Antequera is a historic town in the heart of Andalucia, rich in heritage and natural wonders. Located at the crossroads of Andalucia’s main cities, we were charmed by its medieval center, its impressive prehistoric dolmens and its emblematic rock that resembles a human face. In our opinion, it offers a perfect balance of culture, history and nature.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Antequera, Andalucia, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Antequera worth a visit?
Yes, the town of Antequera is well worth a visit. This historic city is often referred to as the “heart of Andalucia” due to its strategic position. We loved its rich heritage of prehistoric remains, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and unique geological formations.
We’ve included it in our top 10 most beautiful cities in Andalucia!
1. Discover the 3 Dolmens sites
Our visit to the prehistoric dolmens site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, was fascinating. These imposing megalithic structures date back 5,000 years and represent some of the oldest and most impressive funerary architecture in Europe. We explored the three main dolmens: Menga, Viera and El Romeral. You’ll marvel at the size of the stones used and the ingenuity of their assembly. The Menga dolmen, with its enormous 180-ton slab, remains etched in our memory.
- Menga and Vieja can be visited from the same parking lot
- It’s a short drive to the El Romeral dolmen.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
- Price: free for EU citizens, €1.50 for non-EU citizens
- See the latest news on the official website here
Find out more in our article on dolmens (coming soon).
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2. Explore the Alcazaba
We began our visit with the imposing Moorish fortress that dominates the town. Built in the 14th century on the ruins of a Roman fortress, the Alcazaba offers exceptional panoramic views of the city and surrounding plain. You’ll be impressed by its well-preserved defensive towers and ramparts. We particularly liked the Homage Tower, from which you can see the famous Peñón de los Enamorados in the distance, and on a clear day, the Sierra Nevada.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (summer), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (winter)
- Price: €6 individual admission, included in €7 combined ticket
- See the latest news on the official website here
3. Visit the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor
Right next to the Alcazaba, we discovered this 16th-century Renaissance church, the first of its kind built in Andalucia. With its majestic ochre stone façade, it impressed us from the moment we arrived. Admire the sober, elegant interior, with its magnificent cedar wood coffered ceiling. We also enjoyed its Renaissance cloister and its museum of sacred art, including sculptures and paintings by local artists.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (summer), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (winter)
- Price: included in Alcazaba combined ticket (€7)
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
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- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
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5. Roman baths (Termas Romanas)
You can watch the Roman baths over a fence from Plaza Santa Maria. You’ll also find an information panel and be able to observe details of the ruin from above.
The Roman baths were built in the 1st century A.D. and were used until the 5th century, with a few restorations along the way.
These baths are important because they support the existence of the ancient city of Antikaria beneath the present-day town.
6. Admire El Torcal de Antequera
Just 12km from Antequera, we were captivated by the El Torcal Natural Park, a karst landscape unique in the world. These impressive limestone formations, sculpted by erosion over thousands of years, create an almost lunar setting. We followed the signposted paths that wind between these strange natural sculptures. You can choose between three routes of varying difficulty (green, yellow or red). The visitor center offers excellent explanations of the site’s geological formation.
- Times: free access to trails, visitor center open from 10am to 5pm
- Price: free access, parking charge €2
- See the latest news on the official website here
7. Contemplating the Peñón de los Enamorados
This iconic rock formation, nicknamed the “Lovers’ Rock”, is visible from many points in the city. We were fascinated by its profile, which bears a striking resemblance to a human face looking up to the sky. This 880-meter-high mountain is associated with a tragic romantic legend: two lovers from opposing communities are said to have thrown themselves from the top of this rock rather than be separated. You can admire it from afar, or approach it via hiking trails for a more detailed view.
- Located about 10 km northeast of Antequera
- Visible from many vantage points in the city, notably from the Alcazaba
- But our favorite spot is Ermita de la Vera Cruz
- Access by road A-7282
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
8. Stroll through the old town
The historic center of Antequera charmed us with its many churches, palaces and noble houses dating from the 16th and 18th centuries. We strolled along the cobbled streets, admiring the ornate facades and flower-filled patios. You’ll particularly appreciate the Plaza de San Sebastián with its beautiful Renaissance fountain and church. Baroque religious architecture is omnipresent, testifying to the city’s rich past.
