The Best Things to See and Do in Antequera

In the heart of Andalusia and the province of Málaga lies a town where you can experience the history of this region up close. Antequera is considered one of the best travel destinations in Spain for good reason. It may be a small town, but you will quickly see why it is well worth visiting.

Our 5 Top Attractions in Antequera

1. Alcazaba

2. El Torcal de Antequera

3. Dolmens and Tholos de El Romeral

4. Lobo Park

5. Churches

Things to See in Antequera Old Town

Antequera is known as the heart of Andalusia because of its central location between the important cities of Málaga, Granada, Córdoba and Seville. People have been drawn to this area for thousands of years, which means the town has plenty to offer history and nature lovers alike.

• Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor

• Real Colegiata de San Sebastián or Parroquia San Sebastián

• Parroquia de San Pedro

• Iglesia del Carmen

• Convento de Belén

• Convento de Capuchinos

In the centre of the town, it is the churches in particular that make Antequera such a popular destination. The Church of Santa María la Mayor, for example, provides an indication of the importance Antequera still holds today. Around 80 per cent of the province of Málaga's artistic treasures are said to be found in this inland area. This is already reflected in the architecture of its numerous churches. We have listed some particularly impressive examples above.

• Alcazaba

• Arco de los Gigantes

• Viewpoints

• Palacio de las Escalonias

The building that dominates the town is not a Christian structure, but one dating back to the Moorish period. The Alcazaba de Antequera can be reached through the Arco de los Gigantes. This 14th-century fortress was built on Roman ruins to prevent the Christians from taking control of the town.

Together with the many viewpoints, it offers wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Staying with the subject of architecture, we would also like to mention a non-religious building, namely the Palacio de las Escalonias.

As in almost every Andalusian town, numerous squares invite you to stop and relax in Antequera. These include Plaza del Escribano, Plaza del Pintor Cristóbal Toral and Plaza Coso Viejo.

City Tours and Activities in Antequera

Historic Buildings and Sites in Antequera

As early as the Bronze Age, the plateau around Antequera was considered an important site. To the north of the present-day town, you will find some of Europe's largest dolmens, built during the third millennium BC. These include Dolmen de Menga, Dolmen de Viera and Tholos de El Romeral. They have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The legacy of the Romans can also be found in Antequera. Excavations of a Roman bath, among other discoveries, provide clear evidence of their presence. The various town gates, such as Puerta de Granada, Puerta de Estepa and Ermita de la Virgen de la Espera, also known as Puerta de Málaga, date from more recent periods.

We have already mentioned the castle, churches and palace. Travellers interested in the history of the town should also look out for its fountains, such as Fuente del Toro. Antequera owes part of its reputation to its fertile soil.

Antequera Hotels

Museums in Antequera

Antequera has only around 41,000 inhabitants, but there is certainly no shortage of culture. Information about the town and its history can also be discovered in the local museums.

Art Museums in Antequera

• Museo de Arte de la Diputación

Other Museums in Antequera

• Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera (City Museum)

• Museo del Aceite (Olive Oil Museum)

• Conjunto Arqueológico Dólmenes de Antequera

• Museo Conventual De Las Carmelitas Descalzas De Antequera

More Things to See and Do in Antequera

Some towns have an indescribable magic about them. Antequera is one of those places. However, anyone spending their holiday here should not limit themselves to exploring the town and nearby municipalities. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures.

The mountain ranges around Antequera include parts of the El Torcal Natural Park. This is a spectacular karst landscape that can be explored on foot or by mountain bike. The nature reserve offers countless impressive photo opportunities.

At Lobo Park, located near Antequera, you can see wolves up close. When we were hiking, however, we were quite pleased that we did not encounter any in the wild. For a different kind of adventure, head to the Cueva del Agua.

Cheap Flights to Antequera

Antequera does not have its own airport, but its convenient location means that it can easily be reached from the Costa del Sol and the provincial capital Málaga, as well as from Seville or Jerez de la Frontera. It is nevertheless advisable to hire a car, especially if you want to visit other towns and attractions in the surrounding area.

Food and Drink in Antequera

• Mesón Adarve

• Restaurante Campo de Golf

• Recuerdos Tapas Bodega

Places to Visit Around Antequera

• Caminito del Rey

• Fuente de Piedra

• Ronda

FAQ

Is Antequera beautiful?

Antequera showcases some of the very best of Andalusia. The town has made a name for itself among art, culture, history and nature lovers alike. Picturesque streets, magnificent buildings and historic landmarks exist alongside unique natural landscapes.

What is Antequera known for?

Antequera is particularly famous for its impressive dolmens, including some of the largest in Europe. The fortress, or Alcazaba, is another sight that immediately comes to mind when people think of the town. Its strategic location has made Antequera important throughout history, and that importance continues today.

What language is spoken in Antequera?

Spanish is spoken in Antequera, as throughout Andalusia. In this article, you can discover everything you need to know for your holiday and why this destination has earned the nickname "the heart of Andalusia".