For those who can navigate a city that is not overrun by tourists (cruise ship styled ex-pats keep out), and appreciate nature and culture, Antequera offers super-high bang for your tourist time and money! It satisfies so many highlights anyone could ask for in a vacation spot. I cannot wait to return!
UNESCO feels as thrilled with Antequera as I do! They have cited numerous spots in and around the city as World Heritage Sites! El Torcal is a 25min drive from the city proper, although, as we drove out of El Torcal, my time-stamped photos show the last shot of El Torcal just 15min before the panorama of Antequera, so it's very very close. No excuses to miss El Torcal!
UNESCO also includes Lovers' Rock and the three Antequera Dolmen sites as part of the UNESCO features in this area. Honestly, the architecture and history in town are way worthy of UNESCO's recognition as well, but maybe that is to come? There is so much to see and do, we had to pick and choose, and I was bummed we didn't get to do it all!
There is free entry to a number of their attractions on Tuesdays from 2-6pm. This includes being able to walk inside the fortress walls of the Alcazar like a real soldier. It also allows free entry into the adjacent Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, which has outdoor ruins of Roman baths beside it. There is an additional Roman site at Carnicería de los Moros.
The dolmens and El Torcal are always free to explore, although for the dolmens, you do need a ticket from the ticket office before you can enter the site, and there are two locations so make sure you visit the ticket office first.
There are also several spectacular churches in Antequera, built prolifically after a very long conquest for Christians over the Moors, thus the "need" (desire) to establish exactly who was in charge of the territory. Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (1628-1711) is dedicated to the patron saint of Antequera. This church is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture. But do look at the many others for a beautiful variety.
Antequera has a number of (always free) miradors (lookouts) to appreciate the perspectives of the town and adjacent natural sites. The most popular is probably Mirador de las Almenillas.
There are many highly-rated restaurants in town, including one that sets up tables in the old bullring. We had a hard time choosing where to eat but many were closed the day of our visit so it narrowed things down some. Make sure to try Bienmesabe and other local cuisine!
There is so much history and heart in this very special place! read more