Antequera – What to see in 48 hours in the interior of Malaga

Although I have been to Antequera many times. It took a while to discover everything this city in the interior of Malaga has to offer. One November I revisited Antequera to see the Alcazaba that I hadn’t been able to visit before.

Now that I’ve seen all the main sights, I’m sharing my findings to help you plan your visit.

Antequera is located in central Andalusia. Surrounded by fields, this is a perfect weekend getaway for exploring the countryside.

With lots of big churches, interesting walks and fabulous local food. 48 hours is the ideal time to spend here.

Alcazaba of Antequera

The 14th-century fortress sits high above Antequera, but the climb is actually doable. One street away from the old town center and you’re almost there. (of course this is not recommended in the hottest times of the year, July-August)

As you may know, Medieval Fortresses appear in other cities in Andalusia. Places like Granada, Almeria or Málaga have their Alcazaba.

However the Antequera one is the largest in Spain. (Gibraltar is also an important Alcazaba, la calahorra)

Built in 1582 the Tower of Homage It is the most important part of the fortress. From the top of this watchtower you can see the landscape and the city.

The Giants’ Arc (Giant’s Arc) is also quite impressive just outside the Alcazaba. Built in 1585, it takes its name from the great sculptures that existed here.

Topped by a vase of flowers, a lion and the city’s coat of arms, this door opens onto the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria and the entrance to the Alcazaba.

He also frames it very well.

Santa Maria Mayor’s Church

This imposing building just below the Alcazaba was the first Renaissance-style church built in Andalusia. Completed in 1550, the facade is very impressive and inside you can watch an audiovisual show that explains a little of the history of this building.

You can also see an old Tarasca figure. A typical symbol in some festivals throughout Spain. The curious figure is half dragon and half woman.

Just outside the church there is a balcony overlooking the landscape. In this place, next to the church, there are ruins of old baths. Discovered in 1988, this place dates back to the 1st century. Used as a Thermal Spa open to the public at the time.

There are Antequera walking tours available if you want a guide to show you the different monuments and churches.

Where to Stay in Antequera

The Parador de Antequera is a good option, there are also good rural stays in the countryside and surroundings. Almohalla 51, in nearby Archidona, is a good option for a small, boutique-style stay.

Labyrinth Park inspired by the Alhambra

In February 2025, a Labyrinth was opened (20 minutes from Antequera) and designed with the inspiration of the geometry of the Alhambra in mind. Covering more than 7,400 square meters, it is the same size as the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It takes 2 hours to complete (or there is a shorter route that takes 30 minutes) and is a nice addition to the surrounding Andalusian countryside.

• Opening hours: 10:30 am to 7:00 pm only on weekends in the summer season.
• Check the website for more details: Laberintus Park
• Ticket price: 10 euros per person
• Address: Parque Santillan, Humilladero, Málaga
• 20 minutes from Antequera, a 45-minute drive from the city of Malaga and an hour from Granada.

A walk through the old town

While strolling through the main streets of Antequera I saw this fabulous church tower. Named in Spanish as the Collegiate Church of San Sebastian, its tower is truly ornate. Built in the 1540s, I couldn’t help but take a few photos of this eye-catching spire.

Antequera is known as the city of churches. With 33 churches There are more churches per person in this location than anywhere else in Spain.

Antequera Museum

The Antequera City Museum (MVCA) is right in the center of the old town. Located inside the Najera Palace. The Antequera Museum site is worth visiting, even if just for the architecture inside the palace.

Built in the 18th century as a palatial home, the dome at the top of one of the staircases caught my attention. The museum offers interesting exhibits from different eras of Antequera. Along with Roman sculptures and sacred art from the region.

Nativity Scene Museum, Mollina

Near Antequera, in Mollina, there is a Museum dedicated to Nativity scenes. I went one winter to see what it was all about: Nativity Museum in Spain

The Indian on the horizon

As you drive towards Antequera you notice this imposing rock on the horizon.

