The best cycling routes around Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera

At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reads El Torcal, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further on, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view opens up across the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass lies directly on the main road connecting Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción, making it a prominent landmark. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road on the edge of the impressive karst mountains.

The Colmenar Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Colmenar) is located in the town's historic center, on the Plaza de España, and forms the architectural and administrative heart of the municipality. Dating from the 19th century, the building has been restored several times to serve its function as a modern administrative center. It presents itself in typical Andalusian style with a light-colored plastered facade, symmetrical layout, and traditional wrought-iron balconies. A clock and the municipal coat of arms are located at the top, while the main entrance is emphasized by round arches and stone frames. Together with the church and several historic houses, the Town Hall frames Colmenar's central square, which serves as both a meeting place and venue for local festivals. Thus, the building embodies both the civic history and the architectural identity of this mountain village in the Axarquía region.

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 Asador restaurant at the Hotel Balcón de los Montes in Colmenar impresses with its rustic atmosphere and a terrace offering unobstructed views of the surrounding Montes de Málaga mountains. Specialties include grilled meat dishes and traditional regional cuisine. Large windows and the terrace seamlessly connect the dining experience with the expansive, idyllic landscape, making it the perfect place to relax during or after a day of sightseeing.

The Hotel Balcón de los Montes in Colmenar is a charming 3-star hotel, especially suited for cyclists. It offers an ideal starting point for bike tours through the surrounding countryside and countryside. The hotel features 12 comfortable rooms, some with balconies and views of the garden or mountains. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy regional specialties in the hotel's restaurant, while the terrace and bar offer a relaxing atmosphere. Thanks to its location near attractions such as the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and the Museo de la Miel, the hotel is a convenient base for exploring the region by bicycle.

Restaurante Bar Oasis is located in Villanueva de la Concepción and is a popular stop for cyclists. Conveniently situated in the village, the bar offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and serves traditional Andalusian cuisine – from tapas and hearty daily specials to coffee and refreshments. Thanks to its central location, it's ideal for a break during a bike tour through the El Torcal Natural Park. A relaxing place to recharge and enjoy the local village life of Villanueva de la Concepción.

The Puerto de El Torcal is the highest point on the road that leads from Villanueva de la Concepción up to Antequera (Carretera de Málaga a Antequera por Villanueva de la Concepción). At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reading El Torcal stands, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain ranges opens up. The pass is located directly on the main road between Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción and is therefore a prominent feature in the landscape. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road at the edge of the impressive karst mountain range.

During the time of al-Andalus, the Moorish city of Antequera bore the Arabic name Madīnat Antaqīra (مدينة أنتقيرة), which literally means "City of Antequera." This name derives from the former Roman Anticaria, which was Arabized during Islamic rule. The Medina Antaqīra formed the walled city center, stretching along the hillside below the present-day Alcazaba. Within the walls were the city's most important buildings, including the main mosque, the citadel, residential quarters, baths, and small markets. After the conquest by Ferdinand of Aragon in 1410, the Arabic name gradually disappeared, and Madīnat Antaqīra became Antequera again, which, as a Christian city, soon expanded beyond the boundaries of the old Medina.