Forget tourist-clad cities like Barcelona or Madrid and explore this under-the-radar town booming with culture and far less crowds.
Because Spain is likely to be on everyone’s summer holiday planner, it’s important to plan your trip with care. Starting by choosing the city that will help you enjoy the best of the Spanish sun while avoiding the stampede of descending tourists.
While hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid are bound to be packed, there is still plenty of Spain to discover outside these cities. Namely the country’s quieter towns and hamlets, which offer an enriching alternative to a bustling metropolis. The perfect example of Spain’s hidden gem towns is located in Andalusia. Andalusia is an autonomous community in the southernmost region of Spain. The area is known for its mountain ranges and Moorish architecture.
Within this impressive topography lies one of Spain’s hidden treasures: Antequera. Known as the “Florence of Andalusia” because of its Baroque architecture, this city is ripe with riches for travellers to explore. And at the moment, it remains relatively under the radar. Located around 31 miles north of Malaga, the city is home to 33 churches and the majestic Alcazaba. The Alcazaba is a 14th century fortress built by the Moors and has become the most renowned attraction of the city. Spend a couple of hours walking through the fortress, as the incredible vantage point alone will be worth the effort.
The Dolmen sites are another key feature that define the city. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area comprises three megalithic monuments and two natural monuments. No trip to Antequera would be complete without a trip to El Torcal. This nature reserve is located in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range and was declared a protected site by the Andalusian government. The area is known for its unusual limestone rock formations and features multiple walking routes for those keen on hiking. In short, there is plenty to discover and learn in Antequera.
And once you’ve had your fill of exploring, you can enjoy the tapas common of southern Spain. Antequera is also known for porra , a dish made from tomatoes, bread, and extra virgin olive oil, served cold similar to a gazpacho. Visiting the city’s weekly open air market is a great way to sample the best of everything. The collection of stalls sell everything from spices, fruits and vegetables to leather goods, terracotta pots and linens. Unpretentious and, as of yet, unspoilt by overtourism, the jewel of Andalusia should be high on your summer bucket list.
