Antequera and El Torcal
North of Malaga, Antequera blends deep history with bizarre natural scenery. The town's ancient dolmens sit near the lunar limestone of El Torcal.
The town of Antequera
Antequera is a handsome inland town with a skyline of church towers, a Moorish fortress and a relaxed, untouristy feel. It often gets skipped for the bigger names, which is exactly why it rewards a visit, with grand monuments and almost no crowds.
The ancient dolmens
On the edge of town stand the Antequera dolmens, vast stone burial chambers thousands of years old and listed by UNESCO. Standing inside the huge Menga dolmen, aligned to a distinctive nearby mountain, is a quietly moving brush with deep prehistory.
El Torcal natural park
Just above the town, El Torcal de Antequera is a high plateau of weathered grey limestone eroded into towers, mushrooms and corridors that look almost otherworldly. Marked trails loop through the formations, and ibex pick their way across the rocks as you walk.
Combining the two
Antequera and El Torcal make a natural pairing for a full day from Malaga, mixing culture in the morning with a walk among the rocks in the afternoon. The town also sits near the El Chorro gorge, so it can fold into a Caminito del Rey trip as well.
Getting there
Antequera lies about an hour north of Malaga by car or high speed train, with the El Torcal park a further short drive up a winding road. A car or organised tour works best, since the park itself has limited public transport up to the trailheads.
Frequently asked questions
What is El Torcal known for?
El Torcal de Antequera is famous for its surreal eroded limestone formations and marked hiking trails, with resident ibex, about an hour north of Malaga.
Are the Antequera dolmens worth visiting?
Yes. They are vast prehistoric stone burial chambers listed by UNESCO, and standing inside them is a memorable encounter with deep history, with few crowds.
How do I get to Antequera from Malaga?
Antequera is about an hour from Malaga by car or high speed train. A car helps for reaching El Torcal, which has limited public transport to the trailheads.