where-to-stay
Where to Stay in Antequera: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Antequera sits at the heart of Andalusia, making it an excellent base for exploring, and the Parador has views you won't forget.
Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Antequera
In a hurry? Here are my top picks for Antequera:
Top 3 Hotels in Antequera
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Find Your Perfect Stay in Antequera, Spain
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Why Stay in Antequera?
Most visitors to Antequera come for a day trip from Málaga or the coast. They're missing something.
Antequera deserves more than a few hours.
The UNESCO dolmens alone justify an early morning visit when the light is right. El Torcal Natural Park is just 15 minutes away and magical at sunrise or sunset. The historic town has excellent restaurants, authentic tapas bars, and none of the tourist pressure you find on the coast.
More practically, Antequera sits at the crossroads of Andalusia.
Granada is an hour. Córdoba is 1.25 hours. Málaga is 45 minutes. Ronda is an hour. The Caminito del Rey is 40 minutes. Using Antequera as a base lets you explore major attractions while returning each night to a quieter, more authentic Andalusian town.
Local tip
The Parador de Antequera has views directly over the dolmens and the vega (fertile plain). Watching sunrise from your balcony, with the ancient monuments visible below, is a uniquely special experience.
Best Areas to Stay in Antequera
Historic Centre (Best for Most Visitors)
The area around Plaza de San Sebastián and the old town is where most visitors should stay.
Everything is walkable: the Alcazaba, the cathedral, the museums, and the best restaurants. You're immersed in daily Antequera life rather than tourist infrastructure.
The streets are pleasant for evening wandering, the tapas bars fill with locals, and you can easily walk to the dolmens from here. Parking can be tricky in the narrow streets, but most hotels can arrange it.
Best for: First-time visitors, those without cars, tapas enthusiasts
Historic Centre
- + Walking distance to main sights
- + Best restaurants and bars
- + Authentic atmosphere
- + Most affordable hotels
- + Easy dolmen access
- - Limited parking
- - Some streets can be hilly
- - Fewer luxury options
- - No views (buildings block sightlines)
Near the Parador (Best for Views)
The Parador de Antequera sits on a hill outside the old town, with sweeping views over the vega and the dolmens. This is where to stay for spectacular views and a peaceful setting.
The trade-off is location.
You're a short drive from the centre, so you'll need a car or taxi for dinner. The Parador's own restaurant is good, but you miss the spontaneity of wandering into town.
Best for: View seekers, those with cars, special occasions, photographers
Parador Area
- + Spectacular views over dolmens and vega
- + Peaceful and spacious
- + Swimming pool
- + Modern facilities
- + Easy parking
- - Need car or taxi for town
- - Miss evening tapas atmosphere
- - More expensive
- - Limited dining options nearby
Best Hotels in Antequera
Best Luxury: Parador de Antequera
Parador de Antequera
8.5The Parador de Antequera is a modern Parador (not a historic conversion) designed to maximise the views over the vega (the fertile plain that stretches from Antequera toward the dolmens and beyond). From the terrace, the pool, and many rooms, you look out over agricultural landscapes, UNESCO monuments, and distant mountains.
The building itself is contemporary and comfortable rather than historic and atmospheric.
Rooms are spacious with large windows and balconies oriented toward the view. The swimming pool is a highlight, especially in summer. The restaurant serves good regional cuisine with the local olive oil prominently featured.
Location is the main consideration.
You're a 5-minute drive from the old town, so evening tapas require transport. The upside is easy parking, a peaceful setting, and those views.
For photographers and early risers, watching sunrise over the dolmens from your balcony is genuinely special.
Best Value: Hotel Coso Viejo
Hotel Coso Viejo
8.3Hotel Coso Viejo offers excellent value in the heart of Antequera's old town. The location is perfect: steps from Plaza de San Sebastián, walking distance to the Alcazaba and dolmens, surrounded by the best tapas bars and restaurants.
The hotel occupies a restored historic building with a pleasant interior courtyard.
Rooms are clean and comfortable without being luxurious. Beds are good, bathrooms functional, and air conditioning effective. It's a proper Spanish small-town hotel, not a boutique showpiece.
What you get is genuine value in a prime location. Spend the money you save on tapas and day trips rather than a fancier room you'll only sleep in.
Best Boutique: Hotel Infante Antequera
Hotel Infante Antequera
8.5Hotel Infante Antequera is a stylish 3-star boutique hotel with modern decor, tucked behind Coso Viejo square just across from the town museum. The rooftop pool offers a welcome respite from the Andalusian heat, accompanied by panoramic city views towards Lovers' Rock.
Rooms on the third floor have lovely views across the square and rooftops of Antequera.
All rooms include a complimentary minibar, and the beautiful garden terrace overlooks the old town. Perfect for travellers who want boutique style in the heart of the historic centre.
Other Good Options
Hotel Antequera Golf
8.3Modern resort hotel with golf course, pool, and spa.
Good for families and golfers. Outside the centre but with good facilities. Practical rather than atmospheric.
Hotel Plaza San Sebastián
8.0Simple, affordable option right on the main plaza.
The location is ideal, surrounded by cafés and restaurants with the old town at your feet. Rooms are basic but clean. Perfect for budget travellers who want to be in the heart of things.
Booking Tips for Antequera
When to Book
- Easter (Semana Santa): Antequera has significant processions. Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
- Summer weekends: Spanish families visit El Torcal. Some advance booking helpful.
- Most of the year: Antequera rarely fills up. Same-week booking usually works.
What to Consider
The Parador is worth it if views matter to you.
Waking up with the dolmens visible across the vega is genuinely special. But be prepared to drive for evening tapas.
Air conditioning is essential from May through September.
Antequera's inland position means hot summers. Make sure your accommodation is properly cooled.
Parking matters if driving. Street parking in the old town is limited.
Most hotels can arrange parking. Ask when booking.
Consider Antequera as a base. The town's central position makes it ideal for day trips. Granada, Córdoba, Málaga, Ronda, and El Torcal are all easy drives.
Antequera as a Base for Andalusia
Antequera's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring:
- El Torcal: 15km / 20 min
- Málaga: 52km / 45 min
- Granada (Alhambra): 99km / 1 hour
- Córdoba (Mezquita): 115km / 1.25 hours
- Caminito del Rey: 40km / 40 min
- Ronda: 80km / 1 hour
Stay 2-3 nights to explore the dolmens, El Torcal, and at least one major city.
Getting to Antequera
Antequera's central location makes it easy to reach from anywhere in Andalusia.
Getting to undefined
Local tip
If arriving by AVE at Antequera-Santa Ana station, you'll need a taxi or rental car to reach the town (17km). The town-centre station (Antequera Ciudad) is more convenient but has fewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Recommendation
For most visitors, the historic centre is the best base.
Stay at Hotel Coso Viejo for value or Hotel Plaza San Sebastián for the perfect location. You'll be walking distance from everything and surrounded by tapas bars.
For a special experience, spend at least one night at the Parador de Antequera.
The views over the dolmens and vega are spectacular, especially at sunrise. Even if your budget is limited, one night at the Parador combined with nights in the centre creates the ideal Antequera experience.
Antequera rewards visitors who give it time.
The dolmens are best in quiet morning light. El Torcal glows at sunset. The tapas bars come alive in the evening. Stay overnight and you'll understand why this crossroads town deserves more than a quick stop.
Compare prices
Find Your Perfect Stay in Antequera, Spain
Prices vary by site — check all three to find the best deal
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
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