Antequera
approx. 1 h 15 min
In the heart of Andalusia, Antequera combines prehistoric monuments, a Moorish fortress and dozens of churches – with the surreal rock formations of El Torcal just outside town.
Why visit Antequera?
Antequera is one of the most historic towns in the province of Malaga, yet it remains far less visited than the coast. It sits at a crossroads of Andalusia, which is why so many civilisations left their mark here. The town's ancient dolmens and the natural sites around them were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Top sights in Antequera
The Dolmens of Antequera. The Menga and Viera dolmens are huge megalithic burial chambers built thousands of years ago from enormous stone slabs. Nearby is the El Romeral tholos. Together they form one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe.
The Alcazaba. A Moorish fortress on the hill above town, with towers and walls offering fine views over the rooftops and the surrounding plain.
Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor. A grand Renaissance church next to the Alcazaba, now used for exhibitions and concerts.
The old town. Antequera is known for its many churches, convents and palaces. The Arco de los Gigantes, a 16th-century gateway, leads up towards the Alcazaba.
Peña de los Enamorados. The "Lovers' Rock", a mountain shaped like a human face, rises from the plain and is part of the UNESCO site.
El Torcal de Antequera
Just south of the town lies the El Torcal nature reserve, famous for its extraordinary karst landscape of stacked limestone rocks, sculpted by wind and rain into strange shapes. Marked walking trails start near the visitor centre, and there are spectacular viewpoints on clear days.
Food and drink
Try the local specialities porra antequerana (a thick cold tomato soup), mollete bread rolls and the almond sweet bienmesabe.
Getting to Antequera from Riviera del Sol
The drive takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, heading inland via Malaga. El Torcal is a short drive further from the town centre.
Good to know
The dolmens are a short drive or a longer walk from the old town.
El Torcal is higher and cooler than the coast – bring a layer and sturdy shoes.
Book tours and tickets
Looking for a guided day trip to Antequera and El Torcal? Use the button below to see hand-picked experiences.