Antequera Car Hire

Guide of Antequera

Geography

Antequera is a beautiful, white-washed city located in the province of Malaga in Andalusia, southern Spain. It sits at the foot of the El Torcal mountain range and is squeezed between the Sierra de las Torcal mountains in the south and the Sierra del Rey and Sierra de Chimenea mountains to the north. The Guadalhorc River flows through the area.

Climate in Antequera

Antequera has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Due to its inland location, temperatures can be more extreme than those in coastal areas. Summer kicks off in June and lasts until September, when temperatures can reach highs of around 35°C. Nights tend to be slightly cooler, though temperatures rarely drop below 20°C.

The coldest months in Antequera are December, January and February, when temperatures average around 15°C. Snow is rare, but it isn’t unusual to spot it in the surrounding mountains. Spring and autumn offer temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it a good time to visit if you plan to hit the sights, rather than the beach.

Culture

Antequera is renowned for its rich history and heritage. The city is brimming with historical sights, from prehistoric dolmens and megaliths and Roman ruins to medieval fortifications and beautiful Baroque architecture. Like many Andalusian towns and cities, Antequera’s culture has been shaped by a mix of influences and civilizations, including the Romans, Moors and Christians who have all left their mark on the city’s architecture, art and traditions.

Today, the city is well-known for its impressive religious festivals, such as the spectacular Semana Santa (Holy Week), which features parades and floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Things To Do in Antequera

Visit the Alcazaba of Antequera

This important Moorish military stronghold dates back to the 14th century. Set in the heart of the city, it offers spectacular views of Antequerra and the local area. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour with an audio guide for context.

Explore the Dolmens of Antequera

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest and most important groups of prehistoric megalithic structures in Europe. They consist of three burial grounds, dating back to around 2500-2000 BCE.

Brush up on local history at the Antequera Municipal Museum

For additional insights into the fascinating history of the city, head to the Municipal Museum. Conveniently located in the city centre, the museum tells the story of Antequera and its surroundings, with dedicated exhibits on the Alcazaba and the Dolomens.

Meander around the historic city centre

Antequera’s city centre is brimming with beautiful buildings and monuments, like the Church of Santa Maria, the Plaza del Coso Viejo and the Plaza de San Sebastian. There are several beautiful palacios (mansions) that date back to the 16th century too. Many of these are still privately owned but you can take a peek at their impressive internal courtyards behind the hefty doors.

Get back to nature in the El Torcal Natural Park

The El Torcal Natural Park stretches across 17 square kilometres of unique limestone rock formations, stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. There are several well-marked trails varying in difficulty and length, and the park is home to more than 600 species of plant. It’s easy to reach from the centre too, just a 12 km drive away.

Take a hike in El Chorro Gorge

This national park is one of the most famous and popular in the region. It’s located around 25 km west of Antequerra, but it’s well worth the extra effort. The gorge is surrounded by towering 400-metre-high limestone cliffs offering jaw-dropping views over the surrounding countryside. There are dozens of hiking trails too, but the most popular is the Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway).

Eating Out in Antequera

Antequera is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, which focus on a combination of local specialities and traditional Andalusian dishes. The surrounding fertile farmlands are famous for their olive oil, almonds and fresh vegetables, which feature heavily in local dishes. You’ll find porra antequerana, a delicious cold soup similar to gazpacho on most menus, along with migas, a hearty breakfast dish made from sausages, fried breadcrumbs and peppers. Those with a sweet tooth will want to try manteacados, a local sweet biscuit made with almonds.

The region produces some excellent wines and visitors can easily sample local varieties in the city’s bars and restaurants. Tinto de verano (red wine mixed with lemonade) and rebujito (sherry and soda) are particularly popular in the warmer months.

The city is brimming with brilliant restaurants, cafes and bars, so it isn’t hard to find good food. While you might not find Michelin stars, there are plenty of lively tapas bars and restaurants to make up for it. Try local favourites like Restaurante Leila and Meson Adarva for a true introduction to Andalusian cuisine.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Antequera is Malaga Airport (AGP), which is located around 31 miles (50 km) south of the city. The airport is the fourth busiest in Spain and serves dozens of domestic and international destinations, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find an affordable flight at a suitable time. It’s a 40-minute drive from Malaga Airport to the city centre or an hour-long bus or train journey.

Alternatively, you could fly to Granada Airport (GRX), which is 61 miles (100 km) northeast of the city, though public transportation between the two destinations is less frequent.

Getting around Antequera

Antequera is a small city and most of its main sights are within walking distance of each other. For those who prefer not to walk, Antequera Urban (the local bus service) connects most parts of the city, including the train and bus stations.

However, if you’re planning on exploring the surrounding areas, we recommend hiring a car. Public transport to national parks and popular destinations such as the El Chorro Gorge or even major cities like Granada and Cordoba can be unreliable. Driving will give you the flexibility and freedom to some of the region’s underexplored spots at your own pace too.