Holiday Villa Carmella in Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
Rural villa in the mountains with great sea and mountain views offering 5 bedroom 4 bathroom spacious family accommodation near Sayalonga, Malaga 13km from the beach
Welcome to Villa Carmella - Luxury Rural Holiday Villa that sleeps 10 with stunning sea and mountain views with jacuzzi and large swimming pool
Located on a hilltop near Sayalonga 9kms from the beaches of Costa del Sol, Villa Carmella stands out against the surrounding lush greenery and fits in perfectly with the standard of luxurious properties found around Sayalonga. Situated in one of the most tranquil areas of Andalucia away from overcrowded tourist complexes, guests can enjoy jacuzzi with spectacular sea and mountain views, sunbathing and relaxing by the larger swimming pool with deep end for diving inhouse gym or nearby golf and tennis courses.
There is no shortage of entertainment at the property, with a TV in every room, pool table, table tennis, gym and 7 people hot tub on the balcony overlooking the see and mountains, it won't be hard to keep yourself busy. Or, why not relax in a lounge chair beside the pool and soaking up the sun in a quiet and secluded mountain location.
The villa is within easy reach of amnesties less than 5mins away from the picturesque village of Sayalonga where you can enjoy restaurants, cafes, and Friday Market as well as pharmacy and grocery shop.
The country house is in a secluded but easy to reach location, you can drive there through paved concrete path suitable for any vehicle from small 2 door car to large people carrier. There is plenty of parking for your rental cars behind the wrought iron entrance gates.
The property has recently been renovated by renowned Spanish Interior Designer combining luxury with traditional Andaluciana elements to the highest standard and will make your stay unforgettable experience. The main house gardens have mature palm trees and flowers and there is a 2nd garden which is populated with fruit trees and if you come at the right time around August you can pick fresh organic fruits such as Mangos, Orange, Figs Macadamia Nuts and etc.
The country house is suitable for large family with children or for a group of families or for a group of fiends sleeping upto 10 adults + child bed + crib upon request. You will have exclusive undisturbed access to the whole estate in its entirety namely: main house (4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms), pool apartment (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom) various terraces, balconies, driveway, Large pool, Jacuzzi for 7 people, gym, lower level fruit tree garden and etc.
The main house has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms:
Bedroom 1: double bed, air-conditioning both hot and cold, Ceiling fan, TV, built in wardrobe, 2 night stands with sockets and usb ports, space for child bed/cod
Bathroom 1: Single sink, mirror with light, socket for shaver/toothbrush, toilet, large shower
Bedroom 2: double bed, air-conditioning both hot and cold, Ceiling fan, TV, built in wardrobe, 2 night stands with sockets and usb ports, space for child bed/cod
Bathroom 2: 2 sinks, 2x mirror with light, socket for shaver/toothbrush, toilet, bidet, bath with shower head.
Bedroom 3: 2 x single beds, air-conditioning both hot and cold, Ceiling fan, TV, built in wardrobe, 2 x night stands with sockets and usb ports,
Bedroom 4 (main bedroom with en-suit): Queen size bed, air-conditioning both hot and cold, Ceiling fan, TV, wardrobe, 2 x night stands, luggage stand, Panoramic tree view
Bathroom 3 (en-suite): Single sink, mirror with light, socket for shaver/toothbrush, toilet, large shower.
2 x corridors and an internal outdoor patio are in middle of house with trees and flowers with coffee table and sitting area. Providing additional natural light to all the areas of the house and panoramic view of natural trees.
Living room with real fire place for those romantic cold nights, TV and air-conditioning with sitting for 8 people. Open plan dinning with sitting for 10 guests.
Fully fitted modern kitchen: Including oven, electric hobs, extractor fan, Larger double door fridge/freezer, microwave oven, coffee machine, toaster, kettle, juice maker, mixer, dishwasher, washing machine.
