Antequera is one of the beautiful cities that made Malaga a perfect trip. Hike through the Torcal de Antequera, taste la Porra or visit the Alcazaba is just 3 things that you can do on Antequera. Very close to Malaga and The Caminito del Rey is a strategic point to visit the area.
ABOUT ANTEQUERA
Antequera is very close to Malaga, is just 45min by car, or if you prefer 1h by train that you leave Antequera-Santa Ana Station. Park in the city is very easy but I always prefer private parking, so I choose the parking on Puerta Estepa Gate from here is very easy access to the city.
The natural characteristics have turned Antequera into a passage and settlement place for several communities which, since the Paleolithic period, have settled in the Iberian Peninsula.
The access to the Alcazaba is through the stairs located at the Colegio street, or through the Arco de los Gigantes (Arch of the Giants) and the so-called Plaza de los Escribanos (Square of the Scribes). The most outstanding element in this square is the sculpture depicting Pedro Espinosa.
ALCAZABA OF ANTEQUERA
Declared Monumento Nacional (National Monument), most of the wall that is still left standing is from the first half of the 14th century and it can be seen that Roman remains were used in their construction.
The castle, fortress, or Alcazaba is known as “Papabellotas”, is a fortified edification from the Muslim period in Antequera, which was probably raised on the site of the Roman ruins. The exact date of its construction is unknown, although it is first mentioned in the 12th century.
The most important of the three turrets is the one that goes by the name of Homenaje, which is known locally as “Reloj de Papabellotas”. It has an angled floor plan and is one of the largest of all the Muslim defense towers that were built in the Muslim period. A stone and brick Mannerist state belfry were built on top of this turret in 1582, which was to house the largest bell in the city. The Torre Blanca is joined to this turret/tower by a stretch of wall. This tower is especially outstanding for its stonework. The stone vaults, which are half-barrel are particularly well made.
The entire area that is located inside the walled area that links them until to Plazas de Los Escribanos and de Santa María, is today, a lovely gardened space where visitors can enjoy a walk. There is also an archaeological element of some interest inside the enclosed area in the form of a water deposit made of cut stone. Admission 6€ (Alcazaba + Santa María la Mayor).
EL TORCAL DE ANTEQUERA
The Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve is the most important, beautiful karstic phenomenon in Spain, and it is located near the city of Antequera, in the province of Malaga.
The most recommended access is through the city of Antequera. Once in Antequera, follow the signs to “El Torcal” or “Villanueva de la Concepción”, until you reach the A-7075 mountain road. After passing the sharp curves of the “Boca del Asno”, near kilometer 42, turn towards the “Centro de Visitantes Torcal Alto“. At the end of this narrow road, there is the destination. There is still no public transport to the Torcal, so if you do not have your own car or rental, you can get on taxi or private tour.
The access of private vehicles to the Nature Reserve is limited to the capacity of superior parking, located next to the “Visitor Center”. Parking and entrance are free, the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is open 10 am to 7 pm in summer and 10 am to 5 pm on winter. When it is complete, the access to private vehicles is closed, in which case the vehicles should be parked in the lower parking next to the A-7075. This usually happens on weekends and holidays.
Two types of routes, Green route (both are very easy)
- Length: 1,50 km – circular
- Gradient: +40m
- Estimated duration: 45 minutes
And Yellow route
- Length: 3 km – circular
- Gradient: + 53m
- Estimated duration: 2 hours
