If you’ve never travelled to southern Spain before you’re missing out. Andalusia is full of incredible historic towns and cities, many of which aren’t nestled along the coast. Sure, Malaga is great, and so are the likes of Cordoba and Cadiz, but sometimes the best places to visit are those that are overlooked by tourists – such as Antequera. There are a lot of things to do in Antequera, so it’s surprising that it doesn’t appear in many lists of places to visit in southern Spain.
Antequera is located less than an hours drive from Malaga. Interestingly enough, it’s well known for its large amount of churches. There are 33 churches in total in Antequera, and for such a small city that’s a lot. In fact, Antequera has the largest number of churches per inhabitant in all of Spain. Apart from its churches, Antequera is very popular for its traditional restaurants, and it boasts a mixture of prehistoric, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance sites.
Keep reading to find out my top picks for the best things to do in Antequera, as well as a few tips for where to eat in the city.
Things to do in Antequera
1. Alcazaba de Antequera
One of the best things to do in Antequera is to visit the 14th century Alcazaba de Antequera. This fortress was built on top of Roman ruins, and its walls stretch beyond the main complex, further down the hill and into the city. The Alcazaba played a central role during the constant battles fought between the Moors and the Christians, as it was situated in an important strategic location.
It’s one of the most picturesque castles in the province of Malaga, and it only has a small entry fee – not bad if you’re visiting Spain on a budget. If you don’t have time to explore the interior of the Alcazaba, there’s a fantastic viewpoint of it from beside Iglesia de Santa Maria de Jesus. You’ll also find a handy parking area behind the castle, where you’ll also get an alternative view of the structure.
2. Iglesia de Santa Maria de Jesus
There are many churches to visit in Antequera, but one that you shouldn’t miss is Iglesia de Santa Maria de Jesus. It’s located only a few minutes walk from the Alcazaba and it’s situated in a very popular tapas area. The church itself was completed in the 17th century, but it’s undergone a series of changes since then. The front of the church is gorgeous, but my favourite part is the side closest to the road with its glistening white wall and imposing doorway. There’s a viewpoint along the road where you’ll find a great view of the Alcazaba in the distance.
3. Mirador de las Almenillas
If you’re looking for unrivalled views of Antequera, Mirador de las Almenillas is where you need to go. It sits at the entrance to some of the most popular historic sites in Antequera, and it’s worth the somewhat steep climb to get to. From here, you’re able to pick out many of the impressive churches that adorn the city, and see how Antequera has grown over the last few centuries.
There are a few parking spaces at the viewpoint, but they’re usually taken. However, if you’re planning a road trip in southern Spain during the off-season, chances are you’ll be able to park here during the day.
4. Arco de los Gigantes
Located directly across from the viewpoint is Arco de los Gigantes (Arch of the Giants). It’s considered to be one of the best things to see in Antequera. The arch was built in the 16th century as a replacement for part of the Muslim wall which stood here. It has a number of Latin statues and gravestones built into it which were found at ancient Roman towns in the surrounding area.
The arch is also very popular for photographers, since you can see the city and the mountains in the distance through it. After you’ve passed through the arch, you’ll find the entrance to the Alcazaba on your right hand side.
5. Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor
Churches in Antequera don’t come much grander than Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor. Visiting this impressive church is one of the best things to do in Antequera, and it’s very popular with large tour groups in the summer months. It dates back to the 16th century, and is considered to be the first columned Renaissance church built in Andalusia – as well as one of the first in the whole of Spain.
There’s a small fee to enter this church, or you can purchase the combo ticket which will give you access to the church and the Alcazaba. This is one church that’s a must-see in southern Spain. There are also some pretty fascinating Roman ruins next to the church that are worth looking at.
6. La Peña de los Enamorados
One of the most iconic sights in Antequera is La Peña de los Enamorados – also known as the Lover’s Rock. You can see it from a number of spots in the city, but I would recommend going to either Mirador de las Almenillas or the plaza in front of Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor for the best view.
Legend says that a Christian boy was captured in the medieval period and sent to be a servant at the home of a rich Moorish family. He fell in love with the daughter of the family and they decided to flee, but were chased and cornered at the mountain. Instead of surrendering, they threw themselves from the top of the mountain.
Many people also say it resembles the face of an Indian person looking towards the sky. Finding a nice view of La Peña de los Enamorados is one of the top things to do in Antequera – so don’t forget to look out for it while you walk around the city.
