Vélez Malaga travel information and video

Velez Malaga

Velez Malaga is the capital of the Axarquia region in Malaga, situated 1 kilometre inland from the coast of Torre del Mar and 26 kilometres from the city of Malaga.

It sits on the scenic Route of Sun and Avocado, which follows the sunny, white washed villages, whose agricultural lands produce succulent avocados.

It is the largest town in the Axarquia and yet despite its close proximity to the coast, it hasn’t yet developed into a major tourist resort.

History
The origins of Velez Malaga date back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, and a good deal of ancient remains from these civilizations have been in the local area. The Greek settlement of Mainake is said to be have been located in this area.

Under Roman rule Velez Malaga was an important city for trade and under the Moors was an important strategic and cultural centre.

Around town
Velez Malaga is very much a working Spanish town, which lies in a valley where the River Velez flows. Being a working town you have all the amenities needed to enjoy your holiday to the full including bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, chemists, etc.

The bustling old town with its narrow, cobbled streets and Mudejar architecture is very picturesque.

There is a weekly market every Thursday.

Cultural attractions
The town has some interesting architectural examples and monuments, including the 13th century Fortaleza castle, which stands in the centre of town in the district of Arrabal de San Sebastian.

The Palace of the Marquises of Beniel is located in San Sebastian and is a wonderful example of Mudejar architecture. Other Mudejar style buildings in Velez Malaga include the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and the Church of San Juan Bautista.

There are also ancient convents and monasteries, which are well worth a visit.

Places to visit
The whole of the beautiful Axarquia region is a great place to explore if you enjoy rambling and getting out into the great outdoors and away from the droves of the coastal towns. Along the coast are the pretty resorts of Nerja and Frigiliana and the ski resort of the Sierra Nevada and the historical city of Granada are just one hour’s drive
away.

Eating out
There are some fabulous traditional Spanish restaurants and tapas bars, and a few international
restaurants, although less than some of its Costa del Sol counterparts.

Climate
Torrox enjoys a typically inland Andalusia climate, being extremely hot in the summer and temperate in the winter, although when it rains the streets become awash. The residents enjoy around 2,800 hours of annual sunshine.