Vélez-Málaga dazzles at FITUR 2025 with its historical richness and commitment to tourism

Vélez-Málaga has made a notable impression at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2025, held in Madrid, by presenting its renewed tourism offer focused on culture, sustainability, and experiential tourism. The Málaga municipality stood out for its innovative approach and strong commitment to preserving historical and natural heritage.

The town presented a comprehensive proposal that ranges from its rich cultural heritage, such as the historic buildings in its old town, to the promotion of its beaches and local gastronomy. Among this year's novelties are several themed tourist routes, such as the "Ruta de la Pasa," declared a World Agricultural Heritage by the FAO, and the "Ruta de los Genios," which pays tribute to illustrious figures linked to the municipality, like María Zambrano.

The mayor, Jesús Lupiáñez Herrera, highlighted in an interview with EDATV the importance of positioning Vélez-Málaga as a destination that combines tradition and innovation. "We want those who visit us not only to enjoy our beaches and landscapes but to live a unique experience connected with our history, our culture, and a sustainable environment," the mayor noted.

Vélez-Málaga's participation in FITUR 2025 reaffirms its place as one of the most attractive emerging destinations on the Costa del Sol, attracting both national and international tourists in search of authentic and sustainable experiences.

The charm of the historic center

The heart of Vélez-Málaga's tourism proposal at FITUR was its historic center, a jewel that combines Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The municipality boasts monuments such as the Church of Santa María la Mayor, an ancient Gothic-Mudejar temple that houses the Holy Week Museum, and the Convent of San Francisco, known for its cloister and Franciscan legacy.

Also highlighted were emblematic places like the Casa Cervantes, where it is said that the author of *Don Quijote* may have stayed during his visit to the region, and the Hospital de San Juan de Dios, which combines history and modernity as a key cultural space in the municipality.

The Vélez-Málaga Castle, a 13th-century fortress that dominates the city from above, also took a central place in the promotion. This monument is not only a vestige of the region's Arab past but offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire valley, being one of the most visited points by tourists.

The richness of the interior: nature and tradition

In addition to its historic center, Vélez-Málaga highlighted at FITUR 2025 the richness of its interior area, where small towns and villages that are part of its municipal district are located. La Axarquía, the region to which Vélez-Málaga belongs, is known for its landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, as well as the traditional production of raisins, recognized as World Agricultural Heritage by the FAO.

Among the highlighted routes is the "Ruta de la Pasa," which allows visitors to discover the artisanal process of drying muscatel grapes and enjoy the typical gastronomy of the area. The white villages of the interior, such as Trapiche, Triana, or Los Romanes, offer an authentic experience, with local markets, craft workshops, and festivals that celebrate the region's deepest-rooted traditions.

The proposal also included active tourism activities, such as hiking routes through the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, a paradise for nature lovers, with trails that cross mountains, rivers, and ravines. This natural space is ideal for practicing sports like cycling, climbing, or simply enjoying a day outdoors surrounded by unique landscapes.