External area to main house:
Balcony entrance from Livingroom: offering amazing see and mountain views (don't forget to enjoy the stunning sunsets from this area) has outdoor sitting for 10 people and jacuzzi for 7 people.
Large Terrace - entrance from kitchen and main bedroom 4: Outdoor Dining tables aand sitting for 10 people, Built in brick BBQ, kitchen worktop with sink, pool table. From this terrace you have 2 staircases 1 leading to the pool and sunlounge area and 2nd leading to the fitness/gym
Fitness/Gym: Foldable Tennis Table, Treadmill, Rowing Machin, Exercise/Spin class bike, bench with weights, 2x yoga mats, 2x mountain bikes to enjoy the outdoors.
Pool and Sunlounge Area: (Pool season: usually from 01 April to 31 October) Large pool with shallow end 1.3 m, deep end 2.0 m (9m long x 4.5m wide) outdoor shower please always use before entering the pool to wash off sunscreen as to maintain a neutral Ph in the pool water, Sunlounge area around the pool has 4 large sunshade umbrellas, 4 x cocktail tables, 8 luxury rattan sunlounges please always use a tower one is provided for each guest, Balinese bed suitable for family or 2 adults. Also there is a table with seating for 8 people near the pool apartment and a mini BBQ.
Pool Apartment: The pool apartment has kept the traditional Andalucian style features of the house incorporating modern elements and has Open plan bedroom living room and small kitchenet and separate bathroom. There is a double bed, 2x night stands, sockets with usb ports, Wardrobe and chest of drawers, luggage stand, TV, 2 seats and a table. Kitchenet is the original traditional Spanish style equipped with worktop and cupboards with single sink. There is microwave, coffee machine, toaster and fridge/freezer. Bathroom has single sink, mirror with light, shaver/toothbrush socket, shower and toilet.
3rd Lower level fruit tree garden: Located below the pool area there is a fruit tree garden with Mango, Orange, Fig, Almonds, Macadamia Nut and Olive trees.
Please note even though we welcome families with small children the estate is not very child friendly as is terraced on several levels and has several staircases and the pool has a deep end which is not closed off separately. If the above can be managed safely by you and your children you are most welcome to spend you holidays in our villa.
We also welcome pets in Villa Carmella please contact us to discuss, there are several hiking paths around the villa that you can use to walk your dog and if you are felling adventurous can walk to either Algarobo or Sayaonga.
You would need a car to access the villa as there is no public transport to the villa and there are no street names in the surrounding vicinity. There are villas in the nearby vicinity however they are not near to disturb your enjoyment of the secluded tranquillity of the area. The area is very safe and crime rate is zero some of the surrounding villas are occupied all year around by retirees.
The villa is professionally cleaned after every booking and disinfected against covid -19. Fresh bedlinen and towels are supplied. You will find these on each bed and the colourful towel is to be used on the beach or sunlounges around the pool. If you require a mid-stay housekeeping let us know and we can arrange it for an additional fee.
Our multi-lingual host can meet and great you at a convenient location usually the large parking in Sayalonga and take you to the villa and hand over keys and show you around. Please request this when making the booking. Check in is available after 16:00 and late night check-ins with great and meet usually have additional fee. Check-out is by 10:00 am. There is Wi-Fi in the main villa and a 2nd wifi by the pool area. Please note as this is a rural villa Wi-Fi is only 30mbs it is good for browsing and streaming on 1 device but you will struggle to stream Netflix on 3 or more devices.
There lots of other activities that can be undertaking while staying at Villa Carmella such as Water Sports Activities: Surfing, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Paddle surfing, Water bike, Diving, Snorkelling, Catamaran. Also Hiking and Mountain Biking, 4x4 and ATV tours carried out in the nearby mountains. There is a 18 holes Golf 20mins drive from the villa to Algarrobo. There are several good beaches that you can enjoy the sea side as well as large aquapark in Torre Del Mar which is 20 mins drive from the villa. We have a booklet made for you with all locations and contact details for easy booking any of the activities as well ass detailed tourist information for sight-seeing.
