We already announced a few weeks ago that Antequera was a “hidden secret”; now The New York Times says Antequera is a destination to visit in 2017.
Antequera lies 47 km (22 miles) north of the city of Malaga on the A45 road, at the foot of the mountain ranges El Torcal and El Arco Calizo Chimenea, 575m above mean sea level. It overlooks the fertile valley bounded to the south by the Sierra de los Torcales and to the north by the river Guadalhorce. It occupies a commanding position, while the remains of its walls, and of a fine Moorish castle on a rock that overhangs the town, shows how admirably its natural defenses were supplemented by art. At 817 km², the municipality is the largest, in terms of area, in the province of Malaga and one of the largest in Spain. The population is 41.854 (2011 census).
The limestone rock formation of the Torcal, a popular spot for climbers, is nearby. Across the Guadalhorce is the remarkable “Lovers’ Rock” (la Peña de los Enamorados), named after the legend of a young Christian man and his Moorish lover who threw themselves from the rock together while being chased by Moorish soldiers; this romantic legend was adapted by Robert Southey in his Laila and Manuel. In the eastern suburbs there is one of the largest burial mounds in Spain, dating from the Bronze Age, and with subterranean chambers excavated to a depth of 65 feet.
Historically, the region’s economy was based on the production and processing of agricultural products (olives, grain, and wool), as well as furniture manufacturing. Today, tourism is the main industry, and there are an increasing number of international visitors. The city’s museums have about 80% of all the art treasures in the province of Malaga, which makes Antequera one of the cultural centers of Andalusia.
The town offers several hotels perfect for Director meetings or incentive events, together with very authentic restaurants in the village where tapas are served all day, with delicious local wines; you will feel “the real Andalusian experience” here…and only 45 minutes drive from Malaga airport.