The local area - Los Velez

An area of outstanding natural beauty situated to the north of Almeria Province. The four towns and villages which comprise Los Velez are surrounded by wonderful mountain landscapes and vast forested areas of the Sierra Maria National Park.

The Park is close to the borders of both Granada and Murcia Provinces and has very good road links via the A92 North and autovia Mediterraneo E15 motorways.

There are historical caves, castles, beautiful and breathtaking churches to visit and if you would like a day at the beach it is only 45 minutes away.

Amenities and Services

Although very rural and quiet with no industry the area provides everything. Excellent road and motorway networks with very light traffic mean that the four airports which service the area are within easy reach. Alicante approx 1hr 30 mins, Almeria 1hr 10 mins, Granada 1hour 30 mins and Murcia (St Javier) 1hr 15mins.

There are three hospitals within 25 minutes drive, doctors, chemists, dentists, good pre-school facilities, junior and secondary schools, vets, shops of all descriptions, supermarkets, street markets, bars, discos for children, public swimming pools and a wealth of good restaurants.

The area is virtually crime free and our Spanish neighbours are friendly, kind and very hospitable.

Visiting the Area

Your visit should really be for an absolute minimum of 4 days, but a week would be ideal. This gives you time to spend sightseeing and to decide whether or not the area is for you. There is so much to see and if you appreciate natural beauty, peace and quiet and lots of wildlife you will not be disappointed.

Velez Rubio

This is a place of enormous historical significance. The town lies at the foot of the Sierra de Maria and proudly boasts the finest baroque religious building in Almeria Province, the Church of La Encarnation.

Velez Blanco

A beautiful postcard picture perched on a hill and sheltered by the Monte Maimon. The town offers stunning views and has a vast historical legacy. Velez Blanco is dominated by an impressive castle which stands at over 1,000 metres above sea level.

Maria

Situated at the foot of the Sierra Maria in a beautiful landscape. The pine forests and the various signed walks through the National Park make this a popular place to visit. Its history dates from prehistoric times and examples are there to see.

Chirivel

This village became independent from Velez Rubio at the end of the 19th century and its archaeological heritage dates from Roman times. A pleasant village situated at the foot of the Sierra de La Maria.
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Around Los Velez

The area is a very popular destination for those who love nature, history and active tourism sports.

There are various museums to visit and they explain rather well the culture of the area, including old grain milling machinery and ancient olive presses.The numerous pressing plants still active produce very high quality oil which is used to flavour most of the delicious specialities served in the local restaurants.

There are lots of fiestas and processions at various times of the year when the streets are filled with music, dancing, laughter and the parades at Easter show off magnificent religious effigies.

For more information visit www.losvelez.com