Full booklet with information will be provided upon booking completion.
Main house with Terace and Sea Views
The villa offers over 220sq.m. of living space and more than 1000 sq.m. of gardens and courtyard and a further 2000sq.m. of plantations
Our facilities and advantages
We have tried to provide you with maximum available facilities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable
Wi-fi
There is a free wi-fi connection in all the house speed is 30mb good mobile telephone reception is present as well
Air-conditioning
Every bedroom and living room is equipped with air -conditioning to keep cool during summer and capable of keeping house warm during winter stays
TV
Television in every room
Ceiling Fan
If you don't like air-conditioning every room is equipped with ceiling fan as well
Washing machine and Dishwasher
House is equipped with a washing machine and a dishwasher
Fitness/Gym
Gym equipped with Treadmill, Exercise Bike, Rowing Machine, Weights Bench, 2x outdoor mountain bikes
Gardens
Green place around the house with palm trees and an organic fruit tree garden
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi for 7 people
Large swimming pool
Very large swimming pool with deep area suitable for diving 2m deep and is 5m wide and 10m long
Pool and Tennis Tables
There is a 7ft american pool table and a foldable tennis table for your enjoyment
The villa has 2 mountainikes if you want to experience some mountain bike trails please visit the top 20 mountain bike routes around Sayalonga or just use the roads around the villa.
If you like to really experience tranquility enjoy one of the famous hiking trails around Sayalonga: Pico de la Rábita de Sayalonga, Cerro de La Gancha or Cortijo Sevilla. Turning right from the villa you can follow the road down to Algarobo which has no traffic
4x4 and ATV tours
With Nerja quad tours ,explore the real Spanish countryside on our professional scenic guided tours. Our two seater quad bikes will provide a safe and enjoyable day for all.Enjoy tapas and a drink ,and take in the amazing views of Frigilliana ,Nerja ,Torrox and Competa.There is no better way to see the beautiful countryside of Andalucia than on one of our quad bikes.Our tours are tailor made to suit you and your family for a safe but exciting day out in the Spanish countryside to see all the Costa Del sol mountains and campo (countryside) have to offer. Our quads are 250cc automatic quads, that will comfortably seat two people (2 x adults or one adult + child) and are very easy and safe to drive.The 250cc engine will easily take you on our tour across the countryside, through water and rivers(certain times of the year) and back again with a fantastic collection of amazing photo's of the beautiful views that Andalucia has to show you.
TEL: +44 7534 584142
Baviera Golf
With its year-round warm weather and setting on the eastern Costa del Sol, it's hardly surprising that Velez-Malaga is a popular destination for golfers. The town has its own golf course – which is consistently rated in the top 5 'pay & play' golf courses in Spain – and is also a short drive away to another, smaller course.
Baviera Golf
Resort, 18-hole golf course, club house, lessons, event services
Located just outside Velez, on the road to the small marina of La Caleta – and just 30 minutes from Malaga airport – Baviera Golf's trump card is almost certainly its convenience. That said, it's a decent course and an attractive spot for a round, with views of the mountains in one direction and the sparkling Mediterranean in the other.
The Golf Course & Play
Designed by prestigious pro José Maria Cañizares the course is widely praised for the way that golfers of all abilities can find an enjoyable challenge. Take a chance at hitting the perfect drive and there's every chance that you can avoid the many obstacles and land straight on the green. Get it slightly wrong, however, and you'll find yourself battling on steep fairways with a tough shot to play before the putt. The greens are wide, fast and very varied. In short, all of your strengths and weaknesses will be tested over 18 holes at Baviera but it's unlikely that you will find the course frustratingly difficult. You're most likely to have a well-rounded and incredibly fun game of golf.
Facilities at Baviera Golf Course
Buggies, power caddies, shoes, trolleys and clubs are all available to hire (and all the best brands and newest equipment). There's an academy with pros available for lessons, a well-stocked pro shop and a driving range that provides the ideal place to warm up before teeing off.
