Out & About

» Out & About in Antequera

Antequera is located in the heart of Andalusia. It happens to hold the honor of being the largest municipality in Malaga and the fifth largest in all of Spain. A stunning mix of historical sites and geographical features make this area popular with tourists of all ages.

With a population of more than 40,000 residents, Antequera is certain to offer many charming stores, restaurants, and activities. There are a grand number of churches that are open to the public; far more than could be listed in this guide. Two area railway stations, numerous bus services, and well-maintained highways provide travellers with many modes of travel.

Churches & Historical Monuments:

Arco de los Gigantes is a 16th century arch that leads visitors through the Moorish castle. Originally constructed by the Romans, this 13th century castle’s outer walls are open to the public. The Torre del Papabellotas (tower) is located on the best-preserved section of castle wall and offers amazing views of the town.

Chapel Tribune Blanca Cross was erected in 1774. It is a smaller church with a trapezial plant and impressive archways leading to the main areas.

Chapel Virgin Tribune Socorro dates back to 1715. The structure is amazing with stucco walls, sharp peaks, and a large open interior.

Colegiata Santa Maria is a renaissance church built in the 1500s. The temple’s size is impressive, but the architectural details are the real draw. Huge arches, a tall bell tower, and gothic features never fail to amaze.

Convent of Bethlehem is a 17th century convent that now houses a museum. Immaculate artwork and gorgeous features capture attention. The chapel closed in the late 1950s and became a museum. Opening hours are 10:30 pm to 1:30 pm Tuesday through to Friday. Saturday and Sunday the museum has morning hours from 10:00 am to noon. Tuesday through to Saturday, the museum offers nighttime hours from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

The Dolmen are located on the outskirts of town. Believed to be the burial chambers from times B.C., the structures are certainly worth viewing. Dolmen of Menga and Saw on Avda Of Malaga are open from Tuesday to Sunday (9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Tuesday through to Saturday and 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on Sunday.) Dolmen of the Romeral, located on Romeral Hill, is open those same hours.

Towering over the city, Hermitage of the Veracruz sits alone on a hillside. The hermitage was erected centuries ago and served the Brotherhood of the Side Cross and the Blood of Christ. The hermitage fell into a state of disrepair and is undergoing renovations to turn it into a museum and inn.

A grand baroque altar is the key feature of Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The church requires a small admittance fee. The altar is open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through to Sunday.

Plaza de Toros is a 19th century plaza that houses the town’s popular bullfighting museum.

Dining:

Besides an impressive number of pubs and dance clubs, diners can venture to many area restaurants for snacks and meals. If you want to experience the best of Antequera’s cuisine, be sure to visit some of the area bars and pubs to sample tapas with your beer or wine.

Antequera has many restaurants ranging from Burger King to the Bullring Restaurant. Hopefully, tourists will avoid the fast food and sample some of the area’s succulent dishes. Antequera is well known for churros, bienmesabe (a candy made from almond paste), rabbit stew, and fresh breads.

Festivals:

Fair of the Spring is held in May. This fair is a tribute to the agricultural trade within the town. Horse, goat, and cattle exhibitions are popular events. Modern day farm equipment (tractors) is also highlighted. Many booths offer samples of their products.

In August, the Real Fair is held for a full week. It is one of the oldest celebrations in Spain, dating back to the mid-1700s. During the fair, bullfighting, food samplings, a bull run, musical concerts, theatrical performances, parades, and fireworks are to be expected.

During the last weekend of April, Santísimo Christ of the Health and Waters begins his pilgrimage from the chapel to the throne called “Slope of the Gentleman.” This religious figure then sits on the Slope of the Gentleman until mid-May when he is returned to the church. This is one of Antequera’s largest religious festivals. Thousands flock to Antequera to view this procession.

Museums:

Bullfighting is still immensely popular throughout Spain. Antequera’s Bullfighting Museum sits in the heart of Plaza de Toros. The Bullfighting Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You can also visit the museum on Sunday’s from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Museum of Uses and Customs of San Benito is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Here visitors can learn about Antequera’s history and culture.

Olive oil is an important resource throughout Antequera. The Museum of Oil is open Monday through to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Palacio de Nájera, an 18th century palace, houses the Municipal Museum. The museum draws a large crowd annually due to its large Roman statue of a young boy sculpted from bronze. The Municipal Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and again from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On weekends, the museum is open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (Saturday) or 11:00 am to 1:30 pm (Sunday.) Groups receive a substantial discount.

Outdoor Activities:

On the northern outskirts of town, El Torcal is worth viewing. Trails are open all day, every day. The parking area is large and can fit passenger cars and tour buses. El Torcal is a huge expanse of limestone rocks that has been carved by the weather conditions throughout the centuries. Parque Natural del Torcal is a hiker’s delight. Packed with narrow trails, caves, and footpaths, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and experience. While you are strolling through the park, be watching for foxes, weasels, eagles, hawks, and vultures. The wild orchid is often visible from the trails. El Torcal offers a number of highlights:

• Green Route—a winding footpath brings hikers from the parking area to the highest portion of Torcal. The hike is suitable for beginners and takes a little under an hour’s time. The Green Route offers the best views of fauna and wildlife.
• Reception Centre—Here visitors can use the restroom facilities and listen to a ten-minute interactive presentation on the area’s highlights.
• Viewpoint—a hiking trail leads to an area that offers amazing views of Malaga, the Campanillas River, Villaneuva de la Conception, and, on clear, sunny days, Northern Africa is visible.

Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra’s stunning waters grace a stretch of land in Antequera. Considered the largest natural lagoon in all of Spain, the lagoon’s name is linked to the wildlife it attracts. Every year, thousands of flamingos flock to the lagoon during breeding season. Flocks of flamingos come to Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra in late January and remain until the breeding season ends in late spring and early summer. Look for signs from the N334 to find a visitor’s centre and popular lagoon side location where tourists can view these magnificent birds.

Marsh of the Spurt is a three-kilometer lake that is formed by the merging Turón, Guadalteba, and Guadalhorce Rivers. The lake is popular with children and adults who enjoy water sports. At the end of the lake is a narrow passage that rock climbers love to scale. There are more than 300 locations for rock climbers to practice their skills. The footbridge over this narrow channel is currently closed to foot traffic.

Shopping:

For centuries, residents of Antequera have practiced trades ranging from leathercrafting to jewellery making. While the number of talented craftsmen has dwindled, there are still boutiques within the area where shoppers can purchase locally made goods.