7. Explore the streets of Antequera
The city of Antequera is full of charming streets to walk along. Cuesta Santa Maria, for example, is located just in front of Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor and is lined with pretty whitewashed houses and a couple of restaurants.
If you’re not on a tight schedule, I would recommend taking a leisurely stroll around the city, because you never know what you might come across. Antequera is highly underrated by tourists, but in my opinion it’s one of the best cities in southern Spain to visit if you want to immerse yourself in history and Spanish culture.
8. Parroquia San Sebastian
One church that really caught my eye as we were walking the streets of Antequera was Parroquia San Sebastian. This Renaissance church was built in the mid-16th century, and has seen numerous additions to it over the centuries. It sits at the bottom of the hill where the Alcazaba is located so it’s very easy to find. This is also a nice area to sit outside and enjoy a snack or something to drink.
9. Plaza Coso Viejo
Another top thing to do in Antequera is to visit Plaza Coso Viejo. This plaza was once called the Vegetable Square, as it was where the open air market was held. It has since been completely renovated and is home to Palacio De Najera and Convento Santa Catalina de Siena. There’s also a beautiful statue in the middle of the plaza of Ferdinand I of Aragon, who conquered the city in 1410, riding on his horse.
10. Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera
If you’re interested in visiting a museum while you’re in Antequera, Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera is one of the most popular ones. It’s located inside the 18th century Palacio De Najera in Plaza Coso Viejo. Although this museum doesn’t top the list of things to do in Antequera, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the city and see some fine art at the same time.
11. Museo Conventual de las Descalzas
Another interesting museum to visit in Antequera is the Museo Conventual de las Descalzas. Visiting this museum is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Antequera, as it forms part of a convent and is run by cloistered nuns. The museum itself is home to a large collection of religious art, which are well worth taking a look at – especially if you love history. This museum is located a few minutes walk from Plaza Coso Viejo, and it’s surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Antequera.
12. Stop to look at the Termas Romanas de Santa Maria
A big hidden gem in Antequera that’s sitting in plain sight are the Termas Romanas de Santa Maria. These Roman baths have been very well-preserved, and recent archaeological excavations have unearthed heating systems, original pools, and arches. The site can be viewed from above, which gives you a great vantage point to see the layout of these baths, despite their modest size. Anyone who’s interested in archaeology should want to see these Roman remains during a trip to Antequera.
13. Visit the Sitio de los Dolmenes de Antequera
If you have a car, or are planning on going on a coach tour of Antequera, make sure you visit the Sitio de los Dolmenes de Antequera. This incredible 5000 year old Megalithic site comes in at the top of almost everyone’s list of things to do in Antequera. It’s one of the best preserved prehistoric sites in Spain too.
The Dolmens are completely free to visit, and there are three of them to explore. The Menga Dolmen (pictured here) is the largest in all of Europe, and it sits next to the Viera Dolmen. The El Romeral Dolmen sits a short car ride away from the others.
The Dolmens would have been used for rituals and burials, and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. There are a limited amount of people allowed into the Dolmens at one time, so I would recommend phoning ahead in peak season to check that there is a slot available. They don’t take very long to see, but they’re interesting nonetheless.
14. Hike at El Torcal de Antequera
If you love outdoor activities, you’re going to want to hike at El Torcal de Antequera. Its unique limestone rock formations have been formed over millions of years and they make for a unique day trip or short hike. This is by far one of the best things to do in Antequera if you have the time, and it’s completely free too.
There are a couple of different trails to choose from based on your hiking ability and how long you want to be hiking for. You’ll also find a lovely viewpoint of the surrounding landscape across from the visitor centre, which is accessible for everyone. El Torcal is the most important karstic site in all of Spain, which is why you shouldn’t miss it if you’re in the area.
Best places to eat in Antequera
Arte de Cozina
You can’t leave Antequera without having some tapas at Arte de Cozina. I actually came across this restaurant on a number of blogs while I was researching the best things to do in Antequera, so I added it to our itinerary so we could try it out. The tapas is phenomenal here, and very budget friendly too considering the portion sizes. They use local produce to create traditional recipes, and sometimes add their own twist on things. We sampled a few tapas dishes each and loved every bite.
Loulu Bistro
Right next to Plaza de San Sebastian sits Loulu Bistro. If you can find a table, I’d highly recommend sitting inside because the interior is very quirky and adds to the unique food presentations. Their menu is Mediterranean-based but with a few international twists thrown in. They focus on using seasonal produce to create a mixture of delicious tapas and special dishes. Two things you need to try here are their selection of handmade croquettes and the Russian salad.
