The Antequera area, one of the largest in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, lies in the north of the province of Malaga, enjoying a series of strategic advantages by virtue of its central location. The area is home to the following municipalities: Alameda, Antequera, Casabermeja, Fuente de Piedra, Humilladero, Mollina and Villanueva de la Concepcion.
Most of the area’s economic activity is accounted for by the commercial sector, followed by services and construction. Agriculture, a traditional though somewhat declining sector in the area, is divided between the fertile plains, home to Antequera’s irrigated land, the countryside, which is devoted to the dry cultivation of olive trees and herbaceous crops, and the mountains, where extensive cattle farming is carried out, forest exploitation being relatively insignificant. Slowly but surely, tourism is growing in the area, which now boasts over 1,000 hotel places.
The towns and villages of the area are also rich in monuments, art and archaeological sites, the highlight being Antequera itself, which provides the finest examples of the different cultures that have lived here over the centuries. The Neolithic period is represented in the shape of the perfectly-conserved Viera Dolmens, El Romeral and Menga Dolmen, the latter being one of the finest of its kind in the whole of Europe. The Castle and the Alcazaba fortress bear witness to the Arabic occupation, while the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria is the highlight of the Renaissance buildings. Also worthy of note are the numerous churches and mansions still in an excellent state of repair.
The region is ably complemented by its immense scenic beauty, with two areas in particular standing out for their natural charms, namely El Torcal Nature Spot and Fuente de Piedra Lagoon. El Torcal is a fine example of a limestone landscape whose narrow passages, towers and walls are home to the most varied and unusual stone shapes sculpted by the effects of water and wind. Over 665 botanical species thrive among its crevices, many of which are endemic to El Torcal, notably peonies, brambles, ivies and orchids. The highlights of its fauna are its 85 species of bird, the mountain goat and the Bonelli’s eagle, colonies of which are starting to return to the spot.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon Nature Reserve is the site of a huge saltwater lake covering some 1,360 hectares. Famous as a nesting spot for the common flamingo, it is home to the Iberian Penisula’s largest colony of these birds, which flock here in huge numbers to mate. In 1988, it was declared a Special Protection Zone for birds in recognition of its importance as a nesting place, hibernation spot and migratory stopover site for a huge number of birds, many of which are in danger of extinction. In addition to these two locations of immense natural beauty, the Antequera area is also home to other wet zones such as La Ratosa Lagoon, Los Gaitanes Gorge and scenic spots such as Sierra de la Camorra in Mollina, Sierrecilla in Humilladero, Sierra de las Cabras, the high plateau of Las Lagunillas and the fertile plains that lie within the boundaries of Antequera itself.