Train tours in Antequera

We had finished off the previous night by drinking local shots with the owner of a small taberna, which were poured from a label-less, old bottle that was pulled out the depths of a freezer. I don't know exactly what was in that bottle, or how long it had been sitting at the back of that freezer, but I do know it tasted of sweet, rich caramel and was quite strong. 

As a result strong coffee and pan con tomate was a definite requirement for the next morning. We lugged our backpacks around the corner from the hotel and soaked up the alcohol before planning how to spend a few hours in Antequera. 

As Antequera had been a last minute change in our plans (we opted out of Granada due to the limited time and essentially picked any random town on the map), we had no idea what was going on in the area. 

The town itself was quiet, and apart from local bars and a few shops, it didn't seem like there was a huge amount to do. 

The lovely lady in Tourist Information said the best way to experience everything that was on offer was via the land train, which starts from the San Sebastian Plaza every hour or so. Grabbing a bottle of tinto from the corner shop, we hopped on board the train with our rucksacks and decided to just see what was on offer.

The first stop, a few miles out of town, was an incredible Dolmens of Antquera, which are some of the oldest and most complete burial tombs in Europe. At 5000 years old, they are an impressive site, and the views across the land from them are stunning. 

Next on the seemingly hidden gems of Antequera lay a top the castle walls. The beautiful Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor is a 16th century church that combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. The facade was created in using the stones of a nearby Roman ruin and the whole site is nothing short of breathtaking. 

There is a popular restaurant at the top, which was packed, and you can sit out on the terrace and take in the endless miles of whitewashed houses, hills and roman remains below with a large glass of wine.

Unfortunately time was against us, with a train to catch that afternoon, so after a short wander around, we hopped back aboard to see where we would next end up.

To our surprise we stopped back in the San Sebastian Plaza and were ushered off. "Go, go - we stop" - the train driver got us all off and we stood there confused. Was that it? 

After a some confused looks, a lot of miming and some help from one of the other passengers, it turns out that wasn't it. But it was lunch time and the driver needed his food and a glass of wine before he could head on again... Not wanting to disagree with a local, we followed suit and seeing as we were so close and it would be an utter shame not to indulge in more of the amazing food from the previous night, we headed straight to Lola's.

Greeted with warm smiles, we couldn't help but order a few of everything. Pinchos, bocadillo, mini burger style bites, plenty of patatas and of course some cold cervazas. 

I honestly still can't describe enough how good the food at Lola's is. Not only is it amazing, it is so cheap that you can't help but keep wanting to go back time and time again.

Back on the train (with yet another bottle of tinto) we swiftly went through the narrow streets, past filled bars, cheers-ing with locals as we went by. I love the Spanish. I think they are some of the friendliest and most laid back people in the world, and their 'mañana' mentality is something that always appeals to me. 

Next stop was something I was definitely not expecting from somewhere that on the face of it seems so small. A huge bull ring! 

We hopped off and the lovely driver advised us that the coach station was only a short walk away. 

A very traditional bull ring, it is not so much a tourist attraction as a regular place for locals to visit and spend a day with friends and family. Inside there is a simple bar serving tapas, and posters from throughout the years line the walls.

Just outside of the bullring is a park, which was full of teenagers hanging around smoking, enjoying the sun and drinking cold beer. The perfect spot to finish off the last of our tinto and grab some sunshine before jumping on the coach.

Although out of the way a little, and not a main attraction in any travel guide, Antequera is a place you need to visit. We were honestly so disappointed to leave, especially with so much left to explore, but Malaga was calling and so there we headed.