- Explore on foot to take full advantage of the atmosphere
- The main shopping streets are Calle Infante Don Fernando and Calle Lucena.
- The tourist office is located in the town center, Plaza de San Sebastián.
9. Visit the City Museum / Palacio de Najera
Housed in the Nájera palace, this museum gave us a better understanding of Antequera’s rich history. The collections range from prehistoric times to the present day, with a particularly interesting section dedicated to local Baroque art. We admired works by Pedro de Mena and other renowned artists. You’ll also discover a fine archaeological collection including Roman and Arab pieces. The building itself, with its typical Andalusian patio and coffered ceilings, is well worth a visit.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm,
- Price: €10
- See the latest news on the official website here
8. Discover churches, palaces and convents
It’s a city rich in palaces, churches and convents.
You won’t be able to walk down a street without discovering some beautiful buildings. Here are a few to discover:
Convento Santa Catalina de Siena
This convent of the Dominican Sisters is a simple, attractive structure on the square in Coso Vijeo. This church replaced the older one that stood in its place. The current church uses a standard convent plan.
Convento de Santa Eufemia
At one end of the old town lies this magnificent convent of the town’s patron saint – Saint Eufemia. The monastery, founded in 1601, was followed by the construction of a church in the mid-18th century.
Observe the unique belfry and octagonal shape of this large building.
Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apóstol
Right next to the Convento de Santa Eufemia is the Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apostol.
Originally built as a hermitage in the 16th century, the current church is an 18th-century structure. This place is really charming!
Palacio Marqueses Pena de los Enamorados Antequera
Just a few minutes’ drive from the Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apostol, you’ll find this elegant palace. It was once home to Antequera’s influential Rojas family.
Built in the 16th century, it has undergone numerous modifications since then.
But even today, you can still admire its civil architecture. The style is a blend of Mudejar and Renaissance.
Convento de la Victoria (Museo y Capilla de la Beata)
The Convent of La Victoria is another spectacular structure in the old town. The convent belonged to the Order of Tertiary Nuns founded by Mother Carmen.
This church was built between 1712 and 1718. Its bell tower was added in the 18th century.
Website.
Museo Conventual de las Descalzas – Convento de San Jose
The church was built in the 17th century. We liked the attractive facade with its elaborate details. The interior of the church is adorned with numerous paintings and sculptures. Take your time to admire the beauty of this church.
Its museum boasts an important collection of paintings, sculptures and silverware, including a Mannerist painting of St. Michael the Archangel and the sculpture of San Jose.
Website
Convento de Bethelem
This is one of the most beautiful churches in Antequera. It’s located a little way from the city center. But the church is a must-see. Construction began in 1628.
The façade is simple. But the interiors are very ornate
Website
10. Spend the night in Antequera
This town is often a stopover, but in our opinion it deserves at least one night on your road trip. It has a lot of charm with many historic buildings and is very central for visiting many places.
There are 3 main choices for staying in this city:
- stay in the old town within walking distance of everything
- stay in the newer parts of town (around the Plaza de Toros bullfighting arena and the old town center)
- stay in the countryside around
Here are a few hotels:
- Luxury
The Hotel Convento l Magdalena will charm you with the breathtaking views it offers from its garden.
see pictures and availability - Value for money
Hotel Infante Antequera with rooftop pool
see pictures and availability - Country holidays
The Fuente del Sol Hotel & Spa offers luxury in the peaceful countryside 10 km from Antequera.
see pictures and availability
or see the best hotel and rental offers
11. Admire the city from every angle
Thanks to its many hills, the city offers many beautiful views of all the buildings and orange roofs.
Ermita de la Vera Cruz
365-degree panoramic views of the town of Antequera and the superb fort on one side.
On the other side, enjoy a perfect view of the “lovers’ rock”, aka Pena de los Enamorados (photo at #7).
Mirador Callé Jesus
This street is a favorite with tourists looking for the best views of the Alcazaba. If you take this road out of town, don’t miss the view of the playground.
(Photo at #8).
From the fortification walls around Alcazaba
Reaching the Alcazaba involves a bit of climbing. Wear good shoes, carry water and be prepared with a good camera. The fortified walls and two towers of the Alcazaba are the real attraction here.
