Vélez de Benaudalla

Vélez de Benaudalla is an unspoiled, traditional whitewashed, Spanish village nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras in the Granada province. Surrounded by spectacular countryside, Vélez de Benaudalla is perfectly located with easy access to:

• the Costa Tropical - 15 minutes to the fantastic beaches in Salobreña and Motril
• the beautiful city of Granada where the amazing Alhambra Palace can be found - 30 minutes to the centre of Granada
• the Sierra Nevada ski resort - 45 minutes to world class skiing
• with the new motorway finished, Malaga airport is just one hour away

Vélez de Benaudalla has a microclimate that makes it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and so it has always been a favorite location among people since Phoenician times.

Vélez de Benaudalla is steeped in history. You can wander through the ancient streets to the 16th century Ulloa Muslim castle, which was rebuilt by the Catholic Monarchs after the Reconqista (early 1500’s). The castle consists of two floors with thick masonry walls decorated with serigraph drawings.

And then onto the center of the village, with its village fountain and long, straight main street. Walking towards the 'Plaza de Constitucion', you will find the Church of the Rosary, constructed during the 18th century by Ventura Rodriguez on the site of the ancient Mudejar Church, and built in a classic cross design.

One of the most cherished assets of Spain for the Muslims was the abundance of water, so fountains and running water were a central theme for any garden or palace. It is no wonder that Vélez de Benaudalla, with its abundance of water and command over a then navigable river (Guadalfeo) should attract their eye. A most pleasant surprise about Vélez de Benaudalla is the natural spring ('Nacimiento') in the middle of the village. The water comes directly out of the earth in an impressive flow in the middle of a gorgeous park and is the principle source of the village’s ample water supply.

On the edge of the natural border of the village we find the Nazarí Gardens (el Jardín Nazarí) that go back to the times of Muslim Spain. Inspired by Granada architecture, it is generally considered to be the finest example of a Hispanic-Muslim gardens in Spain. It is referred to by many as the second 'Generalife', comparing it with the extensive gardens of the Alhambra in Granada.

The Nazarí Gardens consists of four different features: the garden, the old mill (built in 1815), the ancient irrigation canals and the old manor house. The delicate splash of falls and flowing water produce an immense sense of serenity when wandering about the garden.

Vélez de Benaudalla is a living and working village with all amenities available. A good choice of shops, bakeries (with delicious homemade breads and cakes), banks, a pharmacy and a doctors surgery. Numerous Spanish bars and restaurants many of which offer complimentary and delightful 'tapas' with every round of drinks. Picnics and swimming in the local river (Guadalfeo), a couple of play areas/parks. A municipal swimming Pool where you can swim a few laps under the gaze of the surrounding mountains. 2003 saw the completion of an enormous dam just 2 kilometres north of Vélez de Benaudalla, the "Presa de Rules", which is used for recreation such as boating, fishing etc.

There are lots of local festivals. A highlight of the rich history in Vélez de Benaudalla was the 3-year battle between the Moors and the Christians from 1568-70. It is celebrated each year in the annual festival of San Antonio the weekend closest to June 13th. The citizens of the village stage a colossal daylong event with the Moors first taking the 16th century castle in the morning and being ousted by the Christians in the afternoon, with plenty of local wine, colourful costumes and good cheer for all.

Great walks in the Alpujarras in every direction, and the chance to practise rock climbing at the highest level. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada from November to May. Sunbathe in the beaches of Motril and Salobreña.

There are few places in the world where you can ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon! We are lucky to have it all here. Vélez de Benaudalla is a charming village, definitely a place to consider as a day's outing, a vacation, or even as a residence.

Come and visit us.

For more in-depth information:

Vélez de Benaudalla - Granadapedia

Vélez de Benaudalla - Wikipedia

Vélez de Benaudalla - Sus Rutas

Also checkout Frigiliana, another beautiful tropical Andalusian
destination located less than an hour from the Malaga airport.
http://www.frigiliana.com