With all this to be experienced you can easily spend a day at Baviera – and even bring the rest of the family along, as children are also welcome. There's on site childcare, a fitness centre, spa and a fantastic restaurant which looks out over the Mediterranean from a lovely terrace. Not only is the setting stunning, but they also provide some of the best Andalucian food in the area. Check the website (below) for live music and other activities which regularly take place during peak seasons.
Baviera is also a popular wedding venue as well as a fantastic place to have a comfortable lunch or romantic dinner.
18-hole golf course, club house, lessons, event services
Just off the motorway between Malaga and Velez is Añoreta golf course. Only 20 minutes from Malaga airport, 12 minutes from Velez-Malaga and 5 minutes from Rincon de la Victoria, its location is also super-convenient.
The Golf Course and Play
This was the first golf course along this stretch of the Costa del Sol, and as a result it has both old-world charm and also some design problems. As people couldn't have predicted just how lucrative the golf industry was going to be for the region, course designer José Maria Cañizares was afforded little space to work with to create his course. The resulting short, narrow fairways mean that a sensible and well thought out game is needed to get around on par. Some holes are better than others, but you're guaranteed a test of skills as the dimensions of the course make long-range driving very challenging.
Facilities at Añoreta Golf Course
Añoreta offers a pro shop, a short course on which you can get a lesson and a small resort if you want to stay on site. Despite the scenic location, this golf course gives the opportunity for 2 green fees and buggy hire for just €79, or €49 if you play after 4pm.
Address: Avda. del Golf, Rincon de la Victoria. Tel: 952 40 40 00. Anoretagolf.es.
El Ingenio shopping centre is just of the motor-way between Velez-Malaga and Torre Del Mar and is ideal place to shop before heading for the villa with a variety of shops, cinema, restaurants coffee shops and kids playground. Inside the shopping centre you can find EROSKI which is a large shop for food and general items. For more information visit the center's website: https://www.elingenio.es/ Location: Avenida Juan Carlos I, 18 29740 Torre del Mar Vélez-Málaga, Málaga GPS co-ordinates: 36.755350805322315, -4.100930067688775
Opposite the shopping centre there is a large Aquapark: Aquavelis Water Park
Also there is Lidl in Algarrobo-Costa which is useful for larger shopping needs and yet close to the villa. Location: Lidl Av la Pancha, 3, 29750 Algarrobo, Málaga, Spain GPS co-ordinates: 36.74901695160869, -4.054463504605129
Lastly Sayalonga has small shops and a pharmacy as well as ATM.
At the petrol stations you can buy charcoal for BBQ if you have forgotten to get some from the shops in Spanish if you ask for it it is: Carbón para parrilla Also don't forget the fire lighters: Encendedores de fuego
Restaurants - Eating Out
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Sayalonga has 3 lovely restaurants and 2 Coffee Shops that are a must to visit and enjoy local Spanish food in a quite and picturesque setting. More restaurants can been enjoyed: Algarrobo-Costa lots by the beach Torro del Mar lots by the beach Nerja - Burriana Beach lots of restaurants at an amazing beach worth the travel. GPS Co-ordinates: 36.750440355281555, -3.8665091752359846
We would recommend Pil Pil Gambas or Pil Pil Prawns its a traditional Spanish dish of prawns in boiling spanish suce
Sea side and Beaches
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There's a strip of sand to suit everyone along the 25 kilometres of coastline surrounding Velez-Malaga. There's rarely a coastal town that doesn't harbour an urban beach, giving you perfect access to all amenities throughout the day. Alternatively, if you have access to a car then the real gems can be discovered just outside of the towns.
