"Thanks be to God sirs, for bringing us to such good quarters for if I do not deceive myself the ground we stand on is that of Velez Malaga" Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes
As capital of Axarquia it is the largest and most important of the region,in terms of history, city culture and wealth. Must of their lands are located in the Valley of the river of its name, all of them engaged in the cultivation of fruit trees and subtropical products, vegetables, sugarcane etc.
Although its origins are much older, it was in the Arab period when it acquired entity as important square for its wealth and strategic value. Development has been limited to an area known as the Villa old population that keeps even the Puerta Real and Antequera. There are also many monuments and attractions such as the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Town Hall, the Church of San Juan Bautista, the convent of San Francisco etc. The old fortress is preserved in good condition the Torre of Homenaje and the Paño de la Muralla.
In the coastline several towns of a traditional fishing and agricultural back graund have gone on to become centres of sun and beach tourism: Chilches , Benajarafe, Almayate, Caleta de Vélez , Mezquitilla , Lagos and especially Torre del Mar, a populous core that offers good tourist services and superb clean beaches .
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