Nicknamed the “Heart of Andalusia” due to its central location, Antequera is a small city watched over by a legendary lover’s rock. It’s home to the UNESCO-listed Antequera Dolmens Site and its Neolithic tombs while being a short drive from the karst landscapes of El Torcal de Antequera and the precarious El Caminito Del Rey.

Things to do

Climb to the 880-metre-high limestone crag known as "The Lovers' Rock”, which is named after a local legend about two Moorish lovers from rival clans. Soak up the panoramic valley views and leave a message for your loved one in the box at the top, then explore the prehistoric remains of the Cerro de la Virgen and Partido Alto.

Explore the impressive karst landscapes of El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve nestled in the Sierra del Torcal. Follow one of the hiking trails to sweeping viewpoints while keeping your eyes peeled for Andalusian mountain goats and endemic ocellated lizards.

Walk the precarious path of El Caminito Del Rey, which leads along a steep gorge in El Chorro. Originally built in the early-20th century, it’s been redesigned with safety cables and glass platforms for a vertigo-inducing experience, culminating with a hanging bridge at the Balconcillo de los Gaitanes.

Want to see one of the largest ancient structures in Europe? Visit the megalithic burial mound at the Dolmen of Menga, which dates back to the 4th century BC. The immense tomb lies near the Neolithic-designed Dolmen de Viera and the Dolmen de Romeral, with all three inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Getting around

Antequera is around one hour by bus from Malaga and Costa del Sol Airport. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but taxis are also available.