The villa is a short drive from the nearest beach at Algarrobo-Costa 10km and about 15mins drive. Playa del Cenicero 9.6km Playa de las Lindes 9.8km Playa de Ferrara 9.9km
There is also in Nerja Burriana Beach which is slightly longer driver about 30mins but is our favourite beach with lots of shops and restaurants around as well as lots of activities. GPS Co-ordinates: 36.750440355281555, -3.8665091752359846
There are plenty of secluded beaches around as well as a nudist beach - Beach Cantarriján
Waterparks in Spain are as popular as the beaches in the summer months, and it's no mystery as to why. Whether it's splashing down the array of slides or cooling off at the bar with a drink, AquaVelis is the place to be for hours of fun in the sun.
On the road down to Torre del Mar AquaVelis sits against a backdrop of mountains with brightly coloured slides and pools inviting you to come in and cool down. Everything you could expect from a waterpark in southern Spain, AquaVelis has seven different types of slides including all of your favourites. Location
Address: Urbanizacion El Tomillar, Calle Ruta del Pomelo, Torre Del Mar, Malaga. Tel: 952 54 27 58. Aquavelis.es.
Tourism and Sight Seeing
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Tourism and sightseeing:
Sayalonga: The village of Sayalonga is a typical whitewashed Andalusian village, located in the region known as the Axarquia, 41 kilometres from the capital city of Malaga and just 9 kilometres from the coast, and golf. It sits on the scenic Route of Sun and Wine, and presents a wonderful example of Andalusian living in beautifully, natural surroundings, with spectacular views to the surrounding countryside and down to the coast. History The historical origins of Sayalonga are not clear cut, the founding of the area has been attributed to the Moors, simply because no remains from earlier civilizations have been found; however, the name Saya-longa is definitely Latin, with Roman roots, meaning "long tunic". The famous Muslim poet, Muhammad Al-Hasni, was born in Sayalonga in the 16th century. Around town The village is typical of the Andalusian whitewashed villages of the Axarquia with narrow winding streets and pretty plazas with blooming lilac Jakaranda trees, which fill the air with a beautiful scent. The amenities are adequate with small supermarket, shops, chemist, banks, a post office, a doctor's surgery and a bus service to take you around the local region. Natural surroundings The area surrounding Sayalonga is agricultural, with terraces of olive trees, vines, citrus fruits and vine trees, which are all irrigated by the River Algarrobo. The village is located close to the beautiful Sierra Almijara National Park and the Tejeda mountains; the unspoilt landscape is home to a wide variety of species of flora, eagles and mountain goats. It's a perfect location for rambling holidays and those looking for a rural holiday treat, which is also well located close to the coast and Malaga airport. Places to visit In town you should visit the parish church of Santa Catalina, a wonderful example of 16th century Mudejar architecture, there is a round cemetery, which is the only one in Spain and the Fuente del Cid (Cid Fountain), where it is said that the legendary El Cid stopped to quench his thirst. Festivals The Festival of Nisperos (fruit) is held every year in the spring, when thousands of these delicious fruits are harvested. Typical Andalusian dancing, music and gastronomy are served up during the event. Eating out There are a few traditional bars and restaurants in the village, where you will eat and soak up the atmosphere with the locals. Cuisine The cuisine in Sayalonga is typical of the Axarquia region; specialties include Ajoblanco con Uvas (Garlic Soup with Grapes), Chota a la Cazadora (Kid in Almond Sauce), Cordero Asado al Horno (Roast Marinated Lamb) and sweet Churros, fried dough sticks, a bit like donuts, dipped in hot chocolate, delicious! Climate Sayalonga enjoys a typically inland Andalusia climate, being extremely hot in the summer and temperate in the winter, although when it rains the streets become awash. The residents enjoy around 2,800 hours of annual sunshine.
Sayalonga Round Cemetery
In the village of Sayalonga in Axarquia Malaga is one of the most unique cemeteries in the province. It was built in the nineteenth century and has dome-shaped niches superimposed over each other. It is probably the only round cemetery in Spain. In 2002 the cemetery was inaugurated as a museum or interpretation center which provides information about its origins and those of Sayalonga village.
