The Sun and Avocado Route
This route stes off next to Malaga and the sea, covering
a great deal of the eastern Costa del Sol, from
Rincón de la Victoria to Torre del Mar where it
heads inland along a fertile plain of olive groves and vineyards
which surround Vélez- Málaga. Roads which lead
further inland take us to charming rural villages such as
Benamocarra, Benamargosa and Iznate.
Along the route we take in the atmosphere and bustle of the
coastal tourist resorts as well as the peace and quiet provided
by beautiful spots such as Macharaviaya.
Culture and a wealth of monuments complement perfectly with
the deepest traditions of a warmly welcoming people who know
how to treat their visitors well.
El Rincón
de la Victoria, Belizmiliana to the Arabs, is home to
great surprises, such as the Cueva del Higuerón ( Cave
of Treasure) with its ancient wall paintings. Close by the
remains of the Castle of Bezmiliana recall a romantic Muslim
past.
The Vélez River estuary houses Phoenician and Carthaginian
tombs, backing the hypothesis that this was the site of the
town of Mainake.
All along the route numerous parish churches, of greater
and lesser artistic worth, are spread out among the different
towns. However without doubt the area of greatest monumental
wealth is concentrated in the area capital: Vélez
Málaga.
The town´s current location is deeply Arabic, as recalled
by the recently restored Alcazaba, or Fortess. The Fortes´s
solid walls from an attractive image with the whitewashed
houses which fall away at its feet, interspersed with church
spires among their rooftops.
The Church of San Juan Bautista and Nuestra Señora
de la Encarnación and the Church of Santa María
la Mayor, both from the 16th century, are good examples. As
with these buildings, a great deal of the temples of La Axarquía
are built upon former mosques, with monarets converted into
belltowers. Other excellent examples of religious buildings
include the Convento de San Francisco, built upon the old
Jewish quarter and found in an attractive setting of narrow
winding streets, of clear Arab inspiration.
The sense of tradition of the people of la Axarquia is expressed
each year in the Procesion Marinera de la Virgen del Carmen.
Colorfully decked out boats, set against the tenuous light
of dawn, accompany the image of the Virgin of the seas in
a show of great artistry.
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