The Town Of Velez-Malaga is located 26km east of Malaga, a few km inland form the costal resort of Torre Del Mar. The City is the capital of the Axarquia Region Of Andalcia in the Malaga Province.
It has a population of over 55,000 and though it is close to the coast has not really developed a Torism industry.

The City lies in the wide valley of the River Vélez from where its main resources are found. These are agricultural products of vines, olives, sugar cane and vegetable and salad crops. Good quality olive oils and wine are produced here. There are also many garden nurseries growing and selling a wide range of plants, trees and seeds.

It is a working town but still has varied and very interesting architecture and old palaces. The origins go back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, from which civilisations a great many important remains have been discovered. The Greek city of Mainake is reputed to have stood here. Under Roman rule, when it was known as Menoba, it was an important centre of commerce and trade. During eight centuries of Moorish occupation it was known as Ballix-Malaca (Fortress of Malaga) when again it was an important strategic, cultural and commercial centre.

Despite the fact it is not regarded as a major tourist destination Valez has some stunning places of intrest to visit
Such as

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

Fortaleza - 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 16 metre high tower, built to guard the town, still stands in good repair as a symbol of the Moorish civilisation of Velez-Malaga

Church of Santa María la Mayor (Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor) - 16th century in Mudejar style. Triple nave and stunning ceiling

- 15th century in Mudejar style with a valuable Baroque retable by Berruguete

Hospital of San Marcos - founded in 1487 by Catholic Monarchs.

Valez also has four convents and monasteries of artistic merit - these being San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sant José and Las Carmelitas.

The oldest part of the town, known as Arrabal de San Sebastián, is a picturesque area of narrow streets. You will also come across attractive mansions built during the 16th and 17th centuries, including the recently restored Palacio del Marqués de Beniel, Plaza Palacio 1 which hosts the International Summer School of the Axarquía covering all aspects of culture including flamenco concerts.

FIESTAS
Romerias to different shrines and spots are organised frequently from May to September. On September 27th, the San Miguel Feria – in honour of the town’s patron saint - is held to coincide with the feast day of St Michael (and all the archangels). It is a good time to pay the town a visit since there is so much going on, with daytime and nighttime merrymaking, as well as a cattle fair. The people of Torre del Mar adorn the streets and give themselves over to having fun on July 26th for the feast day of the patron saints, Santiago and Santa Ana. With its maritime tradition, the town also celebrates the eve of the feast of the Virgin del Carmen, on July 15th. In the spring, the Cross Festival is held between April 27th and May 3rd, when the conquest of Vélez-Málaga by King Ferdinand is remembered. As everywhere in Andalucía, Holy Week processions are organised and in Vélez-Málaga many remarkably beautiful images are carried through the streets in procession

The city makes a good base for people visiting the area although most people head for Torre Del Mar one of the main tourist resorts of the Costa del Sol. Located in the eastern part of the Coast, the town is the beach resort of Vélez-Málaga, capital of the Axarquia region.
There are unsubstantiated claims that Torre del Mar once formed part of an ancient Greek settlement known as Manake which is believed to have been destroyed by the Carthaginians, prior to the arrival of the Romans. These days the town is better known for its four kilometres of sandy beaches lined with restaurants, bars and apartments; the latter primarily catering for summer visitors. At the seafront end of Paseo de Larios is a line of bars and discos known as El Copo, which kick on all night on Friday and Saturday and attracts crowds from far afield.
One of the resort’s most pleasant features is the extended esplanade which follows the coast to reach the Marina of Caleta de Vélez which has over 200 berths and offers sailing and a variety of other watersports. Its lively cafés and restaurants also provide a good place in which to idle the time away, as well as enjoy excellent seafood

There are some usefull websites for visitors to the area

Town Website (in spanish)

Information Site In English