Andalucía´s Park, Velez-Málaga
Parque de Andalucía is a nice place to rest and have a drink when visiting the city center. It has several fountains, and even a small pond with ducks (now under construction for its expansion), a central corridor with benches on the sides. But what is most impressive about this small park are its bicentennial trees with their immense trunks and hanging roots on the sides of the entrance arch. A nice place to rest... Or kill time while we wait for the tram.
The Arab Castle of Vélez-Málaga It is located on the top of the town, nearly 80 metres above sea level. This medieval castle was erected in the 10th century and reached its peak and highest relevance through the 14th and 15th centuries, as it became one of the most outstanding castles in the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Its main advantage is its location; from the top of a hill it looks out over Vélez-Málaga fertile plain and wide areas around Axarquía. It is also remarkable its easy natural defence, which is reinforced from a 1,500 m2 fortified belt which is strengthened by means of round solid turrets, and which fits to the hanging terrain. The original rampart section which still remains dates back to the 13th and 15th centuries; it was put up by means of rammed earth with lime and sand, and covered on the outer side by coursed masonry and by rows of bricks. It was rebuilt between the years 1808 and 1810 during the Peninsular War, yet later on it stopped holding its military function, which led to its total oblivion and therefore its absolute neglect. Its keep (main watchtower) and its main gate were rebuilt in the early 1970s. Address: Velez-Malaga, Calle Palafranero Sebastián Sáncez, 28. Tel: 952 50 03 40. Open: Site, Every day 08.00 – 21.00. Fort climb, Tues – Sat 10.00-14.00hrs and 17.00-19.00hrs, Sundays 10.00-14.00hrs. Cost: free.
For years it was known as one of the most famous and dangerous walks in Spain, and climbers and daredevils flocked to – illegally – take it on. Now, fully restored and open to the public, everyone can immerse themselves in the breathtakingly beautiful Caminito del Rey. Overview Level: Medium (uphill, lots of steps and vertigo inducing heights) Length: 7.7KM, 4 Hours Price: 10€ per person This world-class walk is an hour or so's drive from Velez, but well worth the journey. It was once named the most dangerous walk in the world as much of it is suspended high up over a gorge, and for many years it was in a terrible state of disrepair. The walk is comprised of 7.7KM split into 4.8KM of long access ways and 2.9KM board walks. It's a linear route linking the towns of Ardales and El Chorro. A bus links the two towns. Hard hats are issued at the beginning of the walk and must be worn throughout. It's a spectacular way to pass a morning or afternoon. History of El Caminito del Rey The walkway was commissioned in the early 1900s as a way to link the two sides of the gorge by the hydroelectric company, El Chorro. It fell into disrepair and much of the footpath was literally hanging in the air or clinging to the sides of the gorge riddled with gaping holes. The Andalucian government closed it as a result of a series of deaths. Having carried out the necessary restoration work in 2015 it reopened and it's now completely safe again to walk. Booking Your Tickets It's important to mention the walk is now ticketed to ensure the quantity of people at any one time is regulated and safety is not compromised. You can buy your ticket for the walk on the Caminito del Rey website here. You should aim to arrive half an hour before your scheduled reservation time so you can be checked in and grouped with other walkers. Other important things to mention are: there are no toilets en-route so make sure you go before setting out. There are also no rubbish bins, or places to buy water or any other provisions, so ensure you pack what you need and take it all away with you. Getting There & Parking From Velez it's a 1.5 hour drive via Malaga to the finishing point of El Chorro. We'd recommend parking at the end of the walk and taking a shuttle to the start, so your car is ready and waiting after your long walk. The other option is to get to Malaga by bus or car and then take a train to El Chorro, around 45 minutes and costs approximately 10€. You can then take a shuttle bus to the northern entrance near Ardales where the walk to El Chorro is downhill and requires no waiting around for a shuttle bus once finished.
