5 Reasons to Visit Enchanting Antequera

One of the most fascinating regions of Spain, Andalusia is a little gem for those who are wild about history, excellent food, dramatic landscapes and contrasts.

Antequera, Santa Maria La Mayor

Andalusia is mostly identified with Malaga, Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. However, there are off-the-beaten-track spots that are well worth a stay for a few days: such as Antequera. You might never have heard about this place before. I had neither, until I recently got the opportunity to visit the area and to discover its beauty.

So… why visit Antequera?

1. The heart of Andalusia

Ideally located, Antequera can be geographically – and strategically – considered as the heart of Andalusia. From there, you can easily reach Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba, have a hike in the Sierras or spend a day at sea in the Costa del Sol. All in a one day trip, if you like.

2. Excellent food

Spain is well-known for its great food and for being a country hosting some of the most famous chefs worldwide. However, as in many other places flooded by tourists, choosing the right restaurant in Granada, Sevilla or Cordoba can be a challenge.
Foodies won’t be disappointed in Antequera and its surroundings, where a some lovely and typical restaurants serve local food prepared in a wonderful fashion.

Antequera, A Paradise for Foodies

3. Awesome historical heritage

Antequera is a fascinating area, full of history. The Moors dominated the city from 716 A.D. until 1410, when Ferdinand I – who would be crowned Kind of Aragon in 1412 – conquered Antequera and took possession of the  Alcazaba, the castle built by the Moors to defend themselves from the Spanish Catholic Army. After the ‘Reconquista’, Antequera became an important outpost of Spanish Catholicism; many Moorish mosques were destroyed and several churches were built in their place.
But Antequera historical heritage is much more remote and goes back to the Bronze Age. The Dolmen de Menga and the Dolmen de Viera are the largest remains in Europe and an almost unique occasion to visit an amazing burial mound dating around the year 3000 B.C.

Antequera, The Alcazaba

4. The stunning Torcal de Antequera

A walk in the Natural Reserve El Torcal de Antequera is a must. The landscape is stunning, with its karst rock formations among the most important in Europe. El Torcal is home of a large number of Spanish Ibex that can easily be spotted on the rocks. The 3 hiking trails (1.5 km, 2.5 km and 4.5 km ) are pleasant and quite easy, provided you wear a pair of closed walking shoes. If you have the chance, pay a visit to El Torcal at sunset, when the rocks get pink…

El Torcal Natural Reserve

5. Magic nights

One place really struck my heart: the Plaza de Escribanos, in front of the wonderful Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor, the church built between 1514 and 1550, whose style is half way between late Gothic and early Renaissance.
Completely closed to cars, the Plaza (square) is a lovely promenade and offers its best at night. A dinner at the excellent Restaurant El Escribano is a unmissable experience: awesome food and a marvelous view on the illuminated cathedral, for an enchanting night you will remember for a long time.

Antequera, a drink with a view

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Practical Information:

How to reach Antequera
The closest airport is Malaga, served by a number of low-cost airlines. The best way to reach Antequera and explore its surroundings is to rent a car. Alternatively, you can reach Antequera both by bus or by train.

Where to stay
Hotel Finca Eslava: with its 18th Century typical Andalusian patio, the large garden and its adjacent fitness and wellness club (including a swimming pool) this cosy 4 stars hotel is an excellent option for a very pleasant stay in Antequera.

Where to eat
Hotel Posada El Tempranillo: dedicated to the famous bandit Jose Maria El Tempranillo, this typical restaurant in the outskirts of Antequera offers excellent local dishes and a warm ambiance.

Hotel Convento La Magdalena: in a wonderful old convent with a lovely view on the olive trees, this restaurant offers excellent revisited local dishes in a refined environment.

Restaurante el Escribano: excellent food with a wonderful view on the church Santa Maria La Mayor.

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Note: Special thanks to Antonio Ramírez from Destino Antequera and Victoria Garcia Clemente of  SondyTour, who guided us through Antequera and let us discover its beauties. Gratitude also to all the people in Antequera who warmly welcomed us and sponsored our visit. Please note that although this was a sponsored trip, all opinions and impressions are exclusively mine.

About: Simon Falvo

Simon is the publisher and editor of WIld About Travel, where she writes about her travel experiences and shares her photography. A travel addict and social media enthusiast, she is wild about nature and wilderness, as well as art, culture and good food.