On Friday March 18th, a week later than usual because of the trip to Madrid, we embarked upon a visit to the nearby town of Velez de Benaudalla.
Since the Autovia to Granada has been built, V de B has largely been forgotten and it is well worth a visit.
Our visit started at the top of the town, at the high tower where enactments of the fight between the Christians and Moors still take place each year. From here, there are views towards to coast as well as the surrounding area, which made it a strategic place to forewarn the City of Granada of any unwelcome visitors.
We then walked down through the narrow streets, hearing about the town’s life and legends. We visited the Nasrid Garden, which legend has it, was created by a grateful Moor, who wanted to give thanks to the wealthy owner of the town who had treated him when he had an injured leg and who subsequently married his daughter. It seems the gardener had said, “I have no wealth, no dowry to give my daughter but all I have is my hands and I will create a garden for you “. Legend also has it that there are tunnels today, from the tower, right through the town, which exit in the caves of the Nasrid garden. We then bought pastries from the local patisserie (we could see them being made) and the had lunch in a family restaurant, where the waters merge and are drinkable. More happy faces and some Wisteria ! We then had an afternoon visit to the Rum Distillery in Motril – and a quiet journey back to Nerja !