Driving Head south out of Velez and follow signs for the A7 and Malaga. Take the A7 motorway and drive for 36KM, use the right two lanes and merge onto the MA-20, signposted A-7/Algeciras/Malaga Oeste/Aeroporto/Puerto. Keep on the MA-20 until exit 238 where you merge onto the A357 toward Cartama. You will be on the A357 for 47KM, after take the exit toward MA-5403 and admire the amazing views. Leave your car in El Chorro and take a shuttle bus for just a few euros back to the north entrance, en-route to Ardales. From here it's a 30 minute walk to the start of the actual walk, the best thing about this is having your car ready and waiting upon finishing. Expect the whole walk to take around 4 hours including getting to and from the start and end of the walk.
Shuttle Buses
The buses run from the North entrance, (near the El Kiosco restaurant and 11KM from Ardales) to the douthern entrance of El Chorro, known as 'Caminito del Rey'. The buses run Tuesday-Sunday everyday of the year except 24th/25th/31st December and the 1st January. They cost around 1.50€ one way, or 94cents with a Malaga transport card. Caminito del Rey Opening Hours Summer Schedule April 1st-October 31st Opening hours: 10am – 5pm 13 buses s/n Tuesday-Friday and 24 buses s/n weekends
Winter Schedule November 1st – March 31st Opening hours: 10am – 2pm 12 buses s/n Tuesday-Friday and 18 buses s/n weekends
LOCATION: RECEPTION CENTRE´S COORDINATES X: 36.914411 / Y: -4.806910 MUNICIPALITY Ardales DISTANCE FROM MÁLAGA 57,7 km ROADS A-384 until Campillos, A-357 until Ardales´crossing, continue via MA-5403 DISTANCE FROM ARDALES´CROSSING 6 km DISTANCIA FROM ANTEQUERA 51 km ROADS A-384 until Campillos, A-357 until Ardales´crossing, continue via MA-5403
One of the great feathers in Velez's cap is its thriving flamenco scene. From fabulous fandangos to soul-stirring seguiriyas, there's no shortage of wonderfully authentic music, song and dance to be found here… Velez-Malaga has always been an important destination on Spain's flamenco map. Noted flamenco artists from the town include Juan Breva, Jose Beltran Ortega, el 'Niño de Velez', who was one of the foremost exponents of the Malagueña, and Luis Santiago Amador (also known as el Gitanillo de Velez). These days, while it can take a little bit of finding if you don't know where to look, its flamenco scene is alive and well. Where to See Flamenco in Velez-Malaga
Flamenco Abierto Axarquia Launched in 2017, this grass roots movement is currently taking Velez's flamenco scene by storm, introducing new audiences throughout the region to the music and dance and drawing big names like Jorge Pardo, Diego Carrasco, José Valencia, El Pele and El Pulga. Flamenco Abierto is making Velez known for being one of the best places to see authentic flamenco not just in Malaga Province, but in the whole of Andalucia. Flamenco Abierto nights come in monthly cycles. They often take place on Friday evenings at the Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez (see below). The start of 2020 has been challenging for live music and events. There are plans to start regular nights again during the summer and into the autumn of 2020 – keep an eye on our Facebook page or events page.
Want to find about when the next Flamenco Abierto event in Velez is on? Drop us a line at mivelezmalagadotcom@gmail.com.
Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez
Velez's flamenco club, the Peña Flamenca Niño de Vélez, has been running since 1981 and, from Fosforito to El Lebrijano via Jose Merce and Estrella Morente, it's attracted some of the biggest names. In recent years, it's been driven forwards with huge knowledge, passion and tireless dedication by Cristobal Moya.
The early signs are not, in all honesty, that encouraging. For starters, the bar is tucked away down a slightly humdrum street in the modern part of town and you enter down a narrow staircase into a gloomy basement. Add in the frequently rather raucous locals propping up the bar and it can all add up to a rather intimidating introduction for the first-time visitor.
