velez-rubio
In the far north of the province of Almeria, the agricultural town of Vélez-Rubio is in a picturesque location at the foot of the Sierra Maria mountain range, surrounded by olive groves, almonds and fields of wheat. The beauty of its architecture attracts many visitors wishing to have the best of both worlds - living in real Spain but having easy access to beaches and main tourist areas.
The most imposing building in the town is the magnificent Baroque Church of La Encarnación, which towers over the plaza of the same name. Inside there is an impressive 20 metre high carved wooden altar. The museum is situated within a restored 18th century hospital and has a fascinating exhibit of artifacts and ceramics dating from prehistoric to Moorish times, including a section on the ancient cave paintings in this area.
ancient cave paintings
The Cueva de los Letreros caves are about 3 kilometres outside the town and show red and brown drawings, dating back to 4,000 B.C., of human figures, animals and astrological signs. It was here that the Indalo symbol was discovered, a figure whose outstretched arms hold aloft an arch and thought to have had some magical significance. It is now one of the most popular logos in Spain and has now become a symbol for the province of Almería. Better preserved paintings can be seen at La Cueva de Gabar to the north of the town but these must be explored with a guide.
fabulous range of wildlife
This is a bustling town with many shops, bars and restaurants to visit and market day is every Saturday. The Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, with its landscape of mountains and pine forests harbouring a fabulous range of wildlife, makes for excellent walking and off-trail biking expeditions. A new golf course is in the planning stages, just 15 minutes outside of town.
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