The best traffic-free bike rides in Sierra De Camarolos

The last three miles up to the top are tough, very tough, especially if you start out in malaga. But, it is a crazy looking place, super cool. Big slog to get up there, even with a tailwind!

The Mirador Niña de Antequera offers excellent views over the eastern part of the old town of Antequera and the surrounding mountains.

Colmenar, a picturesque village in the Andalusian province of Málaga, was founded at the end of the 15th century after the Christian reconquest of the region. The village's name derives from the Spanish word colmena ("beehive") and recalls the long tradition of beekeeping, which once played a central role here. Thanks to its favorable location in the Montes de Málaga mountains and the lush vegetation, beekeeping was one of the most important sources of income for the population for centuries. Even today, Colmenar is known as the "Village of Honey" and proudly maintains this cultural heritage. Among the village's most important landmarks is the Ermita de la Candelaria, a small 17th-century chapel perched on a hill overlooking the village, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. In the town center stands the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which impresses with its simple Andalusian style and tranquil atmosphere. At the town entrance, visitors are greeted by the Puerta de la Cruz, a symbolic gate featuring a monolith bearing the village's coat of arms – adorned with a bee and a honeycomb, representing Colmenar's history and identity. A particular highlight is the Museo de la Miel, the "Honey Museum," where visitors can learn all about beekeeping, the work of bees, and honey production. Thus, Colmenar harmoniously blends history, nature, and tradition – a place where the region's past and a deep love for its landscape are reflected in every street and every scent of wild rosemary.

The monument commemorates Don Alfonso Molina Padilla, one of the town's most important figures. Born in Colmenar in 1875, Molina Padilla was a lawyer and politician of the liberal left. He represented the Archidona constituency in the Spanish Parliament and dedicated his life to social causes and education. Having no children, he bequeathed his entire fortune to a foundation he established in his will – the "Fundación Molina Padilla – Orfanato de Jesús y Candelaria." The foundation's aim was to provide underprivileged children and young people from Colmenar with access to education. To this day, the foundation awards scholarships to pupils and students, ensuring the continued impact of his work across generations. A monument honoring his legacy was erected in Colmenar, located in the plaza at the end of Calle Camino de Málaga, near Calle La Nora. The statue depicts Don Alfonso Molina Padilla as a symbol of charity and community spirit – values that he deeply rooted in his home community.

The Alcazaba de Antequera is a 14th-century Moorish fortress in the heart of the Andalusian city of Antequera. Built on the remains of an ancient Roman settlement, it served as a defensive fortification during the Muslim rule, protecting the city and the surrounding valley. After the Christian conquest in 1410 by Infante Ferdinand of Castile, the fortress became a key strategic point in the Kingdom of Castile. The imposing Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) is particularly impressive, one of the largest keeps in Andalusia, offering panoramic views of the city, the Peña de los Enamorados (Peño de los Enamorados rock formation), and the surrounding landscape. A bell tower was later added to the tower, housing a large bell dating from 1582. Within the walls, remnants of residential buildings, cisterns, and fortifications can still be seen. Today, the Alcazaba is open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Antequera and Andalusia through its panoramic views and audio guides.

I was there mid november and the fountain was empty...

The climb to El Torcal de Antequera takes you by bike up into one of Andalusia's most impressive natural parks, known for its bizarre karst formations. The winding road climbs steadily and leads through a diverse rocky landscape, where vegetation becomes sparser with increasing altitude. At the top, expansive views, fresh mountain air, and an almost surreal rock world open up. The destination is the Torcal Alto Visitor Center, from where the extraordinary landscape can be experienced with particular impact – a challenging but rewarding climb for experienced cyclists.

The Alcazaba de Antequera is a 14th-century Moorish fortress in the heart of the Andalusian city of Antequera. Built on the remains of an ancient Roman settlement, it served as a defensive fortification during the Muslim rule, protecting the city and the surrounding valley. After the Christian conquest in 1410 by Infante Ferdinand of Castile, the fortress became a key strategic point in the Kingdom of Castile. The imposing Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) is particularly impressive, one of the largest keeps in Andalusia, offering panoramic views of the city, the Peña de los Enamorados (Peño de los Enamorados rock formation), and the surrounding landscape. A bell tower was later added to the tower, housing a large bell dating from 1582. Within the walls, remnants of residential buildings, cisterns, and fortifications can still be seen. Today, the Alcazaba is open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Antequera and Andalusia through its panoramic views and audio guides.