The busy town of Velez Malaga is often overlooked by many visitors to the Costa del Sol, mainly I imagine as it lies 5 km inland from Torre del Mar and perhaps thought to be a little off the beaten track and has not developed a major tourist industry, however it is only a 5 minute drive from the Coast and is well worth visiting.

Velez Malaga is the Capital of the Axarquia region and sits in the beautiful valley of the River Velez surrounded by sub tropical vegetation. Velez Malaga or simply Velez as it is often referred to on these parts, has a thriving agricultural commerce producing vines, strawberries, olives, sugar cane and other vegetables. The muscatel grape is used to produce one of the the world famous sweet Malaga Wines .

Velez is also steeped in history and its origins go back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, many important remains have been discovered in the area.The Greek city of Mainake is reputed to have stood here. And whilst under Roman rule it was known as Menoba, and was an important centre of commerce and trade. And as is the case of most parts of Andalucia the Moore's occupied Velez for some Eight centuries and was known as Ballix-Malaca (Fortress of Malaga) when once again it was an important cultural, strategic and commercial centre.

There are several churches to be found in the town, one of the most beautiful is the 15th-century church of Santa María la Mayor, whose beautiful sectioned tower still holds the minaret of the mosque that preceded it, this church was the first building to be erected by the Christians, following their victory over the Moors.

Other Places of Interest in Velez are.

• The Moorish castle ( Fortaleza ) ws built in the 13th century, the castle stands on top of a hill in the centre of Arrabal de San Sebastián, the oldest district of the town. The main tower, built to guard the town, still stands to his very day and is in good repair. There are nice views of the surrounding countryside from the Castle.
  
  
• The Hospital of San Marcos, founded by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487.
  
  
• Four convents and monasteries of artistic merit - these being San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sant José and Las Carmelitas.
  
  
• The Church of Santa María la Mayor (Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor) – built in the 16th century it ws constructed in the Mudejar style with a triple nave and stunning ceiling.
  
  
• Palace of the Marquises of Beniel (Palacio de los Marqueses de Beniel) - in the attractive old area of San Sebastián, now a municipal building, is in Mudejar style with a magnificent vaulted ceiling above the stairwell.
  
  Church of San Juan Bautista - 15th century in Mudejar style with a valuable Baroque retable by Berruguete..