The best MTB trails around Villanueva De La Concepción

The various hiking routes start here. Next to the information center, there is also a restaurant, whose cuisine is said to be tasty and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, we couldn't try it due to lack of time.

The Mirador Niña de Antequera offers excellent views over the eastern part of the old town of Antequera and the surrounding mountains.

This spot started years ago with a sign someone put up to indicate that the plant there should be respected. For some reason (I suppose it was cyclists who regularly pass by this spot), small trophies have been added by people, some commemorating challenges like giving up alcohol, others in memory of deceased cyclists...

The roads through El Torcal are barely passable from the west side!

The Alcazaba de Antequera is a 14th-century Moorish fortress in the heart of the Andalusian city of Antequera. Built on the remains of an ancient Roman settlement, it served as a defensive fortification during the Muslim rule, protecting the city and the surrounding valley. After the Christian conquest in 1410 by Infante Ferdinand of Castile, the fortress became a key strategic point in the Kingdom of Castile. The imposing Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) is particularly impressive, one of the largest keeps in Andalusia, offering panoramic views of the city, the Peña de los Enamorados (Peño de los Enamorados rock formation), and the surrounding landscape. A bell tower was later added to the tower, housing a large bell dating from 1582. Within the walls, remnants of residential buildings, cisterns, and fortifications can still be seen. Today, the Alcazaba is open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Antequera and Andalusia through its panoramic views and audio guides.

The route follows a winding, scenic road and is particularly rewarding for experienced cyclists. It leads through the rolling hills on the edge of the El Torcal Natural Park, past olive groves and striking rock formations. The constant climbs and descents require some stamina, but are rewarded with sweeping views across the Andalusian landscape. The route is especially atmospheric in the evening when the sun sets behind the mountains and bathes the surroundings in warm, golden light – a spectacular end to a varied stage.

I was there mid november and the fountain was empty...

The Camino Real de Carlos III near Antequera was part of the great royal road built in the 18th century under King Charles III to improve the connection between Madrid and Andalusia. In the region around Antequera, the route ran through a particularly scenic area – along the edge of the Torcal de Antequera, between hills, olive groves, and limestone cliffs. At that time, the route served as an important trade and travel link between the Guadalquivir Valley, Antequera, and the Málaga coast. Today, some sections of the historic Camino Real near Antequera are still recognizable and marked as cycle paths. You can cycle along these old paths through a typical Andalusian cultural landscape of grain fields, olive trees, and whitewashed villages. The section that descends from the Torcal de Antequera towards the city is particularly rewarding, offering magnificent views of the Antequera Valley, the Peña de los Enamorados, and the vast plains extending to the Sierra de las Nieves. The Camino Real was not only a transport link here, but also a symbol of the Enlightenment-style reform spirit of King Charles III, who built roads, post stations, and new villages to develop and modernize Andalusia. Today, the route invites you to hike or cycle along historical trails—between history, nature, and impressive geology.