Things to See and Do in Vélez Blanco and Vélez Rubio

In the northwest of the province of Almería, nestled almost on the border with the Region of Murcia and shielded by the stunning Sierra María Natural Park, lies the enchanting Comarca de los Vélez. This region is home to the charming towns of Vélez Blanco and Vélez Rubio, both of which are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’ve never explored this area, you’re missing out on a unique experience that combines history, nature, and local culture. Join us as we delve into our adventures and uncover the best things to see and do in Vélez Blanco and Vélez Rubio.

Exploring Vélez Blanco: A Hidden Treasure

Our journey began along a winding road, where we encountered only a couple of cyclists and a rabbit—seriously, just a rabbit. This scenic route climbs to about 1,000 meters, passing through orchards and fields of fruit, revealing the deep essence of Almería that many travelers overlook. For those of us fortunate enough to uncover this treasure, the rewards are plentiful.

We were eager to explore this tucked-away corner, known as one of the province's hidden treasures, and our expectations were not just met—they were exceeded. This was merely our first foray into the area, and plans are already in motion for a return trip to explore the other two towns in the Comarca de los Vélez: María and Chirivel.

Visiting Vélez Blanco: The Jewel of the Region

The crown jewel of this region is undoubtedly Vélez Blanco, largely thanks to its iconic Castillo de los Fajardo, which majestically overlooks the town from a hilltop. Originally established in 1506 over a former Moorish alcazaba, this castle-palace became the seat of power for the newly appointed Marquis of Vélez.

While it boasts a formidable exterior typical of fortresses, Don Pedro Fajardo, the castle's owner, aspired to create a stunning aesthetic. He enlisted Italian artists and sculptors to adorn the Court of Honor with exquisite Macael marble.

The result is breathtaking. With a blend of Renaissance and Gothic elements, it stands as one of the finest examples of hybrid architecture from that era. Yet, the irony is that to see the magnificent Court of Honor in its entirety, one must travel to New York—specifically, the MET.

How did that happen? The entire Court of Honor was sold in 1904 and now resides in this famous museum. If flying to New York isn’t on your agenda, you can take a virtual peek at the courtyard here. For more on this unexpected story, click here.

Regardless of the missing patio, the castle itself is awe-inspiring. Best of all, entry is free, allowing visitors to stroll through a piece of history without any cost. The views from the castle are equally impressive, offering sights of the fertile plains, the charming white houses of the old town, and the intriguing mountain known as La Muela (part of the Sierra del Gigante).

There is free parking near the castle, right next to Mesón Antonia, making it convenient to leave your car while you take in the sights without the strenuous climb.

For truly breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding Sierra, head to the Collado de las Arenas. This lookout point, located just outside town, can be reached by car or via a scenic walking trail from Vélez Blanco. Here is the exact location.

Other Activities and Sights in Vélez Blanco

• Begin your visit at the Centro de Visitantes Almacén del Trigo on Av. Marques de los Vélez. Here, you can learn about the town's history, key attractions, hiking routes, and more.
• Stroll through the La Morería neighborhood, the oldest part of town, where the Muslim population resided until 1570. Don’t miss the Church of Magdalena, built over the former mosque, preserving its bell tower and pointed arch.
• Visit the beautiful Fuente Caños de Caravaca, an 18th-century fountain adorned with colorful tiles, which provides refreshing water to locals and tourists alike.
• Explore the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, a monumental structure showcasing Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance architectural styles, located on Av. Corredera.
• Relax at a café near the picturesque Casa de los Arcos or the Convento de San Luis, known for its stunning main portal.
• Enjoy local delicacies at one of the town’s charming terraces—like the lively Bar Hostal Sociedad—perfect for soaking up the weekend atmosphere.
• Don’t miss the weekly local markets held on Wednesdays in Vélez Blanco and Saturdays in Vélez Rubio, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Highlight: The Cueva de los Letreros

The Cueva de los Letreros is another compelling reason to visit the Comarca de los Vélez. This cave is home to Neolithic rock paintings, featuring the famous Indalo symbol of Almería and a mysterious figure resembling a shaman, which we couldn't help but liken to Pan.

To visit the cave, you need to make an appointment at 694467136, with a nominal entry fee of €2. For additional details, click here.

Discovering Vélez Rubio

After leaving Vélez Blanco and its magnificent Fajardo Castle, we made our way to Vélez Rubio. While it may not possess the same charm as its neighbor, it is far from unattractive.

A leisurely stroll through its historic center reveals stunning Baroque buildings, such as the Church of the Incarnation, with its impressive brick towers and beautiful stone portico. Additionally, the Miguel Guirao Regional Archaeological Museum showcases fascinating archaeological finds from prehistoric, Roman, and Arab times.

In Vélez Rubio, specifically at the Cerro de Castellón, you can also find the remnants of the ancient alcazaba where the last sultan of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada, Boabdil, once resided.

Another reason to pause in this town is to savor its culinary offerings. The local cuisine is delightful, offering traditional dishes such as migas de harina, choto a la pastoril, gurullos with hare or rabbit, and desserts like anise cookies and wine pastries.

If you’re keen on experiencing local traditions and festivities, visit Vélez Rubio during Holy Week, as the locals celebrate with great passion, or during the festivities in honor of the Holy Christ of the Yedra in August—a cultural experience not to be missed.

Accommodation Options in Los Vélez

While a day trip is enjoyable, consider extending your stay for a night or two to explore the region more leisurely. Here are some recommended accommodations in the area:

• Hotel Casa de los Arcos (Vélez Blanco)
• Hotel Velad (Vélez Blanco)
• Cortijo Blanco (Sierra María)
• La Casa de Asensia (Vélez Rubio)

As we wrap up our adventure, we can't help but look forward to returning. What about you? Are you ready to explore this beautiful Almerian comarca? If you know of more things to see and do in Vélez Blanco and Vélez Rubio, feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

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