Velefique: Sierra de Filabres, Fortress and Hiking Trails

Velefique lies on the southern side of the Sierra de Filabres, below a rocky ridge where the ruins of a medieval fortress have been preserved.

Landscape

From the bell tower of the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, the view opens out across the valley; on the left lies the old settlement core of Barrio de Triana, and on the right the town centre of the Villa.

The Mirador del Pedregal offers one of the province’s widest panoramic views, extending over the Sierra Alhamilla, Campo de Níjar, the Tabernas Desert, the Andarax Valley, the city of Almería and the Alboran Sea.

The Senés–Velefique section of the GR-244 offers panoramic views and varied flora.

History

The medieval castle or fortress attributed to Abu Ishaq overlooks Velefique; until the 15th century, the settlement grew within the walled complex before expanding down the slope.

The Alcazaba of Velefique was built in the 10th or 11th century and had a permanently resident population.

This complex included two large cisterns for storing water. It therefore preserves not only its enclosing walls but also evidence of its former use: the cisterns were used for water storage, while people lived permanently within the walls.

The remains of the former mosque of Velefique are preserved in the present-day village cemetery at the foot of the Alcazaba.

At the foot of the former Alcazaba, the Poblado Febeire preserves a good example of traditional slate architecture.

Church

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción in Velefique was rebuilt in 1600.

Its design features Gothic traces and elaborate Mudejar craftsmanship.

The church’s treasures include representations of Saint Roch and the Immaculate Conception.

On the Trail

The Senés–Velefique section of the GR-244 is an 8-kilometre linear hiking route of moderate difficulty, with an approximate duration of three hours.

For the most part, it runs along paths, forest tracks and bridleways through a landscape with typical crops such as olive and almond trees, as well as plenty of broom.

The GR-244 hiking trail passes through Velefique and leads to the open area by the municipal swimming pool.

The SL-A 47 hiking trail is called “Fuente de lo Alto” and is linked to Velefique. The name “Fuente de lo Alto” supplements the GR-244 designation with another hiking trail linked to Velefique within the town’s trail network.

The climb to Alto de Velefique is 13 kilometres long and rises continuously, with gradients between 7 and 9 percent, averaging 8 percent, to an elevation of 1,860 metres.

Traditions

The patron saint festivities in honour of Saint Roch are considered the focal point of religious and festive life in Velefique; held around the parish church, they include both religious and popular celebrations.

Velefique’s traditional cuisine includes migas, turrones, tarvinas, gurullos and trigo.

More destinations: Guazamara, Huércal de Almería, Carboneras, El Saltador Bajo, El Campillo De Rodalquilar, Felix, Albox, Chirivel

Back to the main travel overview: Almeria.