General Background
Located to the west of Málaga, the town of Vélez-Málaga has a population of over 80,000 and stands 60 metres above sea level. Only a kilometre or so away from the coast, the town is one of Spain’s hidden gems and is definitely worth a visit on your travels across the Costa del Sol – a charming town filled with all the amenities you could wish for.
About the Area
Considered the main gateway to La Axarquía – the north-eastern inland area in Málaga province – Vélez-Málaga is a large Spanish town featuring narrow streets and attractive white-washed buildings. It also has all the typical amenities of a modern town (bars, restaurants, shops) and serves as a commercial hub for surrounding villages in La Axarquía.
What to See
Located on the outskirts of Vélez-Málaga, El Ingenio shopping centre offers a great range of shops and restaurants. There is also ample parking available, and it’s not too far a walk from the beach.
Ideally, you should make time to check out the 13th century Fortaleza de Vélez-Málaga, a stunning fortress which has towered over the Vélez skyline for more than a thousand years. It truly is a sight to behold, described as the town’s most iconic attraction for tourists and locals alike.
There are also several historical buildings and churches to view, as well as the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo Vélez-Málaga (contemporary art museum).
How to Get There
Getting to Vélez-Málaga is relatively easy by car or bus: simply follow the dual carriageway in the direction of Nerja until you reach Vélez-Málaga. This highway is actually sandwiched between the sea and mountain range, so it’s easy to know if you are on the right one or not!
When you arrive, it’s a good idea to use a sat nav or GPS to get around, as it can become quite disorientating. However, if you do get lost, simply head towards the mountains and you will usually find the dual carriageway again pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, there is no train service in the area, but there are taxis if you haven’t rented a car.