Five Quotes to Fall in Love with the Capital of Axarquia

Some may fall in love at first sight, but just in case, Vélez-Málaga offers up to five different opportunities this weekend, starting on Valentine's Day. From Friday to Sunday, there will be particularly intense days to fall in love with the attractions of the 'capital' of Axarquía, known for historical sites such as its fortress, the church of Santa María La Mayor, or the La Villa neighborhood. This very special weekend will kick off in this last enclave, where the Rincón del Beso (Kiss Corner) will be inaugurated for Valentine's Day.

To spice up the event, a highly romantic contest has been organized. Those who are most original in their kissing will win. The prize includes a hotel night and a romantic dinner in the heart of this ancient city. The main event will be a kissing contest where participants will test their creativity in kissing and compete for a hotel night and a romantic dinner in a restaurant in the historic center.

The following day, Saturday, a new edition of the Portovelis market will take place, where you can buy artisanal and gastronomic products thanks to nearly forty stalls set up between Plaza de las Carmelitas and Canalejas Street. This time, the event will start at noon and continue until eight in the evening. In addition to the various exhibitors, there will be a great atmosphere thanks to a band playing in this area of the center.

Moreover, from Friday evening until Sunday, the first edition of Festibeer, a gathering for lovers of quality beer, will be held in Andalucía Park, i.e., within the urban perimeter but relatively close to the historic center.

From 7 PM on Friday until Sunday evening, this park in the Axarquía city will open its taps to enjoy various brands of proven quality. On Sunday, there will even be a private beer tasting at 1:00 PM. In addition to tasting, different dishes will be available for pairing at the designated stalls. Furthermore, during these three days, there will be various activities to enhance the beer tasting experience, such as concerts or a foosball tournament. Simultaneously, during this weekend, those visiting Vélez-Málaga can enjoy two important cultural events. On one hand, the play 'Boabdil. The Last King', a work by Jesús García Amezcua that delves into the last days of the Nasrid kingdom, will be performed at the Carmen Theater starting at 8 PM on Saturday.

On the other hand, this Sunday will be the last day to visit the exhibition 'Nazareno, II Station of the Via Crucis, according to Sánchez Mesa', which is open to the public in the Museum of Holy Week, located inside the aforementioned church of Santa María La Mayor. These five events make up a comprehensive proposal to enjoy the many attractions offered by the capital of Axarquía: from its old town to its cofrade passion.

At the same time, there will be time to make some of the most outstanding visits through the urban area of Vélez. Among them are the fortress, the neighborhood of La Villa itself, the Mihrab Arch, the House of Cervantes, the church of San Juan Bautista, the palace of the Marquis of Beniel, or the chapel of the Virgen de los Remedios, known as the 'transparent hermitage' for having murals by Evaristo Guerra that project the image of the surroundings.

Other historical sites not to be missed are the fountain of Felipe II, the Alhóndiga, the old Hospital of San Juan de Dios, the monastery of Nuestra Señora de Gracia (known as 'Las Claras'), as well as valuable chapels and hermitages with centuries of history.

Fortress

Castle. In the upper part of the old town are the remains of the walled enclosure of this city. Although most of what is seen has been restored, Andalusian vestiges are also visible. Additionally, there are excellent panoramic views. Where: In the upper part of the old town of Vélez-Málaga.

Church of Santa María La Mayor

Historic. What was once the first church of Vélez now houses the Holy Week Museum of the town, which is especially known for its cofrade passion. Where: Access via Fortaleza Street.

Barrio de La Villa

Typical. At the foot of the castle, you can find the neighborhood that was once the Andalusian medina. Today, it is an ideal place to stroll. Where: Entrance via Plaza de la Constitución.

Casa de Cervantes

Past. A cultural use building that could have been the residence of Miguel de Cervantes during the time he lived in Vélez-Málaga. Where: San Francisco Street.

Arco Mihrab

Nasrid. Entrance to a 14th-century mosque, which is well-preserved because it was part of a house in Vélez-Málaga for years. Where: Plaza de la Gloria.

La Sastrería

Meats. This grill, located in the historic center of Vélez, is a good option for lovers of meat dishes. In addition to traditional pork sirloins and grilled beef entrecotes, they offer other succulent options such as knuckle, suckling pig Segovian style, or an exotic 'Cube Roll Black Angus American'. Their extensive wine list and tapas are other incentives to have lunch or dinner at this Vélez restaurant. Where: Plaza de la Constitución, 2. 29700 Vélez-Málaga. Phone: 951 734 249. www.lasastreriaasador.es

Puerta Nueva

Molletería. For over six years, this establishment has become one of the temples of the mollete in the province of Málaga. Its owner, Sergio Muñoz, strongly committed to this bread so associated with the province to offer a very varied menu, where the mollete with pan-fried loin and grilled egg stands out, among a wide repertoire of options that often refer to Malaga or Andalusian cuisine. In addition to molletes, they also offer other breads ideal for breakfast, such as the pitufo. Where: Avenida Villa de Madrid, 53. 29700 Vélez-Málaga. Phone: 650 771 211.

La Casa de las Titas

Apartments. In the heart of the old town of Vélez, this complex of apartments offers a cozy stay, regardless of its duration. This accommodation periodically offers the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the old town of Vélez. Where: Calle Magdalena, 2, Bajo. 29700 Vélez-Málaga. Phone: 952 502 061. www.lacasadelastitas.com