>> Discover Almeria <<

Inland Almeria /Los Velez

If you are thinking of moving to Spain or you are already in Spain and want to explore inland Almeria, please pay us a visit. We'd love to share our experience of living in the Los Velez region. If you look at the map you will see Almeria is the eastern most province of Andalusia which stretches almost 700 kilometres from the Portuguese boarder to Murcia. Andalusia incorporates the Costa del Sol and the fantastic Spanish cities of Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba.

Further north from us, along the Mediterranean coast toward Valencia and Barcelona, is the Costa Blanca. The Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol are the centres of tourism in southern Spain. The glitzy Marbella and Puerto Banus are situated west of Malaga on the Costa del Sol whilst you will find Torrevieja and Benidorm on the Costa Blanca.

Sandwiched in between these two famous Costas is the relatively quiet and tranquil province of Almeria. The beaches of Almeria are some of the best and least busy in the whole of Spain. The sea here is much warmer than on the Costa del Sol where the waters are cooled by the Atlantic currents. The beach resorts of Garrucha and Mojacar are full of life with hotels, restaurants and bars aplenty. Although busy in the summer these resorts are 'family friendly'; No stag /hen do's or loutish behaviour here!

If you move inland you will find authentic Spain. Perfectly positioned close to the coast but far away enough to feel you are immersed into Spanish life amongst the Andalusian villages set within the mountains surrounded by olive groves and almond trees. To see the almonds in blossom in January or February is worth a visit on its own!     

Los-Velez

When visiting Vélez-Blanco, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the golden eagles and griffon vultures you often see flying over the village and adjacent mountains. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the mountain park in which the city is located offers excellent hiking and biking. Spain is famous for its gastronomic excellence and Vélez-Blanco has many options. Tapas, of course, with local delicacies unique to the area, as well as any number of other traditional bars and restaurants, all with outdoor seating

A few kilometers to the north is the mountain town of Maria, which at 1200 meters is the highest village in the region. If you like extreme seasons, this pretty village may be for you. Like all of southern Spain, summers are hot, but in Maria winters can be cold. Snow is not uncommon, but clear blue skies mean that the sun's rays normally melt any lingering snow before noon. Just down the road from Velez Blanco is the bustling market town of Vélez-Rubio, which is the administrative capital of the Los Velez region. With a population of around 7,000, it is our largest city and has supermarkets, schools, health centers and all the other amenities you would expect from a city of its size.

Further south toward the coast are Chirivel and Oria both popular villages with a strong local identity and a thriving expat community, to help you settle in. Every village in Andalusia seems to have its own fiestas and parades where the entire local population turns out. Remember,  though, that in the summer time the Spanish party all night, so their fiestas rarely get started before 9 or 10 in the evening. Prepare for a long night!

                                        We would like to become part of your story!