Detailed below are some of the exciting places to visit from this Park, it is hoped you find the information helpful.

Antequerra Information

Antequera, where Andalucian charm still remains, is a medium sized, increasingly prosperous and stylish town about 38 miles inland from the coast at Malaga. It has numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, banks, shops and even a splendid 2 level shopping centre.

The initial arrival in Antequera's modern outskirts can give little idea of the beauty of this historic town. one of the first things the visitor will see is the nineteenth-century Plaza de Toros (bullring), where during the Ferias of May and August you can see the most famous bullfighters in Spain in action!

The town centre is very rich in architecture with a number of convents, barroccan churches and palace houses with beautiful handmade iron gates. It is a pleasure to walk through the busy streets and go for tapas in any of Antequera's typical bars and restaurants

Overlooking the Town and Valley is an enormous crag of limestone, known as "The Lovers' Leap". Legend has it that an impossible love affair between a young couple were driven to the top of the cliff by the Moorish soldiers, where, rather than renounce their love, they chose to hurl themselves into the abyss.

Antequera Dolmen Megalithic Burial Tombs
The megalithic dolmen burial tombs of Menga, Viera and El Romeral are all close to Antequera. Menga and Viera are just 1.5km to the north east via the N331 road. These fascinating bolder tombs are some of Europe's largest and date from between 2500 to 1800 BC.. 

El Torcal:

A pretty drive just 16km south of Antequera takes you to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park. This park is renowned for it's unusual and distinctive limestone rock formations, and marked paths throughout the park make them easy to view.

The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, officially recognised as a nature park, sits to the north west of Antequera. This huge brackish-water lake is o¬ne of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. A big draw is the flamingo that nest here, attracted to the shallow brackish lake and marshes in the area which provide a source of food. vast numbers. Numerous other birds frequent the lagoon, but obviously February when the flamingos arrive is always a good time to visit. 

Lobo Wolf Park Antequera:

Just to the west of Antequera sits the Lobo Wolf Park. A mammoth 40 acres make up the park, which is divided into four large enclosures which are home to European wolves, Timber wolves and rare white Alaska Tundra wolves as well as Iberian wolves. Guided tours operate around four times a day. Also o-n-site you can horse ride and visit the petting zoo

Golf in Antequera:

Spectacular 18 hole Golf Course, surrounded by the beautiful natural park. The player will find a demanding golf course presenting to them a variety of interesting golf shots with different options to play every hole according to their level of golf. The golf course offers: Professional shop, practice area with illuminated driving range, putting greens, chipping zones, bar, cafeteria, restaurant. The golf course is beautiful laid, with over 10 lakes, natural trees, and fauna which green keepers keep the course in top condition all year round.

Ardales Lakes and Nature Park:

The three large lakes are in fact reservoirs formed by the building of La Presa del Chorro dam built between 1914 and 1921, and a later construction in 1970. The surrounding landscape is remarkably beautiful and is known as Los Tres Lagos (The Three Lakes!). This area is the main source of water for much of the province of Malaga.

Any non-motor water sports activity is allowed on the lakes, such as canoeing or kayaking, wind-surfing and swimming and it’s a fisherman’s paradise! Walkers can enjoy trekking around the lakes and through the forests and routes with maps and more details are available for use at the casita. There are a number of good bars and restaurants on the banks of the lake.

GRANADA INFO: 

Granada, said to be one of the most beautiful cities of Spain, sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. It is a city of extremes, it's location gives the city summers of 40 degrees plus and below zero winters whilst it's rich and eventful history leaves it's imprint throughout a modern vibrant city in it's culture and architecture.

Granada has a rigid street layout whilst the surrounding hills are home to the districts of the old town with their steep, narrow and winding streets and white-washed homes. At the heart of the city you'll find a lively, bustling centre with just about everything expected to be found in a modern day city with a wealth of shops and a wide and varied selection of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. At the same time a walk through this city's streets will take the visitor past many splendours that serve as a reminder of Granada's rich heritage.

For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre head for the Albaicin area, the original setting for the 8th Century Moorish Court. Located on the hill opposite the Alhambra Palace (and accessed just off the Plaza Nueva) the Albaizin is made up of cobblestoned streets and quiet plazas lined with white-washed houses where the visitor will find numerous Morrocan tea-shops, restaurants and gift shops. Its interesting to note that this area of the city was recently declared a World Heritage Site and anyone enjoying a leisurely wander through its charming streets could easily forget they were in a thriving metropolis!

The Alhambra:
Built on the Sabika Hill overlooking the city of Granada this magnificent fortress and palace was the home of the Nasrid Dynasty (1238-1492), the last Islamic Sultanate in Spain.

The main points of interest within the grounds are:

The Nasrid Palace - Royal palace consisting of beautifully designed and decorated function rooms, courtyards and living areas of the Muslim rulers.

The Palace of Carlos V - Renaissance style structure that adjoins the Nasrid Palace. Built by the Emporer Carlos V. A whole section of the original palace was demolished to make way for this building which consists of an outer square containing a circular central courtyard.

Tha Alcazaba - Fortress built on the highest part of the hill overlooking the surrounding area whose function was purely militaristic.

The Generalife - Consists of beautiful gardens, patios and fountains this is also the site of the Muslim rulers summer palace.

The Medina - A small town within the fortified walls used to house craftsmen who served the needs of the court. Remains of houses, baths and workshops can still be seen.

The Sierra Nevada:

Initially Spain may not conjure up an image of impressive snow covered mountain peaks catering for one of the world's most exclusive winter sports.