Shaped like someone’s face seen from the side, it is called Peña de los Enamorados in Spanish. They also call it Montaña del Indio due to its resemblance to the face of a native Indian. This has been an important milestone for a long time. You can imagine that this Sleeping Giant had a 5,000 year old secret hidden inside him. The megalithic tomb of Piedras Blancas.

One of the Dolmens faces this rock, rather than the direction of the sunrise, so even all those years ago this was important.

Lovers Rock

It has a legend association:

A beautiful Muslim girl named Tagzona was betrothed to the ruler of Alhama Castle. However, she was already in love with a Christian from Antequera. While visiting soldiers in prison, she helped him escape. They fled together, but were followed by Moorish soldiers.

When they reached the top of this limestone rock, instead of being captured, they threw themselves down the 800 meter drop, hand in hand, until the bitter end.

Lovers’ Rock

This romantic tale also inspired the 18th century poem by Robert Southney

here is an excerpt…

Walking in Torcal

This curious park near Antequera is full of strange geological forms. When you arrive at Torcal de Antequera it can be cooler and misty. There may even be thick fog.

Although it may be warmer or sunnier in the city, the weather in this region can change quickly, so bring layers if you plan to visit.

Torcal de Antequera

There is a visitor center and parking when you arrive at the park’s main entrance. There is a good cafe here that serves hot food and also a small shop.

If you want to follow one of the different routes in Torcal, get the detailed information you need to plan your visit.

Some of the routes are self-guided, public trails and others can only be done with a guide.

As it is a protected space and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is important to protect and respect the park. Enjoy seeing shapes in the different rock formations and spotting fossils like this ammonite along the way.

Antequera dolmens

The Antequera Dolmens are a fascinating discovery. There are three to visit, El Romeral, Menga and Viera.

The Tholos de Romeral seen here is located on the other side of the city. You can drive to see the Romeral site. It’s just a short distance from one to the other. This was built in 1800 BC and was a megalithic cemetery. As with the other two, you can come in and see for yourself.

I find it fascinating, after all these centuries, that we can still see this now.

Menga dolmen

The wonderful thing about visiting the Antas de Antequera is seeing the difference between the three buildings. The Menga Dolmen (seen below) was built in the third millennium BC (3800-3600 BC).

It is one of the largest and oldest known megalithic structures in Europe.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since being included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this area is busier than before. I would plan my trip first thing in the morning if possible, before the crowds arrive.

The Antequera Tapirs are outdoors, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and good footwear for your visit. You can also book a tour to Antequera from Malaga if you prefer not to drive.

Food in Antequera

As with most places in Andalusia, the food in the region is excellent. In fact, in 2026 Antequera is a candidate in the race for the next Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. (together with Jerez de la Frontera) The results are confirmed in January at FITUR.

Local delicacies specific to Antequera are the Antequera Muffin. A flatbread that tastes wonderful with local olive oil drizzled on top.

THE Fucking Antequerana It may look like Salmorejo, a thick, chilled tomato puree, but the ingredients vary. Damn there’s bread in the mix, it’s really thick and filling.

This dish is good for hotter days, when you need to eat something filling, but the temperatures are high. Also pay attention to the cookies and sweets from The Antequerana a local bakery that sells its delicacies throughout Spain. Mainly at Easter and Christmas time.

Where to eat in Antequera

On my different visits to Antequera I ate in several different places.

• Art in the kitchen – This popular restaurant has a tapas bar, a restaurant and also a small hotel on the first floor. The restaurant is excellent and some historical recipes were even recovered by the loving chef Charo Carmona. Located in a historic building, the San Francisco ArenaIt’s a lovely setting to enjoy a good meal. It gets very busy so book in advance. Located at Calle Calzada, 27 (public parking in front)
• Leila Restaurant – This central location in the historic center offers excellent fish dishes as well as Moroccan-style food. The Pastela Moruna was excellent, as were the eggplants with honey. Find it at San Sebastian Square, 1,
• Rainha Restaurant – This traditional restaurant in wAlle San Agustín gets very busy on weekends with family groups. Portion sizes were very generous here. The variety of fish, meat and other dishes was impressive, something for everyone.

Resources to help you plan your Andalusia getaway:

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