The main square, Plaza Mayor, has several noteworthy buildings. The Church de la Encarnación built in 1520 is flanked by 4 great towers, and was built as a fort to protect against the frequent Moorish attacks. Inside there are marvelous altarpieces, remarkable in their architecture. To the left of the church is the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). Built in the 16th Century and renovated in the 18th Century, on the ground floor, is the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum. This was originally the barracks of the civil guard and there are several exhibits of history, folklore and local traditions. The Town Hall also houses the municipal archives.
Other interesting buildings include:
• Church of the Convent de Nuestra Seňora de la Victoria or de Mínimos (1605).
• The Royal Hospital of San Agustín (19th Century) which replaced the same named building founded by Charles 1 of Spain in 1521.
• Hermitage de Nuestra Seňora de las Huertas, built on outskirts of Vera to give thanks to the people of Lorca for their help in liberating Vera from the siege of 1569 by Moorish troops.
• Hermitage de la Virgen de las Angustias (19th Century) that houses the patron saint of Vera.
A more modern construction is the Plaza de Toros or Bullring. This was built in 1879 in the Mudejar style and restored in 1993. On the 25th September, (Saint Cleofas’ day), this is the setting for the local bullfight.

Love it or loathe it, it is part of the Spanish heritage and custom.
Vera is a prosperous town with a great variety of shops, many selling locally made handicrafts, and on Saturdays there is an amazing street market that seems to commandeer the whole town! An equally strong attraction is the local cuisine, found both in classy restaurants and tapas bars.

Situated along the coastal road from Vera Playa is the small, unspoilt fishing village of Villaricos. Both charming and tranquil and located at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera Mountains it maintains a typically Spanish feel. Villaricos (rich village) derives its name from the ancient silver mines. Evidence of their existence can still be seen in the ruins which stand on some of the rocky outcrops along the coastal road. These mines have their place in history, as it is reputed that Hannibal used the mined silver to pay his mercenaries when he besieged Rome. Along with fishing, tourism is its main source of income. Its superb climate makes it a popular destination, with its mild winters and the summer highs refreshed by the soft breezes from the Mediterranean Sea.

There are two beaches; a pebbled expanse that borders the village and next-door an unspoilt golden sandy beach, the latter is in a sheltered bay which, although popular with the locals, is never crowded. There’s an excellent chiringuito (beach bar) where those catching the rays can get refreshed. Villaricos has two harbours that sit at each end of the village linked by a broad promenade with numerous places to sit and contemplate. It is a favoured area for many an evening stroll by both the Spanish and visitors alike.

 Villaricos is known for its crystal clear warm waters and its fabulous diving, and for those with their water wings, there is a local diving school. Just beyond Villaricos is a rugged undeveloped coastline where you can relax in peace and solitude amongst the rock pools and warm, golden sand.

 There are a good selection of restaurants including the highly regarded and recommended El Mar La Mar and bars with food at very reasonable prices and cuisine ranging from native Spanish to British pub food. There is a burgeoning Sunday morning market, with everything from the fake to the fabulous and a chance to try your haggling skills whilst trying to bag a bargain!