La Antequerana
Before kicking off your list of things to do in Antequera, you need to have breakfast. There are plenty options available in the historic city centre, but one that comes highly recommended is La Antequerana. This cafe and pastry shop is deeply rooted in local tradition. It’s famous for its cakes, churros, pastries, and molletes – a typical bread from the region, served as breakfast sandwich. It’s a great place to come for breakfast or a snack throughout the day.
Gastrobar Casa Lucia
Tucked away at the base of the hill leading up to the Alcazaba is Gastrobar Casa Lucia. We visited at lunchtime for some tapas, but there’s also a seating area for a full sit-down meal. The menu is a fantastic fusion of traditional Spanish and modern dishes, with fresh seafood available too.
In terms of tapas, you have a lot of options, and the portion sizes are generous. I’d suggest ordering a few croquettes, Porra Antequerana which is a typical thick soup from the region, and whatever they have off the menu as a special of the day. Gastrobar Casa Lucia offers a casual dining experience, and it’s one where you won’t find a lot of tourists either.
Alma de Triana
Located along one of the main streets in Antequera is Alma de Triana. This restaurant in Antequera wasn’t recommended to us, but we visited based off of the online reviews. This urban tavern has a large menu, offering everything from nachos to steak and Iberian ribs. There are also some local specialities available which might appeal to you. Due to its location, the prices are slightly higher than other restaurants in the city. I’d suggest order a couple of smaller dishes and one large dish to share, so you can keep within your travel budget.
D’Lorenzo Gelato
After a long day of exploring all of the things to do in Antequera, you might want to treat yourself. Located across the road from Alma de Triana is D’Lorenzo Gelato. This gelateria puts an emphasis on authentic Italian gelato, and there are more than 40 flavours available. There are a few places to sit inside, or you can enjoy your gelato as you walk around the streets of Antequera. You’ll also find D’Lorenzo Gelato in Malaga’s city centre.
Where to stay in Antequera
Casa Lo Pinto
Based in the rural outskirts of Antequera, at the foot of El Torcal, lies Casa Lo Pinto. This peaceful retreat is an excellent choice for escaping the city, while still being within reasonable driving distances of cities such as Granada and Malaga. The house was all made by hand, which you can see through the beautiful details inside the house and around its exterior.
Outside, guests can enjoy relaxing around the private swimming pool while admiring the sweeping views of the valley in the distance. There’s also an outdoor barbecue and grill area, plenty of outdoor seating, and sun loungers to take advantage of. And, if you like table tennis, you can try your luck at that too.
Casa Lo Pinto features three bedrooms that can sleep up to six people. Two bedrooms have two single beds and one bedroom has a large double bed. The house also comes with two full bathrooms, one with a shower and the other with a bathtub. Guests can take advantage of the upstairs balcony that gives you a view of the outdoor terrace as well as El Torcal in the distance. It’s a great spot to sit in the morning to enjoy the sunrise.
What really stands out about Casa Lo Pinto is the way it blends a traditional, rustic style with modern comforts. Inside, you’ll find exposed natural materials and warm tones, which makes everything feel very cozy and inviting. The living room comes with a beautiful fireplace, comfortable seating, a TV, and a dining table. The kitchen is also very unique and fully equipped, with stunning Andalusian-style brick arches separating it from the living room.
If you’re a digital nomad or you work from home, Casa Lo Pino offers very fast WiFi so you can always stay connected, despite being in a rural setting. Private parking is also available, and there’s a laundry room on-site.
Overall, Casa Lo Pinto is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to spend a couple of nights, or longer, away from busy cities. It’s ideally located close to top attractions in Andalusia too. Whether you want to relax surrounded by nature or explore off the beaten path locations, you can’t go wrong with basing yourself in rural Antequera.
Is Antequera worth visiting?
Antequera is often overlooked by tourists visiting southern Spain. While many people like to stay along the coast, or visit larger cities like Granada or Seville, it’s always nice to get off the beaten path and visit cities that people may not have heard of. Antequera is less than an hours drive from Malaga, and very close to the small white village of Archidona too. There are a lot of things to do in Antequera and the surrounding countryside, making it one destination in Andalusia you won’t want to miss.
If you have any questions about planning a trip to Spain or the best things to do in Antequera, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. And remember to follow me on my travels on Instagram and TikTok for more travel photos and ideas on where to plan your next trip.
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