The Surroundings
Castillo de Vélez-Blanco, C. Castillo, s/n, 04830 Vélez-Blanco, Almería, Spain
THE CASTLE OF VÉLEZ BLANCO
The Castle of Vélez-Blanco is a National Monument since 1931.
The castle’s design evokes stories and some science fiction series. It’s work began in 1506, when the castle belonged to a stately family, that of the Marqués de los Vélez.
The fortress, one of the first works of the Spanish Renaissance, has two buildings linked by a drawbridge.
The palace has a very attractive architecture and highlights the Torre del Homenaje, 33 meters high. On the ground floor we find a Patio de Honor. The original is on display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York after its sale in 1904.
Currently, the patio sometimes serves as a workplace for various artists.
The Castle of Vélez-Blanco has a visiting hours throughout the year.
Calle Villa Vélez Blanco, 04820 Vélez-Rubio, Almería, Spain
THE CUEVA DE LOS LETREROS
The Cueva de los Letreros was declared a National Historic Monument in 1924 and, later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
His representations of Levantine rock art date back to about 5,000 years B.C. and they were among the first to be discovered in the world. We mainly observe figures of animals, but also of people with bowed arms and legs.
It was in the Cueva de los Letreros where a figure that looks like a witch or sorcerer was discovered, probably the result of a ritual, meeting or ceremony. In another nearby cave appeared a painting that today has become the symbol of Almería, the Indalo, which represents a man holding the rainbow with his hands.
The cave has a visiting hours throughout the year and is also on the “Paths of European Rock Art” itinerary. You cansee timetables and contact here.
Sierra de María, 04825, Almería, Spain
SIERRA MARÍA – LOS VÉLEZ
The Sierra María – Los Vélez Natural Park forms a landscape that combines goes with steep mountain ranges, which are even snowed for much of the winter.
Thermal variations are so drastic that both vegetation and fauna have exclusive species. Here we find the best preserved forests in the province of Almería and some of the most striking species in this part of the country: the golden eagle, hawk, peregrine falcon, …
The landscape of the surroundings of Vélez-Blanco invites you to move walking or by bicycle to discover corners of great beauty. The best way to do it is by walking the network of marked trails, suitable for all ages.
Beaches, Paseo del Mediterráneo, Mojácar, Almería, Spain
THE BEACHES OF ALMERÍA
ust 1 hour away by car you can enjoy dreamy Mediterranean beaches, such as San Juan de los Terreros or Los Cocedores, in Pulpí, Águilas beaches, in Murcia, or Cabo de Gata.
Many of the beaches closest to Vélez-Blanco belong to protected natural areas. Isolated or open coves, small fishing villages, volcanic reefs, are some of the elements that you can discover on a getaway to the coast.
Diving, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, having a few drinks in the middle of the coastal environment or simply taking a bath in pure and crystalline waters.
You will find shallow beaches to enjoy with children, or rocks from which to take a good dip.
Just choose how you prefer to enjoy beaches in the wild with the desert as a backdrop.
Poligono S-AG2A, 33, 04640 Pulpí, Almería, Spain
GEODE OF PULPI
The Pulpí Geode is about 8 meters long by 2 meters high and is covered with gigantic gypsum crystals.
It is an authentic jewel, unique in the world and the largest in Europe.
The visit, which costs € 22, offers a tour of the mine and its various galleries.
The reactions of the visitors are of great amazement and emotion.
It can only be visited with prior reservation. The visit is guided and lasts an hour and a half. You can get more information and make your reservation here.
El Museo de Galera, C. San Marcos, 9, 18840 Galera, Granada, Spain
ORCE AND GALERA
Our Hotel Casa de los Arcos is located very close to the north of the province of Granada. The first municipalities that we will find are Orce and Galera, both known for their archaeological sites.
In Orce we can visit the Museum of the First Settlers of Europe, where we will find replicas of the oldest human remains on the continent, as well as remains of large mammals. In it’s website you’ll find more information.
In Galera we find the Castellón Alto site, from the Argar period, and the Tútugi Necropolis, from the Iberian period.
We can also visit the Galera Museum, where we find the second oldest mummy in Europe. You can see the opening hours at this website.