Antequera & Fuente de Piedra
Discover Andalucia on your own pace.
Take the time to soak it all in and enjoy the vistas, scenery, nature, culture and gastronomy.
El Torcal
Drive : 37 km – 45 min
Trails : 8 km – 3 to 4 hours
El Torcal de Antequera is a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range located south of the city of Antequera. It is known for its unusual landforms, and is regarded as one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe. The area was designated a Natural Site of National Interest in July 1929, and a Natural Park Reserve of about 17 square kilometres was created in October 1978.
Off the beaten track
El Torcal
a 45 minute drive from Archidona.
A fascinating walk through a Karst landscape
Trails
Trails : 1,5 km – 3km & 3,7 km
In hot weather, leave well early or visit it later in the evening when temperatures are milder.
You can discover its surreal natural beauty by walking one of the three short, signposted routes (green = 1.5 km – yellow = 3 km – orange = 3.7 km). Two trails are suitable for prams and one leads to the Mirador de la Ventanillas viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can even see Málaga and the sea.
Off the beaten track
El Torcal
a 45 minute drive from Archidona.
A fascinating walk through a Karst landscape
Anfiteatro
El Tornillo
The other path leads up to ‘El Tornillo’ (the screw). Nine enormous discs on top of each other. These numerous natural sculptures that dot the park look like ruins from a distant past, but this labyrinth of formations was created millions of years ago by the interaction of water and limestone.
The park also houses the ‘Observatorio Astronómico del Torcal’ where special nights are regularly organised. At full moon, guided walks are offered where stargazing takes centre stage. Check the website for all info and prices.
Lobo Park
Drive : 37 km – 45 min
Trails : 8 km – 3 to 4 hours
Highly recommended for all animal lovers and those with children. German founder Daniel Weigend has been running the 42-hectare park with four wolf packs since 2004.
Here, you can see the normally human-shy animals in their natural habitat and literally ‘howl with the wolves’. Special ‘wolf howl nights’ are organised.
All hours, prices and special tours can be found on the site.
Antequera
City of churches
Explore the city
The pitoresque little chapel ‘Capilla de la Virgen del Socorro’ from the 16th century with beautiful arched vaults.
From the chapel you can walk down to the Plaza de los Escribanos in front of the 16th-century Real Collegiate de Santa María has a great terrace. The imposing triumphal arch, also from the 16th century, ‘Arco de los Gigantes’, was built where an Arab entrance gate from the Nasrids era previously stood. At the top of the gate you will find the city’s symbols (a lion, a vase and a miniature gate).
Behind the church rises the monumental site of the Alcazaba of Antequera. It forms part of the historic quarter of the city and can be visited year round.
From here, you can further explore Antequera to your heart’s content. Lovers of religious buildings are well catered for here, as the city has 26 churches, 7 monasteries, beautiful palacios and much more.
Fuente de Piedra
Drive : 28 km – 30 min
Trails : 250 m to 5 km
Cycle tours
There is a large car park in front of the visitor centre, where you can visit a beautiful exhibition about the lagoon for free. You’ll learn all about the colony of flamingos that comes to winter and breed there every year. It is the largest breeding site in Spain and the second largest in Europe.
The best period to admire the flamingos is April-June when they come to breed and October-November when they come to rest during their crossing to the south.
There are beautiful signposted walks from 250m to 2.5 km (one way), all of which are accessible to wheelchairs and prams. You can also rent bikes and cycle around the lake.
You can find all the info on the website.
