What to see in Antequera Malaga

The province of Antequera is located in the ‘heart of Andalusia’. It is known by this name because of its geographical location, as it is situated at the crossroads of the roads connecting Seville, Malaga, Granada and Cordoba.

Antequera is also recognised by this name due to the historical and artistic heritage of the province. From its impressive prehistoric dolmens, to Roman remains such as the Ephebe of Antequera, to its key role as a fortress during Arab rule, this city has witnessed some of the most important moments in history. Strolling through its streets is like travelling through centuries of culture and heritage, which is why knowing what to see in Antequera can be a challenge if you have never visited this city before.

That is why, if you are planning a trip to the city soon and want to know what to see in Antequera, we at the La Garganta Rural Tourist Complex invite you to read on so that your experience visiting this city is unbeatable.

1. El Torcal de Antequera: A must-see natural attraction in Antequera

Just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Antequera is the impressive El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, one of the most spectacular karst landscapes in Europe, formed by limestone that is over 150 million years old and sculpted by erosion into strange and wonderful rock formations. Without a doubt, it is the most unique place to visit in the area.

Declared a Natural Park (1989) and with multiple protection measures in place. The best known is El Tornillo, considered the symbol of El Torcal, although along the way you can also see large blocks of stone stacked on top of each other, natural corridors between rocks and figures reminiscent of animals or objects, such as the UFO or the Hat. In addition to being part of the heritage that makes up the Dolmens of Antequera, it offers easy hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints and an ideal natural environment for those seeking nature combined with culture.

The guided hiking trails organised by La Garganta Activa allow you to discover El Torcal from a different perspective, interpreting the landscape and accessing areas and explanations that normally go unnoticed on a self-guided visit. It is an ideal activity for those who want to complete their visit to Antequera with an authentic nature experience.

 

 

2. Los Dólmenes de Antequera

You cannot visit Antequera without seeing the Dolmens, considered one of the most important megalithic complexes in Europe and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The complex consists of the Menga, Viera and El Romeral dolmens, which date back more than 5,000 years. The Menga Dolmen is particularly noteworthy for its enormous stone blocks and its orientation towards La Peña de los Enamorados (the lovers rock), something exceptional in European megalithic architecture.

They are about a 20-minute walk from the centre, but if you prefer to go by car, there is free parking at the entrance.

The best time to visit is between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., when there are fewer organised groups and the sun is not so intense.

3. La Alcazaba de Antequera and la Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor

Located at the highest point of Antequera, the Alcazaba and the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor form one of the city’s most representative monumental complexes.

The Alcazaba, an ancient fortress of Muslim origin, was for centuries a strategic point for controlling the territory and still today its walls and towers dominate the Antequera landscape. The Torre del Homenaje, also known as Torre Papabellotas, is one of the most recognisable features of Antequera’s skyline.

Right next to it stands the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, considered one of the first Renaissance churches in Andalusia, built after the Christian conquest of the city. A stroll through this area allows you to understand the historical transition between Islamic and Christian Antequera, as well as enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the historic quarter and the Peña de los Enamorados.

Tip: If you arrive by car, the best place to park is the public car park near the Paseo Real, about a 10-minute walk from the Alcazaba.

4. Las Almenillas viewpoint and the 33 churches of Antequera

Antequera is known as the city of 33 churches, reflecting the great religious and economic importance it achieved between the 16th and 17th centuries.

A stroll through its historic centre reveals convents, monasteries and Baroque churches in practically every neighbourhood. This concentration of monuments makes Antequera one of the most outstanding historic cities in inland Andalusia.

A stroll through its streets allows you to understand the artistic splendour that the city experienced after the Christian conquest and its role as a key point between Seville, Granada and Malaga.

For one of the best views of the city of Antequera, take a look from the Mirador de las Almenillas viewpoint, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic centre of Antequera, with its numerous towers and bell towers that reflect why the city is known as the city of 33 churches.

5. The Antequera City Museum and San Sebastián Square

Walking down from the Alcazaba, in less than 10 minutes you will reach Plaza de San Sebastián, in the centre of the city of Antequera. In this square, surrounded by bars and cafés, you will find the Church of San Sebastián with its Baroque tower and the Monument to the Four Corners. From here, you can visit the Antequera City Museum, where you can learn about the rich local history with pieces ranging from prehistory to contemporary art.

Here you can take the opportunity to have breakfast like a true local, order the mollete antequerano with olive oil and tomato at any of the terraces in the square, you won’t regret it.

 

6. Santa Ana Antequera Station

The municipality has its own railway station called Antequera-Santa Ana. Trains arrive and depart from this city to Algeciras, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Madrid, and Málaga.

This is one of Antequera’s strong points, as its railway station attracts a large number of people. It also serves Antequera and its surrounding area, and together with the Puente Genil-Herrera station, it also serves the central area of Andalusia.

7. Antequera Bullring

The Antequera Bullring is one of the most famous places in the province.

This bullring has two floors and eight entrance gates, with a current capacity of 8,268 seats.

In 1984, after the Antequera Town Council acquired ownership of this site, the bullring was renovated and remodelled.

A new shaded main gate was built on the façade, following the Antequera model of the 18th-century master builders. In the different sections into which the bullring is divided, known as the upper tiers, the wooden roofs were replaced with Tuscan columns and semicircular arches.

 

 

Antequera Golf

If you enjoy golf, or simply want to have a good time with friends or family, you must visit Antequera Golf, a beautiful 18-hole golf course located in the centre of Andalusia, at the foot of El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park.

This golf course, in addition to its privileged location surrounded by spectacular scenery and comprehensive facilities, is known for being an ecological course and for being surrounded by protected species.

 

How to get to Antequera

Antequera is a municipality which, as we mentioned at the beginning, is located at the point that connects several important cities in the country, and many people are encouraged to take a break or stop off in this city. Below, we explain how to get to Antequera.

Thanks to Antequera’s privileged geographical location, it has a network of motorways and dual carriageways that connect it smoothly with the interior of the country and the coast, as well as two AVE stations that facilitate access via the rail network.

If you are from Malaga city, or are leaving from here, you should know that it is only 45 kilometres from Antequera, so it will take you no more than 50 minutes to get there from Malaga city. Take the A-45 motorway and exit at junction 149.

Here is the complete itinerary of what to see in Antequera, so you have everything you need at your fingertips.

 

We hope we have answered many of your questions about the city of Antequera, how to get there, what to see, etc. If you would like to know more about this city, please contact us!

At La Garganta Rural Tourist Complex, we ensure that your visit to the city is an unforgettable experience.