Tag: climbing

Antequera

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City with ancient heritage

Antequera is a fairly inconspicuous city north of Malaga. Because of it’s central position in Andalucia, between Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, it is often called “the heart of Andalucía”. Antequera boasts many interesting places to see, however, it remains unspoilt by massive tourism.

The fortress of Alcazaba stands out as a dominating feature over Antequera. You can visit Alcazaba’s walls and the main tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the top. It is also worth to visit the churches in the centre: Iglesia de San Sebastian and Iglesia de Sanitago.

Those interested in the prehistory should visit the Dolmen of Menga at the city outskirts. It’s an access corridor and an oval-shaped burial chamber from 3000 BC. The tomb most probably served as a grave for the ruling families. Hundreds of people were buried there. If you stand just inside the entrance to this ancient site, you will clearly see Pena de los Enamorados (The Lovers Rock) also known as Montana del Indio (Indian Mountain), because the 880 metre mountain looks like a head of a sleeping Indian.

Another interesting megalithic construction located just outside the city is Dolmen del Romeral. Lastly, there is a megalithic sepulchre of Tholos de El Romeral located 3 kms north of the city. Access to all three archaeological sites is free.

Nature and adventure around Antequera

We also recommend exploring the Antequera region. Whether you are interested in wild animals, climbing, canyoning or hiking, you will surely find something for your liking near Antequera.

Central Andalucia, including the Antequera region, is a real paradise for climbers. The small towns of Villanueva del Rosario, El Chorro, Archidona as well as small villages of Valle de Adaliajis or Pinares de San Anton are very popular climbing destinations. Ten kms south of Antequera there is a Wolf Park (Lobo Park) for those who would like to learn more a about wolves and observe wolves  in an environment that is very close to real nature.

El Torcal Natural Park, located just a couple of kilometers south of Antequera, is a definite must-see. It is famous for weird and bizarre rock formations which are wonderful to look at. Each of these intriguing rocks resembles something different and has some affectionate name, e.g. camel or canary.

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Bird lovers or hikers should not miss Fuente de Piedra lagoon. This beautiful park is located 20 kms north-west of Antequera. It boasts second largest colony of flamingos in Europe.

Iznajar, located around 60 kms north of Antequera, is another interesting place to visit. It’s a classic white village perched on a hill, beside the largest lake in Andalucia. Iznajar boasts spectacular views of the extensive lake and olive hills that surround it from all sides.  The views from Iznajar castle stretch as far as the snow-capped Sierra Nevada.

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Aventura Amazonia

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Aventura Amazonia is an exciting climbing park located just outside of Marbella, only half kilometre from the Costa del Sol beaches of Elviria. Aventura Amazonia is the largest adventure park in Andalusia. It’s an ideal place for a moderate adrenaline rush for you and your kids!

Aventura Amazonia is built in the tree tops of a pine forest located behind a commercial centre. Overall, inside the park you will find numerous adventure routes with 83 different challenges, 20 zip-wires, various ladders, bridges and other adrenaline-inducing attractions.One of the zip-lines is nearly 240 long! It’s probably the longest tree top zip-wire in Andalusia.

There are different tracks available on different levels of difficulty. The course is suitable for young kids and adults, for people of different sizes and ages, for absolute amateurs and for those who come with some experience. Although you might sometimes climb to dizzying heights, everything is absolutely safe in Aventura Amazonia. You always have the highest technology safety equipment clipped around you which makes it impossible to fall.

Firstly, there is a Mini-kids zone suitable for 4-7 year old, the Kids zone for young children, the more challenging Explorador with an average height of 2.8 meters and finally the most advanced Jungla, Aventura and Deportivo circuits suitable for adults.

Aventura Amazonia – nearest destinations: Marbella, Benahavis .

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Best climbing in Andalucia

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San Bartolo Crag, Tarifa, espana, climbingSan Bartolo Crag, Tarifa, espana, climbing

Rock climbing has exploded in popularity in recent years. The boom has also spread across Spanish Andalucia. This massive province, full of rugged limestone hills and mountains, is one of the best climbing areas in Europe. Most of the recommended spots are within 60 km from Malaga, so the capital of Costa del Sol might be a good base for the climbing holidays in Andalusia.

Recommended time for rock climbing in Andalucia is autumn and spring. Try to avoid summer as it can be really hot inland. Winter months can be a bit chilly. Have a look at our recommended spots for rock climbing.

Top climbing spots in Andalusia

1. Villanueva del Rosario area –  limestone rock paradise for climbers near the Arroyo de los Portillos, 85 metre height maximum, altitude 1000 m, home to the legendary Chilam Balam, 270 foot super route which is the second 9b in the world. Other popular routes include Tajo de Madera, El Corral, Al Chamizo. 57 km from Malaga

2. EL Chorro gorge – stunning menacing limestone rock full of high-adrenaline climbing routes. Probably the most famous climbing site  in Spain. About 50 km inland from Malaga.

3. Desplomilandia – amazing collection of limestone rock, close to famous El Chorro near the beautiful lakes of Ardales. The climbing area is split into 8 separate sectors ranging from 200 m to 900 m. Desplomilandia faces north-       west providing plenty of shade almost all day long during hot days. 90 km inland from Malaga.2.

4. Torcal de Antequera – unique and bizarre limestone labyrinth-like range that rises 500 – 600m out of the hillscape, 55 km inland from Malaga

5. Archidona – La Cueva – massive limestone cave with some impressive crags. This spot provides lots of challenging long climbing, definitely not for beginners. 56 km inland from Malaga.

6. St Anton de Pinares – popular limestone crags located on the eastern outskirts of Malaga. Divided into 8 areas. Maximum height 35 metres.

7. Valle de Abdalajis – situated close to El Chorro, friendly site conveniently located only 3 minutes walk from car parking, perfect for beginners and advanced climbers.DSCF2079_315x200

8. San Bartolo crag – relatively easy-to-climb sandstone 90 metre rock near the famous Bolonia beach, close to the surf capital Tarifa. It can be quite windy there. The spot is divided into two parts: Zona de Arriba and Tajo del Buho.