The Village and Surrounding Area

The house is situated in the tiny Moorish village of Salares, a hilltop village situated between two rivers – the River Rubite and the River Salares. The position of the village has defined its form. It grew as a small settlement in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara Mountains and consequently the winding streets are short and steep.  The village’s name was taken from its original Latin name given to it by the Romans who built the first settlement and called it ‘Salares Bastitanorum’ because of nearby salt deposits. The bridge they built is still in perfect condition and fords the Salares River to connect up with a mule path through the Sierra Tejeda and Almijara Natural Park and leading to other nearby villages. There are many such paths which are ideal for walking or hiking up into the Sierra Almijara.

Salares from one of the mule paths

The village houses are quite traditional and reflect the Moorish influence. The Church of Santa Anna (formerly a mosque) boasts a bell tower which was originally a minaret. There is also a Moorish Fortress called El Torreon, which was built in the 13^th century.  

Salares is on the edge of the Sierra Tejeda and Almijara Natural Park which makes it ideal for walking or photography. There are two bars in the village which serve tapas. There is also a post office and local shop where one can buy basic needs. Six kilometres away is the village of Competa where there are large markets, outdoor cafes, an excellent video/DVD rental shop, Internet café, hairdressers, clinics, etc. 

Local area map

Click here for a map showing Velez Malaga in relation to Malaga and Granada.

Please do contact me if there is anything else you want to know: