One Day in Antequera - From Dolmens to Views

What surprised me was that we ran out of time.

Antequera is beautiful, and there is more to see and do in and around this city than what you see on the map. The city may be slightly hilly in some areas, but it invites you to walk and wander.

The stunning castle, the winding streets full of history, the beautiful architecture, and the very affordable food kept us there all day. We found ourselves racing to El Torcal National Park just to make sunset.

In this guide, we will discover Antequera together.

We'll climb the Alcazaba, taste Porra Antequerana, and finish the day with panoramic views from the Dolomites in the national park. Let's get started.

P.S. There are more great day trips from Malaga to be discovered if you're still looking for ideas.

Watch Our Video Tour of Antequera in One Day

Is Antequera Worth Visiting

Yes, Antequera is absolutely worth visiting.

The dolmens, cathedral and alcazaba alone make it worth the trip.

In a single day, you can also expect to try affordable, authentic local food, visit an old convent, stroll the historic centre, experience the Dolomites in the national park, and so much more.

The best part? It's possible to see the best of Antequera in one day.

Map of Attractions in Antequera

The Best Things to Do in Antequera

Antequera Dolmens Site

I recommend starting your one day in Antequera by visiting the Dolmens.

We arrived soon after it opened and were already in line. Because only a certain number of people are allowed in at any one time, and because tour groups can take FOREVER, you don't want to get here too late.

The Menga, Viera, and El Romera Dolmens are a trio of colossal Neolithic tombs built over 5,000 years ago.

These megalithic monuments are older than Stonehenge and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 for their archaeological and cultural significance.

If time permits, take a short drive to a nearby viewpoint for a closer look at Peña de los Enamorados.

According to local legend, the rock tells a tragic love story of a Christian girl and a Moorish boy who leapt from the mountain rather than be separated, giving the formation its name, the "Lovers' Rock."

Breakfast Stop: Bar La Socorrilla

After the dolmens, it's time to head to the Alcazaba and the cathedral.

Walking around both of these beautiful landmarks can take a while, so I recommend stopping for breakfast here first.

Just around the corner from the cathedral's entrance is Bar La Socorrilla, a charming, no-frills spot loved by locals. It sits across a beautiful old church, which makes for great photos while you sip on coffee.

Order a traditional mollete with tomato and wash it down with a caña (a small draft beer), all for around two euros per person.

Alcazaba

No visit to Antequera is complete without exploring its impressive Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that stands proudly over the town. You can spot it from all over the city.

The Alcazaba was originally built in the 14th century during the Islamic period in Spain, and it was designed to defend the town from Christian armies. It might not be as grand as the Alhambra in Granada, but it has its own charm and historical importance.

From the top, you get breathtaking views of Antequera's rooftops, surrounding hills, and even the famous Peñón de los Enamorados in the distance.

Inside the Alcazaba, you won't find many exhibits or interiors to explore, so I'd recommend joining a guided tour or using an audio guide to really get a sense of its rich history.

Tip: If you're short on time, at least walk along the ramparts. It's a peaceful walk, and the views alone are worth the small entry fee.

Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Alcazaba, you'll find one of Antequera's most beautiful and historic buildings, the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor.

Trust me, even if you're not big on churches, this one is worth stepping inside.

What makes it special? For starters, it's not just a church; it's actually considered the first Renaissance-style building in Andalusia, dating back to the early 1500s.

It's a stunning mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with soaring columns and a ceiling that makes you stop and look up the moment you walk in.

What I found especially fascinating is that it was never fully consecrated as a cathedral, so while many people (myself included, at first!) call it the "cathedral of Antequera," it's technically a collegiate church. Still, it feels grand enough to earn the title.

We discovered the “Tarasca,” a figure that is half serpent and half woman, inside the church.

It formed part of the Granada Corpus procession in 1760. Photographs of the statue are provided above.

If you're visiting the Alcazaba, make sure to bundle your ticket for a lower price.

Municipal Museum of Antequera

After visiting the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, it's just a short stroll downhill to the Museo de Antequera, located in the stunning Palacio de Nájera right on Plaza Coso Viejo, one of the town's most charming squares.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I visited, but this museum has a lot to offer. It's one of the most complete museums in the province of Málaga, and a fantastic way to get a deeper understanding of the town's rich history.

Across its three floors, you'll find everything from archaeological artefacts (including more dolmens) to Roman sculptures, religious art, and even 18th-century paintings.

One of the museum's highlights is the Efebo de Antequera, a small bronze statue from the Roman period that's considered one of the most important pieces of classical art in Spain, which was found during farming work on a farm in the Vega Antequera region, called "Las Piletas," around 1955.

Lunch in the Old Town

After your museum visit, you'll head into the heart of the old town for lunch.

Best Areas to Eat

• The zone around Plaza del Coso Viejo is especially lovely: cobbled streets, cafés with outdoor terraces, ideal for lunch and people‑watching.
• Also wander the streets around Plaza de San Sebastián, where several restaurants line the square, and the vibe is relaxed.

What to Look for (and Eat!)

Here are some local dishes and specialities you should keep an eye out for:

• Porra Antequerana: A local cold‑soup/puree style dish similar to salmorejo but thicker, topped with hard‑boiled egg and ham.
• Mollete Antequerano: This simple bread roll (white, oval‑shaped) is typical of the region, often enjoyed with tomato, jamón or olive oil.
• Dessert: look out for Bienmesabe, a sweet almond, egg and cinnamon‑based treat.

Buy Sweets from the Nuns

Sweets at the convent

We were in such a rush to make sunset at the national park that we skipped this one. Luckily, on the return leg of another trip to Jaen, we made a stop just for this!

In Antequera, there is an old convent where you put money in a hole, and nuns will pass you sweets through a revolving door! Needless to say, it's a very Instagrammable thing to do!

You will have your pick of the sweets, we went with the typical spanish biscuits.

Stroll Antequera Old Town

After lunch, there's nothing better than taking a slow wander through Antequera's** historic centre**.

One of my favourite things about Antequera is that it feels lived-in, not overrun by tourism.

Locals go about their day, old men chat on benches, and life moves at a slower pace. Just walking through the streets feels like stepping back in time.

Here are a few stops and spots to look out for as you explore:

• Plaza San Sebastián
• Iglesia del Carmen
• Puerta de Estepa
• Mirador de las Almenillas
• Plaza Coso Viejo

Don't rush this part of your visit. One of the best ways to enjoy Antequera is just to wander without a plan.

El Torcal Natural Park

If you have the time, I highly recommend taking a 25-minute detour to El Torcal Natural Park on the way home.

El Torcal is a karst landscape shaped by 150 million years of natural erosion.

It's a steep drive to the top, but the reward is sweeping views and the incredible dolomite landscape that's free to walk through.

If you still have energy, you can follow one of these two trails through the park:

• Green Trail (Easy): A short loop with dramatic views
• Yellow Trail (Moderate, 2.7 km): Takes you deeper into the park with more unusual rock shapes and chances to spot fossils

It's rocky, so make sure to bring reliable shoes if you plan on making the trip.

Bonus: Starlight Tours

If you made it to the park for sunset, you might want to stay just a little longer.

El Torcal is an official Starlight Reserve, recognised for its exceptionally clear skies.

You can take a stargazing tour that ends at an actual observatory where you can look through a powerful telescope at the stars.

How to Get to Antequera

The easiest way to reach Antequera is by car. The drive from Málaga takes around 45 minutes via the A-45 motorway, with no tolls and straightforward parking options near the town centre.

Trains from Málaga María Zambrano offer two options:

• High-speed AVE trains take just 25–30 minutes and arrive at Antequera AV station, which is 15 km from the centre. You'll need to take a taxi (around €20) or a local bus.
• A slower Media Distancia train takes about 55–75 minutes and drops you much closer to the old town at Antequera-Ciudad station.

Buses are the most budget-friendly option.

ALSA runs regular services from Málaga's bus station to Antequera's central station. The trip takes just over an hour, and tickets typically cost between €5–8.

Getting Around Antequera

The city can be divided into two sections: the lower half, which is easily walkable but not that small, and the upper half on the hill, where the Alcazaba and the cathedral are.

There are also the Dolmens, which are outside the historic city centre and about a 30-minute walk away.

If you have a car or, even better, you're on a tour, then this won't bother you too much.

There are tons of parking spaces in the city, and my recommendation is to use them wisely. Start your day at the top to see the Alcazaba and the cathedral before it gets too hot, then drive down to the bottom so that you can avoid the hilly sections.

If you caught the bus or train, you might be in for a bit of a shock. There aren't any taxis or buses that I could see going up or down the historic centre.

Be ready to hoof it from the Dolmens to the city and then burn some calories going up the mountain. Every inch of the way up is beautiful, however, so you won't regret making the walk.

Where to Park in Antequera

Antequera is very parking-friendly, and even though we visited in the Summer, we never had to battle to find a spot. This is great because you might want to drive to avoid the steep hills and sweaty, smelly clothes on the way back.

Where to Eat in Antequera

• Arte de Cozina – Charming restaurant inside an 18th-century inn, serving elevated Andalusian heritage cuisine. Try the porra antequerana or rabbit with almonds.
• La Antequerana – Beloved local café-bakery famous for molletes (soft breakfast rolls) and sweet treats. A must for a light lunch or late morning snack.
• Taberna El Rincón de Lola – Cosy, low-lit tavern near Plaza de San Sebastián with excellent tapas, cold vermouth on tap, and unbeatable grilled secreto ibérico.
• Mesón Ibérico Dehesa Las Hazuelas – Stylish yet traditional spot with oak-aged meats, hearty stews, and locally sourced cheeses. Great for longer lunches.
• Casa Diego – Family-run restaurant with courtyard seating and a menu packed with regional classics like oxtail stew and spinach with chickpeas.
• Bar Carrera – Classic Spanish bar on Calle Infante Don Fernando, known for cheap beer, fried fish, and people-watching from outdoor tables.
• Restaurante Plaza de Toros – Atmospheric eatery inside the old bullring offering steak, seafood, rice, and a killer local wine list.
• Tapería Arte de Tapas – Sister spot to Arte de Cozina, offering creative small plates with a modern twist, like blue cheese croquetas and quail egg toasts.

Where to Stay in Antequera

• Parador de Antequera – Best for First-Time Visitors. Sleek, modern hotel set on the edge of town with sweeping views, a large pool, and easy parking. Great base for exploring both the city and the surrounding sites.
• Hotel Infante Antequera – Best for History Lovers. Set in a restored 18th-century mansion near the old town. Think antique furniture, tiled courtyards, and a true sense of place, just steps from the Alcazaba.
• Coso Viejo Hotel – Best for Families. Centrally located hotel with spacious rooms and family-friendly service, right on the main square. Easy walking to restaurants, museums, and the Dolmens site.
• Mirador El Torcal – Best for Nature Seekers. Mountain lodge-style hotel perched at the edge of El Torcal Natural Park. Offers panoramic views, hiking trail access, rustic-modern rooms, and stargazing terraces
• Hospedería Colón Antequera – Best Budget Option. Clean, cheerful guesthouse near the train station with basic but comfortable rooms. Great value for solo travellers or anyone on a quick stopover.

When to visit Antequera

Antequera is a year-round destination, but some seasons definitely shine brighter than others.

Spring (March to May) is arguably the best time to visit. Wildflowers blanket El Torcal, the city's plazas buzz with local life, and temps hover in the comfortable 18–25°C range. It's perfect for walking tours, dolmen visits, and café-hopping in the sun.

Autumn (September to early November) is a close second, still warm, with fewer tourists and golden light that makes Peña de los Enamorados practically glow.

Summer (June to August) can be sweltering, with highs often over 35°C.

But early risers can beat the heat and enjoy nearly empty sites. Many locals head to the coast, so it's surprisingly calm in town.

Winter (December to February) is cool, but rarely cold, and ideal for peaceful museum visits and hilltop wanders with crisp air and clear skies. Just check opening hours in advance, as some sites shorten their schedules.

Bonus: If you're into local colour, time your visit around Semana Santa (Holy Week) or the August Feria for big processions, flamenco nights, and an extra dose of Andalusian flair.

Is Torcal de Antequera Worth Visiting

Yes, it is totally worth visiting.

Although the steep drive made me really nervous, the views from the top are incredible. On top of that, the dolomites themselves are stunning, and walking through them was one of my favourite things to do in Antequera.

Is Antequera Worth a Day Trip from Malaga

Yes, it is. Malaga is less than an hour away, making a trip to Antequera easy. Looking for more ideas? Browse our complete guide to things to do in Malaga.

Are the Antequera Dolmens accessible?

Yes, the Dolmens are accessible.

There is a beautiful paved path circling the dolmens. They do follow an incline, which needs to be taken into consideration, but other than that, they are accessible.

Conclusion on Things to Do in Antequera

I absolutely loved my day in Antequera. I even returned, just to pick up sweets from the old convent!

The city feels old, and the cathedral and castle are magical.

Let me know if you went, and what your favourite part was, in the comments below.

For more inspiration, check out our full guide to things to do in Antequera. You might also enjoy other day trips from Antequera while you're in the area.