Velez de Benaudalla
Velez is an historic village which has had a strong moorish influence in times past. There are many interesting walks nearby such as the climb up to the castle tower at the top of the village or a leisurely stroll to the local Rules reservoir. The village has many bars, shops and restaurants for you to explore and known locally for its Nazari gardens which you can visit in the villlage for a small fee. There are also various playgrounds, ice cream/sweet kiosks and a covered sports area for racket sports, basket ball etc… Fresh mineral water is available from the many natural springs which are dotted around the village. On a sunny day why not head to a great picnic spot by the river guadalfeo at the end of the village. Check out the links below for more information
General local info….
http://www.andalucia.com/province/granada/velez-de-benaudalla/home.htm
Nazari Gardens….
https://salobrena.wordpress.com/tag/nazari-gardens/
Local Region
The Costa Tropical Granada is on the southern coast of Spain at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol. It takes it’s name from the sub-tropical climate that prevails in this area. Inland is the Sierra Nevada and its foothills which are called Las Alpujarras.
The region of mountain villages known as Las Alpujarras clings to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, made up of deep, sheltered valleys and gorges which run down towards the Mediterranean. The Alpujarra, as it is popularly known, in the singular, is famous throughout Spain because of its unique mini-ecology. Its terraced farmlands constantly watered by melting snow from above, constituting a high-altitude oasis of greenery which stands in dramatic contrast to the foothills below. This is an ideal location for hillwalking, mountain biking and rock climbing, terrain for adventurous travelers, the average altitude is 4,000 feet above sea level.
This is the perfect location for those who enjoy peace and tranquillity or just being outdoors. However 15 minutes away by car you arrive at Salobrena beach where there are numerous bars and resturants along the promenade.
If you don’t believe us just check the reviews below on trip advisor. It really is a fantastic part of the world.
There is more information on the Alpujarras at the following websites.
Nearby Motril is a modern cosmopolitan town known locally for its rum and is a busy port where you can get a fast 4 hour ferry to Morocco. Alternatively head north to Granada to explore this interesting city and visit the Alhambra Palace which attracts people from all over the world, Make sure you book tickets in advance before your holiday to avoid disappointment as it can get very busy.
http://www.piccavey.com/az-costa-tropical-granada/
http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/alhamhistory.htm
Beaches
Salobrena beach is approximately 15 mins from the apartment and one of the most attractive small towns on the spanish mediterranean coast. There are also excellent beaches in Motril a similar distance away.
The three main coastal resorts are Almunecar, Salobrena and Nerja with Nerja being the furthest away at just over 30 minutes by car. There are many small coves on the local coast that are quiet and unique or you may chose one of the main resorts which are busier with many facilities, bars and restaurants. The chiringitos (small beach restaurants) in Salobrena are excellent to enjoy fresh seafood and other Spanish food at reasonable prices and you always have a chance of seeing dolphins swimming near the beach.
For more information on the local beaches and coastline see the following websites.
http://www.granadaspain.co.uk/what-to-do/best-beaches-costa-tropical-granada/
http://www.andalucia.com/costa-tropical/home.htm
Skiing
You may not think of Spain as a ski desitination but the Sierra Nevada mountains offer one of Europe’s highest ski resorts which typically endures a long season. The ski season starts around the end of November and typically runs through to April/May. There are twenty ski lifts covering 100km of pistes and the resort has had significant investment in the last few years.
The resort caters for singles and families, with coffee shops, tapas bars and restaurants to share the days skiing stories. There are extensive outlets to hire ski and snowboarding equipment in the ski village and on the road to the resort which is simply breathtaking.
For more information see the following websites.
http://www.sierranevada.co.uk/
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sierra-Nevada
http://www.britishskicenter.co.uk/
Golf
There are a number of golf courses in the area which are easily accessible from Velez, two of the most popular are Los Moriscos Golf which is a golf centre which has an emphasis on family participation.
This is an 18 hole golf course approx 8kms from Motril, and 15 mins from Velez , it is mainly flat surrounded by palm trees and sugar cane with large greens and man made lakes. There is a club house, bar/cafe and restaurant set beside the beach at Granada Costa. The address is Los Moriscos, Playa Granada 18600 Motril. Santa Clara Golf Course is situated just off the motorway from Velez to Granada appox 40 min.
The address is Arda. del Juncalillo S/N (18630) Otura.Granada.