the promotion of its main product, goat’s milk, as witnessed by the presence of four factories producing artisan cheeses in the area.