However, as Europe’s second most mountainous country (after Switzerland) it is perhaps less surprising to know that is host to numerous ski resorts dotted throughout the country
There is ample choice for anyone looking for the white stuff. With an average altitude of around 800 metres (2,500 ft) above sea-level, it is little wonder that Spain offers a white wilderness during the winter months

Sierra Nevada defies many concepts associated with skiing. Located at barely a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast, it has practically guaranteed sunshine, the best spring snow conditions in Europe and is still reasonably priced compared to many of its European counterparts. As one of Europe's highest resorts it has a typically long season, traditionally opening at the end of November running through to the end of April or even into the first week of May.

Sierra Nevada literally means "Snowy Mountain Range" and includes some of the highest peaks in Europe not to mention the highest concentration of peaks over 3,000m in the country. The Mulhacen at 3,482m is the Iberian Peninsula's highest.

Malaga Information:

City, seaport, and holiday resort in southern Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea. Malaga is the center of the Costa del Sol, a major tourist region. 

The coastal area enjoys a privileged Geographical position: protected from the North winds by the mountains it benefits from the highest average temperatures in Spain and over 300 days of sunlight per year. Rugged and irregular in the eastern part, with rocky projections of land that penetrate the sea, it is milder and The coastal sandier in the western area, with large beaches that make it one of the most developed parts of Andalusia, thanks to its demographic and tourist appeal.

Birthplace of Picasso, the attractive, cosmopolitan city of Malaga lies o¬n a beautiful sweep of bay in Andalucia. Blessed with sunshine and a spectacular quality of light, Malaga is a city of wide boulevards, swaying palm trees, lively nightlife, good museums and excellent seafood restaurants.

As well as being a cultural centre, Malaga is also a great place to eat out. The Malagueños love their food and the bars and restaurants here are where the real social life takes place. The choice is unlimited and, on the whole, reasonable with some bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine for as little as 6 euros. Tapas, small portions of many different dishes is an Andalusian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to try a variety of local food.

Malaga boasts one of the highest concentrations of world class golf courses, to the extent that it is often dubbed "The Costa del Golf". For families there are theme parks, including water parks, go-karting, safari parks and many beautiful public gardens. For younger visitors the main areas of attraction are Benalmadena's Puerto Marina & '24 hour square' and Marbella's Puerto Banus. Both are very trendy and chic, but be warned the bars and clubs don't get busy until near midnight and stay open till dawn.

These days, Málaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. This is the recommended place to start exploring the city as it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent cathedral. Málaga airport is of course one of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol . 

MARBELLA INFO:

Marbella is one of the original Costa del Sol resorts, made famous by becoming Europe's playground for the rich and famous.

Indeed, mention the name Marbella and it usually conjures up images of plush hotels, casinos, multi-million dollar yachts and Ferraris.

Of course, the main resort of Marbella is predominantly hotels, apartment blocks and beaches but the older parts of town still remain and hold the traditional Spanish feel and atmosphere.
Exploring the back streets of Old Marbella will reveal stately buildings that date back to the 16th century or beyond, along with small traditional shops, cafes and galleries - a far cry from the modern Marbella just a stone’s throw away that most people only know about and see.

Throughout the old town, small plazas lined with local bars and orange trees add to the traditional feel and are a great place to take a break and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to modern day life. 

At the Western end of that spread is Puerto Banus, Marbella's own playground for the rich and famous, with it’s modern day marina packed with large yachts and motorboats, while back in the town centre you can find world-class shopping and entertainment together with all the attractions that a top holiday resort could possibly provide. 

The Avenida del Mar is the town’s principal seafront promenade, with countless bars and restaurants serving only the best quality food and drink. Or if you prefer, local traditional seafood dishes such as barbecued sardines on a spit or paella can be enjoyed at the nearby beach huts, or chiringuitos – well worth a visit.

The jewel in the crown is of course the Marbella weather – the area’s very own micro-climate results in a year-round average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and 320 days of sunshine annually. Shorts and t-shirts in the summer and light trousers and sweater in the winter are all that's required. 

With this kind of weather and the huge diversity within the immediate area, it's easy to see why Marbella is visited by so many people time and time again.

SEVILLE INFO:

The Andalucian capital and fourth largest city in Spain. It is also the most populated city in the south of Spain. Also, one of the most visited cities by foreign tourists. It has over 3,000 years of history and is literally a living museum. 

The most impressive building in the city has to be the biggest gothic Cathedral in the world, building began in 1401. In total the cathedral houses over 500 works of art, some of which are the most important in the world. 

 

The Plaza de Toros (bullring) is an 18th century construction that initially was built of wood. In 1761 its enclosure in stonework began. It was completed in 1881. The museum in the bullring offers an insight into the history of bullfighting. The beginning of the bullfight season takes place on Easter Sunday and finishes in September.

La Calle Feria (Feria Street) is one of the longest streets of the city and has always been noted for its history and its charm. The street is lined with shops and workshops and runs from Resolana Street to San Juan de Palma Square. Every Thursday the street is the scene of a traditional market where stalls feature everything from paintings to antiques and furniture. 

The Plaza de España is a ´must see` with it's beautiful fountain, surrounded by a large plaza and an artificial river. Around the plaza stands a monument that forms a vast semi-circle of 200m diameter, with a tower at each end. 

Whilst in the area of Seville, you may wish to visit the Roman city of Italica. The massive complex of Roman ruins is one of the most important in Spain and is located about 20 minutes north of the city. Follow the signs in the direction of Merida, to the little village of Santiponce.