Velez-Malaga, a charming municipality located in the eastern part of the province of Malaga, is the fourth largest in terms of population, with approximately 77,000 inhabitants. This place has an important architectural legacy that includes ancient Moorish palaces, Christian churches and other buildings from past centuries that are open to visit.
Throughout its history, Velez-Malaga has experienced massive deforestation to make way for cultivation and agriculture, especially sugar cane, which was the economic engine during the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, it is difficult to find areas with their original vegetation, except on the banks of the Velez river.
Velez-Malaga, with a past that dates back to Roman and Phoenician settlements, was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century. During the 13th and 15th centuries, it became an important city of the kingdom of Granada, expanding beyond its walls and giving rise to towns like Almayate and Benajarafe.
In 1487, the city was besieged by the Christians, who promised to maintain the possessions of the inhabitants if they surrendered. However, this promise was not fulfilled and the abuses resulted in a rebellion that was crushed, dispersing the original population to the south of the peninsula and the north of Africa.
After the conquest, the city evolved with the construction of new religious buildings and squares, and the creation of watchtowers to defend against pirates. Sugar cane drove the local economy, leading to population growth around the factories.
From 1960, the tourist boom of the Costa del Sol reached Velez-Malaga, leading to the construction of new apartment blocks and residences.
If you visit Velez-Malaga, we recommend taking a walk through the old town, where you can appreciate the architecture adapted to the terrain, picturesque streets and various religious buildings and palaces.
Built between 1610 and 1616, it is a place of historical interest. Location
A 19th century manor house that stands out for its architecture. Location
Built at the beginning of the 20th century with the arrival of the train from Malaga, although it was later discontinued. It is located in Torre del Mar. Location
An impressive castle that dominates the city. Location
Some of the walls that surrounded the old Velez-Malaga are still standing. The Fortress House of the Marquis is a defensive construction from the 18th century. Location
Velez-Malaga has a variety of museums and cultural attractions that reflect its rich history and artistic heritage.
Velez-Malaga is a beach destination par excellence, with a coastline that extends over several kilometres. The beaches are of fine golden sand, bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean. They are the perfect place to sunbathe, swim or simply relax.
Velez-Malaga is known for its vibrant fairs and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the region.
For more information about the fairs and festivals in Velez-Malaga, we recommend visiting the official website of the Velez-Malaga City Council.
Velez-Malaga is accessible through several bus lines that make stops in the municipality. Some of these lines include:
In addition, Velez-Malaga had a tram that started operating in 2006, connecting Torre del Mar with Velez-Malaga. However, this service had to be suspended due to budgetary restrictions.
If you are travelling from Malaga or the airport, you can reach Velez-Malaga by road, either by taking the coastal road or the motorway to Granada, where you will need to take the detour to Velez-Malaga. If you need a vehicle, you can check for a car hire in Malaga.
A quick and comfortable alternative is to take a taxi from Malaga airport.
In the following map, you can see the road route to get to Velez Malaga from Malaga.