9 Activities
World Heritage Site: Torcal and Dolmens in Antequera
Starts from
Málaga
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
9
Duration
11 hours
Length
36 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Málaga
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
36 mi
Created By:
Highlights
- Explore on foot the Torcal de Antequera through the yellow route.
- Travel back in time with the visit to the archaeological site of the dolmens.
- Take awesome pictures from the Alcazaba.
Did you know that in the province of Malaga, it’s possible to visit some prehistoric constructions and admire the karstic landscapes that seem to be from another world? For that, it is necessary to drive to the town of Antequera and enjoy this itinerary.
You will visit world heritage cultural monuments, hike through a natural monument that is also a world heritage site, and visit other interesting places in Antequera. This trip will appeal to those looking for culture, history and nature.
You will visit world heritage cultural monuments, hike through a natural monument that is also a world heritage site, and visit other interesting places in Antequera. This trip will appeal to those looking for culture, history and nature.
Did you know that in the province of Malaga, it’s possible to visit some prehistoric constructions and admire the karstic landscapes that seem to be from another world? For that, it is necessary to drive to the town of Antequera and enjoy this itinerary.
You will visit world heritage cultural monuments, hike through a natural monument that is also a world heritage site, and visit other interesting places in Antequera. This trip will appeal to those looking for culture, history and nature.
You will visit world heritage cultural monuments, hike through a natural monument that is also a world heritage site, and visit other interesting places in Antequera. This trip will appeal to those looking for culture, history and nature.
Aldana Chiodi
Travel Expert
- Explore on foot the Torcal de Antequera through the yellow route.
- Travel back in time with the visit to the archaeological site of the dolmens.
- Take awesome pictures from the Alcazaba.
Day Itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
36 mi2 mi
The Torcal and Dolmens of Antequera
Ready to travel back in time? During this day trip, you will travel back to the prehistoric times and discover the Neolithic constructions of more than 6500 years old in the archaeological site of Dolmens of Antequera. This complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and includes cultural and natural monuments. The trip also includes some hiking and a visit to the city of Antequera.
Please note that lunch will be rather late today, so the day before the trip you can prepare some sandwiches, water and fruits to nibble after hiking at the first stop, the Torcal of Antequera.
Please note that lunch will be rather late today, so the day before the trip you can prepare some sandwiches, water and fruits to nibble after hiking at the first stop, the Torcal of Antequera.
09:002 hrs
Torcal de Antequera
Mountain
Open Details
The Torcal of Antequera is one of the most spectacular karst landscapes in Europe. Ready to walk in this area? At the start of the trails, the interpretation centre and toilets are located in the "Torcal Alto".
You can leave the car in the lower parking of the Torcal and then take the bus. The bus makes a trip between the Torcal Alto and the lower parking all the time.
Choose one of the three circular routes that can be done on your own:
A green route 1.5 km. It can be done in 45 minutes.
A yellow route 3 km. It can be done within 2 hours.
These are the routes of low and moderate difficulty.
An orange route 3.7 km. It can be completed in 2.5-3.5 hours and starts in the lower parking. It’s the most difficult route compared to the other two.
You can download the map of these public trails on the official website. At the end of the hike, you can stop in a grassy area for a picnic.
Please make sure you wear hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
You can leave the car in the lower parking of the Torcal and then take the bus. The bus makes a trip between the Torcal Alto and the lower parking all the time.
Choose one of the three circular routes that can be done on your own:
A green route 1.5 km. It can be done in 45 minutes.
A yellow route 3 km. It can be done within 2 hours.
These are the routes of low and moderate difficulty.
An orange route 3.7 km. It can be completed in 2.5-3.5 hours and starts in the lower parking. It’s the most difficult route compared to the other two.
You can download the map of these public trails on the official website. At the end of the hike, you can stop in a grassy area for a picnic.
Please make sure you wear hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
10.4 mi30 min
11:3045 min
Antequera Dolmens Site
Historic Site
Open Details
The dolmens are a megalithic construction formed by several slabs driven vertically into the ground and one or more supported on them horizontally as a cover or roof.
In this archaeological site, you can visit three dolmens: Dolmen of Menga, Dolmen of Viera and El Romeral. The first two are located a few metres from each other. The third one is located about 4 kilometres away from them.
To know how these constructions were made, you can see the documentary "Menga. Construction process" in the museum.
The Dolmen of Menga was built more than 5500 years ago and is considered to be one of the most important pieces of megalithic architecture in Europe. It’s a burial chamber with a longitude of 27.5 metres.
The Dolmen of Viera is another burial chamber with a longitude of 21 metres. It was built 4500 years ago. This was the only one oriented to the sun.
In this archaeological site, you can visit three dolmens: Dolmen of Menga, Dolmen of Viera and El Romeral. The first two are located a few metres from each other. The third one is located about 4 kilometres away from them.
To know how these constructions were made, you can see the documentary "Menga. Construction process" in the museum.
The Dolmen of Menga was built more than 5500 years ago and is considered to be one of the most important pieces of megalithic architecture in Europe. It’s a burial chamber with a longitude of 27.5 metres.
The Dolmen of Viera is another burial chamber with a longitude of 21 metres. It was built 4500 years ago. This was the only one oriented to the sun.
2.2 mi10 min
12:2530 min
Tholos de El Romeral
Historic Site
Open Details
The megalithic tomb of El Romeral is a typical false dome tomb, usually called tholos. This tomb is spectacular, like the others. Can you imagine funerals in these places?
Having completed the visit, head to the town of Antequera.
Having completed the visit, head to the town of Antequera.
3 mi10 min
13:0510 min
Mirador Iglesia del Carmen
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
Upon our arrival in Antequera, leave the car in the free car park behind the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen and walk to a coffee shop through the streets of the old town.
You can stop for a few minutes at the viewpoint of the church.
You can stop for a few minutes at the viewpoint of the church.
0.7 mi15 min
13:3030 min
La Antequerana
Café
Open Details
After soaking in the culture and history, there's nothing better than taking a break in a traditional coffee shop.
At La Antequerana you can order a mollete (sandwich), churros, toast or traditional sweets such as piononos, locas or pirá. Enjoy the local flavours!
At La Antequerana you can order a mollete (sandwich), churros, toast or traditional sweets such as piononos, locas or pirá. Enjoy the local flavours!
0.9 mi25 min
14:301 hr
Alcazaba of Antequera
Historic Site
Open Details
The Alcazaba of Antequera is an Arab fortress built in the 14th century. You can visit the Patio de Armas, the Torre Blanca (white tower) from which you can get wonderful views, and the Torre del Homenaje, from the 12th century.
0.4 mi10 min
15:451 hr
Las Almenillas Lookout
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
After visiting the fortress, you can walk again to the old city centre. On the way, you will pass through the Plaza San Sebastián (another beautiful square), the viewpoint Las Almenillas and the Arco de los Gigantes. Take the time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.
Then head back to the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen to pick up the car.
Then head back to the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen to pick up the car.
10.8 mi30 min
17:1515 min
Mirador Don Francisco Castro Pérez
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
To end this incredible day of history, culture and hiking you can return to Malaga and take dinner on the way. But first, it is a good idea to enjoy the sunset from the Mirador D.Francisco Castro Pérez, in Villanueva de la Concepción.
10 mi25 min
18:001 hr 30 min
La Huerta
Restaurant
Open Details
The restaurant La Huerta is located in Casabermeja and offers traditional and homemade quality food. You can try aubergines with cane honey, salads, mushrooms with prawns and much more. It has a terrace and car park.