Velez-Malaga area guide

Välkommen till Velez-Malaga

Steeped in Spanish history and culture, Velez-Malaga is a traditional city away from, but close enough to, the vibrant, cosmopolitan Costa del Sol and Malaga city.

Velez-Malaga, known locally as Velez, is an ancient market city. With Phoenician, Roman and Carthaginian heritage sites intact and both baroque and Mudejar architecture dominating the city centre, there’s a whole scope of Spanish history to see in one place.

Despite being so close to the popular Costa del Sol resorts of Torre del Mar and Caleta de Velez, it has avoided the trappings of tourism. It remains an Spanish authentic city built on the agricultural processing, of crops grown nearby including sugarcane, olives and muscatel grapes, used to make the famous Malaga wines.

A medieval wall once encircled the old town, protected by the Moorish Fortress of Velez-Malaga; parts of both still stand. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Remedies is a typical 17th-century whitewashed church. Biennial Palace and Casa de Cervantes – where the writer Miguel de Cervantes is rumoured to have stayed – are examples of wealthy manor homes. The CAC Vélez-Málaga Centre for Contemporary Art is run from a beautifully restored religious school.

There is a thriving flamenco scene with monthly events run by Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez. Among the many fiestas, the Royal San Miguel festival stands out for its range of activities, concerts and food. The beaches at Caleta de Velez and Torre del Mar cater for a lively, international crowd and offer great cafes and restaurants, a promenade, a marina and water sports facilities. Golfers can pay to play at Baviera Golf course.

Plats

Community

The residents here are predominantly Spanish natives. There is a small Romanian settlement and a few international emigrants. Its popularity is increasing among northern Europeans expatriates.

Property

There is a push to regenerate the old town in Velez-Malaga with the mayor offering flexibility for renovators. Here you’ll find traditional villas and restored apartments. In the surrounding urbanisations of Cruz Cordero, El Limonar, Real Bajo and Alborán there are more modern villas and apartments. Those willing to head out of town may find the occasional townhouse dotted in the hills.

Amenities

This is a town suited to everyday living. It has everything you might need to get by. There is a regular Thursday market while those craving a modern shopping centre can travel to El Ingenio in Torre del Mar.

Transport

There is an airport for leisure flights in Velez-Malaga called Airport Axarquia but international flights depart from Malaga (a 40-minute drive away) or Granada (an hour and half away). From Malaga you can get a bus or taxi. Bus services run to Torre del Mar, Vinuela and Nerja.

Health

There are several medical centres in the town where you can register, visit a GP and even get out of hours health services. Comarcal Axarquía is the closest general hospital which lies on the outskirts of Torre del Mar.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is considerably cheaper in Velez-Malaga than in most of the Costa del Sol coastal resorts. The town’s real estate is great value and the cost of eating and drinking is lower.