Puerto Blanco

Caleta de Velez is an authentic Spanish fishing village that has not been affected by mass tourism. The beautifully landscaped boulevard connects the village on one side with the larger (and busier) Torre del Mar, and on the other with the village of Algarobbo, where many simple houses are inhabited by ordinary Spaniards along the beach. Torre del Mar is a lot more touristy than Caleta. There are plenty of shops, cafés and eateries. You walk over it to the beach or boulevard. Along the entire boulevard there is a cycle path as well as a walking path. Bicycles can be rented at the local bicycle repair shop. On and near the beach, various sports facilities such as fitness equipment, but also changing rooms, neat public toilets and showers can be used free of charge. There are also padel courts. Sun loungers with a parasol can be rented at various locations. Both in the direction of Torre del Mar and in the direction of Algarobbo you will find various chiringuitos, beach bars where you can eat fish and drink a glass with your feet in the sand. Shopping: El Ingenio Shopping Center, on the outskirts of Torre del Mar, is a large mall where you can also find the Eroski. This is a hypermarché where they have (almost) everything. El Ingenio has clothing stores such as H&M, Mango and Bershka, and also drug stores. The shops in El Ingenio are open all day. This also applies to the Aldi, Lidl and Mercadona. Most other stores are closed between half past one and five (sometimes half past five) due to the siesta. They are usually open in the evening or until half past seven or eight. There are many more stores in Torre del Mar. On the market (Thursdays in Torre del Mar, Saturdays in Caleta), fruit and vegetables are also tasty and inexpensive. They do not sell fish, meat and cheese on the market. However, things like pottery, hats and beach towels. The market is also a good option for souvenirs. Nearby: Very nice (and quite touristy) places in the area are Nerja and Frigiliana, which you can drive to in twenty minutes. Nerja is located by the sea and has a pleasant old center with small streets full of eateries and (tourist) shops. The Balcon d'Europa, a terrace above the sea, is spectacular. Competa (in the mountains) and Almunecar (by the sea) are also beautiful places. Cities like Granada and Marbella are easily accessible from Caleta. Marbella is an hour away, Granada fifteen minutes longer. Things to do: Velez-Malaga is known for the lively flamenco scene. There are plenty of places where you can hear authentic flamenco: www.mivelezmalaga.com/flamenco/ The Caminito del Rey is a unique walking experience. It was once a life-threatening path (five deaths in 1999/2000), but after a makeover, the path was declared safe again. You have to buy a ticket for the 7.7 kilometer route. Breathtaking, but not for people with heights. www.caminitodelrey.info/ Motorbike tours: www.royalmotorbiketours.com (from Periana) Boat trips, snorkeling, water skiing, diving, dolphin rides: www.costaboattrips.com (in the marina of Caleta) The coastal strip from Caleta to La Herradura becomes the Called Costa Tropical. You can cycle for about 70 kilometers along the coast, without too much difference in height. More about this beautiful cycling route: www.mivelezmalaga.com/things-to-do/cycling-velez-malaga/costa-tropical-cycling-route/ The highest mountain in the region is the Maroma, which is slightly more than 2000 meters high . You can climb it, whether or not under the guidance of a guide. In the summer it is too hot for this trip, although you can choose not to conquer the mountain during the day but at night. www.mivelezmalaga.com/things-to-do/nearby-velez/hiking-la-maroma/ At sailnplay (www.sailnplay.com) you can book catamaran trips but you can also rent a boat yourself, even without a license. They are in Marina del Este. From Torre del Mar e-bike tours are organized where you eat tapas on the way: www.ebiketourstorredelmar.es Can also be combined with a boat trip. You can rent bikes (also electric) in Bike to the Future in Torre del Mar The owners are Frank and Ella and are very helpful Flemish people. The place is opposite the bus station: www.bike-to-the-future.com. Buggy tours (three hours, all ages): www.buggytours.net Along the A-7 in Torre del Mar is Aquavelis water park: www.aquavelis.com, combined with a virtual reality park: www.vrfun.es Horse riding is very good in the area. Look at www.mivelezmalaga.com/things-to-do/nearby-velez/horse-riding/ for addresses. Paragliding is also possible here: www.parapentemalaga.es You can play golf next door. At Baviera Golf (www.bavieragolf.com) you pay 40 euros (nine holes), 67 euros (eighteen holes) or 55 euros (twilight) for green fees. It is slightly cheaper for duos.