Malaga's Hidden Paradise: Velez-Malaga

We visited the town of Velez-Malaga, located a short distance from Malaga city last month. This town situated between the Mediterranean sea and the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain ranges, is the capital of the Axarquia region of Malaga province. We traveled here from Malaga city, as Velez is only 40 km away.

Velez-Malaga is both a historic town and a place that includes a coastal strip and some charming villages. It is generally off the tourist trail. So it is not very well known. You won’t be greeted in your native language, translated menus canbe a bit hit or miss and there are no tourist trap shops in sight.

We wandered through the town center, which is an intriguing core filled with history and visually appealing. The city walls and the castle hint at a less peaceful time during Moorish Spain. The municipality of Velez-Malaga includes the villages of Almayate, Benajarafe, Cajiz, Caleta de Velez and others. My favorites include Caleta de Velez with its port and marina, Benajarafe on the coast and Triana with its views and the charming hamlet of Zorilla.

If you find yourself in Malaga I recommend visiting this charming town. Visit Velez for great year-round weather, an authentic historic town, a deeper dive into Moorish Spanish history and Flamenco.