VELEZ MALAGA

The small town of Velez-Malaga lies 5km inland from Torre del Mar, surrounded by subtropical vegetation. Capital of La Axarquia, it is the centre of an agricultural region known for its production of strawberries and vineyards, which produce the muscatel grapes from which the famous Malaga wines are made. It is also a centre for the processing of olive oil and sugarcane. Ceramics feature among other industries. if you are here on a Thursday, take time to wander around its weekly market, always an enjoyable experience.

The town is crowned by a 13th century Moorish castle which has been well restored. There are good views of the surrounding countryside from up here. The oldest part of the town, known as Arrabal de San Sebastian, is a picturesque area of narrow streets. You will also come across attractive mansions built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Of special note, among the several churches to be found in the town, is the 15th century church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which shows the Mudejar style. This was the first building to be erected by the Christians, following their victory over the Moors here in 1487.