It's well worth persevering with, though. The food served is hearty – think thick chicken stews, tortilla and cold cuts – and, along with the drinks served (€1 for a glass of Manzanilla) some of the most reasonable in town. The gin and tonics poured are famously generous.
But the main thing here, obviously, is the flamenco itself. Regular performances of cante (song), toque (guitar) and baile (dance) are held several times a month (usually on weekends) from visiting professional artists and high quality local talent.
Once the organised shows have finished, much of the audience tends to decamp into the bar where impromptu performances of guitar and song can last long into the night. In summary, then: it's authentic, it's soulful and for any hispanophile or music-lover it's a totally unmissable Velez experience.
Away from the Peña, live flamenco in Velez can be a little haphazard, and you really have to keep your ears to the ground to find out about performances in advance and plan a night out accordingly. There are occasional performances at the CAC, while the outdoor theatre at the Cerro and the Convento de las Claras (at feria time, particularly) also occasionally put on performances. Every year the Palacio de Beniel celebrates the Christmas period with a 'zambomba'.
Local Flamenco Artists
Whether you're looking for a flamenco performance for a wedding, a birthday celebration or a special private gathering, the below local artists are of the highest calibre.
Ruben Portillo
Ruben is remarkable for two reasons: firstly, he brings a genuinely open-minded approach to a music form that can at times be a little resistant to change. He specialises in "toque pa' atrás" (playing for dance) and creates original music. He has shared the stage with some of the most famous names in flamenco (Jose Merce, Carmen Linares and Jorge Pardo to name just three) and has travelled extensively collaborating on projects and playing solo.
Secondly, and most importantly, he also heads up Flamenco Abierto Axarquia. And we've gone into just what a big cultural deal that is for Velez – and the Axarquia as a whole.
Arturo mixes his time teaching at Velez's Music & Dance School with other teaching gigs and private performances. A real technician, he has devoted his life to mastering the art of flamenco guitar and is seen in many competitions throughout Andalucia.
Together with his sister, Elsa, Antonio is another mainstay of the Velez flamenco scene. His dance school, Escuela de Baile Antonio Guerra, is responsible for churning out some of the region's finest dance talents and he can be counted on to appear at feria time.
Directions: From Malaga Airport follow motorway MA-21 towards Malaga and than take MA-20 towards Granada from MA-20 take the motorway E-15 A-7 east towards Motril/Almera. Drive for about 20kms. Take exit towards Algarrobo A-7206 and driver towards Sayalonga. Please use first Sayalonga GPS coordinates: 36.79779, -4.01027
In Sayalonga use villa GPS coordinates: 36.781316, -4.023968
From A-7206 in the Village of Sayalonga turn right at the main town car park on Calle el Calvario and immediately after the parking turn right again on Camino de Miranda. Follow the signs Villa Carmella and drive for approximately 3 kms road is combination of concrete and dirt road.
Special Drivers Note: Please note the last part of the road towards the villa is narrow in some areas and vehicle pass each other by giving way. Also the last part of the road is a combination of concrete and dirt road. You don't need a 4x4 and any normal car is fine to reach the villa. After all the villa is located in the mountains in rural area and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature one must make an adventurous journey towards it.
Please also make sure that you approach the villa via Sayalonga hence first use Sayalonga GPS coordinates and than use the Villa co-ordinates.
There is a short way from Algarrobo however it is inaccessible unless you are in a 4x4 and very adventures and skilled driver.
When booking we offer meet and great at Sayalonga car park and can take you to the villa to hand over keys please specify that request when making the booking.
Our location
Villa Carmella is located in Spain, Malaga, province Andalucía. The villa is near the town of Syalonga which is located 45kms east from Malaga and is about 45mins drive from Malaga Airport.
Address: Villa Carmella 913 Pozancones, Sayalonga 29752, Andalucia,(Malaga), Spain
GPS Co-ordinates: For Sayalonga 36.79779, -4.01027 For Villa Carmella 36.781316, -4.023968
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