(Photo at #10)
Other attractions in and around Antequera
As well as the must-sees, we’ve spotted other interesting sites in and around Antequera. From architectural treasures to natural wonders, these places deserve your attention to complete your stay in this fascinating region of Andalucia.
Plaza de Toros and museo Taurino (Bullfighting)
The Plaza de Toros is one of Andalucia’s finest bullrings.
The original bullring was built in just one year, in 1848.
More churches and monuments
Antequera boasts over 30 churches and convents, testifying to its important religious heritage. Worth a visit are the church of San Sebastián with its unique tower, the church of San Juan de Dios with its rich Baroque decorations, and the Collegiate Church of San Sebastián with its impressive facade…
There’s also the Villa Romana de la Estación, a Roman ruin near the train station.
The different city gates
You’ll find three main town gates as you pass through Antequera.
You can take a look at it at any time.
- Puerta de Estepa: A reconstruction of the original design. It looks beautiful at night when lit up.
- Puerta de Granada: A reconstruction of the original. Visit it on the way back to the dolmens. A single arch, beautiful views all around.
- Puerta de Malaga: Originally built in the 18th century, this was the gateway to the Islamic city. It was later converted into a chapel. Even after its reconstruction, it retains a small altarpiece.
Excursions from Antequera
Its central location in Andalucia makes Antequera an ideal base for exploring the region. Malaga and its beaches are less than an hour’s drive away. You can also visit Cordoba and its famous Mosque-Cathedral, Granada and the Alhambra, or Sevilla with its Cathedral and Alcazar in less than two hours by car.
Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a sublime natural setting! Cut into the side of a cliff for the construction of a dam at the beginning of the 20th century, this path has now been rehabilitated as a hiking trail.
We gave it a try and loved this shot of nature!
After an initial walk in the forest, we took narrow paths through breathtaking scenery, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
The ultimate challenge: crossing the 100m-high suspension bridge between the narrow gorges!
See more photos and anecdotes in our dedicated article.
Ronda and the white villages
Discover the magnificent town of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain, built into the side of a cliff. You can combine the day with one or two of the white villages around Ronda.
Find out more in our article on Ronda.
1h15 drive.
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How to get to Antequera + parking
Where is Antequera
- In the province of Malaga, Andalucia
- Malaga 45 min drive (55 km)
- Granada 1h15 away (97 km)
- Cordoba 1h30 away (123 km)
- Sevilla 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive (160 km)
How to get there
The most practical way to visit Antequera and the surrounding area is by car. The city is well served by the A-45 freeway linking Malaga to Cordoba and the A-92, which crosses Andalucia from east to west.
By train, Antequera has two stations: Antequera-Ciudad for regional trains and Antequera-Santa Ana for mainline and AVE (high-speed train) services. Buses also run between Antequera and the main towns of Andalucia.
Parking in Antequera
We found several parking options in Antequera. The Plaza Castilla underground parking lot, located near the historic center, is convenient but chargeable. Free parking is available around the Paseo Real and near the bus station, but is often taken up. To visit the Alcazaba, we recommend the parking lot below the hill, where a staircase leads directly to the fortress.
Useful tips for visiting Antequera
How long and when?
We recommend you allow at least a full day to explore Antequera’s historic center and its main monuments. If you wish to include El Torcal and the dolmens, a two-day stay is preferable.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting Antequera. Summer temperatures can be very high, often exceeding 35°C in July and August. Winter is mild but can be rainy.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The town center is relatively compact, but with many hills, and the old town is built on a hill. Good footwear is recommended. Access to the Alcazaba can be difficult for people with reduced mobility.
Visiting with children
Antequera offers many activities suitable for families with children. The El Torcal nature park fascinates the youngest visitors with its rock formations that resemble fantastic animals or characters.
The dolmens site offers specially adapted guided tours that tell the story of prehistoric times in a captivating way.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested Antequera’s restaurants.
But on our list are: Mar de Gloria for its revisited traditional cuisine, Recuerdos Tapas Bodega and Restaurante Campo de Golf for views, out of town.
Visiting Antequera in winter
Winter in Antequera has a special charm, with sunny days despite cool temperatures. You can enjoy visiting certain monuments and museums without the summer crowds. Temperatures generally fluctuate between 5°C and 15°C, so bring warm clothing. But you’ll also find a number of enclosed slopes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
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- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Driving in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
