Leaving Granada for Ronda, we stop en route to explore the Antequera Dolmens World Heritage Site, located about halfway to our destination. We will first explore the unique karst landscape at Torcal, where we’ll go for a short hike. After lunch we’ll have time to visit the 5500-year-old dolmen site in Antequera. In the afternoon, after checking into our hotel in Ronda, we’ll have time for a short walk before dinner for some views of the renown Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and the gorge below.
Antequera and Ronda, two gems in Andalusia, Spain, offer a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Antequera, often called the “Heart of Andalusia,” is rich in ancient history. Its impressive Dolmens, megalithic burial sites, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape, including the distinctive limestone formation known as La Peña de los Enamorados. Antequera’s historic center features beautiful churches and traditional whitewashed buildings, epitomizing Andalusian charm.
Ronda, perched dramatically above the El Tajo Gorge, is renowned for its breathtaking views and historic significance. The Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge spanning the gorge, is an iconic symbol of the town. Ronda’s Plaza de Toros is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and a key part of the town’s cultural heritage. The town’s old quarter, La Ciudad, is a maze of narrow streets with ancient buildings, including the Mondragón Palace and the Church of Santa María la Mayor.
Both towns offer a rich cultural experience, with Antequera providing a deep dive into prehistoric and medieval history, while Ronda impresses with its dramatic landscapes and storied past. Visiting these towns offers a profound sense of Andalusia’s diverse historical and cultural tapestry.
